Although TRON: Catalyst may feel like a paint-by-numbers entry in the Tron series, it's one of the better kits we've had. It stumbles over repetition and some awkward gameplay segments, but the solid story and franchise-familiar elements will carry fans through its somewhat short runtime.
HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition is perhaps thus named because it literally requires your signature to play. Once you're past that and a few other technical and online issues, however, you'll get a ton of content with countless ways to work through it. Make room for the 60GB install file, because you'll want to keep this game around for a very long time.
If you're looking for a game to highlight how different the Switch 2 experience can be, look no further than Kunitsu-Gamin: Path of the Goddess. The unique combination of action and tower-defense strategy-enhanced by the stunning graphics and art direction-make this a game you'll use to show off your new system.
1f y0u're a gh0st ca11 me here! is one of the more unique games I've played on the Nintendo Switch. It does get repetitive after a while, but the striking visuals, compelling story, and frantic "call center" gameplay will be enough to get most new gr1ms through the workday.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma's greatest accomplishment is its ability to pile so many gameplay elements into one big adventure, and to make all of them feel integral and organic. Whether you're farming, fighting, exploring, or romancing, every task-like the game itself-feels like it's worth completing.
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade offers great visuals and slick combat that will initially appeal to fans of roguelites and action RPGs. But unless you're into the slow grind of repetitive battles, you'll likely sheath this blade earlier than expected.
The Hundred Line: The Last Defense Academy is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys TRPG gameplay and compelling, often surprising sci-fi storytelling. Despite its dark themes and disturbing imagery, it's a total joy to play.
Everhood 2 is an RPG broken down to its core elements-visually and procedurally-then remixed as a rhythm-based action game. It baffles at the start, continues to challenge and surprise, and ends before you've had the chance to really figure out what was going on. It'll captivate players who are willing to let it.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a wonder to behold on the Switch. It looks stunning and features fantastic gameplay. The choppy, largely uninteresting story continues to be a significant drawback, and there are still some lingering issues with general repetitiveness and party management minutiae, but it otherwise shines like a Mira sunrise.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land takes the series in a direction that will appeal to fans of open world JRPGs, but may leave fans of previous Atelier games scratching their head. It also has numerous technical issues on the Switch. It’s still a fun adventure, it just leaves room to improve in its inevitable sequels.
On the surface, Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity tells a compelling story about a group of people in a race to survive an underwater theme park disaster. Dive deeper, though, and you'll find plenty more to discover in this sci-fi visual novel that starts strong and doesn't let up until the end(ings).
WARRIORS: Abyss provides an interesting roguelite twist to the standard Musou gameplay of the Warriors series, but it's only interesting for so long. Repetitive action and graphics eventually overwhelm the slick, quick combat.
Freddy Farmer provides a couple unique twists to classic arcade platformer action. They may not be enough to hold the attention of today's gamer, but NES-era fans looking for something new will find a lot to enjoy.
X-Out: Resurfaced is a quality remake of a shoot 'em up originally released for the Commodore 64. The original's underwater setting and submarine customization options are now supported by improved graphics, UI fixes, and a co-op mode that should help it appeal to more than just those seeking their retro fix.
ROBOBEAT combines first-person shooters with rhythm gameplay, but never really defines its reason for doing so. Although the action does become engaging once you get the hang of it, awkward controls and drab level design will chase most dancers off the floor before the party can really kick in.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II does a good job of optimizing combat and dungeon exploration, and the new features and tweaks likely will appeal to series fans. Its slow story and propensity to disrupt its own momentum, however, make this a slight downgrade from the previous game, and a middling entry in the series.
As far as retro puzzle/platformers go, Moons of Darsalon is one of the most unique and entertaining I've played in quite some time. It's engaging, it's funny, and it's frustrating in (usually) the most entertaining of ways. The gameplay, graphics, and audio combine to remind us that sci-fi is still allowed to be campy fun. Gil Gerard would be proud.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is likely to overwhelm even the most experienced of SRPG aficionados at the start, but that's by design. Its depth and uniqueness will delight those choosing to stick with it, while others can just lower the difficulty to push through this colorful and charming adventure.
As far as remasters of remakes go, Ys Memoir: The Oath in Felghana is as good as they get. This PSP-era action RPG throwback is right at home on the Nintendo Switch. Its short time to completion helps prevent repetition and occasional aimlessness from being a real problem, making it an adventure worth taking.
Universe for Sale is a visual novel that will challenge genre and sci-fi fans thematically and structurally. While the graphics are certainly the highlight, the game's story and characters are unique enough to hold your attention when the puzzles and pacing slow things down.