Trevor Gould's Reviews
While I can't overlook that M2 failed to tap the more robust home ports, SEGA AGES Virtua Racing will appeal to Model 1 arcade purists. Don't let the relative ease of cruising past Big Forest's amusement park fool you, this is still a challenging experience. And "the herald of modern racing games" is still fun, nostalgia goggles or not.
For better or worse, this title has the overall feel of a relic. As an older gamer who grew up with arcades, it should hold high appeal to me. Yet I can't help but find myself thinking more about the games it's trying to emulate, at least when playing solo
As it is, the levels in Dyna Bomb, while not bad, aren't fun or interesting enough to sustain repetitive trial-and-error gameplay. So, this is an average Switch game at present, one that could be quite good if it had a bit more polish. Perhaps a welcomed patch will arrive, with options that push this game's mobile origins further to the backside. Meanwhile, despite a number of positives, I'd wait for a sale if the game strikes your fancy, as it doesn't leave much of a lasting impression right now.
I expected Super Mario Maker 2 to be an outstanding sequel but instead, it’s simply good. It takes steps forward and back in near equal measure, having significant post-launch shortcomings that go beyond mere nitpicking.
Even if you only end up playing for 10 minutes at a time, Timberman is a fair addition to the 3DS eShop for just $1.99. Just don't expect any depth.
Which isn't to say there's anything inherently wrong with GoFishing 3D's simple approach… but that only works when the game is actually good. The devs need to look at the level of quality or lack thereof. Just because a game can coast on mobile doesn't mean it's the right choice for the Switch. GoFishing 3D is just too poor on so many levels. Not to mention it is absurdly priced, making it only worthwhile as a catch and release game to those wanting an overpriced chuckle.
Refunct feels like the promising start of something bigger and better. Despite some real potential, it ends up bringing little that excites or leave much of an impression, due to its scant half hour or so of gameplay. It's priced right, but Refunct might be a game you only play once.
The 32-bit generation is one that I feel more indies should look toward after a plethora of 8-bit and 16-bit inspired titles have already dominated the scene. But Back in 1995 is too visually distracting, too slow, and too short for its $9.99 price. Nonetheless, the idea here is sound. With a better camera, a bit more speed, some expanded gameplay, and less negligence towards full-on emulation, a future installment could provide a nice retro fix.
While I still have some concerns with Team Sonic Racing, I can't deny that I've come around to it. I've sunk over 15 hours, across several extended play sessions, and had quite a bit of fun doing so. The $39.99 launch price is more than fair for what's included here. If you're looking for an enjoyable alternative after playing Mario Kart 8 for the past five years, Team Sonic Racing smoothly drifts its way to a decisive silver trophy. Start your engines!
It's fun, but I'm not sure how much I'll come back to it. The repetition can't be avoided when playing for any real length, both in gameplay and level design. Lapis x Labyrinth has too many concerns that prevent me from giving it a broad recommendation at $29.99. But I can't deny that it offers some short-term, if shallow, fun, so bookmark this one for a future sale if it sounds interesting to you.
A short but sweet adventure, The Little Acre is a must for genre fans. Even if it is overpriced on the Nintendo Switch, it has too much quality and charm to skip.
This game has a few sizable issues that hold it back from greatness. But for genre fans, Trüberbrook succeeds thanks to its sci-fi plot, quirky voice-acted characters, and exceptional aesthetics.
This "fantastic journey through the human body factory" made me smile. Homo Machina is a very concise experience (perhaps an hour or so) but one that's priced appropriately on the Nintendo eShop. While the puzzles themselves are so-so, this eye-catching game is positively wrapped in charm, and I suggest you add it to your Switch digital library.
While I like the intent that Feather brings to the table, its ideas are implemented in a subpar fashion. This is a proof of concept, whose asking price doesn't reflect its current modest state. I can't recommend it unless a sizable update arrives to unlock its potential.
Pitfall Planet is fun for sure. But the shorter length, higher cost on Nintendo Switch, and no option for solo players must be factored in. All things considered, I recommend adding this to your wish list for a future sale.
If you're a genre fan, Unravel Two would be a very good choice, even more so if you have someone to enjoy its puzzles with via co-op. While some of its choices didn't quite hit the bullseye – much of the folk music clashes with the on-screen action – it offers a solid amount of high-quality content. And again, Unravel Two will leave you thinking, which is another plus.
Claybook is admittedly ambitious. It's also quite a nice looking and unique game, with commendable user features. Yet it struggled to command my attention, lacking elements to maintain interest beyond a few minutes at a time. The community creations do help here to an extent, but the overall experience needs to be tightened, and perhaps reigned in a bit.
While the linear design coupled with high difficulty is worth noting, the challenge leads to very satisfying gameplay. Mindball Play is a good-sized game, with polished aesthetics, and high replay value. This marble racer deserves a look.
If you played the original game on the Wii, you'll have to ask yourself how much the new extras, admirable though they are, trump the missing multiplayer. However, for those yet to experience it, it's certainly worth picking up Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn on 3DS. It's a high-quality package with charming aesthetics and a good amount of content for the price that should keep you playing.
Pirates Pinball is okay, but it only offers the rudiments of pinball. EnjoyUp Games would really be best served bundling these tables in a compilation.