The Alliance Alive is a slightly above-average game that's dwarfed by the myriad JRPGs already available for and coming to the Switch. It can serve as a decent filler between them, but there's nothing in this HD remaster to make it a better option than its original 3DS release. Save yourself some cash and go that route if you can…just be sure to rotate those save files.
The Tiny Bang Story is a fun, gentle, whimsical title for anyone who enjoys a good puzzle or brain teaser. It's accessible to younger gamers without talking down to them, making it fun for adults, too. The game can be finished quicker than you may like, but it's priced accordingly and doesn't waste a single moment on anything other than the joy provided by its gameplay and presentation.
Honestly, if it had been released as a handheld electronic game in 1982 my brothers and I would've been all over it. But it wasn't. It's 2019, and even for $1 on a dying gaming system I expected better results from my Space Intervention.
Shmup fans are going to find a passable game in here. The unique visuals and ability to choose your missions do help to set Escape From the Universe apart from the competition. The gameplay, however, doesn't, and the general repetition and need to grind for credits make this a game that most will be fine to avoid.
Puzzle Quest was a highly addictive, wonderfully designed game back when it was originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and PSP back in 2007, and it’s equally addictive in this updated and expanded release for the Nintendo Switch.
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.
However you decide to play Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise, do it. The game is clever, it's funny, it's well-designed, and it's involving. It's a great game to share with others, but it's fun to play on your own, too.
Listen; I know I shouldn't expect much when spending $0.99 on a 3DS game, but I at least expect a full product. Squarcat feels like a group assignment in Beginners Programming, and two of the team members decided they'd rather get drunk and make Tik Tok videos than help their classmates.
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.
That Terraria continues to receive ports to new systems is a testament to the game's playability. It continues to attract new fans while prompting long-time players to double- and even triple-dip. I don't think you need the Switch version if you're already set up on your other gaming system(s) of preference (especially at the current price). If the Switch is your only option, however, it's good enough for us to offer a recommendation. Let's just hope the developers manage to dig up and build couch co-op before night falls again.
Captain Cat is an entertaining, addictive puzzle game that's great for killing time, be it while riding down the highway or after rage quitting your other games. It won't provide you a reason to leave dinner unfinished so you can race back to it, but the time you do spend with this fishing feline will be fun.
Giga Wrecker Alt is a pretty cool game. It has some issues and likely won't compel all players to keep going, but the puzzles are good, and getting to throw a ton of junk to smash a robot is always fun. The game looks good, sounds good, and offers plenty of play time, so get in there and wreck it.
So, what we've got in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a well-designed game that's poorly developed. A championship-caliber team that needs another few months (or perhaps another year) of training camp. 505 Games has promised to fix the glaring problems, but I can't review a game based on promises. There's still some fun to be had here, but it shouldn't have been released in its current state. Wait for the updates. If they don't come, wait for a sale…and stay away from the bookshelves.
Forest Home is a pleasant puzzler with cute animals that will charm and challenge children until it gets too big for them. It takes a long while to get interesting for older gamers, but at least the woodland characters don't get annoying along the way. The sheer volume of puzzles explains the asking price, but it's unlikely players in any age group are going to finish them all. Maybe that's the point; let the whole family take their turns on the same account and, after a while, all of the forest creatures will finally find their home.
It’s not a game you’ll ever go out of your way to play, but keep it on your home screen and you might be surprised how often you’ll bust it open.
If you've already played Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons on another platform there's not much in the story or in-game achievements to warrant another trip. Playing with a partner, however, creates a whole new experience that's certainly worth sharing. And if you've never experienced this tale before, you should. The puzzles are fun, the story is touching, and it comes together in a way that's likely to leave a lasting impact.
All of this comes together for a mostly engaging strategic experience that is just long enough to not wear out its welcome. You're not going to sink hundreds of hours into it like you did with Breath of Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but that's a good thing in this case. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac age chugs along at a decent speed (albeit sometimes slowed by long, repetitive environments and the micromanagement of the gambit system), with story elements dropped in just often enough to keep you intrigued.
If you're new to Kemco games or JPRGs in general, Sephirothic Stories serves as a light, quick (the game can be finished in around 10 hours), simple introduction to the genre. Unless you're looking for a deep challenge or a modern presentation, there's nothing really wrong here. However, there's also not much new or terribly interesting, making Sephirothic Stories a game that's okay to miss.
It's unfortunate that Theatre Tales was released in this unfinished state because it could be a fun, charming game for young players. In its current version, however, it's a big disappointment…like buying a volume of classic fairy tales with the pages of all but one story glued shut. The game's only $1.99, but you'll still feel cheated after Red gets her happily ever after. But hey, at least someone did.
Get Mechstermation Force, get a partner if you can, and get ready to save the world. You're going to frequently die trying, but the process will be a blast.