I did find myself walking away in frustration a lot with Frogun. But at the same time, I did come back to try again. It really does get that old school feel down for better and for worse. I don’t feel you need nostalgia for the era of gaming it takes its inspiration to enjoy the game. Be aware though this won’t be a casual platformer that will suit everyone. Where Frogun wins points for me is its original design with the gameplay and Renate’s smile. For all the harm I put this poor girl through she was still smiling through the experience. And that honestly was lighting up my day even if I was getting mad at the game. For all its faults I loved the originality of the game, it’s different from what I have experienced past and present and that in itself gets a solid recommendation from me.
Xel hasn’t had the best launch on Nintendo Switch. The idea of a new contender to the Zelda like genre with a more futuristic feeling is something I have wanted to see for quite some time. But Xel isn’t quite up to the task, yet. The framework is here for a fun-filled adventure with a unique environment to explore but the bugs, glitches and poor performance are just too loud not to notice. There is hope though. We have seen other examples of games released in a bad state and the developers rolled their sleeves up and fixed them later. Hopefully, Xel will be one of those redemption stories. But it is not this day. I’ll keep an eye on this game for future updates. One day I hope this thumb can be turned the other way around.
There are not a lot of games that give much love to the Llama but Superola Champion Edition certainly ranks at top, provided you ignore all the farming sims out there. As far as tough platformers go I really liked how Supernola takes what I usually deem as a tired gaming troupe and turns it into an experience that had me coming back for more. Somehow, mixing simple pick-up and play mechanics and offering the player flexibility to conquer the challenges ahead proved to be quite the winner. I should still caution that this game won’t suit everyone. The meme-heavy humour may take it or leave it for some players. Usually, I dislike it in games but for some reason, I was kinda cool with it here. If you’re not into these hard-scrolling platformers or constantly repeating levels I doubt this game will win you over. Superola will make you laugh and rage. But if that sounds like a good combination prepare to be entertained.
LOUD is a bit lacking when it comes to the story but strums the right notes when it comes to its gameplay and soundtrack. It’s a short experience, that’s for sure, but a pretty good one that is accessible for all gaming audiences. If you want to rock out with some good tunes while trying to aim for a high score, be sure to check out LOUD. I certainly hope the developers come back with another music game in the future because this still feels like a genre lacking in the gaming sphere. Maybe just tone the teenage angst back a little next time.
Super UFO Fighter is a decent pick-up and play concept that will play well for players of all skill levels. The gameplay is solid, flying around in the ships and fighting with fellow players is a hoot. But with little on offer the novelty of the experience wears off incredibly quickly. It just feels like the game could do with a bit more of everything; bigger and varied levels, more players and maybe more modes. Maybe consider purchasing this if you need a quick gaming fix with a friend when you meet at the café. But if you choose to go for this one alone, I would miss your flight.
Legends of Kingdom Rush is a pretty great pick up and play turn-based RPG. It certainly suits the phrase of easy to pick up but tricky to master. Even though failure came frequently, I had a lot of fun replaying missions and altering my tactics and making different decisions on the next attempt. I didn’t feel there was anything groundbreaking about the formula here but all the cogs and gears to the mechanics just worked well. If you’re not the biggest fan of tower defense games then this might be the title that gets you into the series. Or if you’re new to the series this is not a bad place to start. Legends of Kingdom Rush is possibly the most legendary entry in the series. If you want to try the game for yourself be sure to check out the free demo on Steam.
Krut: The Mythic Wings could have been a really fun no thrill hack and slash platformer if it just tidied up some of its gameplay designs. It kinda feels like it’s just stuck in the past and not in a good way. This is a game that might have worked if it was released in the 90s on the Mega Drive. With combat that feels more of a slog than satisfying. Horribly cheap enemies and a maddening upgrade system make for an unpleasant formula that is hard to recommend even at the low price point on offer. The game has an excellent graphical style but this is one title based on mythology that I would rather read about than play.
At the end of the day, I may dislike 99 Fails Lite and could think of 99 things I would rather be doing than playing it. I can’t help but still give it a recommendation. The game clearly achieves what it sets out to do. It’s simple yet devilishly tough with a surreal but certainly memorable art style. If you can drag friends into the mix I can see you creating some interesting gaming memories that may strengthen your friendship but also equally break those bonds. For some, this will click and will act as a great prologue before the main event in Autumn 2022. Try it if you dare.
The return of the brawler genre to me doesn’t feel like anything new since the resurgence with titles like Castle Crashers back in 2008. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge manages to make itself stand out from the crowd, not just on nostalgia but by taking a look back at previous entities in the series and improving on the formula in practically every way. Sure, being a fan of the series will likely play a part in your incentive to purchase. Even as a brawler game the developer has really gone above and beyond with this title. If brawlers are not your thing or you have a deep-seated phobia of turtles this game probably won’t be for you. But if you need something to raise the spirits alone, with friends locally or online, you really can’t go wrong with Shredders Revenge. If you are anything like me you’ll be humming that famous theme song for weeks after playing this.
