Who would have thought that the classic action-RPG would be revitalized by the typically boring prospect of running a small business? Diving into procedurally generated dungeons and slaying beasts with every manner of weapon answers the question, “What would a 2D version of Breath of the Wild look and play like?” Well, sort of like Moonlighter.
I've purchased this game on every console I own, and happily purchased it again. No sour grapes here either, never has this game felt more at home than when playing on a Joy-Con.
It's hip to be square? Nah. It's hip to be Nefarious! Grade A platforming, hilariously charming characters, and reverse boss battles make this indie stand out among a bloated genre. It would be downright nasty to give this title anything less than a perfect score.
Like a hybrid car, Manual Samuel starts slow, but once it kicks into high gear, there's far too much charm to not enjoy yourself. Controlling Samuel is a daunting, but incredibly rewarding task for anyone who can master the button-mashing physics this game relies on. If there's room for PC adventure games in your heart, you'll be right at home with Manual Samuel.
If Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Vs. Capcom made sweet love, Blade Strangers would be their beautiful baby. Fighting game veterans might find the gameplay a little too user-friendly and ultimately shallow. Still, it's hard not to get addicted to the elegant combo system, and playing as all your favorite indie legends.
The concept of Little Dragon's Cafe is genius, but its execution is a little sloppy. Many of the game's tasks feel like actual chores instead of the streamlined management of Yasuhiro Wada's past titles. Despite its clear flaws, the food, characters, and world are too gorgeous to ignore.
Ultra Space Battle Brawl is exactly what it says it is: an intergalactic Pong game on steroids. Hell, throw in a little Street Fighter II there for good measure. There's an incredibly charming neon polish in every corner of this title, and the tense sports action is satisfying to say the least. If you're looking for this generation's Wind Jammers, Ultra Space Battle Brawl can't be missed.
No, it won't replace the Ikaruga's or Raiden's of your past, but Iro Hero is a valiant crack at the all-too-rare shoot ‘em up genre. If you've got a top-down, bullet-heavy adventure itch that needs scratching, Iro Hero will likely satisfy.
The controls are a little wonkier than they should be, but there's far too many great elements in this game to ignore. Pool Panic gives you everything you want from a pick-up-and-play sports title. It's consistently charming, challenging, and in some cases, might even make you chagrin.
Even after the initial goofiness wears off, Bomb Chicken coasts to greatness on the game's everlasting charm. It works like all effective puzzle platformers do: on a simple premise executed beautifully. Plus, it's a Chicken who poops bombs. What's not to love?
Pang fans will feel very at home with Pirate Pop which is a charming homage to the Buster Bros. of old. There aren't many frills here, but in some cases, it's what makes the game sing. As far as pick-up-and-play action-puzzlers on the Nintendo Switch eShop are concerned, Pirate Pop Plus is a total treasure.
Does Kirby Star Allies do anything radically new? No, not really. But it is a full-fledged console Kirby title, something many of us have sorely longed for. It's a good single player experience to be sure, but truly comes into its own as a multi-player title. Like most things, Kirby Star Allies is just plain better with friends.
Membrane is easily the most trippy title on the Nintendo eShop, and for that alone it deserves to be celebrated. Its innovative puzzle and physics mechanic is a fine example of how great indie titles can be when they take chances and go for broke. If you're looking for something radically new, don't miss out on this hidden gem.
Summary: There's a scarcity of places to save your game, but it's not enough to pass on Xeodrifter. It's minimalism proves that there's still a place for simplicity, even on modern powerhouse consoles. It's like the first Metroid game only, you know, playable.
The Deer God aims high with its breathtaking visuals, sound, and narrative, but it's just not entertaining enough to actually make you want to pick up your Joy-Con controllers.
Enter the Gungeon is as heart-pumping as a Die Hard movie, and twice as charming.
If you're looking for a solid arcade action rhythm game, you could certainly do worse than SUPERBEAT: XONiC. Not only can you manage the difficulty to your personal play style, it's sensory overload will get your heart pumping like you were on your feet. This is a compliment: It's like Bop It on acid.