The best parts of Cattails are when you're just getting to take in the scenery, hunting some field mice, and then chatting with other cats. There's so much charm in the sprite work and dialogue, so it's all the more disappointing when you're cast into dull combat exchanges simply because a RPG needs fighting. Some variance from the traditional survival game design would've been appreciated, as it stands as a charming survival title that can't quite measure up to the best in the genre. Still, you can do far worse, and who will really complain about getting to be a cat for a while?
If you don't mind paying the extra premium, though, then you'll find a satisfying experience in The Room. Sure, the game isn't quite the innovative title it was in 2012, but the puzzles are still challenging enough to leave the player feeling like they've accomplished something once they finish the epilogue. It's a worthwhile addition to the Switch's library, and fans of other "escape-the-room" titles will get a real kick out of it for the few hours it lasts.
The gravity mechanics are certainly cool to see, but they aren't exactly innovative or game changing enough to overcome the shortcomings after the initial allure wears off.
Much like its 1993 predecessor Mutant League Football, the game is a very clear variation upon the established Madden formula. The main differences come in the form of how Mutant Football League embraces the core violence of contact sports.
Soulblight is a largely disappointing experience. Hopefully My Next Games can take what works here (namely the morality-based systems) and apply it to a future effort, but this current action game isn't enjoyable in the slightest. It doesn't bring anything new to the genre, and isn't polished enough to stand besides the better offerings already available.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is really a title that begs for a sequel. As a proof of concept, it's an absolute success
If there's one takeaway to be had from the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle, it's that genre-themed compilations aren't the best way to repackage these classic titles.
Path of Motus is proof of the very concepts it preaches throughout.
While the Nintendo Switch version of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy may not look quite as dazzling as its counterparts, there's no denying that it's bolstered by being available on a portable system.
While the latest package of Ikaruga isn't quite the grand celebration it should be for a classic title, Treasure's shooter has aged fantastically well. The puzzle-like shooting is just as thrilling and demanding as it was back in 2002, and it's sure to challenge any fan of shooters. Ikaruga's themes of polarity help it stand out from the bullet hell crowd, and make it one of the finest shoot 'em ups that can be purchased on Switch.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is far from Arc System Work's best fighter, but it remains a very fun diversion.
Maybe check back in a few months...
While fundamentally sound, Azure Reflections struggles to truly captivate players due to its disappointingly short levels. The enjoyable boss fights and a cute aesthetic manage to salvage the experience for those that love a good shoot ‘em up, but it’s far from an essential offering within the genre.
Racism and slavery is bad, folks. You can probably figure that out without playing Detroit, and if you can’t then David Cage’s writing isn’t going to change your backwards thinking in any way.
A story of three androids.
It's a polished rhythm game with a really enjoyable look to it, but there's just little replayability for a genre that is built upon that principle. This certainly won't give anyone their Elite Beat Agents fix, but it does show that the touch-based rhythm games are right at home on the portable.
Super Daryl Deluxe could be something really special if it was better curated, but there's simply too much fluff for it to be at its best. Developers need to remember that sometimes less is more, and that it's better to leave players wanting more rather than wanting to bounce before the credits roll. There are some great ideas here, and some really funny writing, but the good moments are all surrounded by a bunch of middling ones.
It's really too bad that MLB The Show 18 launched in its current state. Nearly everything about the game, from how it handles difficulty to making sure every part of baseball feels dynamic, is handled brilliantly and is the result of years of hard work coming together. That amount of polish makes it all the more jarring that Sony has failed to get the online working right after so many iterations of this yearly series. It very well might be the best baseball game ever made, but it has to come with a huge asterisk at the moment.
A Way Out is a true achievement in game design. Not only does it manage to take players on a true journey of emotion, it does so in a way that is only possible through the medium of video games. It manages to do something truly special by making two players to cooperate for an extended amount of time, and the discussions that happen on the couch or over voice chat can be just as revealing as the game itself. Josef Fares and Hazelight have undoubtedly raised the bar for co-op gaming.
While it's slightly disappointing to see so many members of Yakuza‘s great ensemble cast take a back seat in Yakuza 6, it ultimately works out for the best. Song of Life is Kiryu's story and focusing on something larger would only be a disservice to one of gaming's most fully realized characters. It's only fitting that he bows out in Ryu ga Gotoku Studio's most mature and focused game.