Trevor Gould's Reviews
Can I give Bounty Battle a slight recommendation for character diversity alone? No, I can't. There are excessive issues through and through, including (but certainly not limited to) lack of fluency, gameplay variety, and depth.
If you have an hour or two to spare, Macbat 64: Journey of a Nice Chap is pretty good for the inexpensive price. The blurry visuals and the subpar camera are part of the nostalgic charm. The fun characters and level designs have me hoping for a more substantial sequel. So, pick this one up to help make it happen.
Cavemen Tales isn't as good as its predecessor-the theme's weaker, and the characters are less appealing. Mostly, being an untimely reskin, it just can't have the same impact that Country Tales had.
While it has some needless gore and pacing baggage, MO: Astray is a success on the whole. The gameplay's unique and varied, the world's intriguing and fully realized, the bosses are memorable, and the challenge is addictive. Impressive stuff.
Phoenotopia: Awakening has a highly inviting look, but the gameplay can't match the tone. Some ill-fitting decisions work against it, and the emphasis isn't always where it should be. It's still an ambitious, impressive indie adventure that demonstrates real passion, but one reflecting growing pains.
Golf Zero has an unexpected twist on familiar gameplay, but the execution isn't in a manner that I found enjoyable. This physics platformer is a bogey on the Switch. Try the mobile version (with touch support) instead.
While Fight Crab is far from the best fighting game I've played, it is among the funniest fighters, which gives the title real value, despite its quirks.
While Commander Keen in Keen Dreams: Definitive Edition kind of checks off some of my old-school boxes, it's not a markedly high-quality release on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. By all means, wishlist it if you have fond memories of the original, the series, or late '80s/early '90s DOS games in general. Even then, wait for a sale; $14.99 is too much for this short "definitive" release.
Adventures of Pip presents a refreshing take on platforming, aesthetically impressive with gameplay to match. I sunk hours into the original, and I'm happy to do so again with this Switch port. Hopefully, this indie from Tic Toc Games succeeds enough to warrant a sequel. Platformer fans won't want to overlook this one.
Instant Sports Summer Games isn't a memorable release, but I respect it for what it tries to (and sometimes does) accomplish. With the Summer Olympic games lost to the pandemic, this Switch exclusive could score with families. Just keep in mind that the motion controls, while quite successful for the most part, will probably have you playing for only a little bit here and there.
Music fans should dig Avicii Invector, especially those inclined to appreciate the deep lyrics in these tracks. For non-enthusiasts, an easy difficulty setting makes the game inviting, even for those with limited experience in rhythm games. While the gameplay can certainly get repetitious after time, it's a fun game to watch even if you pass the controller to a friend. Avicii is on my radar now, thanks to Avicii Invector.
As someone unlikely to play most of these courses in real-life, I relish the chance to visit them in video-game form. From driving off the tee, reading the green, and everything in between, this title offers a lot in spite of itself. If you're someone who enjoys golf sims, please don't let some careless glitches prevent you from checking out PGA Tour 2K21 on the Nintendo Switch. With practice, even a real-life duffer like myself can rack up his share of eagles.
Unfortunately, Prehistoric Dude's problems aren't minor. Lots of annoyances add up to make this a small game that I disliked. It has a real need for additional polish.
A Short Hike is a game the whole family can love. It's an homage to classics while still very much it's own release. There is much to explore, fun characters to interact with, and the entirety of the title just had me smiling. Carve out a couple of hours in your day, curl up with some 'Strawberries and Toast,' and give A Short Hike a play. You won't regret it.
While I'm certainly hoping to see further Neo Geo Pocket Color games eventually come to the Nintendo Switch, maybe pick from a different genre for the next release. KING OF FIGHTERS R-2 is still decent for what it is, but only big fans of 2D fighters need to experience it on the Switch.
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.