I just wish they had taken a bit more time to think about how all the elements fit together. The actual design of Returnal is problematic. While I was willing to push through that most of the time, I wish I didn’t have to. This game is going to be a home run for many players. The core gameplay is stunning, and if you can sit back and enjoy the ride, you may love it. Just prepare yourself for what you’re getting into. The quality of Returnal makes me enormously excited for what Housemarque can do with higher budgets and modern games. I just hope they learn some lessons here to make their next title even better. Arcade is dead. Long live arcade.
Kaze and the Wild Masks is definitely derivative and could have used a bit more originality to stand out. Still, I can’t imagine players who love the Donkey Kong Country series not taking to it. With excellent controls, tons of character, and a great look, it’s just a great play from start to finish. It’s almost like this is the fourth Super Nintendo Donkey Kong game we never got, only with a modern coat of paint and just enough updates to feel like it belongs in 2021. If that sounds like it’s down your burrow, then Kaze has an adventure for you.
This isn’t to say that I don’t recommend Cultist Simulator. I find its depth and focus on exploration and letting players find their own way fascinating and the many stories contained within demanded my attention. I’m glad I finally had a chance to check it out in any form and if that sounds up your alley, there’s a game in here worthy of your time. I have a much harder time recommending that you play it on the Switch, though, and would only recommend checking out Switch version if you don’t have any other way to play it. You simply have to put up with far too much to get to all the good contained within.
There are interesting concepts at play here and I definitely understand why the team behind Interrogation were inspired to create it. It looks great with a black and white, noir-like visual style which really lands. From gameplay to messaging, though, Interrogation fails on almost every other level. Some of the more insane scenes that show up are something to behold but not for any sort of good reason. Don't be deceived into thinking Interrogation is worth your time.
I don't want to seem too down on Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition. LEVEL-5 included all of the original version's DLC while adding a ton of additional content and there's a lot of game here for your money. For the most part, you'll spend your time solving pleasant puzzles, enjoying a pleasant story, and having a pleasant time.
There are plenty of titles that share some common DNA with Manifold Garden but when it really gets into the zone, there's nothing else on the market like it. It brought out feelings in me I've never felt from a video game. I demanded others I know experience it in a way I haven't since the first time I tried VR. At its best, I forgot I was playing a video game, surrendering completely to the audio and visual experience while taking on challenging but not overwhelming puzzles.
As fun as Columns II can be, the poor difficulty curve and lack of online opponents don’t make it the easiest game to recommend. Before long you’re left with a still rather simple puzzle game on a system which has an overwhelming number of strong options in the genre. The first and third Columns titles are even available as part of the Sega Genesis Classics collection on the Switch.