Marc Deschamps
Planet Alpha is a truly special title. It's gorgeous to look at, the puzzles are clever, and the challenges will give gamers a strong sense of reward. While the lack of direction and visibility difficulties will grate on the nerves of some gamers, it's a truly an impressive experience on Switch.
With a script co-written by classic Avengers scribe Kurt Busiek and a plethora of new heroes and villains to play as, Marvel fans of all ages will find a lot to love.
Some might admire the fact that Sigi doesn't linger, but with a difficulty level that stays low and doesn't ramp up until the very last boss fight, there just won't be enough here for most players to justify a purchase.
Despite some notable flaws, the game's real-life developer will likely see a much better fate in the video game industry. I know I'll be interested to see what Catalin Marcu delivers next.
Lost in Harmony is a solid take on the rhythm genre.
The concept of losing one's sanity is perhaps one of the most relatable fears of all. Layers of Fear: Legacy captures that idea in a way not seen in gaming since the days of Eternal Darkness.
A gorgeous and unique platformer!
Late Shift is the latest example of just how far the FMV genre has come since the days of the Sega CD: the production values are insanely impressive, the narrative is interesting and the acting is strong.
The Bunker won't appeal to players looking for a long, deep experience. It's short, and the interactive elements are sparse, with little punishment for making any mistakes. Horror film buffs will likely appreciate the game's strong narrative and its atmospheric tension, though. If you fall into the latter category, The Bunker is certainly worth checking out on Switch.
Some players will get frustrated having to figure out the puzzles in the exact way the game dictates, and they can get a little monotonous at times, but the game's style and humor will make most Pokémon fans grin from ear-to-ear. Hopefully the live-action film will produce similar results.
The challenge is certainly steep, but the accompanying sense of accomplishment should please many old school purists.
When my time with A Normal Lost Phone was finished, I had to digest it all. I was left with no more questions; the game does a good job of wrapping things up. But it's the kind of game that lingers with you, and it's one I imagine will remain with me for some time.
Fans that already made the trip to the Alola region might find that it takes a while to get to the juiciest new additions to the game, but diehard Pokémon fans and those that held off on Sun and Moon will find a lot to enjoy.
With some minor tweaks, The Coma: Recut could have been a masterpiece, but, as it stands, it's just a fun horror title for those that can overlook its flaws.
For diehards and the uninitiated, it's hard not to recommend Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack.
The Mummy Demastered gives Switch owners a Metroidvania style game, while also delivering an experience that brings in some twists of its own. It has a few small warts that hold it back from the classic status of the video game franchises that inspired it, but the fact that can be said for a licensed game in 2017 is nothing short of remarkable.
Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition is a fine addition to the Switch eShop.
It might not offer enough incentive for fans that have revisited these games ad nauseam, and some offerings holdup a lot better than others, but the compilation offers perhaps the best way for passionate fans to revisit a handful of classics.
Lego City Undercover is a solid offering from Warner Bros. and TT Games. It doesn't offer an experience all that different from previous Lego titles, but the jump to the Switch hardware does make it a step up from many other Wii U and 3DS Lego offerings. The game does suffer from some technical warts, but for those that never made the trip to Lego City, this is certainly the best way to experience it.
Snake Pass won't be for everyone. Getting a strong handle on the controls takes some time, and frustration can mount as Noodle plunges over-and-over again to his demise. Players who stick with it, however, will find a rewarding game with beautiful visuals and a soundtrack composed by one of the industry's greatest. Early into the system's life, Snake Pass is one of the finest games currently available on the Switch's eShop.