Jordan Rudek
Speaking more positively, I was pleased to see 26 achievements, co-op play, six unlockable characters and seven unlockable DLC stages, so the game has a pretty good amount of content and replay value. For those looking for a challenging and different take on both stealth and strategy games, Party Hard is absolutely worth a look. For those without patience or those wanting more of an action title, you might want to decline this party invite.
There are so many other better multiplayer games on the Switch that also have a decent amount of solo content. I did like the fact that you can unlock a number of cool sumo wrestling venues, but that's one of the only bright spots here. Circle of Sumo doesn't last more than a few minutes in the ring.
Road Redemption is punctuated by moments of absolute chaos: cars flying through the air and crushing bikes beneath them or using your attacks to smash one rider into another, sending them both flying off a bridge. The game finds a way to capture my attention, but it isn't polished enough to hold it. In trying to combine a variety of genres, Road Redemption ends up simply being a master of none.
If you enjoy beat-‘em-ups and are looking for a unique take on the genre, give Speed Brawl a look. Otherwise, I can't recommend the game for more casual players as trying to clear screens as fast as possible is often easier said than done. Without a doubt, speed kills, but in this case, it would be nice to slow down a little.
You might not want to play more than 20 hours of Diablo III: Eternal Collection, but the time you do put in will be unbelievably entertaining. If you want more of this game, the Seasonal options are there for you, and if you have a few buddies who also pick it up, the more is definitely the merrier. And because I can't stop thinking it, even though Diablo started out as a computer game, it feels better as a console one.
I am thrilled to have completed what I can safely say is one of the most challenging video games I have ever played. From now on, I'm no longer saying "the Dark Souls of." For me, it's "the Save me Mr Tako of," and this game is definitely the Save me Mr Tako of Game Boy inspired action-platformers.
That said, it's hard to recommend this game to a general audience, especially with the miles better Mario Kart 8 Deluxe available on Switch, and Team Sonic Racing on the horizon. Nickelodeon Kart Racers has no online function, and its unlockable Grand Prix cups are just different combinations of tracks from the base cups. There is a decent progression and cart customization system here, but bland visuals and uninspired gameplay mean you can probably sit this race out.
While the arena segments and shooting remind me of arcade classics like Smash TV or Robotron, I have never played a game like that with such heartfelt characters and story, pieces that didn't just feel like an afterthought. I won't go so far as to say Zarvot has the wit and soul of a poet, but the writing gives the game life, and it's a title that will stand out this year as having the types of genuinely touching moments we don't often see in video games. I can't give anymore, so check out Zarvot and fall in love with these cubes.
I did enjoy how the stories intertwined with one another, but there were also times when I wouldn't get a letter from one character for hours and it would be hard to pick up where his or her story left off. Before picking this one up, be aware that it's essentially a novel with multiple characters and various endings to discover to move the overall story forward. I'm thinking to myself: it is a wonderful world, but not necessarily a wonderful game.
Well-suited to those who want a creative RPG that both sticks to and deviates from this genre's normalcy. If you're never played it, well now's the time. Go on and enjoy Child of Light in its Nintendo Switch prime.
Spreading out the 700 or so crystals of some stages across three or four more manageable stages would help the game feel fresher and more exciting. While the music is a highlight, it doesn't always match the visuals on screen, and all in all, I find this title a hard one to recommend. If you're blown away by the art style or the music, give Twisted Dreams a look, but otherwise look for your sweet dreams somewhere else.
One interesting wrinkle that Lightening Force brings to the table is that you can also stretch the screen vertically and explore the space above and below your ship to find different enemies, avoid fire, or discover hidden power-ups. When you beat the game, you also open up a new ship with different weapons, which adds replay value. There is a lot to like about this initial offering in the Sega Ages series, and growing up without ever owning a Sega console, I'm eager to see more of these titles, especially given the obvious TLC being put into them.
One specific comparison that stuck with me is that the stages are significantly longer, but I also found some of them more memorable and engaging than ones from previous Mega Man games. With Mega Man 11, Capcom is catering to new players and hardened veterans, and satisfies both to a degree, but it will likely disappoint some players, too. It might not be the Mega Man game we need, but on October 2 it will be the one we get.
The boss fights range from pretty easy to dozen-death difficult, but the real joy is in thoroughly exploring the map, seeing heights you can't reach and doors you can't open and then returning later with newfound powers that enable you to continue your adventure. Alwa's Awakening is a great investment for those who grew up with old-school Castlevania games or those who prefer Zelda II to The Legend of Zelda. It's not fast-paced or action-packed, but it has plenty of nostalgia and is well-suited to those who prefer jumping to shooting, spell-casting to sword-swinging. Well, how can I forget you, Zoe? When there's always another Metroidvania to remind me.
Another problem with the online play is that if the host of the game leaves, everyone else is booted from the game. If you don't really care for brawlers, the games in this collection aren't going to change your mind. That said, there is a lot of value in the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle, and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre or those who love couch co-op games.
These issues negatively impact enjoyment of the game. You can work on setting a high score and there are basic achievements to complete, but these add little to the overall experience—the achievements consist of completing the game on the three difficulty modes, finishing the boss rush mode, and doing both of those tasks in 2-player mode. Robbotto is fun and simple, but it lacks the charm of the game it's trying to replicate.
The Fullbright Company knows how to tell a story and they succeed at making the player feel that he or she is part of that story. If you want a narrative experience that demonstrates what the video game medium is truly capable of, play this game, but do so slowly. Gone Home is not a game to hurry through, but one to savor and remember.
Undoubtedly, one of the best features of the game is unlocking new mechs and creating your own squads, and it is that element that will keep me coming back to the game. Hop into a breach and pick up this game yesterday, soldier. It's Vek-hunting season.
Too many stages rely on the two basic victory conditions, and I would have liked to see more boss stages or more complicated objectives. Regardless, CastleStorm is engaging not just for those who enjoy tower-defense games; there is enough fun, customization, and challenge for all Switch owners. Your princess might not be in this castle, but it's worth taking a look around anyway.
Please won't you be my neighbor? I'll pass.