Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an excellent package, providing two engaging adventures with tons of content spread across them both. The improvements in Super Mario 3D World transform it into easily the best version of the game. Bowser's Fury is likewise fantastic, offering yet another open-world Mario adventure (albeit on a smaller scale) with interesting ideas and fun gameplay. If you're new to Super Mario 3D World, then this is the perfect time to dive in. However, if you're like me and have played 3D World to death, then there's also something in here for you as well.
Tetris Effect: Connected is probably my favorite iteration of the beloved puzzler, featuring unique levels with mind-boggling visuals. Playing docked doesn't look as great as in handheld mode (particularly on Switch OLED) due to Switch resolution differences, but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. If you're after a fantastic puzzle game on Nintendo Switch, then Tetris Effect: Connected is an easy recommendation.
Hi-Fi Rush is a gorgeous rhythm-action game with a strong cast of characters, addictive gameplay, and an incredible musical score. The game has a ton of replayability with the way its structured, allowing you to improve your timings to perform better in the game's rhythmic combat. This is an essential title for PS5 owners, and we're glad Xbox has allowed us to finally experience it.
Little Nightmares II is one of those "experience" kind of games. It is similar to titles such as Journey and Abzu, where it's all about the journey, not the destination. Little Nightmares II revels in its use of compelling level design to tell a deep and saddening tale of discovery. The stealth sections in particular provided some truly intense moments, with the world of Pale City always providing a constant, creepy atmosphere. My time spent exploring dark hallways, brooding corridors, and creepy streets will be something I'll always remember.
Monster Hunter Rise respects your time with tons of content, ample upgrades and rewards for those wanting to get stronger. The game also understands that some players want to take their time with it, with no real sense of urgency to rush to the top of the ranks. I'm excited for the official launch of the game, as I'll be able to enjoy going out on hunts with my friends. Monster Hunter Rise is a game that I'll continue to play for a long time, as Capcom has promised additional content, with the first round arriving sometime in April.
World Splitter is a great puzzle platformer with a unique gameplay mechanic for solving perplexing challenges. With 60 unique levels to play, the game's difficulty is quite diverse as a result, offering the player a ton of replayablity through extra challenges. My only criticism is that the multiplayer mode could have been more realized, as the dimension rift mechanic is used extremely well in both modes. If you're a fan of puzzle games and have been wanting something to scratch that itch, World Splitter is a game for you.
In short, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is easily the definitive way to experience this wonderful adventure. The variety of quality-of-life improvements are welcome additions, fixing a lot of the issues featured in the original release 10 years ago. Sometimes the game's controls can feel a little weird depending on which setup you choose, so you will most likely experience some issues not present in the other control option. However, they don't detract from what is probably one of my favorite video games of all time. If you're interested in experiencing a deep narrative with some likeable characters, then you owe it to yourself to experience this game. Then again, even if you've played it before, Skyward Sword HD is an adventure worth revisiting with these improvements.
In short, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a refreshing experience that the franchise needed after all these years. The focus on capturing is one of the game's biggest strengths, due to the fun gameplay loop of discovering a Pokémon's behavior prior to catching it. It may not be the best-looking game available on Nintendo Switch, but the addictive nature of exploring the various biomes to discover new things makes Pokémon Legends: Arceus one of the best Pokémon experiences in a long time.
Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to spend some more time with my precious Egg Boi.
Overall, Demon Turf is a solid 3D platformer on Nintendo Switch, with a ton of personality and a striking art style. The amount of content present within the game is extraordinary, featuring a plethora of main collectibles, alongside worthwhile side content. Fully completing the game is guaranteed to take a large amount of time, but the variety of turfs to explore will make the quest to defeat the Demon King a memorable one. If you're after another great platformer on Nintendo Switch, then Demon Turf will definitely scratch that itch.
The "little" in the title also summarises the game's length. As with most games like this, you'll likely finish it in three to four hours, which for some is a perfect length considering how long it takes to finish other games being released these days. Nevertheless, the experience itself is charming, with a lovely soundtrack, and interesting puzzles to solve. If you're after another cosy game to play, then you will likely enjoy yourself.
Freedom Planet 2 is another excellent 2D platformer from developer GalaxyTrail. The adventure boasts some fantastic levels to explore, a wonderful soundtrack, and an assortment of playable characters with unique abilities. There are some issues with enemy hitboxes and some aspects of its level design, but Freedom Planet 2 is still an enjoyable experience nonetheless.
Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part One is an excellent continuation of the main campaign on Switch for the most part. Some areas don't reach the heights of the previous chapter, but the gameplay is still as satisfying as it was before. A few new enemies added into the mix ensure that you are constantly on your toes, and all of this is complemented by yet another fantastic musical score. The Nintendo Switch version isn't the best way to experience the game by any means, but it is still very much playable for those who want a great FPS title on the go.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is filled with charm, offering an accessible JRPG that is perfect for newcomers to the genre. Although the Nintendo Switch version has a few issues, the gameplay more than makes up for it, alongside its heartwarming narrative and addictive side activities. If you've never played it, then this might be the time to jump in. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Princes Edition is now available for Nintendo Switch, featuring all previously released updates and downloadable content.
In short, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of one the franchise's best generations, despite some shortcomings. Your enjoyment of the game will heavily depend on your nostalgia or overall love of the franchise, so don't go in expecting a perfect remake. However, my time with these remakes was a fun one, and I'm excited to continue to explore the Grand Underground in search of a shiny Pokémon.
There is a lot to do in Rune Factory 5, and players have the freedom to live out their ideal fantasy life at their own pace. Although there are a hefty amount of performance issues, Rune Factory 5 is still a charming experience that can be taken with you on the go, and is worth the wait for fans of the series. If you’re looking for a game to settle down with in the evenings, then Rune Factory 5 might be worth the investment.
Despite some issues, Sonic Colors: Ultimate is a fun, replayable, fast-paced Sonic game with a distinct variety of stages. The new additions provide a small extra layer of depth to an already fantastic game, but it would have been nice to see more gameplay additions. If you're after an excellent journey through space, then Sonic Colors: Ultimate is definitely worth your time. As per usual, don't go in expecting the Nintendo Switch version to be the definitive version to play, as the game obviously plays better on other platforms. However, being able to play this classic portably is something to be excited about.
In short, Little Goody Two Shoes is an excellent life-sim adventure with some intriguing elements of horror sprinkled throughout. If you want to play a different take on this well-established genre, then this game might be for you.
Hitman 3 – Cloud Version provides a set of distinct and entertaining missions, each with their own unique objectives and environments to explore. The Nintendo Switch version is by no means the definitive way to play, and input lag and dips in performance are likely to occur depending on your bandwidth. But if you want a brilliant stealth game on Switch, Hitman 3 definitely delivers, and it is a great finale for Agent 47.
In short, Pokémon Unite features simple objectives that can easily become addictive. There is a variety of playable Pokémon to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Although the core gameplay is absolutely fantastic, the character balancing, stage elements, and microtransactions need to be reworked. Nevertheless, Pokémon Unite is worth downloading for those of you who are after a fun competitive game on Nintendo Switch. The mobile version is scheduled to launch sometime in September, and Zeraora (despite being overpowered) is available for free until the end of next month.