MEDIOCRE - While it’s the most ambitious motorcycle racing game that I have played, the limitations of the Switch and its controllers will make this a frustrating experience for many gamers. Unless you have no other choice of console and figure you can put up with the lower framerates, scaled back graphics, and difficult control because you absolutely love the sport then, by all means, give it a try because the craftsmanship of RiMS could be well worth it for you.
GREAT - With a nice divided focus between action adventure platform levels and chill farming sequences, you have a great gaming experience that should satisfy your button mashing battle hardened side and fill your calm, peaceful farming simulation needs all in one game.
GREAT - Challenging from the start, two characters to choose from, and music that brings the entire package together into an excellent RPG experience. Ys Origin does have its share of little annoyances, like equipping items and repetitive backdrops, but the positives outweigh the negatives enough to call this a solid and enjoyable foray into the world of Ys.
EXCELLENT - Being able to create your own RPG on the Switch for other players is absolutely in a league of its own with nothing else coming close to this kind of exposure or amount of tools available to realize your dream of becoming a game designer, writer, and developer. The advantages of taking the Switch everywhere you go and “code” at a moment’s notice is a game changer.
MEDIOCRE - A rather bland experience that is tainted by technical issues that almost render the game unplayable on the docked Switch, but made slightly better with some published workarounds. Once the game is patched and cleaned up it might be worth checking out, but I’m not sure that’ll be enough to make the game fun.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Overall, the story is worth playing through. It is touching and has an ending that is quite good. The manga panel presentation of the story telling is very cool, and the music is absolutely wonderful. However, with all the unnecessary padding, inability to destroy or at least incapacitate enemies, and the insanely idiotic control scheme that is enough to drive you crazy, it may not be worth the initial price tag of $30.
GOOD - Peaky Blinders: Mastermind is a good puzzle game with some cool time travel elements. If you’re a fan of the show, you can easily give it a half point extra for that since you’ll understand the characters and who they represent. For a non-fan, this game is still a solid puzzle experience and a good amount of fun.
WORTH CONSIDERING - With roguelike overhead maze levels that don’t punish you as much for failure, you can progress the game ahead every time you enter the gauntlet. If you’re really into taking care of a digital creature, searching for food to feed it and enjoy sweeping up poop then you’re in for a real treat. If none of these things sounds like fun, then look elsewhere for a fulfilling gaming experience. For what the game boasts to be, it does it quite well, it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea.
GOOD - If you’ve been hankering for a really good simulation game but are disappointed by the lackluster showing so far on the Switch, then give this one a go. It should give fans of the genre hours and hours of enjoyment and allows you to play it in a way that suits you. However, it’s not great on the portable version for those of us with less than perfect eyesight.
BAD - No. Just…. No. Find something else to play. Terrible controls on top of poor writing on top of confusing and boring gameplay makes Disaster Report 4 a game I wouldn’t pick up in the bargain bin where they give you 99% off.
GREAT - Overpass is a blast to play if you enjoy playing Gran Turismo style simulation driving games and less arcade feeling titles. I would associate this one more with Spintires: Mudrunners than any other type of game I have played. If you enjoy ATV riding in real life or have always wanted to give it a go, but can’t, this is the game for you and a very good one at that.
GOOD - The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics is a fun and interesting tactics title that will keep you entertained for many hours and will give you as much enjoyment as you want to put into it. Take your time and explore all that it has to offer by way of secondary jobs and learning the strengths and weaknesses of each character type.
EXCELLENT - A nearly perfect mix of action adventure and Metroidvania styling makes this a must have title for those who enjoy the side-scrolling, platform jumping, leveling up games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Metroid. There is a lot of fun to be had even if you don’t like those types of games because the jetpack really does add a layer of fun that you don’t get from a triple jump.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a high definition remake of a game that was originally released in 2005 and plays like it. Third person games from that era had camera issues that were really frustrating to work with so expect that going in. The story is cool and the character design is very good. If you can forgive the controls being very touchy then you can have a lot of fun with this game.
EXCELLENT - Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha is a fantastic shooting collection. Of course this comes with a slight disclaimer, because if you love shooters this will satiate your desire for many hours on end. If you aren’t a fan of the genre then you should pass this one up just like you have every other shooter in the past. This is fan service at its finest and should be handled as such.
EXCELLENT - Amazingly detailed Greek architecture world with intentional glitches, haunting music, and a brilliant story make up for one of the best puzzle games to ever grace the Switch or any system.
GREAT - On the Switch it just doesn’t get much better for tactical JRPGs. This is one of the best in the Disgaea series and shouldn’t be missed. In some ways I’m glad I passed it over the first time around because now I get to experience it as a brand new game on the Switch, where I can play it anywhere I like.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Catan is about what you’d expect from a board game translation to a video game system. It’s fun, challenging, and it really is excellent for strategy formulation in different situations. I liked it for testing out theories I had about how settlement placement would play out and whether or not certain tactics I thought up would actually translate into a win. If you are a fan of Catan, I think you’d be very pleased with this title.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Time limits and ridiculously repetitive gameplay are the bane of Lapis x Labyrinth. The redeeming qualities are the explosive Fever episodes and the totem pole like party formation. After the first area, the game’s difficulty spikes and can make for some frustrating failures. Proceed with caution, but for the right type of player it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
GOOD - Silence is an adventure game in the point and click genre. The story is interesting and keeps you entertained even though some of the gameplay bits are annoying and don’t work very well. The voice acting and scenery is done very well and helps keep you engrossed. Definitely a good pick if you love this type of game.