Jordan Rudek
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.
Regardless, Parallel Circles has created a true winner here, and I look forward to going back to Survival mode to keep my name on the leaderboards (Mother3, naturally). I also plan to return to the Campaign Heroes stages, but I'll give my heart a little break first. Flat Heroes isn't the first game to feature a small square as the main character, and it won't be the last, but in the case of this game, Huey Lewis and the News had it right: It's hip to be square.
Tanzia is a fine game for people looking for a light action-RPG that engages the player with its simplicity. The story beats are interesting but the combat, music, and quest design are largely uninspired. In so many words, Tanzia could use a little more time in the alchemy cauldron.
Frustratingly, the 100th stage may have a bug that makes it impossible to complete, and not being able to finish the final stage was thoroughly unsatisfying. Yuso makes a good first impression, but it becomes stale fairly quickly. I can recommend it only to people who want an easy-to-play but shallow puzzler to while away a couple of hours.
Upon completing INK, I felt as one does after enjoying a perfectly-cooked steak: satisfied and satiated. In this case, I do want more, but not because INK didn't give me enough. Rather, it gave me exactly what I wanted; this time, with a splash of colour.
All in all, Super Sportmatchen definitely has a cool retro appeal and is fun as a multiplayer game, and if you often have friends over and are looking to add some variety to your game nights, give the title a look. That said, I can't recommend it for solo players, there simply isn't enough content or variety. This game finishes the race, but it would need a few disqualifications to earn a medal.
Overall, I think Punch Club is a neat experiment of a game, but it needs a little more story and gameplay variety and a little less repetition. The first rule of Punch Club is obvious (right?), but the second rule is put on some headphones and your favourite podcast. You're in for the grind of your life.
No deep challenge exists in any of the four games, but the in-game collections and achievements add replay value. Online leaderboards compare your best completion time or score (for Fairune Blast only) against other players, so speed-running fans might want to look into Fairune Collection, too. Without further ado, cue that Zelda treasure chest sound effect!.