In the end, Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s a love letter to the challenging, no-nonsense games of the NES era, complete with all the frustrations and triumphs that come with that territory. The beautiful new graphics and satisfying ninja action make it a pleasure to look at and play, at least for those who have the patience to see it through. However, it’s not without its flaws. The controls could have been modernized, particularly when it comes to the more complex ninja moves, and the decision to force players to manage items in real-time during combat feels like an unnecessary nod to retro difficulty. A younger version of myself, with more time and patience, would have adored this game and relished the challenge of mastering its every nuance. But as I’ve grown older, I find myself with less tolerance for games that demand such a high level of dedication. That said, I still appreciate what the developers have achieved here, and I believe that retro purists will love this game for its authenticity and challenge. Casual players, however, might want to think twice before diving in.
Treasure Journey is okay. Not amazing, but there’s fun to be found. Navigating through the islands, you’ll find yourself immersed in a variety of clever puzzles that require both strategy and patience. The simplicity of the graphics doesn’t detract from the enjoyment; instead, it allows you to focus on the satisfying challenge of solving each puzzle. Treasure Journey proves that sometimes, a good puzzle and a touch of adventure are all you need for a delightful gaming experience.
Castaway may be short and may not bring much new to the table in terms of gameplay, but it has a lot of charm. From its nostalgic pixel design to its variety of difficulty settings, Castaway offers a pleasant gaming experience perfect for a warm summer weekend. Whether you’re playing alone or sharing the game with a younger player, the adventure feels worthwhile despite its brevity. Here’s hoping the game finds an audience so we can see more from this developer in the future.
Just Crow Things is another fantastic effort from Unbound Creations. The controls are easy to pick up, making the game accessible to all ages, and the overall experience is a sheer joy to play. Whether you’re soaring through the sky or causing crow-style chaos, the game keeps you entertained from start to finish. It’s worth noting that the casual nature of the gameplay might not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a more challenging experience. However, this is a game designed to be fun, to make you laugh, and maybe even to share that experience with a loved one. I’m incredibly happy with the time I spent playing Just Crow Things, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted, uplifting game.
Dice & Fold is extremely addictive. I mostly played the game on Steam Deck, where I could use the touch screen to drag and drop dice. I picked this game up expecting a run-of-the-mill roguelike, but before I knew it, 10 hours had passed, and my hair was more grey. The graphics may be a bit bland, but Dice & Fold absolutely nails its gameplay. Easily one of the best roguelikes I’ve played this year. Highly recommended.
Overall, I like Guayota. The game takes a different approach by drawing on lesser-known mythology and offering an experimental style of puzzle-solving that is incredibly rewarding, especially when you have the space to take in the level and figure things out on your own. What didn’t click for me was the aggressive use of traps and hazards, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, while the dark cave settings contribute to the game’s atmosphere, they can sometimes make it difficult to see what you’re doing. Despite these issues, Guayota is well worth trying if you’re open to something new and different and enjoy puzzle games. It may not be perfect, but its unique approach and rewarding gameplay make it a standout in the puzzle genre. A free demo is available on the Nintendo eShop if you want to try it out.
Star Wars Bounty Hunter successfully revives a beloved classic, delivering an experience that combines nostalgia with a few modern enhancements. The game’s engaging combat, updated visuals, and authentic Star Wars atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and action-adventure enthusiasts. Despite some repetitive elements and a lack of significant new features, Star Wars Bounty Hunter remains a solid addition to the Star Wars gaming universe. The re-release manages to capture the essence of the original while offering a fresh and polished experience for those trying for the first time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jango Fett or new to the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Bounty Hunter is still an old but good time.
Hannah’s Day is a cosy puzzler you can likely complete over the weekend. Its focus on a follow-your-dreams narrative and simple puzzles make it perfect for casual players. While the story didn’t entirely hit the mark for me, its positive message is one we can all get behind. Whether or not you decide to pick up the skateboard and ride with Hannah, her journey is a pleasant one. There is a free demo available on Steam to try out.
Valley Peaks is a climb up the mountain I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. Its unique climbing mechanics make each ascent a satisfying challenge, even when things don’t go to plan. After completing each mountain, I was eager to tackle another route or simply take in the experience of exploring the valley and chatting with NPCs, something not all games compel me to do. If you’re looking for a relaxing climbing game where you might learn a little about yourself in the process, I highly recommend Valley Peaks. A free demo is available on Steam for you to try out.
Abathor is old arcade action at its best. Rich, detailed levels with satisfying combat and platforming make this well worth picking up for anyone looking to take on its challenge. It’s certainly a challenge that may feel harsh to some players, but old-school arcade players would likely not have it any other way. For me, it felt like a game that took the excitement and instant gratification of an arcade game but felt appropriately adapted for modern players. Throw four players into the mix, and you have your next fantasy game night. Wearing costumes is optional. A free demo is available on Steam.
