It's probably not good that the most distinctive element of Arcadian Atlas is its jazzy soundtrack, but it's still a decent tactical RPG that provides enough challenge and intrigue to overcome a few missteps. Genre fans will get their money's worth.
Terra Alia: The Language Discovery RPG is an OK game that does an OK job of introducing you to the vocabulary of your choice from 10 available languages. Its story and combat system are not compelling enough to attract those uninterested in the education component, but the language gimmick offers a unique experience that can reinforce players' outside lessons.
BBG's remake of the Intellivison's Shark! Shark! works better as a multiplayer game than a solo experience, but you have to be into its simple, chill vibe. Younger/newer players will stick with the game longer than those seeking more frenetic battles and challenges, but it's priced accordingly.
Afterimage is a Metroidvania with attractive 2D visuals and crisp combat, and it really wants to make sure you've earned any victories you get. The action is tricky, especially with the numerous bosses that are smarter than what you may be used to. But if you're up to the challenge, you'll find the game's rewards.
Samurai Maiden gives players a goofy mix of hack-and-slash action, light platforming, and yuri fan service. Surprisingly, it also gives us some pretty fun combat when it's not being overly frustrating. The game will appeal more to achievement completionists than those seeking a good (or even coherent) story, so consider that when looking at this game at full price.
When it's firing on all cylinders, Bayonetta 3 serves as a confident reminder of why we've been looking forward to its release for so long. Unfortunately, the number of misfires can't be overlooked, making this easily the least enjoyable game in the series.
Atari Mania's mash-up of microgames presents a chaotic blast of nostalgia, but the general repetition and some frustrating difficulty dampen the mood pretty quickly. Its unique approach to retro gaming is, therefore, best enjoyed by those with fond memories of playing all these games back in the day.
Avenging Spirit is a lesser-known '90s arcade game with a unique "possession" angle that helps distinguish it from the excess of retro platformers available on the Switch. It's worth a playthrough, especially if you're unfamiliar with its charms.
TAITO Milestones is a no-frills package of ten '80s-era arcade games, most of which are available separately in the Nintendo eShop. If you don't already own the ones you want, it's a decent collection with some obscure gems that may become your new favorites. A couple, however, don't make a smooth transition from their arcade controls to your Joy-Con.
Monark has a refreshing battle system that will appeal to turn-based strategy gamers, but the dated graphics and overall redundancy make it a hard game to recommend at its full asking price. As with the game's dangerous Mist, enter with caution.
If you're the type who likes to relax with the calming sites and sounds of an ocean life documentary, Beyond Blue will allow you to get more interactive with it. The educational and narrative moments don't fully gel with the undersea exploration, and the visuals get murky on the Switch, but that won't matter when you're exploring these deep, safe waters.
The Long Gate bills itself as "…a challenging and elaborate puzzle game with puzzles based on real world physics and circuits." If any of those words frighten you, stay away, as its elaborate level setup and first-person point of view complicate things even further. But if you're within its target audience, it could be one of the most rewarding logic puzzle games you've played in quite some time.
Akiba's Trip: Hellbound and Debriefed is a rudimentary port that certainly shows its age, but the stripping-based combat and crazy story/quests are unique enough to provide a refreshing experience for action gamers who are open to its mature content.
Beautiful Desolation is a deep, intelligent, puzzle adventure presented with a unique isometric view. It's an easy recommendation to sci-fi fans who prefer narrative over action, but the Switch is not the best way to explore this apocalyptic world.
Maneater certainly gives players a different point-of-view on the action/RPG genre. Taking a shark from its violent beginnings to an inevitable battle for vengeance makes for a unique gaming journey. Unfortunately, its nice visuals and sly sense of humor aren't enough to break up the monotony of undersea survival.
With its medieval setting and alchemy-based combat system, Black Legend looks and plays quite a bit differently from most turn-based strategy games available on the Switch. Its repetitive settings and battles, however, will likely turn away those used to a greater degree of variety and fun.
Knight's Retreat is a clever puzzle game based around the movements of chess pieces. There are 80 levels to keep players challenged, but its basic visuals and redundant gameplay may turn away chess and puzzle dilettantes.
Hero Concept's additions help to break up the inherent monotony of Space Invaders, but Doughlings: Invasion is still a game that's fun for short bursts only. That's not a deal killer, of course, just something to consider before buying.
I liked Vambrace: Cold Soul, but it's certainly not for everyone. It requires more patience than many gamers can afford, and that's even among those who are already into roguelikes. If you can settle into its groove, however (and won't lose it when you're sucker-punched right out of that groove), there's some good, challenging fun to be had here.
Lyrica comes together quite well in presentation and gameplay, but it's going to have a limited audience by design. The theme—although interesting—doesn't lend itself to the type of frenetic fun conveyed through most other rhythm games. Also, rhythm games on the Switch require portable play and (ideally) a pair of headphones, limiting their accessibility. If you're used to that, Lyrica is a unique entry in the genre. If not, there are others out there that will likely hold your attention longer and at a lower price point.