Although it's based on a long-running British TV show, no previous knowledge is required to enjoy solving the tricky time-manipulation puzzles of Peaky Blinders: Mastermind. In a world where tie-in games are generally awful, this is a rare entry that works for show fans and non-fans alike.
Swimsanity! offers a fun blast of online or local versus play. Its game modes aren't terribly original, but they work well in the underwater setting. Unfortunately, the fun doesn't carry over to the game's adventure mode or the single-player options.
Although it wears its inspirations on its sleeve, you needn't have knowledge of point-and-click adventure classics to enjoy Darkestville Castle. The jokes are fine, the characters are fun, and the puzzles are comfortably illogical. Enjoy your visit.
Banner of the Maid is a highly unique entry in the shoulder-to-shoulder "thin red line" of turn-based JRPGs available for Nintendo Switch. Its alternate take on the French Revolution provides a wonderful backdrop for some of the best strategic gameplay I've experienced since Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. Vive la France!
Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel offers a fun premise for puzzle/adventure fans, but it fails to follow through it nearly every regard. The graphics, the puzzles, the story, and even the docked-mode controls combine to make this a crime not worth solving.
Aircraft Evolution offers a lot of action and a lot of destruction, but not a whole lot of variation. Like the arcade games to which it pays homage, it's best enjoyed a few "quarters" at a time.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III drops JRPGo fans into the middle of a massive story arc and then has a tendency to meander. However, it provides more than enough thrills and compelling moments to make this an adventure worth taking.
At its core, Infini is your basic puzzle/platformer. With its highly unique visuals/audio and absolutely bizarre storytelling, however, it becomes something much…deeper? Maybe. I guess that depends upon how you react to it, and I don't think any two players will take it the same way.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is as joyful as its source material. It'll appeal to fans of the cartoon more so than those seeking a challenging 3D platforming adventure, but it's a fun, nostalgic romp either way. Just don't expect much from the new multiplayer component.
Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is that rare party game that succeeds equally with its single-player and multiplayer components. The story mode puzzles are very clever, the multiplayer games are tremendously fun, and there's enough variety to provide a surprising amount of life. If you missed the original release for Nintendo Switch like we did, don't miss this relaunch.
Because of its dedicated focus on strategy, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia is a refreshing change to today's gimmicky turn-based JRPGs. Its serious story, unique gameplay elements, and challenging scenarios will appeal to those who recall a time when tactical games were more about strategy and less about selecting their waifu.
In other words, if you’re considering Railway Empire because you love the sound of a train in the distance, you’re not likely to enjoy the game. This is a management seem that digs deeply into the technology, the business strategy, and the economic acumen required to tame America’s landscape and reach the pinnacle of what this nation’s all about: corporate power.
Arcade Archives: Sunset Riders for the Nintendo Switch is a clear indication of why the game deserves to be placed in the upper echelon of arcade classics. It's non-stop joy from start to finish, offering an effective blend of comedy and action that you're free to beat with either skill or restarts.
As far as party games go, Knight Squad has more going for it than you'd expect at first glance. It's accessible, it's frenetic, and it's fun. The lack of online multiplayer and a worthwhile single-player mode will be easily overlooked when you've got your personal squad of knights seeking battle in your living room.
I have yet to play a game that needed a Definitive Edition as much as Xenoblade Chronicles, and it fully delivers. It's a game no JRPG fan should miss, and a version that no JRPG fan should bypass for a second or third play-through.
Aces of the Sky immediately hits you with frenzied, stylized, WWI-era aerial combat, then does little to change the formula throughout its two stories. Whether you can deal with the repetitiveness depends upon how much of an arcade gamer you (and hopefully a nearby squad mate) really are.
Considering their amazing catalog, I'm not sure why Atari keeps trying to make 1972's Pong relevant for modern gamers. Pong Quest is a clever, valiant run at it, aided by solid controls and some decent multiplayer life. But it's still just Pong, and the game is at its best when they help you forget that.
Spirit of the North is an atmospheric, evocative adventure game with puzzle/platforming elements that—despite being clumsily implemented in parts—are ultimately rewarding if you stick with it.
As a throwback to 8-bit platformers, Miles & Kilo works better than most. It also works as a legitimate reason to fire up your old Nintendo 3DS and remember how much fun action/arcade games were—and how cool that 3D effect was—the first time you played it.
Dread Nautical provides a very good turn-based adventure underneath an unfortunately cartoonish presentation. It can't quite figure out if it wants to be scary or goofy, but the gameplay and level designs are deep enough to keep players engaged throughout.