Stolen Hearts: Wolf Knight is a charming and challenging platformer that showcases the developer’s passion and creativity. While its difficulty might deter some casual players, those who enjoy precision platformers will find plenty to love. The adorable heart creatures, inventive level design, and satisfying mechanics make it a game worth experiencing. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of perfecting your runs or simply to enjoy the quirky, heartwarming adventure, Stolen Hearts: Wolf Knight is a gem that stands out in the crowded platformer genre. Just be prepared to face the Wolf King and maybe a few frustrating jumps along the way. A free demo of the game is available on Steam.
The Land Beneath Us ended up being a wonderful surprise for me. It is a clever mix of gameplay that plays like a classic dungeon crawler but adds clever mechanics to make the formula feel fresh and new. It has a great weapon upgrade system, a hefty amount of new moves and upgrades to unlock and addictive gameplay that’s very hard to put down. If you absolutely detest rogue-lite games, then maybe this won’t be the case for you. But if you are new to or experienced in this genre, then The Land Beneath Us gets a thumbs up from me on Nintendo Switch.
Cyber Citizen Shockman Zero is a solid retro platformer. Despite its age, it still offers plenty of fun. While it may not be the best in the series, it’s a great starting point for newcomers. With all four games now available on the Nintendo Switch, it’s worth considering for your next retro game night, especially if you can share the experience with a friend.
Overall, this is easily the best way to enjoy Parasol Stars on modern systems. For me, it’s probably not the strongest game in the Bubble Bobble trilogy. But in no way dismisses all the elements this game gets right. It is an upbeat action arcade game that you can enjoy alone or with a loved one. An art style that explodes positivity. And, of course, a few quality-of-life improvements to make this version of the game welcoming to old and new fans alike. If it’s raining outside, consider your next retro gaming session sorted.
Ghost catching never felt so good in a spooky yet positive experience. It’s a combination of two themes only Nintendo can seem to pull off. If you have never had the chance to play Luigi’s Mansion 2, then this is the best way to experience the game. There may not be a lot of incentive for players who invested heavily in the 3DS version of the game to return. However, I was left smiling from ear to ear through much of my playthrough playing Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. If your world is feeling a little dark these days, then maybe Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD will shine a light on your day for a few gaming sessions at a time.
Although I’m not overly familiar with the original arcade game, I really enjoyed my time with NeoSprint. A back-to-basics approach to a racing game with tight controls and fun pick-up-and-play gameplay to enjoy alone or with friends locally. The track editor also provides extra value, allowing you to exercise your creative skills or, if you prefer, just download other players’ tracks and enjoy them at your leisure. Content seems a touch lacking in places with no online play and new cars to unlock. NeoSprint took me back to a simpler time in the racing genre without the gimmicks, and I was very happy with the time I spent there. If nothing else, it is a highly recommended game night game with loved ones.
Mouse & Crane certainly does a good job appealing to its target audience. Excellent voice acting and a warm-hearted story which is warm and uplifting will hopefully capture their attention. The gameplay, though simple, feels engaging enough to exercise those little brains. The experience certainly feels most fitting to be played with a parent (even in single-player). Consider picking this up for your 4-7-year-old, and who knows, maybe this will create a warm memory for the two of you to cherish for years to come.
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles was a very nice platforming surprise. With huge open levels filled with things to do and places to explore, it’s hard not to be impressed by the game’s presentation. Things are a little let down by the game’s shallow combat, but I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun playing through this game. Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is an ideal pick if you’re looking for an instant pick-up and play platforming experience just to get lost in for a few gaming sessions. Throw in the ability to play with friends and you also may have a game night game to enjoy too. Don’t let this one roll on by, take a look and if nothing else add it to your wishlist. For many players, video games are just about having fun, and Bang-on Balls certainly achieves that.
I really liked Goliath Depot. Although it’s a unique idea, it feels like it would be worthy of its very own oversized cabinet. It’s pick-up-and-play arcade goodness that’s appealing to retro fans and even those dipping into the genre for the first time. Ideal for the busy gamer with only a short amount of gaming time to spare. There are also plenty of reasons to play, whether it’s to unlock new abilities, attempt a high score or even enjoy the experience with a friend. It falls slightly short of not allowing the player to customize difficulty. But if you’re just looking to revisit the arcade days but with something different, then be sure to check out Goliath Depot.
Astro Pig is quite the delightful puzzler that will most certainly appeal to those looking for a chilled-out gaming experience. Puzzles are challenging but not frustrating. With its relaxing vibes and soundtrack, this seems an ideal pick-up if you only have a short amount of gaming time to spare. The additional mini-games and the ability to create your own music only add to the charm of the game. If you’re looking for your next feel-good experience to enjoy with a good drink, Astro Pig will take you to the stars for your next gaming session.