Trevor Gould's Reviews
Rusty Spout Rescue Adventure is an attractive looking game that's taken a timeless formula and added quality-of-life options. I feared this would be a game I'd suggest passing on, but it's now turned into a recommendation for fans of this game style. While not every choice is to its advantage, $6.99 gets you a fun story mode, multiplayer, an endless mode, and more.
There's not much to say about REPLICA. It plays closer to a proof of concept than a full-fledged game. It is only $4.99, but that might even be high for a game I beat (multiple times) in under two hours. It was painless, except for the pain that came from seeing potential unfulfilled. Maybe a sequel can make things better.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an epic game in some ways. It starts excitingly and rarely lets up. If you stink at dungeons and shrines and won't miss exploring, you'll find a world that's still impressive and characters that have proven to endure in the minds of series fans. In the end, it remains predominantly Koei-Tecomo's Warrior gameplay with Nintendo's Zelda dressing, so probably not GOTY material. Still, it's an entertaining way to tide yourself over until the true sequel arrives.
While newer players could be frustrated by camera limits, some gameplay quirks, and overall lack of personality, simulation fans can see minutes turn to hours when playing Pure Pool. It's a highly entertaining game that I've sunk more time into than expected.
Refined but not innovated, Just Dance 2021 represents the series in stagnation. It still entertains, but the past few entries have seen little in the way of positive change. A couple of the prior editions on Switch are arguably better.
Like me, if you own most of the Pinball FX3 tables, this one should make its way to your library. I'll continue to support Zen Studio's DLC, popping my virtual quarters and again to top my high scores. Williams Pinball – Volume 6 is addictive fun.
Overall, Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a good game. That said, it hasn't made me as interested in its sequels (that I've yet to play) as I thought it would. If anything, it makes me long for the original with its, if not timeless, nostalgic visuals. But the accessibility tweaks make this entry useful for new players who've yet to experience it.
Maze didn't live up to my expectations in the slightest. Its aims are too modest, and its execution too lacking.
Somewhat short for its genre but reasonably sweet, Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World comes recommended for fans. While speech is certainly missed, the art style is inviting to the eyes. It plays it straight, but the fun characters and satisfying puzzles make it well worthwhile for those who overlooked it upon initial release.
As a solo game, I admit this one won't endure for me as a series newbie. It's just okay, at best. But if you're a returning player or wish to experience it in co-op, there's positively good fun to be had. You can lose track of time, making all manner of tasty-looking dishes while bobbing your head to the great soundtrack.
Although I still get a kick out of seeing these Neo Geo Pocket Color games on the Nintendo Switch, some fare better than others. THE LAST BLADE: Beyond the Destiny is my last choice. The combat's a little too sluggish, the presentation a little too uneven, and the overall package a little too dated. I'd check out one of the prior NGPC releases instead.
Real-life hunters should appreciate Hunting Simulator 2. Virtual hunters may sometimes find themselves in want, as this game can straddle the line between relaxing and dull. But it should grow on you, as your canine companion also grows beside you. You'll develop "nerves of steel, and an incredible amount of patience." Be prepared to invest a lot of time to get the most out of this entertaining if uneven offering, though.
A different kind of point-and-click adventure, Agatha Christie – The ABC Murders has both highs and lows on the Nintendo Switch. But it's the quantity and quality of speech that pushes it over the edge for me, despite the inexplicable lack of handheld play.
The foundation is here, but, like The Simpson's orphanage, it needs more walls – "three is not enough." With subpar controls, music missing the mark, and a disappointing map, Two Parsecs From Earth's great visual style remains, but it's not enough to keep me playing.
No Straight Roads often has a frustrating difficulty that stems more from developer choices and less from player skill, making for flawed fun. This rhythm brawler is best played as an in-sync duo or trio. But a slicker, more stylish toe-tapping passion product, you're not likely to find. I hope to see more of Bunk Bed Junction.
It doesn't pack a lot of content to keep you playing, but Hide & Dance is a good-humored rhythm game with catchy tunes.
After sinking several hours, I can say that Mini Motor Racing X is pretty fun. From seemingly small options to many extras, it offers a lot. While I wonder if it'll prove a memorable racer when compared to many, I suspect it's a game I'll keep downloaded to revisit for short spells now and again.
Given my fondness for hidden object adventures, I found a smidge of entertainment with The Last Days' story elements. It's a bit of a bush-league release overall, though, and the port has some evident issues. So, unless it gets a patch, I struggle to recommend to all but big genre enthusiasts.
While this series may never be more than what it is now, Birthday of Midnight still brings enjoyable gameplay to the table. It's a pretty safe sequel that fans will get a few hours of enjoyment out of for a fair price.
I'm a bit more hesitant to recommend at full price, if only because the superior 3DS version is still available to buy. But the Quell series is enjoyable, and everyone should play (and replay) at least one of these relaxing puzzlers. You may find yourself hooked.