Trevor Gould's Reviews
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.
While adjusting to the controls takes longer than it should, it's mostly worth it. Edna & Harvey: The Breakout – Anniversary Edition shines with more to like than loathe. Particularly the overabundance of dialogue, which is accomplished and comical. I'm glad I stuck with this game. As a genre enthusiast, I found it to be entertaining.
It's a niche genre on consoles, but as someone who's intrigued that the Switch is getting titles formerly limited to the PC, I'm growing as a fan. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction from a job well done is real, and I can have more success thanks to the elimination of some of the complexities. I've enjoyed my time with Truck and Logistics simulator, and only wish it had more options ready for its $39.99 launch.
This port is certainly nothing to write home about, but the core game is a classic, priced at just $14.99. Nostalgia, and the ability to play in handheld mode, are enough to recommend STAR WARS Episode I Racer on the Nintendo Switch eShop to fans.
Bridge Strike delivers technically competent arcade action that fans of River Raid will appreciate. Repetition, lower difficulty, and no leaderboards in the endless mode combine to make it not as enjoyable as it could've been. But it still is a fun little game, one that has me hoping for a sci-fi sequel.
While I'll eventually grow bored with this title, it hasn't happened yet, even with 50-plus hours combined between my wife and I playing. I still have perks to unlock and properties to fix and sell. House Flipper is much better than expected and will keep you busy for a long while, even longer once the game is updated.
Evan's Remains is a "mystery-thriller" that, while pretty big on mystery, is shorter on thrills. If the story (and the way it's set-up) connects with you, you'll have much more enjoyment than I did. However, I don't think this is a tale with a broad audience in mind. Joined by puzzles that look and play quite similarly, the impact lessens. But the great audio/visual package elevates this one to an okay experience for me.
While hardly the most exciting package, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is big on quantity. Unfortunately, the quality can't always match, with multiplayer restrictions and online lag being among the most sizable concerns. Solo Players probably won't find this one long-lasting, but families will fare better. Even if this won't be your first choice for gatherings, a decent time should still ensue.
Despite not reaching its full potential, I still found some entertainment in Arcade Spirits. By ignoring the romantic aspects, I was able to play it as someone with an appreciation of the heyday of arcades. The charming setting made for a promising launching point, the audio is excellent, and the story (with smart pop-culture nods and humor) has page-turning qualities to some extent.