Craig Majaski's Reviews
GREAT - Rune Factory 4 Special is one of the most addictive games I’ve played on the Switch so far. There’s always something to do, whether it’s growing more crops, crafting new gear, forging new relationships, fighting off monsters, or exploring new realms. Average graphics and slight control issues aside, this is a pleasant surprise and one of my favorite games of the year.
GOOD - Psikyo Shooting Stars Bravo includes six classic games of varying quality. My personal favorite was the side-scrolling shmup Samurai Aces II: Tengai, with Gunbird 1 & 2 also high up on my list. I was surprised and delighted to spend time with Gunbarich, a brick breaking Arkanoid clone. With limited lasting value this collection is still a fun time…while it lasts.
GOOD - Stories Untold combines the old-school text adventure with modern day sensibilities. This one isn’t for the action fans out there – you’ll be mostly reading and solving small puzzles to progress. With four different stories and point and click interactions, fans of adventure games should consider picking this one up.
GREAT - Luigi’s Mansion 3 features stellar graphics and amazing music, creating a charmingly spooky experience that’s dying to be explored. Each floor features unique environments and stylish ghosts that are fun to interact with. Awkward controls that may take some getting used to and weak rewards for solving puzzles (money that serves little purpose) drag down what is otherwise an excellent candidate for Switch game of the year.
GOOD - Normally when a company goes through the trouble of converting a game to HD they choose the best in the series, but Sega has decided to bring Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD to current video game consoles. While not a bad game by any means, I think most would consider the first two GameCube games the best in the series. This one is still just as zany and does deliver in the fun department, but sensitive controls, needless boss battles, and ho-hum multiplayer mini-games hold it back from true greatness.
GREAT - Developed by the studio that brought us Snipperclips, Tangle Tower is a highly entertaining whodunit murder mystery that’s sort of a cross between an interactive graphic novel and a point and click adventure game. It features fantastic art and animation combined with a truly amazing soundtrack and superb voice acting to really make the experience memorable. By the end I was yearning for more – and hopefully I’ll get it in the future!
MEDIOCRE - It pains me to score The Jackbox Party Pack 6 so low because I’m truly a huge fan of the series. Normally at least two or three of the five included games are a blast, but this time around only one (Trivia Murder Party 2) really delivered the goods. Some may find a few more of the included games worth their time, but overall I can’t help but be disappointed.
GREAT - Trine 4 offers up fun and engaging gameplay for up to four players simultaneously. The game is more fun when played with friends, so be sure to invite some over and spend a few nights going through the various worlds, which are beautiful to behold!
EXCELLENT - The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a fantastic experience from start to finish. With an incredibly adorable art style and stunning soundtrack the most noticeable upgrades, it’s the improved control scheme that really makes this game more approachable than ever before. Newcomers can expect at least 15 hours of game (more if you want to collect everything), whereas veterans should have no trouble blowing through the game at a much quicker pace. The value will be in the eye of the beholder, but after seeing the credits roll I felt the $60 price tag was more than fair.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Jet Kave Adventure checks all the boxes for what a sidescrolling action platformer should be, but it doesn’t go above and beyond to create a lasting impression. What’s here is solid and there are some fun levels to play through. The soundtrack is pretty boring, but the graphics are pretty to look at and the jetpack gameplay mechanic is enjoyable. This is a good pick up if you’re yearning for more platforming on a system filled with platformers.
GREAT - Torchlight II is a great alternative to Diablo III on the Switch. It carries a Teen rating, which is more appropriate for younger gamers and a great introduction to the dungeon crawling loot RPG genre. A lack of local co-op on one Switch is a bit disappointing, but the four player online co-op more than makes up for it.
WORTH CONSIDERING - Remothered: Tormented Fathers tries hard to be a mix of Silent Hill and Clock Tower, but doesn’t quite pull it off. The presentation feels low budget and the gameplay becomes stale way too quickly. Still, fans of suspenseful hide and seek games might get a thrill out of this one.
EXCELLENT - It’s not often that a current day indie game can meet or exceed the IP its drawing inspiration from, but Blazing Chrome somehow manages to perfectly capture the Contra III essence with some modern day sensibilities thrown in. If you enjoy 2-player co-op run and gun shooters, this one needs to be on your Switch right now.
GREAT - The wait for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was completely worth it. The Switch version is still plenty of fun to play but is marred with some technical issues at the time of this writing, which holds back its overall score from being even higher. Those that can overlook these issues will find a compelling adventure game filled with secrets and content that should give most gamers over 20 hours of playtime.
GREAT - The originator of the 2-player run-and-gun genre still holds up today. With more Contra than anyone asked for, there’s plenty of aliens to keep you busy for days on end. Be sure to hand a Joy-Con to a friend for maximum enjoyment!
GOOD - Team Sonic Racing is a fun alternative to other competitive racers on the Switch. It features bright and detailed graphics, easy to learn controls, and a cool team-based approach to racing not seen in other titles. It seems a little sparse on tracks and characters, but perhaps we’re just spoiled by MK8 Deluxe. It’s well worth the $40 asking price!
GREAT - Fans of the Castlevania series will surely fall in love with this collection. It chronicles the early days of the series (the first ten years) and features some amazing classics. Just the inclusion of Kid Dracula is worth checking this one out and Super Castlevania IV makes it a must-own.
GREAT - Picross S3 is the best so far on the Switch. It adds in color for some of the puzzles and the Clip Picross mode is a genius way to keep players engaged in unlocking new panels. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran, this one’s a keeper!
GREAT - SteamWorld Quest is a wonderful card-battling RPG that features slick graphics, wonderful music, and easy to understand combat mechanics. Even if you typically avoid these types of games you should give this one a shot. Its charming characters and fun strategic gameplay are sure to keep you coming back for more.
WORTH CONSIDERING - I had high hopes for Trüberbrook. With its unique graphics, surreal setting, and sci-fi point-and-click adventure I figured it would be right up my alley. Unfortunately clunky and slow controls combined with so-so puzzles and uninteresting dialog made for a slightly above average affair.