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.
Taito Milestones for me is an awesome collection of Taito arcade titles that showcase more of the company’s early work rather than their best. It’s a collection that will certainly turn the heads of the retro gamers that are looking to enjoy these titles on modern systems. There’s a pretty good variety of games which is welcome but some will click more than others. To me this milestone collection showcases originality and risk taking from the era where video games development was in its infancy. It’s just a shame we don’t see much of that innovation in modern gaming today. Taito Milestones may not be the best of Taitos past but it’s still a blast to play.
Flat Kingdom scores a positive pass for me mostly thanks to its original take on game design and appealing paper craft graphics which I have always been a sucker for. But the experience is crumpled with frustrating jumping controls and a pace that just went a little too slow and formulaic for me. Everything works here with no notable glitches. If you are looking for a new original platformer it’s worth a look, but for me it’s just a few pages short of greatness.
Imp of the Sun is a shining beacon of light. The game feels like it has some limitations with its short length and repeated template to reach each boss. However, it feels like the developers took the budget they had and made sure not to waste any frame of this game. It plays well, sounds great and looks unique. Some gamers will expect more which is fine but to me, this title ticks all the right boxes for good game design. I very much look forward to the developers’ future work.
Take Off -The Flight Simulator was not for me, but I guess I want to conclude with some positives first. There are probably some gamers that will be able to look past this game’s faults and enjoy the experience for what it is. After all, there aren’t many flight simulators on Nintendo Switch. Though I would say this game sits more between arcade design and flight simulator. The game doesn’t feature any DLC and there is a decent variety of planes to fly. But despite all this, there are clearly better options if you have access to other consoles or PC. For me Take Off was not a flight worth taking.
Tunic left a very positive impression on me. I haven’t enjoyed an adventure game like this in quite some time. Tunic cleverly drops the player in its world and just lets them discover things for themselves without feeling overbearing or confusing. It’s a feeling I don’t think I have felt since the good old retro days. Most of all I left most sessions with a smile whether I made progress or not. If that sounds good to you, then I strongly suggest checking it out.
Onde ticks all the boxes for the relaxing video game experience. I wouldn’t say it’s the most memorable of these types of games I have played in recent memory and the bubble-like puzzle elements weren’t particularly enjoyable for me. Feeling just a bit too slow and tedious at times. Still, not all art speaks to everyone and everything Onde does it does well without notable glitches or hiccups. Onde is the video game equivalent of a nice warm bath that weaves the use of sounds into its gameplay. If you need to take some time out from the stress of the world this title certainly achieves that.
Wunderling DX really impressed me in the end. Going in I expected yet another run of the mill hard platformer but the concept here felt fresh and new and kept me hooked through the adventure. It’s also rare for me to feel compelled to return to previous levels to grab all the collectables. Also, high praise goes to the developers for not featuring a single buzzsaw. Readers of my work will know how much I love that tired troupe. Wunderling DX is just wonderful and you should give it a go. But if you still need convincing there is a free demo on eShop to try.
Time Loader is an enjoyable physics-based puzzle game that is short and sweet. Doesn’t break a lot of new ground but it’s a nice little robotic adventure that’s probably best suited to a nice Sunday afternoon or to play over a short few gaming sessions. Ideal for someone that hasn’t got a lot of game time on their hands or is looking for a casual and chilled out experience. For me, it was a pleasant trip back to the 90’s that was well worth the time. It reminded me to live for the now rather than in the past and the times I was present in this game I sure was content.
Move or Die Unleashed is a fun bite-size party game that will offer many laughs, many frustrations and possibly the odd naughty words now and then between friends and loved ones. A simple design that is easy to play for gamers of all skill levels. A package that’s easy to recommend if you’re looking for a title to enjoy a good game night in with. Time will tell if the online will keep the game going for those playing online. Provided there is the player base to back it up this could be a title worth considering for solo players. Something few party games can achieve. But as it stands, this is bite sized gaming fun at its best.
If you can adapt to the controls there is actually a pretty deep tower defence game to sink your teeth into here. It’s certainly more tailored to those looking for a challenge. If tower defence games have never been your thing this game most certainly won’t win you over. Not the best looking tower defence game I have played but probably one with some of the deepest mechanics I have seen in some time. PC may be the way to go with this title but if Nintendo Switch is your preferred option it does the job.
