Switchaboo
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Without sounding too much like Goldilocks, Turbo Kid is a metroidvania just the way I like it. Not too easy, not too hard and the exploration is challenging and not too hand-holdy. Is Turbo Kid the greatest metroidvania based on a Michael Ironside film? Of course it is, until a Top Gear or Starship Troopers metroidvania comes along (publishers and developers take note). But in all seriousness, Turbo Kid is very good in all the right places and is a must-play for any metroidvania fans!
Despite its convolution with the integration of the Upgrade Pack, at the end of the day, Super Mario Party Jamboree is arguably the best Mario Party entry ever, and the Upgrade Pack is exactly that, an Upgrade Pack that adds more. The base game is still here completely untouched, and now we have more; what could go wrong?! Well, Nintendo said, "Hold my beer," and made some odd omissions and convoluted integration choices. It's a wonderful expansion pack, but not without some growing pains.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a title that is definitely for fans of the series and provides a new way to experience the story. While flaws exist, especially in the tutorial space that can lead to players not used to fighting games to just button mash their way through, there is still a lot of fun to be had at the core. If you're a fan of Demon Slayer and arena fighters, this is a very easy recommended purchase, but that's such a narrow field of appeal that I feel it's a missed opportunity to bring in new fans to the franchise.
Ritual of Raven is a cute, sweet, characterful farming sim with a novel twist on the traditional farming mechanics of the genre. Outside of the story and developing and optimising your farm, there is limited depth to the rest of the game, but it’s still enough to make this something fans of the genre should take a look at.
Time Flies is such a quirky afternoon killer that sticks its landing better than the Flies whose life timers hit zero. Its dark humour without dialogue and minimalist design captures so much with so little, and it had me enamoured for most of my playthrough. I do wish there was more here to sink my teeth into, despite that being part of its charm. Oh well, much like the average life of a fly itself, it's not designed to be a long adventure.
When I first started up Cottonville, I thought it was going to be a mish-mash of Story of Seasons and Style Boutique, but instead I found that it was a game that felt like it barely contained either. It all feels as threadbare as a cheap shirt. The worst thing is that I can see what it could have been with more time, effort, and funding, and it leaves me mourning for the game it was never able to be. Cottonville is here for a short time, much like a product that’s part of the fast fashion industry, which is ironic when the game is supposed to be the antithesis of that.
Donkey Kong Bananza is such a near-perfect game that hits so many marks with precision and gusto. It boasts the Nintendo game philosophy we’ve come to expect from the core development team. While I have some slight niggling complaints, there’s no doubt that Donkey Kong Bananza will be remembered fondly for decades to come, joining the same conversations that often feature the likes of Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The Wandering Village is a good-but-not-great city-builder, helped by being on the back of a giant creature. The presence of Onbu adds some interest and excitement to the proceedings and makes it a worthwhile time for genre fans. However, with a cramped UI, fiddly controls and a slow pace, you will find better games of its type elsewhere on the Switch.
While I'm baffled at the lack of an upgrade path for previous owners of Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, it doesn't take away from the fact that Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a fantastic puzzle game that blends two classic puzzle games in one. Not only that, but the additions are mostly complementary to a base product that was already bursting at the seams with content. However, considering the base version has been discounted as low as AU$10.99, you'd be better off simply buying that and then buying this new version when it's inevitably discounted in a couple of years time.
Shadow Labyrinth is an expansive and hearty adventure, and you will not feel shortchanged for the sheer amount of hours you will need to sink into it. There are, however, many other more cohesive metroidvanias available on the market at the moment. The combat is nice, as are the graphics, but many of the gameplay components feel a bit out of place, making Shadow Labyrinth feel like a missed opportunity.
Patapon 1+2 Replay is a really interesting game wrapped in a joyously ridiculous package. Those who enjoyed it in its original release won’t find much extra here, but remastered visuals and quality-of-life enhancements mean this is the best place for newcomers to have a blast chanting with their Patapon pals. Pata Pata Pata Pon!
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered delivers exactly what it promises and is a faithful remaster through and through. It's difficult to review games from both edges of two millenniums as I can only judge it based on how it holds up today and how I imagine those who have an emotional attachment to it from years past, but it's certainly a hard one to recommend in 2025. If anything, I feel as though there are plenty of talented indie developers who grew up with these games and are using modern engines to create smoother experiences today. So, if I were you, I'd look into those first, but if you're looking to play a game from your childhood, then this collection will absolutely provide that for you.
I honestly could have wrapped up this review in one word: “Okay”. When I thought about my time with Tamagotchi Plaza, I felt such a middling indifference that the Saitama “okay” meme came to mind. It’s all I can think of because it describes my experience so perfectly. Tamagotchi Plaza isn’t a terrible game, but it’s not a great one either. Had I not been reviewing it, I probably would have played once and lost interest completely. This could be because I feel no attachment to the Tamagotchi brand, as I never grew up with one. Maybe not. Maybe it just is “Okay”.
Against the Storm feels like a perfect fit for the Switch—you can jump in for an hour or two and complete a settlement from scratch, ready to move on to the next. The roguelike aspects keep the game fresh and challenging and make it stand out from other similar games. It won’t be for everyone, but fans of this genre will find Against the Storm is part of their game rotation for a long time to come.
Bravely Default is a true celebration of classical turn-based RPGs and the Square Enix golden age that captures players with a compelling story, amazing characters, and one of the best takes on turn-based combat. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster brings a beautiful coat of paint, additional lore, and some interesting minigames while keeping the core of what made the original so iconic. If you're an RPG fan, this is a must-buy experience to go through, and I can't help but recommend it.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and perhaps that’s why I have scored Dead of Darkness so highly. Nothing in Dead of Darkness is particularly flashy, but everything is done extremely well and faithfully to its source. If you prefer the Resident Evil series from 4 onwards, then this will not be for you, but fans of Resident Evil 1, 2, and maybe even 3 need a piece of this blood-curdling action!
If I were to sum up my time with Tempopo in one word, it would be joy. Discovering the ways the commands could be used, watching Hana celebrate every flower rescued, and seeing the way the Tempopo encouraged Hana when she stuffed up. Pure. Joy. Aside from that, Tempopo is polished to a standard one would expect from a high-end indie game or even a AAA game. It’s awe-inspiring how the Witch Beam team managed to fit so much into what appears to be a simple game on the surface and they managed to make every bit enjoyable as well.
Ruffy and the Riverside often feels like a bit of a fever dream, but at least it’s a fever dream with original ideas. The puzzles are fun and the world of Riverside will appease many an explorer and collectathon fan. I can’t wait to see what Zockrates does next!
Despite my frustrations with Mario Kart World, I absolutely love it! Simultaneously the best and messiest Mario Kart title in the franchise, it adds some of the most fun mechanics to race with. I just wish the characters were easier to unlock and the open world more rewarding to experience. Despite the outrage on the internet over the price point (which was a non-issue if you purchased the bundle), Mario Kart World is well worth the entry cost if you enjoy the series, with exceptional music, entertaining gameplay, and some of the most fun you can have with friends.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a giant leap forward in the right direction for the series, especially after the disappointment that came from the fifth installment. The Japanese-inspired setting, dynamic characterisation and sheer scope of the world provide dozens of hours of fun for the player, all while respecting their time and moving a surprisingly engaging narrative along. What perhaps lets it down is the lacklustre combat and the overwhelming quantity of tasks to complete and maintain; so while Guardians of Azuma promises a bright future for the franchise, it still has plenty of room to grow.