Earthworms is, mechanically, a standard point and click adventure game with decent controls and a quality UI. But it is the general vibe of the game that makes it stand out from the crowd of other adventure titles making their way to the Switch.
Strange Brigade is a rollicking good time, allowing teams of four to take on armies of the undead in a solid approximation of a 1930's serial film. There are tons of mechanics to play with and puzzles to solve, but in the end, this is a fun, fast-paced shooter with awesome graphics and enjoyable multiplayer. There was no need for Strange Brigade to try to be anything more, it is plenty great as it is.
Wasteland 2 is quickly becoming a modern classic – and deservedly so. If you have not played this game, you really owe it to yourself to give it a shot. But some usability issues on the Switch might not make it the best choice for newcomers to a game that some already find difficult to parse. This version of Wasteland 2 is serviceable, but not ideal.
Firewall: Zero Hour is an incredibly immersive experience that will appeal to military shooter fans, as well as fans of very well-made VR experiences. It is hard to express how deep and involving this game can be, it simply has to be played to be believed. Though I have a few minor quibbles with the progression and the flow of matches, I still whole-heartedly recommend this amazing multiplayer experience. Firewall is a system seller, and playing it one realizes that yes, VR might just be here to stay.
By taking a fun and exhilarating boxing framework and painting it with the glorious trappings of the Creed/Rocky franchise, Servios has delivered a game that is simply magical. Sure, the campaign is a little short and the hit detection might feel a bit wonky, but in the heat of the moment none of that matters. Whether fighting AI opponents or engaging in the more challenging fights against real-life players, you will find yourself bouncing in place, floating and stinging with the best of them. This is a game that will leave you sweaty and proud. How many other games can say that?
Film company SpectreVision dips their peanut butter into Ubisoft's videogame chocolate, and the two great tastes taste great together (in a horrible, family-murdering sort of way). While some might balk at the shorter length of Transference, I found the experience to be spot-on, particularly while played experienced in the very high-end VR. With a unique take on “walking simulator” mechanics and some fun (and not overly difficult) puzzles, Transference feels like an afternoon well-spent. Just be ready for some dark, adult themes. They don't call mad scientists ‘mad' for nothing, and Transference has one doozy of a mad scientist.
Dark Eclipse is inarguably difficult to learn, but once you are over that hump the game is simply spectacular. Just because you don't understand everything right out of the gate doesn't mean that deep and thoughtful design isn't present. There is real depth of strategy here, and the fun visuals are just the icing on the cake. I'm hoping that the audience that has currently found Dark Eclipse sticks with it (and continues to grow), because this is a great game that deserves to thrive.
The Council is a revelation. While the technical aspects of the game are somewhat questionable at times, the storytelling, world building, and RPG mechanics are simply stunning. I found myself propelled from episode to episode, salivating at the idea of advancing the story and outsmarting the game's lifelike characters. With twisty surprises, diabolical puzzles, and rich historical context, this is a game that makes the player feel intelligent for playing it. The fact that the story is deliciously twisted is just the icing on the cake.
Joggernauts presents a smiling face to the world, bouncing happily in place and waiting for someone to love it. But before long, it rips its mask off and reveals that it is, in fact, a ludicrously difficult game.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a stellar achievement. Through its fun and accessible cast of characters, solidly made toys-to-life component, and beautiful graphics, Ubisoft has hit the ground running. With the addition of a healthy amount of Star Fox content, the Switch version is definitely the preferable way to go, but regardless of your system Starlink is a remarkably entertaining game, and an auspicious launch for a new gaming universe.
Fun Train has delivered a game that, for a franchise title, is surprising in its quality. Though there are some minor technical hiccups, content-wise, this game stands with the best offerings of its legendary franchise. It is often said that The Exorcist is the scariest film ever produced. The Exorcist: Legion VR is scarier.
Grip: Combat Racing offers an enormous amount of fun content for a reasonable price. Frankly, this game could go toe to toe with a lot of AAA racers and come out on top. Blistering speed, amazing track design, wild action; if you can get past some mild frustrations, Grip fully delivers and intense, jaw-clenching good time.
Transpose is an original and satisfying puzzler that is using a clever mechanic that is unique in the VR space. Visually arresting once it really gets cooking, Transpose should not be overlooked in the busy holiday gaming season. This one has sleeper hit written all over it.
Farming Simulator 19 is a very visually appealing simulation/strategy game that absolutely nails the look and feel of the rural United States. Unfortunately, some very rough AI and a non-existent tutorial are barriers to entry. Series newcomers had best stand back and let the veterans clean this one up through mods before giving it a go.
Squishies is a beautiful game that introduces a new, unique gameplay mechanic that unfortunately simply isn't very fun. With a game design that requires precision, vaguely influencing characters with wind is incredibly frustrating. Don't be fooled by the attractive art-style, if you are seeking a kid-friendly puzzler, this ain't it.
Only a game due to the fact that one must handle a controller to experience it, Affected: The Manor is better described as a brief trip into a decently designed fun-house. There's nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing notable about it. With no gameplay to speak of, Affected is strictly one and done.
Arca's Path combines fun and accessible gameplay with an amazingly intuitive and inventive control scheme. What could have been a debacle is instead a triumph. Arca's Path is a small game with giant ideas, and it deserves attention and praise for the ridiculously high level at which it is executed.
Space Pirate Trainer is a very high quality arcade-based wave shooter - nothing more, nothing less. If you are interested in pushing your high score up the leaderboards, there is plenty of polished gameplay for you to enjoy. If you are seeking a deeper experience, however, it is probably best to seek elsewhere.
With achievable puzzles that never slow down the story and a great control scheme, Red Matter sets a new standard for the VR adventure genre. This is a game that deserves to break free from the crowd.
Gun Club VR is exactly what it sets out to be - a game where you shoot real world guns on the world's most elaborate range. It turns out that all by itself, this is really fun. A bit of strange UI and glitchiness aside, Gun Club VR is well worth a look - both for gun enthusiasts and gamers that enjoy well made products.