Trevor Gould
- Super Mario series
Trevor Gould's Reviews
This 2009 classic is definitely worth playing. It's comical, quite varied, generally well-paced, and, most of all, fun!
While many other puzzle games from that time have been forgotten, Puzzle Bobble 2 has endured. The series has a wider appeal than other games that challenged it.
Whether you're pedaling down tight paths with little margin for error, catching air off natural stone ramps, or getting a quicker than expected reprieve by cruising over a railed bridge, Lonely Mountains: Downhill delivers a challenging, yet remarkably calming, experience. Don't let a few miscues prevent you from checking this one out; it's a game worth mastering.
While it claims to be "The golf game for people who hate golf!", I think it sells itself short. I don't hate golf, but I still really like this funny game. WHAT THE GOLF? has a "one more round" thing going for it, coupled with a favorable amount of content, especially for completionists.
While I'll eventually grow bored with this title, it hasn't happened yet, even with 50-plus hours combined between my wife and I playing. I still have perks to unlock and properties to fix and sell. House Flipper is much better than expected and will keep you busy for a long while, even longer once the game is updated.
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.
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.
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.
It's hard to find much fault with this ambitious, albeit niche, game beyond the fact that you'll wish there were more of it. Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective dazzles with so much creativity, you'll never think of mazes the same way again. It's a bit cheaper than one of the books and much livelier, thanks to the brilliant audio/visual touches. Replay perks also broaden the audience who might not gravitate towards the books. If it looks interesting to you, don't let plot concerns or repetitiveness scare you off. I'm confident you won't be disappointed with your purchase. I hope to see another entry soon!
Tetris is Tetris, so well known and broadly adored. And even if Tetris Effect: Connected is familiar, it's still great fun. The refinements make it a worthy addition to your Switch library, even if some of the tunes can be hit or miss. It'll scratch that Tetris itch, offering rewarding challenges you can return to time after time, even for those who've been manipulating shaped blocks since Alexey Pajitnov's original.
With Mario Party Superstars alongside Super Mario Party, the Nintendo Switch has two different but great series installments. While Superstars would benefit from more boards, it's a charming nostalgia-laden trip with far-reaching multiplayer appeal for family and friends of all ages. It's also replayable as ever, with online play, achievements, and unlockables.
Satisfactory puzzle-platformers are many on the Nintendo Switch. But the transformative and unique A Boy and his Blob, while easy, rises well above most of the competition. Time has been kind to this game, both in presentation (graphically and musically) and general design. If you haven't had your fill of it yet, add this one to your Switch collection.
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.
While those more familiar with the series might have some gripes, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival was an excellent introduction for me. No worries about being overly skilled at these types of games; you'll have a good time, especially if you have friends in the room for a party-type setting. But even more solo gamers will have the main story and many unlockables to keep them busy. Whether competing or cooperating, this could be a ton of fun for family gatherings.
Despite a few bugs and oversights, The Making of Karateka has become one of my favorite releases in 2023 and should be considered unmissable. Playing this interactive documentary, packed with history and fun remastered works, can't help but make one wonder what Digital Eclipse plans next. How about a deep dive into Mechner's later work, The Last Express?
While WarioWare Gold on 3DS remains my favorite for solo play, when it comes to multiplayer parties, it's hard to overlook Move It! It'll keep you returning to it as you discover all the microgames, experiment with every mode, and shoot for hi-scores. Expect lots of smiles and laughter with the time-proven format. Fans will want this entry in their libraries to enjoy the hysterical hijinks.
The Journey Down: Chapter Two is bigger, but not quite better than its predecessor. However, in a three-part act, one chapter has to be the “weakest”, and rather this one than the opener. This game is still very good though, please don't get me wrong.
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.
If you're a pinball fan, this is definitely a collection you'll want to look at. It has a lot on offer.
While the episodic nature does it no favors on the Nintendo Switch, I'm glad to have experienced all three chapters of The Journey Down. I look forward to revisiting them again someday.