EXCELLENT - Usually with these kinds of releases, it’s common to see three or four really fun games and then one or two just okay ones, but I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of filler here. Since 2014, it seems Jackbox really has homed in on what makes a good party game. Whether your strong suit is writing, drawing, performing, or listening — whether you’re killing time with friends or streaming to thousands — Jackbox Party Pack 7 has something for the social gamer in all of us.
GREAT - The rough edges are there, but they’re for the most part very easy to ignore. Not only because this was a passion project from a single developer, but because the charming world and bright visuals make for a fun experience whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned veteran.
GREAT - Five years on from original release, Quiplash is still considered by many to be the quintessential Jackbox game. Its focus on creativity and personality gives it an unmistakably unique identity that welcomes both the clever and the crass with open arms.
GOOD - If you’re nostalgic for a simpler time in gaming, or you just need even more sponge in your life, Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is a remaster absolutely worth diving into. The level design and humor holds up incredibly well despite some clunky controls, and it really does give you that feeling of stepping back into the early 2000s for an afternoon.
GREAT - Despite the indie background, Spirit of the North feels like a master class in atmosphere and just how much you can do with it. Even with some noticeably rough edges, the world we get a glimpse into is beautiful, bold, and begging to be explored.
EXCELLENT - Saints Row IV was Volition intentionally jumping the shark with their own franchise and somehow taking it to new heights in the process. Fanfare for the Saints brand faded a bit thanks to both time and some poorly received spin-offs, but even still I’d say this is a game absolutely worth owning on the Switch. This was a dark horse game of the year contender back in 2013 and a cult following for the title continues to this day. It’s a non-stop sci-fi romp with as much heart as senseless explosions.
EXCELLENT - The Switch is a really good system for highlighting games that have aged well over the years and Skullgirls is a defining example of this. This was a landmark title from that period of gaming, and this port shows that love and support for the Skullgirls name has only continued to thrive. This is an absolute must-have for competitive gamers and anyone who loves a game bursting at the seams with personality.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Your favorite Disney characters star in an easy to pick up party game will never not be a fun time, and Disney Tsum Tsum Festival can absolutely bring the fun when it needs to. But so much more could’ve been done with the concept that it just feels underwhelming more than anything else. The loot box based progression and overall lack of content really hitting this issue home. If you have a small child that you want to get playing more Switch games, this is a solid enough family title, but its reach unfortunately doesn’t extend much further.
GREAT - While it’s definitely suited for a more casual audience, once you pick up New Super Lucky’s Tale it’ll be a hard game to put down. It may not be Conker, but this is an IP bursting at the seams with potential. The addictive gameplay and charming characters really bring it home. If you were curious about this once Xbox One exclusive, it’s definitely worth checking out.
GREAT - With Nintendo’s flagship Switch party title 1-2-Switch receiving mixed reviews at launch, Mario & Sonic 2020 may be the replacement to Wii Sports fans have been waiting for. It still suffers from some of that budget title awkwardness we all remember so fondly from the Wii era, but its new ideas combined with the refreshing of old concepts will wow and impress anyone who picks it up.
GREAT - If you were waiting for this game to appear on the Switch library to play it – play it. It is still an absolute joy to experience. Technical issues aside, this unique indie gem stacks up even against Nintendo’s most iconic titles. If you’re still looking for that true love letter to fans of late 90’s platforming, you owe it to yourself to check out A Hat in Time.
GREAT - Lego Jurassic World is an incredibly easy to pick up platformer. It’s a solid throwback to old school adventure games, and a super fun way to experience the story of the franchise. It’s definitely not as fleshed out as the more “Triple A” Lego titles, but this game shows a lot of love to the Jurassic park fandom and will have fans hooked almost immediately.
GREAT - Dad-joke in the title aside, Red Faction Guerrilla: Re-MARS-tered Edition is an excellent ride, one that breathes a rush of new life into a mostly forgotten franchise. Those who played the original absolutely owe it to themselves to give this title a second look, and new players just trying to hammer away at other people’s space-tech will be more than satisfied.
GOOD - The overall lack of polish on Saints Row: The Third is apparent, but it’s still a lot fun to jump back to a time where open world shooters weren’t overrun with loot boxes and forced online functionality. A bit more refinement would’ve made this a must-have title, but fans of customization, blowing up helicopters, and Burt Reynolds, should find a lot to like here.
GREAT - While its limited controls are a bit of a sour note, Vandals is a budget title with a refreshing concept absolutely worth looking into. Fans of turn-based RPGs will love the strategy and challenge involved, while puzzle fans will love its charm and easy to pick up gameplay.
MEDIOCRE - If you’re already a fan of Legacy Wars on mobile and absolutely need more of it in your life, this will definitely satisfy. Its limited features and lack of any real progression however, make it a hard pass for anyone outside that audience. There is a ridiculously good fighting game at its core, but it is suffering from a significant lack of polish in virtually every other department. An iconic name like Power Rangers deserves a far better console outing than this, and hopefully Hasbro wises up to this before they do something even crazier like try to port their mobile Diablo clone Power Rangers All-Stars.
GREAT - Fighting mechanical monsters will always be an absolute blast, and RemiLore brings it up to 11 with its bright style and irreverent charm. Those in need of a truly engaging hack-and-slash experience on the Switch will be right at home with this title.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Dragons Dawn of New Riders makes for an easy to pick up adventure/RPG and an entertaining romp through the Dragons universe. It’s not going to blow any minds, but fans of the series will love its charming presentation, while younger audiences will appreciate the game’s accessibility and light-hearted style.
GOOD - At a cool 40 bucks, Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends – Definitive Edition lives up to its namesake as the definitive way for fans of the series to experience Dynasty Warriors on the go. While its outdated visuals and overall lack of polish is a bit of a disappointment to see, the core gameplay continues to be rock solid and isn’t showing any sign of cracking soon.
Switch owners who pick up this title will no doubt fall for its clever gameplay, over the top charm, and array of adorable monsters to collect.