As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be an RPG maker, and now I am. Creating games in RPG Maker MV is more of a grind than I expected, but the platform makes levelling up game development skills an enjoyable experience. There are compromises on console, but it’s still recommended for aspiring game creators.
The Eternal Castle [Remastered] is nostalgia trip that’s mysterious, brutal, and sometimes even enjoyable. It’s a hard game to love, but an easy one to admire. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but it certainly stands out in a morass of bland Nintendo eShop releases.
A much-improved frame rate and an HD sheen give Star Wars Episode I: Racer a new lease of life. This thoughtful update ensures the game is much more than a trip down memory lane. Despite its age, it remains one of the best sci-fi racers you can play on Nintendo Switch or PS4.
The Outer Worlds remains a memorable experience on Switch, but, at the same time, it’s all a bit of a blur.
Aside from being called Spunky Mc-Fuckface on regular occasions, this is an excellent game. Void Bastards delivers a finely-tuned mix of action, planning, and strategy, and its bite-sized structure makes it perfect for short bursts of Switch gaming.
Return of the Obra Dinn makes the journey to Nintendo Switch content and feature complete in a sparkling port from Warp Digital. The game is, simply put, one of the best ever made. It’s intricate, macabre, involving and essential. It’s aesthetically phenomenal and intellectually satisfying. Like the very best games, Return of the Obra Dinn is an experience that could only ever exist as a game. It’s’ a masterwork of narrative Sudoku and a recommended purchase on any platform.
EA’s legacy of support for the Nintendo Switch might not be very impressive but FIFA 20: Legacy Edition plays a good game of football, particularly for portable gamers. If you’re new to the franchise on Switch, it’s recommended. If you own last year’s edition, or another games console, it’s an easy pass.
A wealth of content and a sparkling port make Grid Autosport the best non-kart racing game on Nintendo Switch. It’s an essential purchase for fans of the genre and a great entry point for players ready to graduate from their Cat-Cruisers and Biddy-Buggys.
To enjoy Star Wars Pinball it will certainly help if you a) like digital pinball and b) love Star Wars. Assuming that's the case, you'll find plenty to savour in this excellent collection of themed tables. If not, knock a star off and try your luck with Pinball FX 3 first.
A few technical issues – and the over-reaching arm of the law – tarnish American Fugitive slightly, but it’s a game with a wonderful sense of place, impressive levels of detail, and a slew of engaging gameplay mechanics.
Saints Row: The Third is an enjoyable, if frequently tasteless, open world action game that proves to be a surprisingly good fit for handheld play.
Ojiro Fumoto’s smartly designed arcade game loses none of its appeal on Nintendo Switch, where a variety of display options and a budget price make it an essential purchase.
With exemplary visuals and audio, Abzû takes the player on a memorable journey to the depths of the ocean. It’s not a hard, complicated, or long game, but it’s aesthetically impressive, delightful to control, and emotionally rewarding.
All eyes might be on Red Dead Redemption 2, but this year's best Wild West video game could well be West of Loathing. Saddle up and enjoy the ride.
Poignant, sometimes sad, but also joyous and gut-wrenchingly funny, Night in the Woods is a bold, brave game that will be be recognised as an all time great.
If, like me, you like this sort of thing, you’ll sort of like ChromaGun. The game’s inspirations are obvious, and although its puzzle credentials are well earned, it ultimately feels inconsequential. ChromaGun has just received a free demo on Switch, which is handy, as it’s the perfect example of something to try before you buy.
If you own a PC, Xbox One, or PlayStation 4 there are plenty of other racing games worth your attention. However, if you are Switch owner looking for a more grounded racing experience Gear.Club Unlimited is up to the task. It’s a middle of the road racer, but as with so many Switch games, Gear.Club Unlimited is elevated by your ability to take it on the road with you in handheld mode and definitely suits the smaller-screen experience.
If you remain a committed 3DS gamer – and there's every reason to be – I would suggest looking at some of Jupiter's cheaper Picross titles available via the Nintendo eShop. If not, Picross S continues the studio's good run of engaging puzzlers with a wealth of content and visual finesse that is underpinned by timeless gameplay. Keep 'em coming.
Cities: Skylines takes a classic game design template and updates it with minimum fuss and considerable style. It might not be the type of game you'd normally want to take over the family TV, but it's hard to imagine a better console execution.
Namco Museum is a well produced package, but it's also a missed opportunity. If you played – and loved – these games as a kid, dive in. However, if you’re an enthusiast of retro games, and games preservation, Namco Museum – at its recommended list price – lacks the supporting content that would make it an essential purchase.”