Dusk Diver 2 wasn’t quite the 1, 2 punch it could have been. The biggest critique of the experience lies in its enemies and boss battles with enormous health bars leading to incredibly boring encounters marring the overall game experience. If I move this aside the game does so much right. An intriguing cast of characters and a plot I felt invested in. The combat system itself is fun to experiment with, with multiple unique playable characters. If you’re a fan of the first game I can see you overlooking the game’s flaws and finding incentive to return to this world. If you’re new and curious I would probably suggest trying the first title before jumping into the sequel. I like Dusk Diver 2 but I would have loved it if the combat was less of a chore.
I liked Cursed to Golf but I didn’t love it. I was won over early with the game’s charming art style and loveable ghostly spirits. But when it came to playing golf I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I was telling myself I should. The levels are long and become very unforgiving the further you make your way through. This requires a lot of time and patience from the player. Maybe I’m just not ready to ascend yet. Even though it didn’t click with me I can see this being a welcome challenge for others. If you’re looking for a fresh new roguelike with that challenge then Cursed to Golf will keep you busy for many gaming nights to come. Not a hole in one but far from a boogey.
Islets may look like it follows the basic adventure game template. But within the first hour of play you can see it’s so much more. Islets did what few games tend to do, it took me on a gripping adventure of mystery and intrigue. I met memorable characters, fought huge bosses and, most of all got, kind of emotional in places. If a game is able to do that then I could only think of one fitting rating to give it. Of course I’ll step back and admit not everyone may have this experience. But if you love your 2D adventures Islets ticks all the boxes whilst offering a few new sounds on the formula itself, with its regular upgrades and air travel segments. I may have reviewed this on PC but when finances are agreeable I’ll be picking this up on Nintendo Switch too.
Video Game Fables is an example of a game you shouldn’t judge by its cover or in this case graphical style. It’s clear the solo developer has put a lot of hard work into creating this world whilst adding some unique flavour to the RPG mechanics with its levelling system and use of critical moves. With flexibility in the levelling system, it allows the player to really create the RPG experience that suits them. Sure the game has a little grinding and some sections feel they go on longer than needed. However, the sheer originality and effort on display here, is why I decided to give this the highest recommendation. I found plenty to love and hopefully you will too.
I really enjoyed Blossom Tales 2. But it does just feel more the same. It is a new story, a new map to explore, new NPCs and some new items. However, it doesn’t feel like much of a leap from the first game. It also heavily leans into Zelda inspiration with its overall feel from the cheerful noises made when opening a chest to collecting four heart pieces to gain a new health block. There’s no harm in being like Zelda but when Blossom Tales 2 has the chance to be different, like with the choices you make during the story it just doesn’t lean into it enough. Despite all this Blossom Tales 2 is a sequel that plays it safe yet still succeeds thanks to its tight gameplay and exploration. I will admit I found it hard to put down, the game sucks you in and doesn’t let go. It may be familiar but it works. After all when I buy my Wife the same red gerberas, years after being together she’s still happy, so maybe consider buying this as a gift for a loved one. Blossom Tales 2 is still a vibrant colourful flower on the Nintendo Switch and well worth your time.
Mega Man Battle & Fighters on Switch is a great way to enjoy a retro classic without paying a horrific amount of money to obtain an original copy. The emulation is solid but don’t expect any modern improvements to the actual game. This is unapologetically retro in design just the way it used to be. With that in mind, this will not suit everyone. Retro gamers and Mega Man fans though it’s probably your sworn duty to go on the eShop and purchase this so we can get more Neo Geo Color games to the system in future.
Turrican Anthology 1 & 2 is the best way to enjoy the Turrican games on Nintendo Switch provided you don’t mind the steep price tag. I guess you could always ask a loved one to buy it for you for your next birthday or Christmas. But if you do take the plunge you’ll be treated to solid emulation and controls which have been brilliantly adapted to the Nintendo Switch. Some Turrican games are still sadly absent but as it stands this is retro gaming at its finest whether you are a Turrican veteran or discovering it for the very first time.
Arcade Paradise was quite a nice surprise for me. Trying one of these simulators can often feel like a roll of the dice. Not only that these types of games feel very marmite to gamers, some will love them some will hate them. A few glitches and bugs hold the game back from two thumbs up. However, there is something to be said for a game that turns tedious chores into something entertaining. I loved running the laundromat probably more than one should. But setting that aside the wide variety of arcade games to play alone in this experience is better than some retro collections available out there. 90s kid or not I found plenty to love in Arcade Paradise and see myself continuing to play it in the future.
LootLite is another example of a roguelike that’s perfectly fine and entertaining but doesn’t tread much ground from what’s come before. It’s an example of a coffee game except this one has roguelike sprinkles and a dash of vanilla syrup in its mixture. It will satisfy you for a short period of time in short gaming bursts but it probably won’t leave a lasting impression. Still, it’s rare to have a coffee game featuring co-op which is always a plus in my book. While I reviewed the PC version of this game I can see this being very appealing on Switch unless, of course, you are lucky enough to get your hand on a Steam deck.
Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a competent action platformer which will most likely satisfy its target fanbase as well as those that like their retro games. It’s well put together but it just didn’t do a lot for me. The level design is a bit bland and there weren’t a lot of stand-out moments that made the experience particularly memorable. By looking and playing so close to another popular game series the game just lacks its own personality. I don’t feel it does anything wrong. I get the impression this is just one of those titles that I don’t get but others will certainly enjoy. If you decide to take the plunge with this title I sure hope you have a good time.
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.