A.J. Maciejewski
Guntech 2 is an indie hidden gem that deserves a lot of attention so if you enjoy physics-based twin-stick shooting in space then you'll love everything that it has to offer. Just play it with eye protection on because its many explosions may singe your corneas.
RPGolf Legends provides a solid golf-filled adventure set in a lighthearted game world that's a joy to explore. Although its combat could use some major tweaks, you'll still have a fun time unlocking holes and completing quests as you save the sport of golf.
If you enjoy classic challenging 2D platformers then you'll certainly have fun with Jack 'n' Hat. Even though some parts will make you want to rip your hair out, completing the levels in their entirety is a rewarding task for anyone who relishes difficult platforming.
Genre newcomers will relish the intuitive gameplay of Eschatos with its simple scoring mechanics that make the relentless shooting action even more satisfying. Plus, the fact that a couple of charming bonus retro games are included is a treat.
The amount of characters in SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash is absurd and when you consider just how fun its battles are, you're left with a winning formula. Some aspects are a bit rough nowadays such as the cumbersome interface but it's still a good time.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with DYSMANTLE and am looking forward to exploring even more of its expansive zombie-infested world. If you take pleasure in crafting things while smashing up everything in sight, I highly recommend grabbing your crowbar and giving it a go.
Blackwind is an enjoyable twin-stick shooter that features intuitive gameplay and a wealth of satisfying moves. That being said, if its campaign was structured in a more comprehendible manner then it would be a much more fulfilling adventure.
Nobody Saves the World does exploration and variety exceptionally well. At the same time, its heavy flow of rewards with very little challenge involved often makes it feel like you're mindlessly and unskillfully pressing buttons just to get another quick dopamine hit.
Heaven Dust 2 is perhaps the most amount of fun that I've had with a survival horror game in decades. Its retro sensibilities are absolutely spot-on. Plus, the rewarding campaign structure and intuitive combat that requires some strategy make it truly stand out.
It may be simple but QuickSpot is a clever spot-the-difference experience that contains much more variety than you'd imagine. Throw in a solid multiplayer component and plenty of Namco references and you're looking at one nifty little game.
Demoniaca: Everlasting Night provides a rocking good time via clever combat-focused Metroidvania gameplay. It may be rough around the edges with many frustrating moments but there's still a lot of fun to be had within its demonic boob-filled heavy metal world.
There's no denying that White Shadows' atmosphere and visuals are the stars of the show so I sincerely want to see the developers make a second game that hopefully offers a lot more substantial gameplay and perhaps a narrative that's open to some interpretation.
Nova-111 is quite a treat of an indie and I'm happy that it's finally available for Switch. Exploring its alien worlds as you outsmart all sorts of tricky foes and progress past seemingly impossible situations makes for some rewarding Mystery Dungeon-like gameplay.
Sword of Elpisia provides some good old-school RPG entertainment and its cute pets really liven up its intuitive battle system. Plus, there's a memorable cast of characters and upgrading your gear is always a treat so check it out if you enjoy RPGs from the good old days.
Chorus provides both solid space dogfights with intuitive controls and a distinctly presented story that remains engaging throughout. It may have its maddening moments that hold it back from greatness but it's still an impressively promising original IP.
I enjoyed my time with Windlands 2, especially with its sense of speed as you fling yourself across huge locales which is an absolute treat. Even though it's a tedious experience at times and frequent unexpected falls can be annoying, I still recommend checking it out.
If you haven't played Tekken in a while then Tekken 7 Definitive Edition is one heck of a cool package with tons of characters and gameplay that's familiar yet refined. It may be missing things here and there but it'll certainly get you pumped for a sequel.
Rubber Bandits is one of the best competitive multiplayer games out there. Whether you want to challenge your friends locally or steal loot online, you're bound to have a blast with its wide range of silly scenarios and wacky weapons.
Dungeon Munchies is a clunky and repetitive game that will oddly get its hooks in you once you begin to understand its unconventional gameplay. It's still an irritating experience, though, but one that is somewhat endearing with its off-the-wall humour.
Timelie is an exceptionally clever puzzler that'll have you strategically dodging robot guards with a feline friend. If that sounds like your kind of game then definitely check it out but just make sure you have plenty of patience before diving in.