A.J. Maciejewski
I wanted to love Dungeonoid 2 Awakening but only ended up liking it with its haphazard mix of brick-breaking and arcade-like progression.
The Legend of Steel Empire made me realise how much fun this classic shmup is all these years after its debut and that's rather special.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Witch Rise and if you like cute games that simplify existing gameplay formulas then I'm sure you will, too. Before diving in for yourself, just keep in mind how short it is and that certain aspects can be a little annoying to deal with. 🐷
Bulletstorm VR is a hilariously dated game that'll make you laugh as you blow crap up while listening to its stupidly macho cast of characters. However, it's so rough around the edges that I'd find it hard to recommend to even the biggest fan of '90s-era action flicks. 🔫
Yes, Go Mecha Ball can be tough but it's also one of the most immediately gratifying and unique indie formulas that I've seen in years.
It may not be an epic adventure like the first game but Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is filled with laughs, silly action, and lots to unlock.
Jett Rider is one of my favourite indies in recent memory thanks to its tight old-school gameplay and hilarious sense of humour.
Nephenthesys is the sort of game that you'll play whenever you want a quick and flashy shoot 'em up fix that isn't too taxing.
If you have a soft spot for cuteness and love finding hidden objects then you'll absolutely adore Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic.
Yes, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a good fighting game but its totes adorbs Grand Bruise Legends mode is what really won me over.
You don't see games like Crystal Project every day but I'm very happy that it exists with its awesome and rewarding blend of genres.
If The Cub were a TV show, I'd watch it but as a game, it's both very limiting and needlessly irritating. Its presentation really saves it.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is generally what you'd expect for a current-generation iteration of a 3.5-year-old game. There's definitely enough extra content and enhancements to make it worthwhile but only if you're not burned-out by the original. 🎸
DELTAZEAL is a superb shoot 'em up and this release is bolstered by top-notch commentary that shines a light on shmup development.
From its nifty scoring mechanics to its diverse characters and its awesome music to its sharp 3D visuals, Castle of Shikigami2 is great stuff.
As one of my new favourite shmups for Switch, BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted will make you feel like a force to be reckoned with.
Vertigo 2 is a weird game that can be off-putting for sure but once you get immersed in its odd world, you'll end up having a blast.
Ven VR Adventure is a solid 3D platformer with a mix of fun and frustrating moments yet it doesn't do anything particularly special.
I initially had a great time with Ancient Dungeon VR but after a while, I began to feel defeated by its repetition and lack of rewards.
Towers and Powers VR is one of the best tower defense games I've played which goes to show that the formula can work great in VR.