Overcooked 2 much like its predecessor is a fun and chaotic experience that truly excels when played with a group. While you might argue this is just more of the same, there are enough tweaks and changes to the formula that help keep things fresh for returning players. A hard recommendation if you’re looking to operate your own kitchen, but gather some friends and you’ll be hard pressed finding a more exciting co-operative time on Switch.
Pode is a clever co-operative puzzle-platformer whose spotlight on both camaraderie and companionship makes for one of the more genuinely moving experiences I’ve had on Switch.
It turns out that Sonic the Hedgehog is still a fun game and, thanks to M2’s input, this is one of the better versions out there. Sure, you could argue the hedgehogs’ best days were yet to come – its three Mega Drive sequels improving on the original in many ways. However, if you’ve yet to experience this classic or fancy a trip down memory lane this is a great way to go about it.
If you left Overcooked 2 hungry for more than Surf ‘n’ Turf is likely to satisfy that appetite. Tougher, crazier and guaranteed to push your teamwork to its absolute limits, Ghost Town Games’ newest addition is another nourishing slice of co-operative chaos.
Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar will push you to your absolute limits with its cruel difficulty and chaotic action but it’s a game that rewards just as much as it can punish. If you’re a fan of arcade shooters then it goes without saying this is an essential purchase but even newcomers after a challenge should definitely check it out. Another hit for SEGA AGES.
It’s impressive that even after five packs and twenty-five individual party experiences Jackbox Games are still able to deliver the good times. And to be honest, if they continue to keep up the quality I’m more than happy to keep playing for years to come.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is a dizzyingly weird but wonderful rhythm game that’s both easy to pick up but ever so tough to master. Those playing with the drum set will undoubtedly have the best time but even if you opt for its more traditional control scheme there’s still enough fun to be had making your way through the game’s unique song list or facing off against your friends in its party games.
If you missed out on the duo of New Super Mario Bros. U or it’s Luigi-focused expansion then this Switch package is a great way to catch up on the plumbers’ 2D exploits. Much like the Switch versions of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker before it though, its lack of exciting fresh content is disappointing. Despite this, I did enjoy revisiting both adventures in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. It’s a rather formulaic Mario outing sure but one that’s as reliably fun as ever.
DERU: The Art of Cooperation is a simple but beautiful puzzler that really shines when two players are involved. It’s an easy recommendation if you’re after a head scratcher and perfect for couples looking for a way to spend a couple of afternoons. Playing alone? It’s functional but far from the true way to experience the game.
Golf Peaks is a stylish and satisfying puzzler that takes the sport of golf and gives it an interesting twist helping it stand out in an already crowded genre. Sure it’s a little on the short side but it also means Golf Peaks never outstays its welcome. A golfing experience that’s more birdie than double bogie.
Octahedron: Transfixed Edition is an eye-catching game whose platforming keeps things simple without sacrificing its challenge. It’s that kind of ‘one more try’ feeling, fast-paced action experience the Switch was born to do and despite some frustrations, I had a great, and rewarding, time building platforms and navigating Octahedron’s luminous playgrounds.
OlliOlli: Switch Stance fills the void left in the skateboarding genre rather nicely with its unique and rewarding trick system and snappy gameplay. The fact it’s a straightforward port with little in the way of extra content may disappoint returning players but for those craving something to fill that Tony Hawk-sized hole in their hearts this should do the job.
In an industry that at the moment finds itself focused on Battle Royale, shooters and generally anything with big budgets and plenty of action, Fishing Star World Tour is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace. With its picturesque visuals and chilled out gameplay, my time spent fishing in Wright Flyer Studios’ colorful little world was a relaxing and surprisingly fun one. Who knew fishing could be this entertaining?
If you missed out on Kirby’s Epic Yarn the first time around then the 3DS version is a great way to experience it even if its two-player option is sadly absent. While the newly added features fail to add an awful lot to the overall experience, the core gameplay and striking visual style still shine. Undoubtedly one of the most joyful and wonderfully charming games Nintendo has produced and worth digging out your old 3DS for.
Stick It To The Man delivers an unexpectedly dark but often funny experience that’s unlike anything currently on the Nintendo Switch. While the puzzles can sometimes border on frustration and the pacing isn’t for everyone’s taste, the journey taken is one full of witty and memorable highlights point and click fans won’t want to miss.
Sparkle 2 doesn’t bring anything incredibly new to the puzzle genre, but that doesn’t stop it being an addictively enjoyable experience. Best played in short bursts, this connect three puzzler feels right at home on the Switch and its budget price doesn’t hurt either.
SteamWorld Dig’s biggest problem is that it follows in the footsteps of its bigger, better sequel – a game that has only been on the eShop for a few months now. Still, the core of what makes SteamWorld Dig so much fun as a series still shines bright enough in the original despite its scuffs and scratches.
It turns out that Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is still a fun time albeit one that could do with a healthier dose of fresh content in this Switch version. Walking the line between platformer and puzzler, the game’s light sprinkling of elements from both help create an experience that’s fun for all ages.
The Bridge is a short but sweet experience. While it may have been the visuals that initially drew me in, the satisfying puzzles that literally revolve around… well revolving your world were what kept me playing. A little light on content, but a game that’s worth checking out especially for puzzle fans.
Pixel Maniacs’ effort might share an awful lot in common with Valve’s Portal series but those parallels are only skin deep. At its core, ChromaGun takes something as simple as colours (something we’re all familiar with) to craft an inventive puzzler unlike anything currently on Switch. Outside its short runtime and sometimes frustrating difficulty, ChromaGun is still a smart and entertaining challenge perfect for those that like their brain being truly tested.