Trevor Gould's Reviews
Kids should enjoy Family Vacation: California well enough. Parents who grab it on sale can take confidence that it's not objectionable, just rather forgettable. But older players might be turned off by its simplicity and shorter length relative to its launch price.
Stonefly delights the eyes and ears. But the gameplay mix, despite offering some depth, can't do the same. The combat simply isn't much fun, and exploring runs the risks of glitches. This strange premise just isn't executed that well. I'd stick with Creature in the Well until Stonefly gets a discount and patch.
Angels with Scaly Wings has mostly good sci-fi writing, and the choices it presents are welcomed, leading to replay value. The shallow romantic subplots have me hoping that a prequel/sequel has a bit more thought, though.
Ladders by POWGI certainly isn't bad for a few minutes at a time, especially if you have a second player to bounce word suggestions off of. Still, I didn't find it addictive enough to carry a standalone release.
Emily Archer and the Curse of Tutankhamun could've been a solid game for genre fans, even with its age. But with so many bugs, there's no way I can recommend this Switch version in its current state. It's a weak port of a game best left on the Nintendo DS.
Admittedly, the Game Boy emulation will probably turn off many potential players. That said, there's fun to be had under the dated surface. I don't think Save me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition is a great adventure, but the refinements have cemented it as a good one.
Little Mouse's Encyclopedia is the type of title I would've loved exploring as a kid in school. As a grown man, I still appreciate the concept and how it was brought to screen in an aesthetically pleasing way. It succeeds with its aim in charming fashion. While gameplay and narration are missed, this is a very good release for what it is. If you're a family, this would definitely be one to grab on sale if you're looking to relax and learn at the same time.
I rather like the mid-'90s 3DO/Saturn look, and there are a few pleasant music tracks, as well. But when I put the nostalgic presentation and low price aside, I'm left with the realization that Toree 3D is a short-lived game I just didn't find particularly fun. The level design is hit-or-miss, and the camera needs more attention. I'd direct players on a budget to Macbat 64: Journey of a Nice Chap instead.
The Mysterious Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde is entertaining as a hidden object game, but this port is sloppy. If you're a fan yet to play it, wishlist it for a future sale. But know that there are better representations of the genre on the Nintendo Switch, including from the same publisher. Everyone else can stick with the well-known short novel.
Faircroft's Antiques: The Heir of Glen Kinnoch Collector's Edition delivers a 10-plus hour hidden object adventure that's just as fun as the initial game in the series: Treasure of Treffenburg. More variety with minigames and puzzles is welcomed, as is better incorporation of hidden items to the plot. Only a handful of bugs knock the game down, but not enough to stop me from recommending it to genre fans.
Sumatra: Fate of Yandi offers good point-and-click puzzles, but I found the tonal shift in its tale unappealing. I think the game isn't long enough to be thought-provoking in the way intended. While I saw enough good things here that I'll keep an eye out for the devs future point-and-click games, they might be better served by lighter plots to match the shorter lengths.
Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 will be a letdown for those who've already purchased some (or all) of the fighters released prior. But if you've been wondering why SNK hasn't bundled these handheld games together, wonder no more. While very much a mixed bag, there's enough here for the curious, and more so for fans. Bring on Vol. 2.
Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure delivers more than its predecessor, but there's also more competition on the Switch in 2021 than in 2017. I can't say I find the additions significantly more enjoyable, and there's still plenty that could be improved. Despite offering a lesser version of karting staples seen elsewhere, this should still be enjoyable to fans of the first.
Across its 20 chapters, Faircroft's Antiques: Treasures of Treffenburg Collector's Edition tells an out-of-the-ordinary story that's encouraging and well-made. It's a hearty adventure for this genre also, one I clocked over 10 hours in. Even with some padding, that's a fair amount of content for the price, longer than comparable games on the Switch. In a sea of hidden object games, this one emerges near the top.
A short game, Under Leaves is probably one to add to your wishlist for a deeper discount. That said, it's a delightful title to chill with and impressed me in many ways. I hope to see more from the small indie team at Circus Atos.
There's certainly something to be said for a game that leaves me thinking about it and wanting more. Wind Peaks definitely grew on me. But, reaching the end after playing for just over three hours (and getting all achievements) is a tough pill to swallow for a $14.99 game. I hope the sequel plays it less conservatively.
Beating 1912: Titanic Mystery has left me mixed. The game has many issues but was still fairly entertaining despite these. I'd say it's an okay release overall, presuming you're a genre fan who hasn't already played it.
Rather than being a game for the whole family, My Universe – PET CLINIC CATS & DOGS is very much for younger kids. I can see them enjoying it for a couple of hours before the repetition cements itself. But this is a $29.99 game, and there's no way to justify that price. The quality isn't high enough for what ends up being an average game in most respects that kids will grow bored with.
For $29.99, you get a fun collection with Turrican Flashback, but it's one you may want to wishlist if you're not an enthusiast. It takes a more straightforward approach when it comes to Nintendo Switch compilations, one that's hard to overlook. I just wish it felt more complete.
A multiplayer game with no online is a tough sell in the era of the Coronavirus. But Unspottable is enjoyable enough that I give it a mild recommendation, so long as you have people in your house to play with. This release would benefit from a solo mode and more options, but it's decent as the first title from a small indie studio.