Ultimately, Alone with You is a satisfying, if occasionally hard-going, experience. It loses a mark for its saggy middle but it redeems itself with a cast of nuanced characters and a well-earned conclusion. With this title — and horror game, Home — under his belt, it's evident that Benjamin Rivers is a talent to watch and his next game should be anticipated.
SuperHyperCube might not be to virtual reality what Tetris was to the GameBoy, or even what Super Hexagon was to mobile gaming, but it’s an essential purchase for early adopters and a game that you’ll want to return to time and time again. It’s a simple concept that is beautifully designed, perfect packaged and plays to the strength of the platform. One of the highlights of PS VR launch line-up.
Fast RMX may crib from other titles, but it's beautiful, competitive, and as the name suggests, fast. It should be the other Switch game you own.
If you are a long-time fan, World of Goo is well worth a return trip. If you are new to its pleasures, then this is an essential and timeless game that deserves to be on your Nintendo Switch play-list.
If you liked the original, Chime Sharp is an enjoyable follow-up that delivers more of the same compelling puzzle gameplay with a fresh coat of paint. Long-time players might yearn for a little more variety, but if you are new to the series, you’re in for a treat.
Oceanhorn is a game built from components so familiar that even Nintendo has tired of them. If the brief was to ‘Make a Zelda’ then Cornfox & Bros have only succeeded on a surface level. The studio evidently has talent – it’s a visual and aural treat – but due to the game’s mobile heritage, Oceanhorn on Switch feels compromised, vague, and ultimately forgettable.
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.”
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.