With its unique visuals, clever environmental puzzles, and non-violent gameplay, El Hijo is a welcome entry in the somewhat overlooked stealth/puzzle genre. If you don't buy into the gameplay before the repetition sets in, however, it can become an adventure that's easily abandoned.
Although the improv gameplay of What the Dub?! is somewhat basic and repetitive, it presents numerous opportunities for MST3K-style hilarity. You don't need to be a fan of movies to enjoy this party game; you just need to be quick-witted (or have funny friends).
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.
Despite a couple shortcomings with the story and extraneous elements, Bravely Default II is a rock-solid JRPG that will appeal to anyone with a love of world exploration, character management, and turn-based combat.
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.
Castle Kong gives Donkey Kong a colorful visual refresh and an extreme challenge bump, but otherwise sticks closely to the formula that made it a legend. Fans of classic arcade games will enjoy it, and will be thankful they don't have to drop another quarter with each frustrated restart.
Undermine is a clever rogue-lite with plenty of pixel art charm. The gameplay and design elements come together to create a fun, addictive experience that'll appeal to action arcade gamers and RPG fans alike.
Tadpole Treble Encore is a charming rhythm game that's easy to play through, but difficult to 100% complete. An included level editor extends its life span, but its whimsical gameplay and music may take care of that on their own.
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.