Mitchell Parton
The Switch release plays just as smoothly as any modern game. No frame drops are present and it works beautifully in handheld mode. While there is no new content with this release, it still feels right at home on the Switch. If you've played Bastion in the past or if you've missed out on the previous releases, I wholeheartedly recommend Bastion for anyone looking for a fantastic action RPG.
Any fan of platforming will be more than satisfied with the joy of speeding around the long levels and the derivative gameplay of the different characters. Those who have played this game on Wii U or other platforms will be disappointed though as there is no new content included in this release. Nevertheless, this is not a game to glance over and is nothing short of a thrill ride.
If you're craving more Splatoon, this will definitely suffice. Other than a few less than inspiring levels that you'll thankfully move through quickly (or just skip), this is a worthwhile break from the multiplayer modes we've been playing through since Splatoon 2's launch. Even if you haven't touched the original campaign, now is a great time to enjoy this single-player Splatoon experience.
A learning curve can be a barrier initially, but once you learn the ropes, you'll just want to keep skating forever. Although the second game is the better of the two, the difference isn't stark enough to warrant skipping out on the first. These both fit the textbook definition of perfect on-the-go games – while not the most visually impressive games out there, they are perfect for both quick bursts of fun or hours of intense focus and mastery.
The only downside of Vectronom is that it should only take a few hours to complete. Each beat of this experience is so jam-packed and the gameplay concepts switch up so frequently that I would love each one to be explored more. Don't let that stop you from exploring what's here, though — this gem is a design feat and one of the most delightful platforming games I've ever played.
Zen Bound 2 is the ideal way to experience the full capabilities of the Joy-Con's gyro sensor. I don't think any game has come close to this since 1-2 Switch, but that game wasn't very fun or engaging for longer than a short party. Here, we have an expertly crafted puzzle game that will keep you captivated for a very long time. Ignore the fact that this is an eight-year-old game as it has been renewed for a long, welcome life on the Switch.
Wandersong is definitely worth checking out on the basis of how different and unique it is. From the fun, new interaction method to the hand-crafted art style, this is something completely fresh.
Polished, fun and incredibly weird at times, Taiko no Tatsujin is nothing short of a blast to play on the Switch. The translation isn't great and the motion controls don't quite work, but everything else here is a pure delight. The core gameplay is simple yet addicting, and the party games make this a title you can enjoy with just about anyone.
There is a clear sense of passion here delivered through pure fun. The developers were successful in creating a new take on concepts originally conceived decades ago. This new shoot-‘em-up not only celebrates its predecessor but delivers a colorful, energetic experience that isn't easy to put down.
If you just want more Overcooked though and aren't expecting a revolution, you'll be satisfied with the amount of new content. New players to the series will enjoy this on its own and since online is now available, this opens up multiplayer play to just about everyone whether you have friends next to you or not. Whichever way you play, this is a fun and frantic experience that everyone deserves to enjoy.
This is great for newcomers and veterans of retro fighters as this one is easy to learn and hard to master. Just keep in mind, if you're looking for anything to collect or any sort of progression besides just ranking yourself up, you won't find it here. The authentic retro style and addicting gameplay, however, is still worth your time– especially if you want something that you can pick up and play in quick and insanely fun bursts.
The addition of the newer dash moves brings it closer to the more recent Sonic games in feel, but if you want speed, Sonic Mania would be a better pick. Still, M2 did phenomenal work on bringing this game to the Switch in a way that doesn't feel stale. If you want to see where Sonic came from and are interested in how the new features enhance this classic game, there's no reason to stay away.
I'm happy that Overcooked 2 got the DLC it deserved. Even though it's just 12 levels, they present quite a bit of challenge. I still consider Overcooked 2 one of the best local multiplayer games on the Switch, so more of it is definitely not a bad thing.
Tricky Towers is an incredibly creative and unique take on the puzzle genre. I just wish there was more to unlock and explore as it does have incredible potential. Nevertheless, I do recommend this brick-stacker to anyone looking for a fun local and online multiplayer experience.
Between unlocking more tracks, beating your high scores and showing off against your friends, you'll keep coming back for more.
Agatha Knife is insanely intelligent and strives through its unique narrative. The art direction and music compliment the theme, making it a solid package overall. This brings well-deserved diversity to the point-and-click genre. The developers brought something very new to the table and proved the vast amount of potential in a game focused solely on a fun, weird story.
Die for Valhalla! can be appreciated either as a surprisingly complex action RPG or just a fantastic casual beat em' up. Whichever way you see it, Valhalla is a welcome addition to the Switch's growing RPG library.
If you've never played Katamari before, there's no reason not to pick this up over the original release on the PS2. The game is still a delight, and while it may make you dizzy, picking up objects and watching your katamari grow with all sorts of random objects will always be a delight. If you've played this before, though, there's really nothing new here that's worth trying out.
Team Sonic Racing is the perfect addition to the Switch's kart racing lineup. It's a fast and exciting roller coaster of a racer with the style and spunk you'd expect from the Sonic series. While it doesn't perform on the Switch as well as on other consoles, that doesn't change the fun of speeding through this iconic universe.
What the game does lack, however, is content to come back to after mastering the quick 20XX runs. This doesn't mean that 20XX is worth skipping out on, though. This endless retro shooter is worth checking out, especially if you love Mega Man X or just solid platforming in general.