Although it occasionally gets bogged down under its own ambition, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy is consistently surprising and fun. It may lack the melodrama and heroics of most JRPGs, but it still offers a lengthy campaign full of compelling combat and exploration.
The puzzles in Iris.Fall can sometimes be momentum killers, and they will likely cause some players to leave the game unfinished despite its short duration. However, those who stick with it will be rewarded with an experience that never ceases to visually delight (and reward) the player.
Crystal Ortha offers a breezy adventure that breaks from the norm just enough to please grizzled fans of JRPGs. It looks and feels right home on the Switch, but it's easier to enjoy in short, handheld gaming sessions as opposed to long hours in front of your TV.
You may not think a game based on forklift operation could be all that entertaining. With the right group of friends working either cooperatively or competitively, however, you'll get some fun out of What the Fork. Just be sure to avoid having to work alone.
Electro Ride: The Neon Racing suffers from touchy controls and an overall lack of depth. It's not amongst the best racing options available for the Switch, but it does contain a couple of unique elements that may appeal to gamers looking for something a little different.
Space Invaders Forever is a solid but overpriced collection that presents three unique spins on the classic Space Invaders formula. It's by no means complete, but whether you're looking for a quick party game or some solitary nostalgia, there's a variation or two here for you.
BIT.TRIP CORE is not for the easily frustrated. It's difficult, and the repetitive gameplay does not reward those who aren't immediately interested. That said, fans of challenging rhythm games may find themselves put into an early '80s-style arcade trance from which they won't want to escape.
BIT.TRIP FLUX is the game Pong would have become if better parents had raised it. This challenging arcade action rhythm game should be one of the first you get in the BIT.TRIP series, although there's no real point in going back to BEAT if you do.
Bus Driver Simulator deserves some appreciation for its attention to detail, but the details are pretty boring in this case. It doesn't help that the gameplay is cumbersome and glitchy, and the visuals are dated and drab. Unless you're really into slow drives through PS2-era depictions of European cities, take the Desert Bus instead. At least then it's for charity.
Commandos 2 – HD Remaster takes a fun but difficult real-time tactics PC game and makes it less fun but more difficult on the Nintendo Switch. The celebrated core gameplay remains, but clunky controls and some annoying bugs will make you wish you'd gone with the computer version.
If you've never played Sam & Max Save the World, this remaster is certainly worth investigating. It's kind of clever, kind of funny, and appropriately priced. It doesn't warrant a second playthrough, but few adventure games ever do.
Touhou Spell Bubble is a clever and challenging game that combines bubble popping mechanics with rhythm elements and surprisingly intricate strategies. The price may be high, but it'll pay off if you're able to stick with it-especially if you can squeeze extra life out of local multiplayer instead of having to rely on the DLC purchases.
Either a shoot 'em up with bubble popper elements or a match-four game with shmup tendences, Galacide is an interesting, visually appealing mash-up. It's something you're likely not used to seeing, but whether you find it successful will depend mostly upon what you like and dislike about each genre.
Chicken Police – Paint it RED! combines the storytelling of a visual novel with the puzzle-solving of a point-and-click adventure to create a decidedly different gaming experience. The slick, cinema noir style and distinctive anthropomorphic presentation do enough to cover up any shortcomings that would otherwise dissuade you from seeing this case through to its exciting end.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a combination 2D side-scrolling combat game and 3D farming sim, and both elements are strong enough to stand on their own. You'll need to master each to be successful, and you'll have a fun time on both sides once you figure them out.
Re:Turn – One Way Trip isn't a terribly long or frightening excursion, but those seeking a good puzzle adventure with an emotionally-rich story and a take-charge female protagonist will be happy they bought the ticket.
Talk of double-dipping aside, Pikmin 3: Deluxe is one of the best games available for the Nintendo Switch. Local co-op play in story mode, however, is the only addition that helps it stand out from the original Wii U version. If you're not playing with a partner, view this only as an expensive stopgap as we await the ever-elusive Pikmin 4.
Horace is a pitch-perfect puzzle platformer that expertly balances addictive gameplay with its moving tale of a robot trying to discover himself in a world that makes no sense. It knows why we love video games, and it confirms we're right to do so.
Kirby Fighters 2 will certainly appeal to fans of the franchise, as will anyone who enjoys playing as the Kirby characters in Super Smash Bros. It's not a game to which you'll likely return, however, once the initial charm wears off.
Whether or not you fancy yourself a platformer aficionado, Alwa's Legacy should be on your playlist. It combines retro graphics with modern precision to create a wonderfully engaging experience that strikes a fun balance between platforming and puzzle solving.