Moto Roader MC is a brilliant racer that I highly recommend if you’re looking for an arcade style fix. Racing games may have evolved a lot over the gaming years but I would probably pick Moto Roader MC over the competition. Sometimes simple still works just fine. An excellent game to enjoy in short bursts alone or with a bunch of friends. The game may be 30 years old this year but its fun core gameplay still holds up incredibly well. This port has converted very well to modern systems. It’s wonderful to see retro games continue to resurface and hopefully, the trend will continue.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing Hundred Days – Wine Making Simulator in short bursts. A low-level strategy game that is easy to pick up and play but has you as the player thinking about your next moves. Hundred Days does a very good job at educating the player and converting the wine production process into an enjoyable, management like game that is suitable for all audiences. Whether you like to drink wine or not, there is a lot to love here if you’re looking for a calming gaming experience. Is unlikely I’ll ever be able to retire from my job and go into the winemaking trade but this game will do just fine in its place.
I really wanted to like Derpy Conga. It has all the ingredients for a good wholesome game. Original gameplay concept, welcoming graphical style, a nice message and of course co-op. But the controls and odd bugs severely ruined the experience for me. With some patching to tidy things up a bit I can see this easily becoming the cute cuddly adventure of friendship it is meant to be. But in its current state, it’s not something I’d currently recommend.
MONARK is an original take on the strategy RPG with a mild horror twist. The graphics feel a bit muted and dull. But the game more than makes up for it with a deep risk-reward combat system. A highly recommended purchase for fans of the anime RPG genre, but, also a pretty good jumping on point for those looking to test the water. MONARK is a dark but endearing adventure that may just make you think twice about answering that mobile phone call from an unknown caller. If you want to try before you buy be sure to pick up the free demo on the eshop.
Never Alone is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library. A casual platformer that I highly recommend playing through in co-op with a loved one. You’ll laugh at the odd glitch, possibly cry at the emotional moments but also learn a lot about Alaskan native culture. If somehow you have yet to play this game, this is a great time to jump on. It’s a cold adventure but the warm fuzzy feelings will leave an impact for years to come.
Serin Fate feels like it has flown a little under the radar at launch which is a darn shame. I’ve tried to avoid making too many comparisons to the massively popular Stardew Valley because I feel Serin Fate is in a league of its own. Sure it has crafting and farming but these mechanics all feel unique and different. The controls feel a bit fiddly in places and it has a pretty high barrier to entry for folk new to this genre. But if you decide to sink the time into Serin Fate you really are going to be in for a magical treat that will keep you busy for absurd hours on Switch. Plus you get to take it on the go which is just brilliant.
Broken Blades has a very decent idea with its sword mechanics but unfortunately, the majority of the game lies in mediocrity. For the price point, it may make for an impulse purchase to enjoy for a few hours. But with such enormous competition on the eShop for your time this doesn’t feel polished enough to stand out. Patching could certainly tidy things up but time will tell. Broken Blades is not entirely broken but it’s also nothing special.
Webbed is a delightful adventure on Nintendo Switch. It’s an adventure that is bound to make you smile as much as entertain, Spider-Positivity if you will. Some may find areas of the gameplay frustrating in places but if you go in taking your time you will find a lot to love. Webbed is easily the best spider-based video game on Nintendo Switch. It’s refreshing to see an indie developer take a chance on something different. Webbed is a game with an immense amount of heart that plays great on Nintendo Switch whether you want to enjoy it on the TV or out and about on the go.
Rise of the Third Power is best suited to those looking for an RPG that requires a lot of thought and attention and have plenty of free time at their gaming disposal. The plot is very good in this game and the upgrade system is quite refreshing. But the battle for me was a slow grind to get to grips with. Maybe I’m just stuck in my retro RPG ways. But that’s not to say it won’t click with those that have the time to spend on this. I liked what this game was trying to achieve. I think the developers have done a very good job trying to step out of the traditional RPG formula. That in itself deserves extra praise in my book.