Many games have been getting ported to Nintendo Switch 2 years after being released on other platforms, but Tales of ARISE, being bundled with the Beyond the Dawn story expansion, makes it a great incentive for fans to relive an epic story, plus its continuation and a great way for newcomers to get into the game. Tales of ARISE – Beyond the Dawn Edition is an epic story that needs to be experienced at home or on the go.
Fans of the past Yoshi games may feel disappointed with the lack of challenging side-scrolling platforming, sense of urgency and feel it plays it too safe, but those who prefer exploration, challenging and creative puzzle solving and collecting or are just in the mood to relax and unwind, will find plenty to enjoy at their own pace and without feeling any pressure. This game may divide the player/fan base, but it all depends on our individual preferences, mindsets and expectations going in. It can be a tough realisation to swallow, even for Yoshi.
WILL: Follow the Light puts you in the thick of it by taking on raging storms out in the ocean to search far and wide, all for your missing son. Completing tasks and solving puzzles can be fun or tedious, but the gameplay of sailing treacherous seas helps turn a simple story into an epic adventure. WILL: Follow the Light isn’t just a video game; it’s an experience.
Rival Stars Horse Racing delivers many hours of cozy, relaxing single-player fun, alongside thrilling, intense horse racing action. The online play may not provide any incentive, due to the almost non-existent player base, but the single-player content alone provides many hours of horse-racing fun. In Rival Stars Horse Racing, the next race is never too far away.
The single-player content can be completed in a day or two, but the online play is what will keep players coming back for more. Just like the source material, it doesn’t shy away from all the violence and gore, adding to the intensity of a match. The base roster of 18 characters gives plenty of variety for your team of 3, the gameplay is fun and chaotic, and the online play is smooth and solid. How long it remains relevant in the FGC, only time will tell, but it is a solid entry for the fighting genre and a strong first game by Quarter Up.
Despite the lack of impactful storytelling, the unique stealth gameplay utilising shadows is what really sets Ereban: Shadow Legacy apart from others in the same genre. Having to look around, plan your route, and adapt if things don’t work out, all while remaining undetected, creates a whole new set of challenges not seen in other games.
Tides of Tomorrow is truly a one-of-a-kind game. Its unique concept, that the choices you make not only affect you but also the players after you, and that the cycle continues after that, is something that needs to be experienced. The game has some faults, but its potential can’t be ignored. Tides of Tomorrow is a game where every choice matters.
Incantation is a story-driven game that expands on the lore from the hit 2022 film. The dark, creepy atmosphere makes the mysterious village a place you want to stay far away from, but the story will keep you engaged and wanting to find out more. Incantation may be a short game, but it will leave a lasting impact and is a story to be remembered. “Hou-ho-xiu-yi, si-sei-wu-ma!”
The Switch 2 version isn’t just an upgrade with better-looking graphics; it is packed with loads of new content. With a wide range of offline and online multiplayer modes to work together or against each other, fan favourite characters Rosalina and Luma being added to the playable roster, and all seven Koopalings returning with their own unique boss battles, there is so much to do and enjoy on top of the base game.
Playing these games again will bring back childhood memories for longtime fans and allow newcomers to experience a bit of nostalgia. Marvel MaXimum Collection is the opportunity for True Believers to own some pieces of Marvel gaming history. In the words of the late great Stan Lee, “Excelsior!”
GRIME II is a worthy successor that reinvents itself to create a whole new experience to distinguish it from the original game. It features some quality-of-life updates while keeping all the core mechanics and the horror theme with a new art style.
Longtime fans may not like some of the changes, but the added features, especially the new endings, will give them plenty of incentive to play through the story again for a new experience, and it’s also a great way for newcomers who may be interested to get into the series. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is an experience unlike any other.
Fallout 4 was already an impressive game back in 2015, and many players still go back to it today, and it gets a new lease on life on the Switch 2. Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition is just as thrilling as before and will have you gearing up in your vault suit and strapping on the Pip-Boy once again.
The Tales of series began in 1995 with Tales of Phantasia on the Super Famicom. Currently, there are 17 games in the main series, plus various spinoffs and crossovers with other properties, as well as a few anime adaptations. Bandai Namco has been revisiting old games in the series and porting or remastering them for modern consoles.
Mario’s latest tennis outing is a big improvement over 2018’s Mario Tennis Aces, with a more arcade feel to the gameplay, with 38 characters to choose from, plus the introduction of Fever Rackets and Mix It Up provides whole new ways to play. It’s great for serious and casual players, perfect for parties, and the online play is solid, with plenty of tough opponents to match up with.
The original Yakuza 3 was already a great game with an emotional story, but Yakuza Kiwami 3 adds so much more with new story elements that make Kiryu’s relationship with everyone more personal ever, upgraded gameplay and loads of side activities. Dark Ties explores the motivation behind the main antagonist of the main game and what led him to leave his successful business behind and enter the seedy underbelly.
With a potential for over 60 hours of gameplay, there is so much to see and do, and with deep combat mechanics in a first-person perspective, an emotional story, excellent performances from the entire voice cast, the improvements over the 2018 original, this is a worthwhile purchase for both fans and newcomers. Kingdom Come: Deliverance proves once again why it’s an award-winning game, now reforged for modern consoles.
Despite El Viento, Earnest Evans and Annet Returns not being the best games, bringing them to modern consoles is a great way for gamers, young and old, to relive or experience them for the first time. They play just as well (or as badly) as they did back in the day, can be played in both Japanese and English, the extra features make the experience easier, and the Gallery featuring images, cutscenes and music from all three games can make Earnest Evans Collection a worthwhile purchase to add to your digital retro games library.
The original Fighting Force is the far superior game of the two games, but having both included is a great way for fans to relive a hidden gem and a bad game if they wish, and for newcomers to experience two lesser-known titles from back in the day. Fighting Force Collection may not be the most feature-rich compilation, but it brings back a long-forgotten franchise to modern consoles and some fond memories for longtime fans.
The transition into an open-world game feels natural and gives you plenty to do when not in an intense and gruelling battle. The action-packed and unapologetically difficult battles are where the game truly shines, testing your skills and reflexes. Nioh 3 is easily the best in the series and an incredibly rewarding experience.