Trevor Gould's Reviews
Star Fox is the front-loaded summer tentpole of gaming. You'll play it, replay it, and be thoroughly entertained doing so. It's rarely ever the same game twice. After a while, those of us who are nostalgic may rightly feel we've played this before. The refinements are greatly appreciated, but the time for them has passed-"Mission Accomplished." Nintendo needs to create something new, with even more options and polish, to break the franchise out of its later cycle of inconsistency and stagnation and let it soar to the heights this entry achieves. Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2 might be the catalyst for the series' return to form, sure to attract new fans while retaining old ones. Falco may grow bored in victory, but you won't. There's never a dull moment.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action RPG with some narrative unevenness. But when it comes to gameplay, it's a huge success. There's not just plenty of content (above and below the ground); there's plenty to appreciate. This is one HD-2D adventure that's worth a long look, especially for top-down Zelda fans. Here's hoping for a sequel that takes its time travel into the far future, preferably with a new companion alongside Elliot.
The enthusiasm and talent of the Blue Backpack team shine through from beginning to end in Constance. Eccentricities and all, this fluid action-adventure comes highly recommended. I had a blast beating the game and pushing as close to 100% completion as possible; there is simply so much to discover here. I'm excited to see what's next (DLC) from the studio-their prior work, Trüberbrook, is also worth a look. A different type of game entirely, but one with quirky charm too.
Tears Revolude covers the RPG essentials, checking all the boxes and even throwing in a few unique wrinkles, but without elevating itself next to its eShop peers. The ease of the proceedings, combined with the brisker pace, makes the characters and, by extension, the entire game a bit forgettable. But even if it won't stay with you, you certainly won't regret grabbing Tears Revolude at a discount. It's still a solidly enjoyable game that'll hold your interest.
Products of their times, the Mega Man Star Force trilogy is unlikely to expand its niche audience. But those who came of age alongside protagonist Geo Stelar, this card-battling RPG collection will surely make you happy. Everyone else can wishlist it for a sale, or check out some of the superior Mega Man collections Capcom has on the Switch eShop.
Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club has its issues. That said, the Peanuts fan in me could often overlook them. The charm and feeling of childhood innocence that this game offers carries much weight. The formula is a winner and is only a few changes away from being outstanding. I hope to see it return in an expanded sequel, perhaps with difficulty options, and definitely a bit more polish. Don't let this game fall victim to the Kite-Eating Tree.
Capcom delivers an aesthetically pleasing world that's fun to explore in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Whether riding your monster, scaling cliffs, swimming, or digging, the game offers variety that keeps you busily exploring. The plot and some gameplay systems can feel slower-paced at times. But a likable cast and entertaining side quests bring balance.
Modest though it may be, Poker Night at the Inventory proves to be as fun as ever. And while it's easy to wish for more, the game is only $9.99. To quote Strong Bad, that's "Chump change, I say. Chump change!" The game's charming personality guarantees you'll be busting it out for a tournament or two every now and again.
Prison City is a high-quality game in the NES mold, and its difficulty reflects that. But there are more than enough options, so most gamers will find some genuine enjoyment. And if you were an NES kid, you'll enjoy this Retroware release even more! Newly updated and now with a physical edition, don't overlook this game if you initially did. Whether you're a collector springing for a physical copy or someone looking for a good value digital game, Prison City is great fun for fans of challenging retro-style action platformers.
While there's no excuse for this collection taking nine years to arrive on Nintendo hardware, it's undeniable that this package represents five years of classic 8-bit (and now 16-bit) games that hold up in sheer fun. For an NES kid like me, this is a 10 out of 10 package for the pair of DuckTales games alone, never mind the underrated TaleSpin and the original Rescue Rangers in co-op. I recognize that those without nostalgia might lean closer to the 8 range. After all, the challenge is higher (especially without an NES controller), the bonus content is on the lighter side, and there aren't any Game Boy versions. So, I'll reluctantly split the difference and, with my gaming acumen engaged, award The Disney Afternoon Collection a 9 out of 10.
While other compilations are more robust, Super Bomberman Collection is still a blast with its seven games on offer. The solo gamer in you will have fun in smaller sessions, and grab some friends for a local battle or couch co-op (no online play), and you'll have an even better time.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, while still good fun overall, is a letdown, both as paid DLC and a standalone release. The upgrade pack, though inexpensive, is underwhelming and of questionable value, with most additions feeling minor and unpolished. And if you somehow missed the original game, you'd best have a strong answer to the question "Why start now?"
Revolgear Zero goes beyond the token shoot' em up in many ways. Its weapon system has depth, and what it lacks in length, it makes up for in replayability. It's a fun game to play solo, and even more fun in co-op. I'll keep an eye on Bikkuri Software and hope their next Nintendo release will have its glitches ironed out.
Elvira and the Party Monsters embraces its campy theme, with a bright and vivid presentation, backed up by an impressive audio package. This table offers plenty to keep you busy, with a range of scoring challenges. It's arguable if it's worth the launch price of $9.99. But if and when you pick this up, don't be surprised if your thoughts line up with Elviras' invitation, "How 'bout another ball"?
Who knows how much longer this version of Hyrule (that started in Breath of the Wild) will continue? If this is the end, it goes out on a high note, especially when enjoyed cooperatively. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is an entertaining entry that will keep you busy during the first holiday season of the Switch 2. Heck, packed with content and surprises, it's one you'll likely return to when the mood strikes as well.
Everybody's Golf Hot Shots clearly needed more practice before teeing off on the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, some necessary updates have significantly improved the game; however, one could argue that even more improvements are desired. I'm glad I held off on this review, because now (as a fan of video golf), I can appreciate it as a pretty good and content-rich title. Those less forgiving of its restrictive unlockable structure might bump it down a point, and wait to grab the game on sale.
If you prioritize up-to-the-minute aesthetics, Pokémon Legends: Z-A - and arguably any title in the series - isn't for you. Still, I can't deny how much fun I've had playing this game. Its addictiveness triumphs over any minor issues. Real-time battles and entertaining side quests shine in Lumiose City. Launching at $70 with $30 of DLC might give some pause. But if you have a spouse or kids who will play this one too, the value is there, with dozens of hours of thoroughly satisfying adventuring. Don't miss this release.
In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive way to play the best-selling sequel. But a few of the level and boss alterations prove questionable at best (especially the latter), and the easy (immune) mode is a sizable step back from its more balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco would be wise to address both in an update asap. The game mostly makes up for these mistakes with its aesthetic and control improvements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and plenty of new and returning extras with some fun unlocakables, and you have an adventure that might keep you playing.
Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile translates its '70s setting into a fun audio-visual package. The mysterious characters (fully voiced) are well-developed, giving the game a page-turning quality. You'll want to see them reach their conclusions, no matter the outcome. A few well-meaning but ultimately unfortunate choices knock the game down from great to just good, and I suspect this will fare less positively with Christie purists, given some of the liberties. But I think most players will get their money's worth at $39.99, and the game's replay value only sweetens the deal. The overall experience delivers an uneven, albeit high-quality, memorable mystery adventure.
You'll surely enjoy Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9, though some may want to wait for a sale that matches the FX3 volume pricing. In either case, those with "crazy flipper fingers" can expect a good time.