If you put Zelda's action-RPG system, Paper Mario's platforming, and a heavy dash of voxel graphics into a blender, you'd likely get something resembling Skellboy. At times, admittedly, the game lacks polish and can drag quite a bit, especially in the beginning. Nevertheless, it brings new ideas to the platforming and RPG genres, while looking pretty stellar to boot.
To succeed as a Metroidvania, a game has to set itself apart from the rest. SuperEpic’s second-screen mini-game approach is not only an innovative concept, it helps underline the satirical conceit the game’s story lays out. Even with its shallow combo-based combat system, there’s plenty here for fans of the genre to enjoy.
In 2019, I thought I'd seen everything that top-down action-rpgs could dish out. Sparklite is nothing short of a happy surprise, offering new spins on a time-honored genre. From its beautiful graphics to its addictive gameplay, giving this fresh entry anything less than a perfect score would be criminal.
HAUNTED: Halloween '86 is a follow-up to a technically revolutionary concept made real, and unlike many daunting modern titles, it actually pays off in what it's trying to accomplish. Considering that it's made within the technical confines of the NES while retaining modern gaming sensibilities, it's hard not to recommend this charming beat 'em up. I can even overlook the dismal concept of candy corn restoring health.
Digimon Cyber Sleuth comprises of two nearly perfect Digimon game experiences, but unfortunately, they're smack dab in the middle of an experiment in the franchise that feels much more like a chore than a game. When you're finding, raising, and battling Digimon, you'll be in heaven. But the insane amount of unskip-able dialogue and shallow "mystery-solving" gameplay is enough to turn off even the most dedicated fan.
Story of Seasons and perhaps even most Doraemon fans will feel at home in the latest entry of the celebrated series. While the manga cat's inclusion doesn't exactly breathe new life into the franchise, it certainly doesn't ruin it. And while it's on the pricier end of the series' spectrum, it's perhaps also the best-looking entry to date. If you're looking for a cozy farm simulator and are all Stardew Valley-ed out, Doraemon Story of Seasons will surely satisfy.
Button Button Up! is a stellar looking platformer but offers little for seasoned platforming fans. However, younger audiences will be at home with the colorful presentation and whimsical albeit basic platforming. It's nowhere near the best platformer on the Switch, but you could certainly do worse.
Can a game be tense and relaxing at the same time? Vectronom rides this line pretty well, offering a puzzle game that is as gorgeous as it is challenging. When played with headphones, it's as immersive as any puzzle game has ever been.
Gato Roboto accomplishes so much with so little. Even those it looks like a game that would be on the Atari 2600 or the big brick Gameboy, every aspect of Kiki's world glows as bright as one of the best of the Metroidvania genre. Plus, it's a cat in a mech suit, does a game get any more charming than that?
Save Tetris and Puyo Pop for when you want to wind down before bedtime. Crystal Crisis is as intense as puzzle gaming gets and has sparked new life into a genre not known for surprises. From the heart-pumping puzzle action to the full-fledged story mode and a roster that screams "fan service," it would be a crime to call Crystal Crisis anything less than an absolute diamond.
Classic NES platforming fans, rejoice. Venture Kid succeeds where even Mega Man’s creator failed when trying to capture that classic Blue Bomber feel. Even with minor flaws, Venture Kid will scratch the itch for Mega Man, and if you’re lucky, scrub the memory of Might No. 9 from your brain.
Much like a deep dish pizza, Way of the Passive Fist isn't what it seems on the surface. And like the heavy alternative to the NY slice, it's not something I can recommend to everyone. However, it's a totally inventive, gorgeous, and well-executed spin on rhythm-based games, where the action never lets up.
If you're looking for a title that relieves tension instead of building it, My Time at Portia is as soothing as gaming gets. The craft-heavy life sim offers new spins on mainstays like farming, mining, and even fishing. It's the closest gaming equivalent to a warm cup of cocoa: soothing and satisfying. If Harvest Moon and Breath of the Wild had a baby, I'm positive their beautiful brood would feel like My Time at Portia.
I'm not sure who Little Shopping is for. Sure, there's bright colors and even numbers to challenge young minds, but I'm positive a simple game of Tetris would be more satisfying and more stimulating than this barebones virtual shopping game. It's hard to recommend this game. As a former kid who was occasionally settled with poor titles, I can only say firmly: Kids deserve better.
Daggerhood isn't a platformer built with everyone in mind. In fact, even a few die-hards may find it to be a little too difficult. If you're looking for a platformer that's far-flung from the easier titles the genre is known for, it's not a bad place to start. It may be the only Nintendo Switch eShop title under $5 that not only gives you more bang for your buck but has an incredible amount of polish.
Mana Spark's premise pays off and will turn into a time sink for anyone even remotely into the dungeon-crawling genre. Despite the addictive nature of this simply presented game, the loading screens will make you shout expletives out loud: especially when progressing, or worse, dying.
If you played New Super Mario Bros. U the first time around, it's hard recommending its Deluxe iteration unless you simply can't be bothered to plug in your Wii U again. However, if you were waiting all these years for an easy mode, playing through the game as Toadette will surely satisfy.
Omega Strike isn't breaking any new ground, but who cares? Unlike some metroidvanias, it's engrossing, engaging, and never lets up. For those hungry for the adventures of Samus and Simon Belmont, Omega Strike will surely satisfy.
There's no tutorial to be found in this puzzle game that will likely be hard to grasp for most. Once you get the grip of the color-changing mechanics, it can easily become a rewarding puzzle experience. If you're a casual puzzle fan, look elsewhere: this is one of the toughest puzzling experiences out there. Tease your brain in a handful of dimensions.
Fortnite won't be the only free-to-play game hogging your time on the Nintendo Switch. Panic Button's port of Warframe sings, despite the obvious technical limitations that Nintendo consoles typically suffer from. If you're hungry for a space-marine stealth shooter that you can play with pals, Warframe is your best (and perhaps only) bet on the Nintendo eShop.