A.J. Maciejewski
It's been a long time since Shantae debuted and it did so on very limited console hardware so it's impressive how well it has held up even though its sequels are certainly much more enjoyable. Oh, and this Switch release acts as a lovely time capsule for fans, too.
As one of the most underrated games from its generation, NieR can now find a new audience who are sure to appreciate its jaw-dropping story, pitch-perfect tone, and super-rewarding boss fights.
As a more traditional 2D fighter, Touhou Hyouibana: Antinomy of Common Flowers will scratch your itch for 1-on-1 combat and it features a lovely presentation as well. However, the lack of content and instructions is surely a tough pill to swallow.
Saboten Bombers is a quirky arcade hidden gem that anyone with an affinity for retro gaming should play. It may not be as good as similar games such as Rod Land or Snow Bros. but it's still a worthwhile offering.
As far as silly games where you mess with people go, Rain on Your Parade is a solid indie that's sure to make you smile.
Indies don't get much funnier than Say No! More with its goofy story, pitch-perfect presentation, and laugh-out-loud situations.
Party games don't get much simpler than What The Dub?! yet its hilarious moments make it a must-have for those who love to laugh.
From its quirky presentation to its frantic gameplay elements, Bamerang will make a good addition to any multiplayer gaming playlist.
Fly Together! is a colourful and funny little party game that features an impressive amount of long-lasting cooperative multiplayer fun.
Super Fowlst 2 proves that flinging a chicken around dangerous environments can be fun even if you're not Colonel Sanders.
Watching a chick fart as you answer trivia questions sounds like something straight out of Idiocracy but playing it is undeniably fun.
The Game is ON may do an excellent job at pointing out the absurdity of English idioms but its puzzles will likely make you frustrated.
If Poison Control smoothed out its combat and performance issues while adding more interesting complexity to its gameplay then it could be quite a fun quirky little game. As it is, it's certainly charming but definitely difficult to recommend.
If you're looking for an intuitive arcade shooting adventure with rewarding RPG elements and a satisfying sense of exploration then you'll love what Astro Aqua Kitty has in store. Just make sure you stock plenty of weapons to deal with its impressively tough bosses.
Pac-Man 99 is not only an excellent battle royale game; it's also a lovely homage to all things Namco with tons of charming themes to play with. Throw in some clever single player challenge modes and you're left with one impressive package.
Oddworld: Soulstorm is the best 2D stealth puzzle adventure game ever made. From its variety of well-crafted gameplay elements to its sprawling levels that beg to be replayed; it's an incredible journey and with quite a touching story, too.
Arkham Horror: Mother's Embrace presents quite a cool gameplay concoction but it doesn't execute any of its elements all that well. If its concept appeals to you then you might have some fun but it'll still be weighed down by its hard to ignore shortcomings.
It Takes Two is a cooperative gaming experience like no other. Its gameplay sometimes takes a back seat to the overall spectacle of the adventure but even when that happens, it's hard not to enjoy every minute of this incredible journey.
If you enjoyed the first game then you'll have a blast with TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue HD. It's full of furry friends, loads of gameplay variety, and oodles of collectibles and upgrades that are supremely rewarding to unlock.
Playing Tank Brawl 2: Armor Fury will make you have flashbacks to Capcom's Commando albeit with much more firepower and finesse.