Trevor Gould's Reviews
What you see is what you get with Alphadia Genesis 2. There's fun to be had for genre fans if you go in with the right expectations. Have you enjoyed prior KEMCO-published RPGs? If yes, this game will entertain you. It's not great, but it's not too shabby either.
Arcade Archives RAIDEN brings the challenging and time-honored shmup to the Nintendo Switch. With HAMSTER's extras, this is as good a time as any to revisit it or check it out for the first time. It's an oldie but a goodie. It comes highly recommended, especially in co-op.
As the first Mario Golf series game on a home console in almost 20 years, my expectations were high. While I smile seeing my favorite plumber tee off, Mario Golf: Super Rush admittedly lacks some polish I'd expect from Nintendo-published software. It's also heavily focused on gimmicks, though standard golf presents a fun simulation-lite alternative to PGA Tour. But, the overall package is mixed and not "content-packed" as advertised, at least for solo players. Like Mario Tennis before it, some tweaks, additional content, and a sale would make this a wiser purchase.
Trails and Traces: The Tomb of Thomas Tew has room for improvement, but I appreciate the game for its humorous characters, diverse locales, and well-done puzzles. Finding a fully voiced graphic adventure for just $4.99 is something to value as well. Now bring on a sequel with better control options and a less cliched finale.
Kids should enjoy Family Vacation: California well enough. Parents who grab it on sale can take confidence that it's not objectionable, just rather forgettable. But older players might be turned off by its simplicity and shorter length relative to its launch price.
Stonefly delights the eyes and ears. But the gameplay mix, despite offering some depth, can't do the same. The combat simply isn't much fun, and exploring runs the risks of glitches. This strange premise just isn't executed that well. I'd stick with Creature in the Well until Stonefly gets a discount and patch.
Angels with Scaly Wings has mostly good sci-fi writing, and the choices it presents are welcomed, leading to replay value. The shallow romantic subplots have me hoping that a prequel/sequel has a bit more thought, though.
Ladders by POWGI certainly isn't bad for a few minutes at a time, especially if you have a second player to bounce word suggestions off of. Still, I didn't find it addictive enough to carry a standalone release.
Emily Archer and the Curse of Tutankhamun could've been a solid game for genre fans, even with its age. But with so many bugs, there's no way I can recommend this Switch version in its current state. It's a weak port of a game best left on the Nintendo DS.
Admittedly, the Game Boy emulation will probably turn off many potential players. That said, there's fun to be had under the dated surface. I don't think Save me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition is a great adventure, but the refinements have cemented it as a good one.
Little Mouse's Encyclopedia is the type of title I would've loved exploring as a kid in school. As a grown man, I still appreciate the concept and how it was brought to screen in an aesthetically pleasing way. It succeeds with its aim in charming fashion. While gameplay and narration are missed, this is a very good release for what it is. If you're a family, this would definitely be one to grab on sale if you're looking to relax and learn at the same time.
I rather like the mid-'90s 3DO/Saturn look, and there are a few pleasant music tracks, as well. But when I put the nostalgic presentation and low price aside, I'm left with the realization that Toree 3D is a short-lived game I just didn't find particularly fun. The level design is hit-or-miss, and the camera needs more attention. I'd direct players on a budget to Macbat 64: Journey of a Nice Chap instead.
The Mysterious Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde is entertaining as a hidden object game, but this port is sloppy. If you're a fan yet to play it, wishlist it for a future sale. But know that there are better representations of the genre on the Nintendo Switch, including from the same publisher. Everyone else can stick with the well-known short novel.
Faircroft's Antiques: The Heir of Glen Kinnoch Collector's Edition delivers a 10-plus hour hidden object adventure that's just as fun as the initial game in the series: Treasure of Treffenburg. More variety with minigames and puzzles is welcomed, as is better incorporation of hidden items to the plot. Only a handful of bugs knock the game down, but not enough to stop me from recommending it to genre fans.
Sumatra: Fate of Yandi offers good point-and-click puzzles, but I found the tonal shift in its tale unappealing. I think the game isn't long enough to be thought-provoking in the way intended. While I saw enough good things here that I'll keep an eye out for the devs future point-and-click games, they might be better served by lighter plots to match the shorter lengths.
Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 will be a letdown for those who've already purchased some (or all) of the fighters released prior. But if you've been wondering why SNK hasn't bundled these handheld games together, wonder no more. While very much a mixed bag, there's enough here for the curious, and more so for fans. Bring on Vol. 2.
Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure delivers more than its predecessor, but there's also more competition on the Switch in 2021 than in 2017. I can't say I find the additions significantly more enjoyable, and there's still plenty that could be improved. Despite offering a lesser version of karting staples seen elsewhere, this should still be enjoyable to fans of the first.
Across its 20 chapters, Faircroft's Antiques: Treasures of Treffenburg Collector's Edition tells an out-of-the-ordinary story that's encouraging and well-made. It's a hearty adventure for this genre also, one I clocked over 10 hours in. Even with some padding, that's a fair amount of content for the price, longer than comparable games on the Switch. In a sea of hidden object games, this one emerges near the top.
A short game, Under Leaves is probably one to add to your wishlist for a deeper discount. That said, it's a delightful title to chill with and impressed me in many ways. I hope to see more from the small indie team at Circus Atos.
There's certainly something to be said for a game that leaves me thinking about it and wanting more. Wind Peaks definitely grew on me. But, reaching the end after playing for just over three hours (and getting all achievements) is a tough pill to swallow for a $14.99 game. I hope the sequel plays it less conservatively.