Iron Harvest Complete Edition is one of those games that I wanted to love but only ended up liking it. Although it features an undeniably clever setting and rewarding gameplay, it's also quite a struggle to fully enjoy at times.
Wings of Wor; oops, I mean Gynoug... is a solid shoot 'em up from the golden age of the genre with a clever magic system, stand-out bosses, and there are now interesting cheats to help modernize it all. So, if you enjoy shmups then give it a go, why not?
Super Sami Roll is a cute and fiendishly difficult platformer that genre fans who love a challenge will relish. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more casual and laidback collect-a-thon then you'll likely end up feeling too defeated to continue playing it.
To my delight, YUKI is my favourite VR game of 2021 so if you enjoy arcade-like experiences set in a roguelike structure then you should definitely give it a go. It's challenging, unique, action-packed, and its unlockables are hearty rewards; what more could you want?
Where Cards Fall is a worthwhile puzzle game that genre enthusiasts should definitely add to their gaming library. With clever mechanics, a lovely and slightly abstract setting, and well-done learning curve; it's quite a swell experience.
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars is the sort of game that you'll play when you want a slow-paced and relaxing adventure; for that, it's an excellent experience. However, it can sometimes be bogged down by its gameplay's own indulgent vapidness.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ghost Sync and if you love retro RPGs, I'm sure you will, too. With its intriguing premise, appealing female lead, and clever monster-possessing mechanic; this is one lovely little game.
For a console shmup from 1994, Cotton 100% has held up exceptionally well with its distinct style and enjoyable magic-based gameplay.
Panorama Cotton is more of a retro curiosity than it is a long-lost treasure but there's still no denying how charming its trippy world is.
Cotton 2 is much more than a sequel as its clever gameplay mechanics and striking visuals make it stand out as one unique shoot 'em up.
Cotton Boomerang takes the delightful Cotton 2 and reinterprets it into a much more action-packed experience that's a ton of fun.
Guardian Force may not be as charming as Cotton but it offers one heck of an enjoyable shoot 'em up formula that's sure to impress.
I can't believe that more people aren't talking about Monomals as it's clearly one of the best indie games on the Switch eShop. From its challenging and unconventional gameplay to its nifty music creation tool, it really is the bee's knees.
Demon Turf is one of the best 3D platformers in recent years and it even rivals recent AAA attempts at the genre. With spectacular gameplay, a huge campaign that's brimming with replay value, clever gadgets, and a gorgeous presentation; it's the whole package.
Black Widow has been around since the origins of twin-stick shooting and this Recharged iteration does a decent job of modernizing the arcade classic but it could have done more to make it hold its own among its genre contemporaries. Insert obligatory spider pun here.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy leaves an outstanding first impression but after playing it for a handful of hours, you'll realise that it doesn't really offer enough exciting gameplay to last its entire campaign. It's still a wonderful game to watch, though.
Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is up there with Stranger of Sword City, Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls, and Demon Gaze on my short list of favourite dungeon crawlers of all time. It may be gruesome and occasionally perplexing but holy hot damn, is it rewarding.
2021's Jackbox Party Pack makes me hope the company will take a year off in 2022, go back to the drawing board, and return with a stellar collection of games in 2023 that takes players back to why they loved the first Party Pack as much as they did back in 2014.
Mario Party Superstars contains tons of super-fun mini-games and a handful of beautifully recreated classic boards from the N64 era. You really can't go wrong with that so grab a few friends and party on, chums!
FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water blends its haunting world with rewarding gameplay to craft one outstanding horror experience.