Overall, Ocean’s Heart is a pleasant RPG adventure that will tickle the fancy of any Zelda fan. While there are minor navigation issues, these do not detract from the experience. The game is stuffed full of content, puzzles, dungeons, and quests, making for an expansive, well-balanced, and well-crafted experience that belies the fact that it’s from a small development crew. Through and through, this pixelated pirate adventure has found its true home on the Nintendo Switch console. So set sail: the heart awaits!
Overall, Unsighted is a solid nonlinear platformer with ample depth and content. While the start is a bit bumpy, the game quickly finds its rhythm and provides enjoyable gameplay with a retro feel. The timer and stamina systems may be frustrating to some players, but the game provides more than the typical customizability to scale the difficulty for casual players. In short, it’s hardly an un-sightly experience; it’s well worth a good long look!
Overall, Tunche is a nice, well-blended mixture of beat’em up and rogue-like gameplay that’s easy to play alone or with friends. Though it feels like a bit of a slow grind to progress, it will provide an ample challenge, even for veteran gamers. Plus, the Amazonia jungle themed, hand-drawn artwork is absolutely impressive and stylish. And who doesn’t love Hat Kid? Punch your way through the heart of the jungle to find Tunche!
Overall, Monomals took an impressive risk in blending two different genres, but the result is a masterpiece. The gameplay feels smooth between both styles and provides a quite enjoyable, low-stress experience for a wide audience. Those wanting either a Sonic-esque action-platformer or a music creation game will be satisfied, but it’s worth it trying out all the game has to offer. Hop on the boat to fish for your own beat!
Steel Assault is a simple but solid, retro-feeling, side-scrolling indie platformer that is both enjoyable and challenging. While it would be great to have a few more levels, zipping through the nuclear wastelands of America is still well worth your time. The resistance is ready, so jump in and join the fight.
Overall, Diablo II: Resurrected is an impressive facelift of the original games with some fantastic quality-of-life improvements added in. The remastered solo play is quite impressive on the Switch, even given the existing hardware limitations. Unfortunately, the current issues with matchmaking, community size, and servers on the Switch are a huge blemish on the experience due to the grinding nature of solo play, but those can be resolved in time and earn higher marks as a result. The game can still provide one hell of an experience for those who prefer solo action or for folks using it for cross-platform progression while traveling. Purge this land of shadow, and may the light guide your way.
Overall, Sheepo is an enjoyable, under-the-radar addition to the Metroidvania genre. While some puzzle aspects and bosses can become predictable, the game is well executed in design and is quite a quirky adventure from top to bottom. So take an adventurous leap alongside Sheepo!
Overall, Cruis’n Blast is a fantastic spin on the classic Cruis’n arcade series. While it would be great to have online play and more complex race track layouts, the game has a great selection of wacky vehicles and is well made, easy to pick up and play, and full of low-stress fun. What are you waiting for – come on, go Cruis’n ♫♪!
Overall, Monster Harvest is a very interesting spin on the very crowded farming simulator genre. The gameplay concept has great potential for an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the execution missed its mark in too many places, including but not limited to the main monster component, such as the oversimplified battles, bugs, interface and font issues, and limited content. It appears that the developers are currently working on patches to address issues, but it remains to be seen if the game will see its full potential realized. For now, feel free to skip this harvest.
Overall, Garden Story is a lovely and easygoing game that appeals to a broad audience. Despite some easier-than-expected dungeons and some elements being introduced much later than they should be, the game more than makes up for any shortcomings with its charming design, music, and gameplay. It’s enjoyable to play, no matter how you approach it. So jump off the vine and soak up this charming and wholesome experience under the sun!
Overall, Blaster Master Zero 3 is a fitting conclusion to the series and an impressive tribute to retro platformers.
Overall, King of Seas possesses great potential, but its flaws take the wind out of its sails. The core gameplay around a procedurally generated pirate world is exciting, especially given the special abilities and ship customization. However, the game becomes too much of a grind early on even on the easiest difficulty mode and has several frustrations related to the camera perspective, difficult controls, and steep learning curve. For veteran and patient players, the game possesses near-unlimited challenges which pose a significant test of one’s abilities. Casual players, on the other hand, might want to set sail for calmer waters. Then again, no one said that becoming king was easy.
Overall, Very Very Valet is a fun addition to the increasingly crowded co-op arena. The core gameplay is unique and interesting even if aspects like its driving controls and the chaos that ends each level on the default difficulty take some getting used to. Fortunately, the difficulty can be adjusted so that friends and family of all skill levels can pick up and play. So park your rear on the couch and have a very very good time!
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a great addition to the series and offers near-limitless farming gameplay. While it may appear chore based and impeded by limited stamina early on, the weapon upgrades, machines, and sprinklers offer greater freedom to get the job done, and the increased breadth of available activities ensure that there’s always something different to do. Overall, it is a peaceful and wholesome experience that can be enjoyed by casual and veteran gamers alike. So come on down to Olive Town, and have yourself a good time.
Overall, Haven delivers an immersive and wholesome experience. The mature relationship between Yu and Kai hits the mark, the dialogue is great, the glide/flight mechanic is unique, and the soundtrack is vibrant. There is also a decent amount of gameplay (10-12 hours without too much exploration) with the right balance of difficulty whether playing solo or with a partner. It just all comes together to create a peaceful and enjoyable game. So come to Planet Source for a great getaway for two.
No pun intended, A Short Hike’s main hike up to the summit of Hawk Peak is brief, taking only around 1-2 hours to complete. Despite a short storyline, there are plenty of side quests and activities to explore off the beaten path. Moreover, the game provides a tranquil and low-stress experience with the aid of flight and a beautiful soundtrack. In short, A Short Hike is worth exploring as a way to get away and unwind from a busy world and its cell phone signals.
Overall, Hades slays expectations, providing an immersive, rogue-like experience filled with endless hours of gameplay. While dungeon crawling may not be for everyone, it is a well-designed and well-polished game for those who love it. Each run offers a unique experience, and the progression from meek to a godly warrior is enjoyable. Between the unique narrative, the vibrant colors and artwork, and the smooth gameplay, dying repeatedly has never felt so good.
Overall, Immortals Fenyx Rising lives up to the hype and delivers an immersive and wholesome experience filled with countless hours of gameplay. The game feels like a fusion of Breath of the Wind and Assassin’s Creed, which is a fine pedigree in my book. The distinctive and vibrant Golden Isle is captivating to explore, and the edgy twist to Greek mythology gives it even more flavor. With well-balanced gameplay that appeals to all skill levels, players are allowed to carve out their own unique journey as they save the gods. So rise, players. Rise!
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm hits the mark in regards to creating a fun and original spin on a familiar gameplay style. For die-hard fans, the game unabashedly has a Zelda-esque feel to it, but the amount of content may fall short in comparison to some titles from that storied franchise. Regardless of the similarities, Oceanhorn 2 delivers a quality adventure for the price that pairs well with the Nintendo Switch audience. So go forth and become a true hero.
Overall, The Survivalists offers potentially limitless gameplay due to the uniqueness of the island biomes, the exploration, and the incorporation of multiplayer functionality. A few aspects, such as the constant hunger, the tedious and repetitive tasks, and a lack of local co-op or cross-platform play may irk more casual players who are looking to escape chores in the real world, though. Still, there is much fun to be had here, and besides, who doesn’t want a legion of monkeys serving them?