Firlgirl Hack ‘n Splash Rescue DX is a short but snappy rogue-lite experience that will really appeal to busy gamers that are not fond of the excessive grind seen in many modern rogue-lites. The downside to this is it does make the game a tad short. Although, there is no denying the uniqueness of the design that is sure to appeal to those looking for something different in the genre. Despite the game’s notable faults of which there are a fair few I found myself won over by this game and its general charm. All in all, when the fires are extinguished Firegirl maintains a spark in my heart that I will remember for years to come. And maybe it will for you too.
Kongeer is not going to set the gaming world ablaze with its general appearance. Although, for less than a modern cup of coffee to go this did provide me with some entertaining high score chasing fun for a few hours. Add a friend to the mix and you have a decent game to play locally for a game night. It’s still not a match for the big arcade hitters, but if you want to support the developer certainly give it a look. If Kongeer was actually released as an arcade cabinet I would totally put a few coins into this while I waited for my clothes to finish washing at the laundromat. If you share arcade memories like that then maybe you’ll create some new ones with Kongeer.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, is more of the same in terms of the gameplay but provides an excellent story that is sure to please fans of Star Wars or just fans of sci-fi RPGs in general. If you loved the first game this is an easy recommendation. If you’re new, play the first game and if it clicks jump on this one. At this stage, the game does have bugs that Aspyr is busy working away fixing. Maybe consider waiting for the free DLC which is on the way and will add extra content. But if you need that RPG fix this is still playable. KOTOR 2 is a gem of a game that has found a welcome home on Nintendo Switch. The force is certainly strong with this one.
Moo Lander checks all the points for a good adventure game. One can argue that some of the shooting is not as tight as other space shooters. And the challenge from the cow bosses may be a little steep for some gamers. For me, the controls and pacing have just the right amount of challenge. I decided to rate Moo Lander higher because it just goes that one step beyond with its memorable premise and excellent art and story presentation. Moo Lander is a game that’s easily going to stick with me for some time. When I do come across someone that asks the important question ‘what’s the best video game with cows,’ I’ll know where to direct their attention.
Souldiers has a lot of soul to it but it’s not an experience that will click with everyone with its unpredictable spikes in difficulty and slow start to the game. It feels like it could do with some balancing with the difficulty that the developers are working on, so maybe consider keeping this on your wishlist. After spending time with it, I did find an awful lot to like about this game. I’ll absolutely be checking in on the Switch version for performance updates and to play through as a new character class. At this stage, it feels like a hidden gem with some rough edges. If you’re able to look past them you will find a burning soul of joy in Souldiers.
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy is a game that you will get more out of, the more you put into it. This is a slow burn rogue-lite that’s not your typical pickup and play experience the genre is known for. Combat is a bit weak and the random encounters between areas can feel a bit unnecessary. But if you stick with the game and it gets its claws into you, this is an experience that becomes incredibly immersive and unique. If you have a lot of time on your hands and want an epic adventure that you make your own then I highly recommend Unexplored 2.
TOKOYO is a competent arcade high score chasing experience that will provide some decent small bursts of gameplay. The changing of the tower every 24 hours gives an incentive to dip in on a playthrough every now and then. But I’m not sure that’s enough to keep people coming back over and over. Upgrades lack a certain punch to them unlike the heavy-hitting roguelikes making runs generally feel pretty familiar even with the random level generation. If you love your arcade games and want to score-chase them I recommend picking this up. If you’re short on gaming time and very busy this is a pretty good gaming fix if you only have a few minutes spare before the train arrives at the station. Not the best roguelike experience on Switch but it has some quirky anime charm, check it out.
KnightOut has a really great concept for an enjoyable party game but I can’t recommend it in its current state. With all three modes combined together, this could make for an enjoyable package, that’s best played in co-op or competitive multiplayer. Messy controls, terrible performance and glitches galore just make this an uncomfortable experience to play. I noticed the game is on PC so maybe that version does function better. I hope the day will come when KnightOut will be polished up with extensive patches. Because I see a fun game under all these issues. It’s just not there yet.
Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 is a great collection of two classic RPGs which will keep you busy for a horrific amount of hours. The main niggle here is these games feel like straight ports with no real quality of life improvements added to the Switch version, which is a missed opportunity. If you have enjoyed these games before, there may be no need to double-dip unless you want to enjoy them again on a modern system and in portable mode. Both may be isometric, but each feels distinctly unique and different. You’ll also likely laugh at each game’s silly humour, which is always appreciated. If you’re looking for a long gaming project with a retro feel, then be sure to pick this up.
Wonder Boy Collection was an excellent trip down memory lane for me. I have continued to play these games on and off over the years. Now, having four of them in a nifty collection on Switch to take on the go when I have the Wonder Boy itch is great. This is a series of games that holds up very well especially if you love your retro adventures. The collection feels disappointingly incomplete offering only single versions of each game and lacking two very important entries. Still, whether you are new or old the wonder that is this series is still a worthwhile pick-up.
Kao the Kangaroo gave me the nostalgic feels of 3D platformers back in the day and it feels very refreshing today. It felt like seeing that old friend you haven’t seen since school and you’re a little nervous when you see them again. But after you get chatting you soon realize why you became friends in the first place. Kao is a solid collectable 3D platformer but doesn’t do much to evolve the genre. For most, that’s going to work just fine. Even if you have no experience with the series this game is a good jumping on point. Awful dialogue and some performance issues on Switch hold the title back though. But if you love your 3D platformers this is well worth bouncing on.