It’s streets ahead of the existing post-game, and thanks to the better realization of the Wild Area concept, I feel comfortable calling it an improvement on Sword and Shield’s biggest feature. It may not be a game changer, but the Isle of Armor still manages to be both an enjoyable slice of Pokémon and a satisfying taste of more to come.
Every bit of felt or wood is worth admiring here, as are the cards and pieces that call them home.
How much you get out of Cindered Shadows will depend largely on what you enjoyed about Three Houses. If you want further exploration of Garreg Mach and Fodlan’s histories, a few new playable characters and classes, new facilities for your main save, and a concentrated dose of Fire Emblem; it does its part and then some. However if you were taken in by the multi-faceted narrative and freer customization of Three Houses, or expecting more on its cast, then you may walk away from Abyss disappointed.
With more story, extra unlockables, and the battle improvements and additions; Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore stands as an across-the-board improvement for an already worthwhile JRPG.
Thankfully, the spirit of Pokémon (of catching and collecting these monsters while aiming to be the very best) is alive and well — perhaps more than it’s ever been in a single pair of games. It just comes at the expense of pushing the franchise forward in other areas.
The game may not break new ground, but it refreshes the series with its new offerings and an entertaining story. As a pack of multiplayer offerings, it rightfully takes its place on the podium.
This series was long overdue for a console return, and in that way the game succeeds.
This is a lovely game with a dedicated button for blowing kisses. It may not be the best it’s ever been here, but A Hat in Time on Switch is most definitely still cute as heck and worth taking notice of.
From start to finish, Link’s Awakening was a delight. Its setting, cast, and quest stand apart from the rest of The Legend of Zelda series; and with its gorgeous visuals and added conveniences, it marks the perfect way to revisit this Game Boy classic.
Developer House House has something unique and engaging here for sure, and everyone should give it a try.
While it falls into some trappings both general and unique, its inspired design choices in combat and the wealth of customization it provides makes the game stand out even amongst other Nintendo published titles. It can be intimidating at times, but Astral Chain is a game anyone with a Switch should be investigating for themselves.
River City Girls might not have the surest footing, but it still hits hard and looks cute doing it.
For anyone looking for a game that will hold them for weeks and potentially even months on end, Fire Emblem: Three Houses will be happy to educate you on the fine points of strategy RPGs.
Even with other puzzle fighters out there, Crystal Crisis manages to make a name for itself and stand out with its unique mechanics and roster.
If it isn’t already abundantly clear, Cuphead is an achievement of a game both for its inspired and delightful presentation and the refreshing difficulty of its cavalcade of characters, making this a swell shakedown from start to finish.
All things considered though, I prefer the Wii original as-is because of its simplicity. Even with a lot of the new content being optional or avoidable, the loss of screen real estate on the handheld and the Wii’s seamless multiplayer being left out on 3DS makes this only the second best yarn based Kirby game you can play. And that’s still a compliment.
The hundreds of puzzles here kept me playing for several hours, but it can’t be overstated how the real strength of Baba is You lies in its concept. Rules and logic are everywhere in video games, and by giving some measure of manipulation over them in truly inspired scenarios here it’s become a Nindie worth thinking over. Or to put it another way — Baba is Great.
With its gorgeous visual aesthetic and downtempo pace, it’s the kind of game you want to play wrapped up in your blankets with the lights low. This bedtime story doesn’t shy away from darker subjects and star-crossed developments — it wears them proudly, making the game stand out amongst its contemporaries.
It offers up everything I expected from a game inspired heavily by Advance Wars, plenty of its own sparks of brilliance, and a presentation that made even the longest of conquests easy on the eyes and ears.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey brings the Bros. and their number one enemy back for a fun adventure that goes micro, macro, and everywhere in between. Carried by just how enjoyable Bowser is, the strong theming that affects both story and gameplay, and the always splendid battle system; it brings an already great game back for an encore.