Trevor Gould's Reviews
Moto Roader MC is a poor title. With little in the way of quality updates or polish, this game should've stayed a 30-year relic. Even at its budget price, I'd skip this sloppy update.
A niche appeal title, Rover Mechanic Simulator will feel like an entertaining and informative diversion to some but a waste of time to others. Representing a genre that's hit or miss on the Nintendo Switch, this title falls closer to the middle of the pack.
RPGolf Legends can be good fun, but it's also heavily flawed at present. With more focus on golf and dungeon puzzles and less on awful combat, this game would be an easy recommendation. But the fusion is bizarrely out of whack, and the game needs more polish.
The Enigma Machine has a solid, page-turning plot. The way it embraces unfolding technology (and in a unique visual style) is something I'd like to see more of. But the marriage of story and visuals with the gameplay is mixed. Some successful puzzles are let down by in-between, squinting-at-the-screen, bits; this is probably one to skip if you're playing on a Switch Lite. But if you have affection for the early 32-bit era, give The Enigma Machine a shot. It's not much of a commitment in terms of funds or time.
Faircroft's Antiques: The Forbidden Crypt Collector's Edition delivers. This good-sized adventure (glitch-free) is an easy recommendation for those who enjoy games like this. And again, "Everybody's just so nice!"
Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is an OK release overall. This 20-or-so-hour adventure has an admirable quantity of content, but the quality amongst the individual episodes is inconsistent. I found only two of the five to be the sort I'd want to replay. Still, Sam & Max are great characters. Pick up their earlier adventure, Sam & Max Save the World, to get an idea if this one is for you.
While Asteroids is iconic entertainment, this installment (like the Recharged series in general) is too conservative to vouch for at launch price. When I can say versions of these games from 40 years ago are just as fun, if not more, there is a problem. This series is running out of steam and needs a change in approach to revive interest.
If you own the original, it's well worth the $9.99 update with DLC. At the same time, those on the fence waiting (hoping) for SNES Aladdin, it's finally here to offer the best of both 16-bit worlds. The Jungle Book (Genesis version) is icing on the cakes. Disney Classic Games Collection: Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Jungle Book is an easy recommendation for 16-bit fans.
On the one hand, I can say Westone's arcade "treasure" was worth the wait when viewed as a piece of gaming history. But, as an ININ Games published release in 2021, not as much. Once the warm fuzzies wear off, you're left with a short game with little replay incentive due to a lack of online leaderboards. Combined with a lack of both standard and extra features, I'd wait for this $19.99 release to get a sizable discount unless you're an arcade fanatic who has someone readily available for two-player co-op.
Serenity Forge has had a hand in bringing some of my favorite games to the Nintendo Switch. But Date Night Bowling feels like an unfinished proof of concept and failed to hold my interest. It's a bush league release with much room for improvement. One could argue that it's a better alternative than going to a real-life alley and running the risk of catching COVID. But given that choice, I think I'd rather skip bowling altogether.
Grow: Song of The Evertree is reasonably compelling for the first few hours. But in juggling a lot, some of its more commonplace elements are uneven. While the story sings a familiar tune and long load times add up, this is still a worthwhile adventure with many surprises. Just be prepared for some feeling of recognizable repetition as you play at your own pace.
Satisfactory puzzle-platformers are many on the Nintendo Switch. But the transformative and unique A Boy and his Blob, while easy, rises well above most of the competition. Time has been kind to this game, both in presentation (graphically and musically) and general design. If you haven't had your fill of it yet, add this one to your Switch collection.
While some of its puzzle flow can be hit-or-miss, The Sundew delivers an entertaining graphic adventure. While I hate to see the sound design miss the mark so badly, genre fans should enjoy pointing and clicking their way through this tale's surprises.
With Mario Party Superstars alongside Super Mario Party, the Nintendo Switch has two different but great series installments. While Superstars would benefit from more boards, it's a charming nostalgia-laden trip with far-reaching multiplayer appeal for family and friends of all ages. It's also replayable as ever, with online play, achievements, and unlockables.
Reminiscence in the Night doesn't offer much to keep you occupied, albeit at a modest $4.99 price. Choices that lead to different endings hold some appeal, but certain aspects of the script seriously lack. There's also little balance between being cryptic and offering clarity. This release leaves you with questions but feels more rudimentary than sophisticated.
Knockout Home Fitness is a Switch exclusive competing with the Fitness Boxing series and the expanding number of Switch workout games. I always welcome additional choices, and it manages to hold its own, more or less. But the price might be high for the content of a title that never aims to be anything more than "good enough." Weigh the pros and cons and check out the demo to decide if you want to "Knock out inactivity" with this one.
A Little Golf Journey oversells its "stunning" courses and struggles to stay fresh with a mostly safe approach, regardless of plot attempts. It's the sort of game that did enough to make me want to keep going for a few hours, but not enough to finish, let alone 100% it. Lacking diversity, both aesthetically and gameplay-wise, it pales when compared to many other Switch golf titles. But, even with a subpar camera, the secrets are quite a bit of fun. Assuredly not $19.99 fun, though. The content is there, but the enjoyment and polish aren't as much. Wishlist this one for a sale while you browse other relaxing games on the eShop, and wait for an improved follow-up.
Tetris is Tetris, so well known and broadly adored. And even if Tetris Effect: Connected is familiar, it's still great fun. The refinements make it a worthy addition to your Switch library, even if some of the tunes can be hit or miss. It'll scratch that Tetris itch, offering rewarding challenges you can return to time after time, even for those who've been manipulating shaped blocks since Alexey Pajitnov's original.
Gleylancer is a deep shooter that grew from a good shmup to a great one the longer I played it. To those in the know, this clever shooter's a tour de force, and I can now see why. It's smooth, addictive, highly replayable, and enjoyable, with rarely a dull moment. If you're a genre enthusiast, consider this an essential addition to your gaming library. Kudos to Ratalaika Games for publishing this, and for only $6.99. If this game had co-op, it might've been a 10.
A Juggler's Tale is a polished title, delivering a smooth gameplay flow that's over too quickly for its launch price. Anyone can appreciate the visual presentation and voiced story. Meanwhile, enthusiasts will enjoy the blend of puzzles (albeit easy ones) and action. It's a unique game in many ways and one that leaves an impression. But, it also leaves you wanting more. I hope to cheer on Abby in a sequel, one whose price better matches its length.