Mario Party Superstars ultimately marks a great entry in the franchise, getting back to the basics and building off of the stabilizing force that Super Mario Party provided for the wayward series, while stripping away some other innovations that had found their way into the franchise over the last several entries. This is Mario Party as you remember it – whether that is a good or bad thing is up to you. For me, it’s a great thing – the chaotic board game is back in its full backstabbing glory, with arguably the best minigame roster in the series and full online play from day one. In looking to the past, Mario Party Superstars has taken a much-needed step forward for the series.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania marks a return to form for the series, even if I am left hoping that we receive some substantial content updates in the near future to fill in gaps left from the originals. Fans who need an exact recreation of the originals or require challenge mode multiplayer might want to skip this one or wait for a deep discount, but those who just want to play Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2 again or the first time should absolutely pick this one up on Switch, especially if you enjoy playing on the go. While there is still a bit of work to do, Super Monkey Ball is back, and it's a great feeling. I strongly recommend you don't miss out on this one.
Overall, Dying Light: Platinum Edition does a lot quite well on Switch. Aside from some technical hiccups and a pretty insignificant narrative, the game shines behind a satisfying gameplay loop with buildings to climb, upgrades to snag, and zombies to smack. With loads of packed-in DLC content and a few multiplayer modes piled on top of a sizable base game, fans of the gameplay loop will find dozens of hours of gratifying zombie-crushing entertainment.
Hot Wheels Unleashed is the Hot Wheels racing game that we have been waiting on for a while. It delivers outside of a few hiccups.
Ultimately, though, Trigger Witch is still a worthy venture on Nintendo Switch for fans of twin-stick shooters or for fans of The Legend of Zelda that are looking for something a little different. Should you dash into the game, you'll find fun combat, an enjoyable story, and a few great puzzles. The game's positives are more than enough to establish its presence as a solid entry in a growing population of Zelda-likes. Despite a few yawn-inducing puzzles and not enough early difficulty, Trigger Witch will certainly charm its way into the hearts of plenty of players.
Pikmin has not taken off to the extent that it deserves, but Pikmin 3 Deluxe just might change that when paired with Nintendo Switch's software momentum. It's the perfect entry point for the series with a wonderfully balanced campaign that is structured to the player's liking. Challenges are tons of fun, this time slightly bolstered by the additional content from Olimar's Assignment, and Bingo Battle makes for some deceptively fun competitive multiplayer. Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a reminder that this game (and trilogy) succeeds at just about everything it tries. If you have not played Pikmin 3, you really, really should, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the perfect opportunity.
Pumpkin Jack does not reinvent the wheel and it's far from mechanical perfection, but the game's strong atmosphere and fun platforming have earned it success.
Although nothing here is likely to change your opinion on any of the titles, most people who have played these games don't need any convincing. Each game holds up very well and shines behind its own compelling strengths.
Those who take a chance on Biped will find a charming, inventive romp that manages a whole lot with its complicated controls, but that very same control scheme, along with its short length and uninspired single-player component, means that it’s not something for everyone.
Ultimately, Knight Squad simply does not have the quality of gameplay to take full advantage of its impressive list of modes. A complete experience could have left a mark, but nobody will be knighting Knight Squad when all is said and done.
Burnout Paradise Remastered brings a strong open-world racing playground to Switch. The smart port job means that you can play the game on Switch without any notable technical compromise. The repetitive design might be a bother for some, but the open world’s pick-up-and-play nature is so perfect on a portable system that it’s hard to get annoyed.
If you’ve played Borderlands games before and are raring for another go, then rest assured — Borderlands Legendary Collection is an excellent way to re-experience these titles. If you’re new to the series, the compilation is also perfect for an inaugural run (or seven) through each of these lovely games.
Moving Out is a worthy, exciting spiritual descendant of Overcooked.
A great time with pointless constraints, Battlesloths takes a winning formula and shoots itself in the foot... again, and again, and again.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is raunchy, hectic, incredible superpowered fun. It's not quite as good as its predecessor, but it's absolutely still worth a go.
Promised free updates may redeem this title down the line with better modes and more carefully crafted arenas, but for now, clunky menus and long load times make an obstacle out of even setting up Brief Battles, and excessive stage hazards, wonky controls, and trite objectives mean that the prize for navigating those menus isn’t worth it.
It is unlikely to find a permanent spot in anyone’s local multiplayer rotation, but if you’re in the market for a unique, colorful game that does a whole lot with its conventions, Headsnatchers is a great choice.
An excellently fast and flashy local multiplayer title, but there isn't much beyond that.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a fantastic evolution for the series.
If you want nothing more than modernized BurgerTime, then you’ll be satisfied with this modern edition. If you were hoping for revolutionized BurgerTime, though, you unfortunately won’t find it here.