Pompom has the look and feels of a popular 16-bit 2D platformer. But with a unique take on the formula, it ends up as something really quite special. The developers took a risk having you protect the main protagonist rather than playing as them, leading to an experimental and enjoyable gameplay experience. This may even appeal to gamers that have never been fond of the 2D platform genre. Probably the best video game I have ever played starring a hamster protagonist. Be sure to give it a look.
I did not enjoy Pocket Fishing. It’s been some time since a game made me genuinely as miserable as this. Awful controls combined with bugs and glitches made this a game I can not recommend in its current state. Possibly, with some significant tweaking and optimization for the Nintendo Switch, this game may become a straightforward fishing game to enjoy in small bursts. But that’s not the game I played here.
Galaxy Bricks has a good idea for an arcade game, but its two design elements don’t combine to create an entertaining gameplay experience. In a different life, I know the difficulties with game development when you’re starting out, especially when you’re on your own. So, playing Galaxy Bricks took me back to the struggles I had creating my own game. I just don’t think this was ready to release on Steam. However, if you want to support a new game developer starting out, give it a look. Otherwise, this is an arcade experience you can easily pass on.
I do not recommend Notebook Ninja Fights. Even with its enormous faults, I can see the potential of this title, with its unique art design and potentially quick-to-the-point gameplay. Sadly, it seems the game that this could be will unlikely surface. According to Steam, this was originally released in March 2022 but recently patched this year to add controller support. It feels like a lot of work is needed to make this the fun ninja game it could be. What I find more confusing is that the trailer presents this as a more polished experience. In reality, that is not the case. As it stands, you don’t need to play Notebook Ninja Fights. You’ll find more entertainment doodling in your own notebook and imagining your own game.
As seen with many other simulators ported to Switch, this needs a lot of patching and tweaking to make it playable. Maybe if all that was fixed, this would be a decent experience. But there are so many better cleaning games on Switch you could try instead. Maybe the game functions better on PC, so if car detailing really is your thing, then consider looking there. For everyone else, you’re not missing out by passing on this. I found much more enjoyment cleaning my own car.
That’s basically Lost Dream: Darkness. A bland game where you walk from one point to another. This feels like a pretty good project for a new developer testing the waters in game development. The trouble is this does nothing to stand out; there are other better wolf options or walking simulators out there. As it stands, this is something that might catch gamers’ eye as a cheap pickup on the eShop. For me, I get more soothing for my soul by going for a walk and listening to the birds. This was not the meditation session I was looking for, leaving me more confused by the presentation of the game than relaxed.
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.
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.
Regina & Mac World is not a good game. Awful art design, terrible controls and generic design make this 2D platformer near impossible to recommend to anyone. This game was unpleasant to play in every aspect. Unless extensive patches are done later down the road I would avoid this at all costs.
War Truck Simulator should not be for sale in the state that it is in. There was a huge missed opportunity here to make something different and original but all the game ends up being is an awful PC port. It’s a reminder of why quality control is essential for game development. Do not buy this.
Lunch a Palooza has all the ingredients for a fun party game but the order we are given ends up being more of a food related disaster. Awkward controls, confusing gameplay and a level that causes motion sickness. This is a lunch that needs a lot more time in the oven before it’s ready for consumption.
I really scanned to find some redeeming qualities in Stone. But every time I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt the game pushed back. No challenge, bland graphics, audio issues, and incredibly short on content. While I admire the developer for chasing their passion project, I feel Stone needs a lot more polish in just about everything to make it a worthwhile purchase. It did remind me how awesome Night of the Living Dead is though, and that’s good.
The game is due to release on Switch later this year. I think some tweaks like comfortable text and a cheaper price point may make this more appealing to the most dedicated visual novel fans. If you want to try a taste of the game you can download a part of it for free on the IOS store and see if its for you. For me, I was left feeling disappointed.
Trident’s Tale is filled with strong ideas and pirate charm, but it’s not ready for prime time, at least not on Nintendo Switch. The technical issues are too glaring to ignore, from the blurry textures to the frame drops and janky animations. If a few substantial patches come down the line, or if the game sees a better-optimised release on other platforms or a potential Switch 2, this could become the fun, breezy adventure it clearly wants to be. Until then, consider holding off or checking it out elsewhere if possible. There’s a good game under the surface, but right now it’s buried under too many waves of performance problems.
Shalnor: Silverwind Saga is a competent but uninspired addition to the series. It doesn’t innovate or push the franchise forward in any meaningful way. The combat-heavy focus might appeal to those looking for a basic, low-effort action game. Still, for players who enjoy exploration, world-building, or engaging storytelling, it’s likely to feel barebones and repetitive. While the game is technically sound, and I encountered no major glitches, it ultimately fails to stand out. There’s a lack of excitement, depth, and surprises. For newcomers to adventure games, Silverwind Saga could serve as a gentle introduction to the genre. However, for seasoned players or fans of the previous entries, there are far better games to invest time in, including the previous Shalnor titles.
Bunny Mazes is a sincere effort that offers a large amount of content in a compact package. While it doesn’t break new ground or offer much variety, it has its moments of charm. The game’s simplicity makes it approachable, but its repetitive design and lack of depth may limit its appeal to a smaller audience. For those introducing younger players to gaming or seeking a low-pressure, straightforward puzzle game, Bunny Mazes is worth considering. For others, it might not provide enough to keep them engaged for long.
Three Six Nine is serviceable if you’re looking for a short-lived puzzle fix, but it’s closer to a casual Sudoku at the back of a magazine than a deep gaming experience. With no replay value and a basic presentation, it’s hard to recommend unless you’re really hungry for a puzzle fix. For the price, it’s fine if you want a one-night distraction, but don’t expect it to set your world on fire.
YouLogic has a solid premise, blending puzzle-solving with charming world-building. It is a good idea, but the unforgiving difficulty curve makes it less accessible to players seeking a more relaxing, wholesome experience. If you have the patience to overcome its trial-and-error design, YouLogic might be worth a shot. For others, I’d recommend trying the free demo first to see if the formula clicks. I appreciated what the game was trying to do, but in the end, it wasn’t for me.
Ultimately, The Pane Puzzle is… fine. It’s 100 straightforward panel puzzles served up at a low price, fine for casual players who want to relax without overthinking. Hardcore puzzlers might find it too simplistic, and the presentation could use a bit more polish. It didn’t leave much of an impression on me personally, but I can see its appeal to the Sudoku-and-tea crowd. Would I recommend it? Let’s just say this: if you’re looking for a game to pass the time without breaking a sweat, give it a shot. If you want something with a bit more depth or pizzazz, you might want to look elsewhere
Tic Tac Toe World does its job at a basic level, but it’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off. It’s inexpensive, so if you’re an avid fan of the game and don’t mind playing against an AI, you might find some enjoyment here, especially with the added modes like Colour Mode. However, for most players, this game lacks the features needed to stand out. The absence of local multiplayer makes it hard to recommend, and the lifeless presentation does little to win players over. For a more authentic experience, a simple pen and paper might serve you better.