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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.