Trevor Gould's Reviews
Though not the flashiest, After Wave: Downfall is a pretty good release for fans of the shooter genre. While it has a dated look, the water theme and enemy diversity make it a somewhat unique game that I'd recommend for co-op players. While tackling it solo is less enjoyable, there's more than enough to keep you busy here, and you'll have to play for quite a while before you unlock everything.
It's not blowing it out of proportion to say that Pac-Man is one of the most significant characters in video game history. He's so widely known and loved; that alone may be enough for some to pick up his latest release. Others with a fondness for the fledgling days of 3D platformers will find PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a good release that grows on you, even with its dated aspects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and $29.99 is a fair launch price for a physical game.
Treehouse Riddle isn't bad for what it is, a niche puzzle game. If you're part of that niche, and the thought of busting out pen and paper to solve complex math problems appeals to you, by all means, this is a satisfactory implementation. But the lack of variety keeps me from giving this a broad recommendation as a good game since I didn't enjoy my time enough with it. The unique setting, solid story, and good music only go so far.
Much like Wind Peaks, Like No Other: The Legend Of The Twin Books is a family-friendly release that has left me wanting more. I like the game (and the studio that made it), but I seriously question the content for the price. So wishlist this title and hope a sequel adds more of the good stuff while adjusting some things that didn't quite land.
Overall, Gale of Windoria is one of the more average RPGs I've played. The story is uneven, the battle system options largely unnecessary, and the lack of post-game content makes it an outlier amongst its contemporaries. So while the breezy familiarity can hold some appeal for fans, if you're looking for stuff you haven't seen before, I'd look elsewhere.
I'd like to see a longer sequel go all-out with the soundtrack, but Growbot's fun characters and unique puzzles make it a good choice, albeit one for a future sale.
Overpriced DLC and the odd omission aside, the fact is that the five games in this collection are stone-cold classics, and they've never played better. Those without nostalgia may understandably wait for a sale and a further bit of polish. But Sonic Origins will be a great trip down memory lane if you were a Genesis supporter back in the day of the 16-bit schoolyard debates. They are infinitely replayable.
Admittedly, Farm Tycoon's buggy on the Switch, and missing touch screen support leaves SONKA in the hot seat. But the amount of content, and the variety therein, combined with its addictive nature, makes this a good, if sloppy, pick for genre fans.
It's easy to see why this is a cult classic. BIOMOTOR UNITRON is a retro RPG done right. While it can be something of a grind, it offers more depth than you might think. And considering an original NGPC cart commands triple-digit pricing, this eShop release is a steal at only $7.99. So, if you're a fan of dungeon crawlers, this sci-fi take shouldn't be missed.
Vesper: Zero Light Edition might've needed to stay in the oven a bit longer, but there's still a decent game here for puzzle platformer fans. The heaviness of the time-based stuff combined with fiddly Switch controls and your slow-moving android eventually takes a toll. But when the puzzle mechanic works unencumbered, it's clever and satisfying, and the audio/visual package goes a long way. With better balancing, Cordens Interactive should have a hit with their next release.
Parkasaurus can get tiresome, especially when playing this Switch port. It won't grab hybrid players who aren't already genre fans. But an instructive campaign mode, combined with a sandbox mode, means plenty of content is here, ultimately making for a decent (though certainly not great) game.
Genre fans might find Buck Bradley Comic Adventure worth grabbing (on sale) to pass a couple of hours. But from presentation to puzzles and beyond, this is an average release at best that most can skip without worry. Unfortunately, this title falls short in too many ways.
Autobahn Police Simulator 2 (if grabbed on sale) could be a solid choice for certain types of players willing to invest the time and overlook quirks. But it overpromises and underdelivers, with a dated presentation sure to turn off many. Combined with a lack of Switch optimization, it warrants waiting for a deep discount on your wishlist.
Tempest 4000 is perceptibly held back by a clunky UI, missing two-player modes, and a gimped AI Droid. But it's still recommended, thanks to its superb audio/visual package and "one more time" gameplay. Especially for series fans, getting "in the zone" will ensure this entry has high replay value. Being able to enjoy this in handheld mode on the Switch is a big plus also.
Rune Factory 5 is a good game for series fans, but we'd recommend the last entry over it. We found that game was easier to control and preferred the top-down view. But, of course, you can still pass all manner of fun time with this sometimes slow (often choppy) installment.
Time Loader isn't a long game, but it satisfies through its take on time travel. The story intrigues, the bot character is fun, and the audio design is on the ball. There are some final act issues, but I still recommend the game for those drawn to the plot and with '90s nostalgia.
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.