Exception is, by and large, a great game that introduces a unique and compelling twist to the platforming genre with its transforming levels.
It's not quite fluid enough to stand toe-to-toe with Super Meat Boy, but Never Give Up is nevertheless a solid platformer that offers up highly inventive, ludicrously challenging levels along with a smattering of dry humour that's well suited to the style of the game.
There's a lot of potential in the game's premise and presentation that could well be capitalised on for any future games, but here it feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity. Add to this the lengthy load times and technical issues, and this is game you'd be best off avoiding.
The Forbidden Arts feels like a game from the early GameCube era, but not a particularly good one. Whilst the dungeons are vast and varied, and the platforming mechanics competent enough, the combat really brings the whole experience to its knees thanks to poor enemy AI and half baked elemental mechanics that make the entire experience feel very repetitive. Add to that the lacklustre graphics and empty overworld, and this is a game that only the most ardent of fantasy enthusiasts will enjoy.
Every now and then, a game comes along that captures our hearts and reminds us why we love the medium in the first place. Forager is the latest in a line of stellar independent games to grace the Switch, featuring wonderfully designed crafting mechanics, addictive progression systems and more charm than you can possibly handle.
On its own, Paradox Soul is an average Metroidvania that will keep you reasonably entertained throughout its fairly short duration thanks to its creepy art direction and atmospheric soundtrack. But when you look at it next to some of the more accomplished examples of the genre on Switch, its repetitive nature and uninspired cover-shooting mechanics hold it back from being truly recommendable.
With gorgeous pixellated graphics and a charming, uplifting soundtrack, Furwind is a delight to behold. Unfortunately, with some awkward controls and a lack of any original, engaging ideas, it falls short of being truly great, if only because the Switch is already home to some stellar platforming games that comfortably outshine this workmanlike effort. Still, if you're a fan of the genre and you're looking for something to keep you busy during the summer months, Furwind's impressive stage variation and challenging difficulty make it worth a look.
With tight controls, retro-styled minimal art style and a superb sense of progression, this is the perfect Metroidvania to play whilst you're waiting for an actual Metroid or appropriate Castlevania game.
Project Nimbus: Complete Edition is a game that sports tight, engaging gameplay, but fails to back this up with compelling reasons to play for the long haul. On the surface, there's a generous serving of modes, missions and weaponry, along with impressive visuals and three difficulty options to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, repetition sets in far too soon, and eventually you'll want to store this mecha back in its hangar. The wait for the Switch's first truly comprehensive 'Big Robot' game continues.
Woodle Tree Adventures is a mess – an altogether stress-inducing experience that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. I only hope the sequel proves to be a better experience.
No game is perfect, but Enter the Gungeon is currently the pinnacle of Switch indie titles. It displays beautiful pixelated visuals, addictive twin-stick gameplay and outrageous rewards around every corner. A must buy!
If you're after a strong example of a 2D platformer with depth and challenge, you won't find it here. The Deer God may look pretty, but it's a pitiful experience that deserves no place on the Switch eShop.
Transcripted successfully blends two compelling genres together to create an experience like no other. It's somewhat held back by a rather lacklustre narrative, but the gameplay will keep you hooked for hours.
Gunbird is a faithful port of a solid 90s shoot-em-up. Its fantastic range of difficulty levels means that most gamers will be suitably catered for, but there are undoubtedly stronger examples of the genre currently available on Switch.
By expanding on an admittedly short base game, the Snipperclips Plus DLC does away with one of the game's only faults and makes this an absolutely essential purchase for the Switch. Get some family and friends round and you'll be roaring with laughter for hours!
Nine Parchments is a charming little dungeon-crawler that boasts some truly stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay, but suffers from a distinct lack of depth. Nevertheless, if you can get a group of pals together, you'll be in for a spellbinding time.
Tennis in the Face is a good game heavily stifled by borrowed ideas and an insultingly short length. Its cheap price may entice you to pick it up in between bigger releases, but at the rate the Switch's eShop is expanding, you're best off saving your pennies for something more worthwhile.
Teslagrad is another great addition to the Switch's eShop library. It may be a difficult sell for folks who have already experienced it over the past few years, but with some truly clever puzzles and gorgeous visuals, newcomers are in for a treat.
Lumo is a wonderful little platformer that celebrates its heritage without relying on it too much. Players of any ability will find plenty to enjoy here, and slight issues with the perspective does little to diminish such a charming, engaging experience.
Batman: The Telltale Series brings together some of the franchise's most iconic heroes and villains, weaving a story that is intriguing and thrilling for the most part. It can be predictable at times, and the game engine is well past its sell by date, but fans and newcomers alike will love what Telltale have crafted here.