Despite the largely negative review, Next Up Hero can be fun, it's just a very monotonous gameplay loop. All roads involve killing the same enemies, at the same locations, under the same handful of modifiers, to get resources that allow you to do the same thing, just at higher numbers. In a lot of ways, it seems like a fantastic title for the Switch. The idea of finishing a couple levels on the go or slowly chipping away at things works better on a portable console than a home one. But, in the end, Next Up Hero has some interesting ideas, such as using fallen players, including yourself, to help everyone finish the level (everyone who tries is also rewarded if it is successfully completed), it just ends up being an experience that is very simple. If this sounds appealing, odds are you'll likely have a lot of fun, where as if you want something closer to Issac or Gungeon, look elsewhere.
Shining Resonance Refrain is an interesting, trope heavy, story with combat that could be fun, if there was less padding. None of these things stop it from being a good game, it just prevents it from being truly great. Despite the negativity towards a lot of it, the characters were fun enough where I found myself excited on seeing where things would go, it just requires you to be interested in a lot of clichés found in things like anime. Outside of that, combat is fun, at least when you’re not out classed, with the Switch having some slight performance issues, making Shining Resonance Refrain an okay experience. One fantasy and anime fans will probably like, with it having very little for anyone else. Well, outside of nice music and pretty visuals.
While I wouldn’t consider Red Faction: Guerrilla a classic like Killzone 2 or Halo 2, it’s still a lot of fun to play. Sure, it hasn’t aged as well as other games but it’s still a fun experience, if only for the fact it allows you to think outside of the box. Maybe you smash this skull or blow up that wall, giving players a fair amount to consider while trying to free the people of Mars. Combine it with a story that instantly hooks you, though it fails to maintain the momentum, decent gunplay and plenty to see and do, it makes a solid choice for fans and newcomers alike.
Between slow and clunky controls to a generic story that is basically making fun of similar generic stories, you're left with an underwhelming game that just isn't that fun to play. So, unless you really want to play a beat 'em up on the Switch, play as countless characters or just enjoy the usual anime game tropes, this isn't for you.
If you’re looking for an easy version of Enter the Gungeon or a game where you have to plan every encounter, you’ll love Dead Cells. However, if you want an experience where you absolutely have to make the most of what RNG gives you, it might not be for you.
Despite being challenging, especially if you want the optional true end, Guacamelee! 2 retains everything that made the original great.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 might not be perfect but it's a fantastic example of why some things should be remastered. Not only does it perform better than it's PlayStation 2 counterpart, it looks good enough to be within this generation's standards.
Strange Brigade might not have a lot of long term value, but it's a fantastic game to play with others. The interesting locations and solid visuals with stand out, with the puzzles being just hard enough to be fun, without them being so hard players will be confused or feel left out. So, if you're looking for a fun game to play with your friends, look no further than Strange Brigade. However, if you want something to play for weeks or months, you might want to consider looking at something else.
Blade Strangers isn't an outright terrible game; it just doesn't feel like the concept ever got off the ground. While characters retain their charm, story suffers from a lack of originality. There is also a distinct lack of depth, as combos are fairly straightforward, with some moves using repeated inputs adding unneeded mistakes. Add in lackluster and in some cases awful sprites and it's an experience that really comes down to if you like the characters enough to see them in a new setting. If this is enough, then you might like this, otherwise it's a paint by numbers fighting game that doesn't do anything well enough to stand out beyond the fact notable characters are present.
Overall, Wolfhunter is not the high end dungeon that hardcore players need to worry about, but it also isn't the introductory one no one needs to care about. There are a couple interesting new armor sets, an additional memento, a couple challenges and mechanics that are easy to grasp and hard to master. It makes for a good introduction to the higher difficulties or someone looking for an experience that is easier, but not outright easy, making it a solid addition to the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.
Marvel’s Spider-Man isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t stop it from being a fantastic experience. The story takes a while to get going but the end is more than worth the wait. Add in a fun, fluid and flashy combat system and it makes for a delightful journey. Sure, at times it drags, like during the forced stealth sections, but these are not enough to ruin the experience. Between all these things, fantastic graphics, a good selection of costumes and more, I can not suggest Marvel’s Spider-Man enough. Even if you’re like me and not the biggest Spider-Man fan, it’s a good enough experience to make it worth your time.
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy isn't a bad game; it just isn't noteworthy. Characters retain their most of their iconic moves and costumes, though none of the depth. The average match can end in seconds and is little more than pushing the same button, maybe tossing in a special attack and then waiting for the right time to use an item or special. It will be fun at first and make for an okay party game, it just doesn't have enough of anything to make it stand out in the long term.
Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is deceptively simple. There is enough depth to give players motivation to get better or try different things, though not enough to change the core experience. Even though the graphics are cute, there isn't much that stands out. Combine this with challenging enemies and deeper mechanics and you have an interesting experience. It's perfect if you're looking for something different to play locally or just like the genre, without there being a real hook for anyone else.
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk isn't perfect but it manages to stand out in its own way. With Baba Yaga/Dronya and Luca being a charming couple, it helps the story from dragging, ultimately leading down an interesting path.
Destiny 2: Forsaken is an interesting experience that leads to the same problems.
Overall, Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle isn't perfect but it hits the right spots.
Black Clover: Quartet Knights tries to get players into the world though multiplayer with uneven results.
Speed Brawl isn't a terribly complex game but it does a lot with very little. Even though the story is quite annoying and forgettable, combat is smooth enough to have fun. Combine this with time limits, RPG elements and online leaderboards and it's the type of game players can play for quite a while. And, if you're not competitive, simply play with others and have fun your way. So, if you're looking for a fun new beat 'em up, this is the game for you.
Even if it sounds like I'm against Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, it's actually a solid game. It might have the same feel as the original story, but manages to retain the charm that made the original series great. While combat isn't the best, defeating foes in an excessively violent way can be a lot of fun, ignoring the fact you might see the same finisher 10 times in an hour. Toss in some new characters, plenty to do and some of the same of the Yakuza series and you have an adventure that will probably delight fans of either.
The Good, The Bad and The Augmented feels rushed and offers little for returning fans to do. Between levels being comprised of the same stages in a different order or altered enemies is reminiscent of the complaints about wondering through similar looking ducts. Despite there being a fair number of weapons and armor, a lot of them are reskins and none of them are different or good enough to justify changing for, unless you're a newcomer. Add this with lackluster challenges and an underwhelming end and it just feels more like a rushed expansion than something fans or newcomers need to see.