Party Hard is an arcade game with a great gameplay loop, a lot of challenging levels, and some really fun mechanics to work with. The levels are intensely difficult throughout because you’re always aiming for a clean sweep to succeed. The joy that comes from success is the sign of a level well-played, one where you either planned everything perfectly or were just quick on your feet. It’s that feeling that defines Party Hard, the feeling of succeeding and wanting to try again and do even better. This is sure to hook you if you are in the mood for something a little different, and a little reticent of the days that we all used to spend chasing high scores.
Smash Bros. has often felt a bit like it was trying to do too much and while it has always been a fun series, the disparity between the fighting game and the party game didn't always mesh well. Ultimate is the perfect fusion of the two styles.
Let's Sing 2019 is sure to keep fans of singing with friends happy. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't really need to. The jukebox function is a nice touch, as is the smartphone integration.
With beautiful presentation, fantastic emulation, and the potential for co-operation, this is a great collection for those who have fond memories of the old-school.
This is a great take on a 2D real-time strategy game, it has a good sense of humour, and most importantly; it is a lot of fun. The single-player campaign is well written, but the multi-player is where the game truly shines.
A refreshing new entry in the Pokémon series that serves as an entry point for new players, and offers up some interesting new challenges for veterans. Don't sleep on this just because it is different.
Maybe it is just the way the game is designed, maybe it is because of the poor balance, but The Legend of Evil ends up feeling like a puzzle game. It doesn't work as intended, or at least it doesn't seem like it. Without better balance, or maybe just a better explanation of what you are meant to do, this game has an unplayable campaign, but an enjoyable enough ‘arcade' mode.
The Bug Butcher is a spiritual successor that is very much possessed by its muse. This isn't a subtle nod, it is soaked in Pang and it's great because of it. The ability to play the game endlessly to beat your own score will keep you coming back. The fact that you can do it with a friend is just an even bigger incentive. The Bug Butcher isn't reinventing anything, but it is a damn fine version of a classic game.
Galak-Z: Variant S just feels a bit soulless, as someone who has played the original. Where that game was sleek and well designed, this feels basic and haphazard. The Switch would have been far better served by a port of the first game, and when you add microtransactions into the mix you get a spoiled experience and a somewhat tainted memory of a better time for the series.
Unfortunately, it is let down by some of the design choices and difficulty that will you feeling unfulfilled. There will be some who love this game despite this, but it crosses over the line from challenging to unfair and sets up shop there. It is hard to recommend a game that doesn't even feel like it wants to be played.
Full of good ideas, but less than stellar execution
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection is everything from the last five years squeezed into a portable package. It plays brilliantly whether docked or not, and has more content than you could ever see. This is a game that is a must-play and to have access to it anywhere is almost unbelievable.
While there is a bit more depth than first appears in SkyScrappers it doesn't often rely on any of this. It is fairly easy to accidentally die because you didn't see a falling rock or fall behind because the platforms are just slightly out of reach. The game itself can be a fair bit of fun with friends, but the single-player is little more than an hour long tutorial and sadly there isn't anything else to do.
My Hero One's Justice is packed with things to do and looks good while doing them. The battles themselves are fun and frenetic with the characters playing well against each other. This is probably the best arena battle game to date from any anime. Plus Ultra.
Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe brings this wonderful little dish to a new home and adds a little extra spice to an already brilliant experience. The whole experience looks wonderful, is completely and utterly joyful and is one that is worth the preparation time for a memorable dish you can even share with friends. Bon Appétit.
Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story is one of those strange games that can easily consume hours of your time in one sitting. The strange mix of management and adventure makes for a fun distraction. The graphics are cute, the music is good, and the characters are charming if a little odd. If you want something fun to dip in and out of instead of a monumental task, then this may well be what you are looking for.
This is a solid collection of games that is a welcome addition to anyone's party arsenal. The Jackbox games can be a little hit and miss sometimes, but this is certainly one of the best entries and will keep you all entertained for hours. There's some of the best game variety yet and each one feels different enough to really be worth dipping into. Of course, you'll get more mileage the more you have people round, but even if it is sporadic this is a worthwhile inclusion.
Ubisoft bring toys-back-to-life in stunning space epic
The Switch version of Dark Souls simply lacks the polish that the remaster brought with it, and even added in a few issues that aren't present anywhere else. The ability to play the game on the go isn't something that you can get anywhere else, and it is hard to quantify just how much that makes up for the issues. Souls Remastered is still a very worthwhile game, but it is hard to justify this version over any other given the weaknesses that are unique to it.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix isn't just a long title. It is one of the best DS games reborn on a modern console. The music, the visuals, and the gameplay are all incredible, and having this cult classic come back to life is a blessing. This is an incredibly stylish RPG that demands your attention.