Trevor Gould's Reviews
While Commander Keen in Keen Dreams: Definitive Edition kind of checks off some of my old-school boxes, it's not a markedly high-quality release on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. By all means, wishlist it if you have fond memories of the original, the series, or late '80s/early '90s DOS games in general. Even then, wait for a sale; $14.99 is too much for this short "definitive" release.
Adventures of Pip presents a refreshing take on platforming, aesthetically impressive with gameplay to match. I sunk hours into the original, and I'm happy to do so again with this Switch port. Hopefully, this indie from Tic Toc Games succeeds enough to warrant a sequel. Platformer fans won't want to overlook this one.
Instant Sports Summer Games isn't a memorable release, but I respect it for what it tries to (and sometimes does) accomplish. With the Summer Olympic games lost to the pandemic, this Switch exclusive could score with families. Just keep in mind that the motion controls, while quite successful for the most part, will probably have you playing for only a little bit here and there.
Music fans should dig Avicii Invector, especially those inclined to appreciate the deep lyrics in these tracks. For non-enthusiasts, an easy difficulty setting makes the game inviting, even for those with limited experience in rhythm games. While the gameplay can certainly get repetitious after time, it's a fun game to watch even if you pass the controller to a friend. Avicii is on my radar now, thanks to Avicii Invector.
As someone unlikely to play most of these courses in real-life, I relish the chance to visit them in video-game form. From driving off the tee, reading the green, and everything in between, this title offers a lot in spite of itself. If you're someone who enjoys golf sims, please don't let some careless glitches prevent you from checking out PGA Tour 2K21 on the Nintendo Switch. With practice, even a real-life duffer like myself can rack up his share of eagles.
Unfortunately, Prehistoric Dude's problems aren't minor. Lots of annoyances add up to make this a small game that I disliked. It has a real need for additional polish.
A Short Hike is a game the whole family can love. It's an homage to classics while still very much it's own release. There is much to explore, fun characters to interact with, and the entirety of the title just had me smiling. Carve out a couple of hours in your day, curl up with some 'Strawberries and Toast,' and give A Short Hike a play. You won't regret it.
While I'm certainly hoping to see further Neo Geo Pocket Color games eventually come to the Nintendo Switch, maybe pick from a different genre for the next release. KING OF FIGHTERS R-2 is still decent for what it is, but only big fans of 2D fighters need to experience it on the Switch.
There are a few stumbles here and there, but Alphadia Genesis reflects many smart choices. The story is strong, the characters leave an impression, and the battling has depth. If you're a genre fan looking for a slice of RPG nostalgia, this game has both quantity and quality.
A construction and management simulation with a broader appeal (thanks to three difficulty modes), Country Tales succeeds on the Nintendo Switch. It's a fun title that can be addictively challenging as you strategize how to manage your time best. Just make sure to play it in handheld mode if you're looking for speed.
As a solo game, I could take it or leave it. But when played cooperatively, Starlit Adventures Golden Stars checks a ton of boxes to be a highly entertaining title. With a favorable amount of content, this charming release should appeal to anyone longing for a more in-depth arcade-style experience. Whether you're a younger kid, a seasoned completionist, or somewhere in between, don't overlook Starlit Adventures Golden Stars.
Despite many positive elements that Dodo Peak has to make it satisfying, I must admit that I genuinely didn't have much fun playing it. It's challenging, but not in a way that held my interest beyond a few minutes at a time. Further, the familiar three-star setup is weakened by an emphasis on speed and random enemy placement. This Dodo might not take flight on the Nintendo Switch.
If you're a family with younger kids, Explosive Dinosaurs isn't a poor choice. It offers some fun, albeit shallow, minigames. But a few omissions prevent this from being a must-have title.
The gameplay mix intrigues, but it's weighed down by overemphasis on all too familiar rogue-lite tropes. I want to love Void Terrarium, but fine ingredients don't always make for a satisfying dish if they aren't balanced well. This game is too heavy-handed on tedium, and progress coming from random chance rather than skill.
Neversong is a highly effective release in so many ways. The standout framework and subsequent story building leave room for interpretation, and the apt aesthetics go well beyond mere window dressing. You don't see one-man studio releases of this high quality very often. Nearly everything falls into place in the best way imaginable.
Superliminal borrows some familiar ideas and mixes them in ways that arouse interest. But the content doesn't match the price, especially for a game that might be more fun to watch than play. However, on sale, this can be an entertaining title if the puzzles click. Like some dreams, this one may linger with you.
While it wasn't what I was expecting, A Summer with the Shiba Inu has enough working in its favor. Instead of hitting a crowded beach, why not spend part of your summer respecting social distancing by curling up with this visual novel. Plop on your reading glasses, overlook the pacing inconsistencies, and be charmed by Syd and her canine friends. Keep an eye on Quill Game Studios, too.
This budget-priced cinematic sci-fi adventure might be worth taking a chance on.
Minus co-op, with some late cheapness and lack of character diversity, knocks Clash Force down several pegs. It's certainly not a bad little release, but if you're looking for a higher quality title from Spicy Gyro Games with more meat on its bones, I highly recommend Polyroll instead.
It's not my favorite in the series, but Quell Zen is a game that puzzle fans should enjoy. It manages to be simultaneously relaxing and quite challenging.