Cubed3's Reviews
It’s surprising how much Metal Slug Tactics succeeds in resurrecting the old Neo Geo and arcade feel, particularly with regards to the graphics, but also in details like the VO announcer being present at the start of every stage. There’s a lot of variance to the objectives and a handful of genuinely impressive and intense boss fights. Metal Slug Tactics doesn't unseat the Into the Breach-likes of the genre, and its roguelite scaffolding will frustrate some hoping for something more conventional, but as a more than faithful tribute act with genuinely good mechanical ideas of its own, it's a bolder swing than any fan of the series might be expecting.
Permadeath rogues and randomised Mystery Dungeons are an acquired taste as is, let alone being a Dragon Quest IV spinoff. However, despite it being one of the first of its kind, Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko's Mystery Dungeon Classic HD still manages to be engrossing and stimulating. It probably didn't even need the visual overhaul, but it's an appreciated bonus that breathes a bit of life into this belated release.
Unpredictability and absurdity combine to craft one of the most appealing turn-based roguelites out there, with a sadistic concept that will have both cat lovers and non-lovers glued to their Switch 2 screens dozens of hours later. There is a satisfying gameplay loop that consists of making the most of what you have at your disposal in the brief time on the streets before returning home and breeding the next batch of messed-up killer kitty-cats. While there may be a hurdle to get over for those a little unfamiliar to the genre, and the random factor heavily impacts gameplay in and out of battle, the time spent invested is incredibly rewarding.
While the original game Culdcept was groundbreaking at the time in 1997, the lack of online multiplayer hurts this re-release massively in 2026. Most people in the digital board game market expect to play online. While an argument can be made that these sorts of games are more fun in person, far from everyone can find a group of friends able to stick around for a game that will take between two and three hours to play a round. It is a shame, because it got so many things right that modern digital TCGs don't, like great balance and a unique concept. Additionally, sound bugs happen far too frequently, forcing the player to reset the game. In the end, while Culdcept: The First is an amazing game mechanically, it needs a bit more technical polish and modern features to be an easy title to recommend.
There's a reason Star Wars: Zero Company has received such widespread praise and it has something to do with just how enjoyable it is in a genre the Star Wars gaming universe has not yet tapped into. Putting this franchise in the XCOM style is a match made in heaven. This is more than a mere reskin of Fireaxis' hit, though. The blend of tactical XCOM gameplay with the Star Wars gravitas really takes this experience up several notches. The only pity in the whole thing is just that some performance and graphical issues let what is otherwise a truly excellent game down. Developers Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment should polish the technical issues up because if they do it's hard to see how Zero Company doesn't capture a dedicated fanbase and spawn a continuing line of expansions and sequels down the tracks. The force is strong with this one.
A visually charming but ultimately underwhelming adventure, Theropods has a neat prehistoric setting mixed with a light sci-fi premise, as well some fine pixel art and fluid animation, but all that never delivers anything memorable. The story struggles to engross one into its world, while the simplistic or trial-and-error puzzle solving rarely provides satisfying moments of discovery. For the current asking price, there are far better point-and-clicks out there to spend three hours (max) on.
Marsupilami 2: Salsa Palombia is a very good platformer where it matters. Movement is diverse and responsive, level design is nearly flawless, and visually it’s a competent and serviceable treat for the eyes. Yes, there are some things holding it back, but in general, it’s a very solid 2.5D platformer that wrings everything out of its premise till the player is left with an almost perfectly ripened fruit.
Everspace 2: Galactic Edition provides a wealth of content for space combat fans on the Switch 2 and is a welcome addition to the console’s real dearth of any similar title in the genre. For fans of collecting things, exploring this vast galaxy and tweaking their ship with the vast amounts of upgrades, there are dozens and dozens of hours of fun here. While the story is just okay and nothing special, it does a decent job of putting lead character Adam in the situations where the game’s selling points really shine: the exciting combat and spacefaring. There are compromises here; the 30fps will be annoying for some and the loading screens between sectors is a considerable buzzkill. However, the framerate never diminishes the overall experience and the sense that Everspace 2 is a very welcome addition to the platform.
Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush is a really solid driving game with some frustrating choices made here and there. The biggest issue really comes down to how unlocking things is structured, which, for all intents and purposes, would be fine if it felt like you were making real progress while playing. Still, it manages to justify itself by being a fun and welcoming title that sits comfortably behind the wheel.
Truxton Extreme is a shoot 'em up through and through, and that reason alone is largely going to determine the fan and the reception. Within the genre itself, it is very bland and safe, which is a negative given that there are hundreds to pick from. One redeeming feature is a largely enjoyable short story mode that elevates the experience beyond just average, which gets into surprisingly heavy implications about the cost of interstellar war and personal sacrifice.
Capcom’s outrageous run of good form continues. With Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the Japanese studio has reestablished itself at the pinnacle of the action genre, proving the team is capable of delivering high-octane action in every conceivable format. This is the revival that the cult series needed, giving fans an addictive power fantasy that’s very difficult to put down once it hits its stride. To no one’s surprise, it also runs exceptionally well on Nintendo’s latest hardware, despite the obvious hit to graphical fidelity versus other current systems. This is a must-play title for those who use the Switch 2 as their primary console.
The World Well: Blood of Caro is an adventure first and a romance second - and that is precisely why the second part works so well, as the relationship between the main character duo is given enough time to feel meaningful without hijacking the larger story. Add cinematic presentation, strong worldbuilding and an appealing atmosphere, and this becomes far more ambitious than the average visual novel. It doesn't merely put two girls in a fantasy world and calls that a story. It gives them a world worth exploring, reasons to keep moving forward and, eventually, characters worth caring about.
Asdivine Knot is a beautiful game with detailed spritework and captivating music, but it’s severely lacking in the gameplay and story departments. From its derivative plot to its simple (albeit effective) turn-based combat, Asdivine Knot does nothing special that can grab the attention of the most seasoned JRPG aficionados. Fortunately, however, its fast-paced combat and accessible mechanics make it a perfect gateway JRPG for anybody who is interested in the genre and does not want to feel overwhelmed.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero stands out from the crowd of JRPGs by focusing on a small area and making the city safer one parking ticket at a time. Its combat system is a major strength, but technical issues like textures flickering out of existence during gameplay and cutscenes, mixed with a poor difficulty curve, make this otherwise beautiful remake hard to recommend wholeheartedly in its current state on Switch 2.
A superb little indie that understands that racing is supposed to be fun, Super Woden: Rally Edge combines accessible handling, excellent progression, varied stages, and just enough competitive obsession for racing fans to keep coming back. Not particularly pretty or chock-full of content, but it’s enjoyable and reasonably priced, and thus easy to recommend.
Beast of Reincarnation might be Game Freak's first AAA game, but it still feels like an AA game in the best way possible. The narrative and its execution won't deliver on its full potential, but the exploration and action are top-notch. The final stretch is where everything comes together and shines its brightest, leaving a powerful lasting impression for those who stick with it.
Playing Orbitals is like stepping into a classic anime, packed full of the soft tones and expressiveness of the era. With strong animation credentials and traditional processes behind the concept, there's a genuine heart and authenticity to this world. Clever co-operative play, fun set pieces and a curious mystery at the heart of the story tie this sci-fi tale together well. Slightly rushed and occasionally fiddly at times, but certainly worth blasting through to discover the fate of these new protagonists. Grab a friend, pop the TV on and live out those Saturday morning shows in style together.
Fans of the Alien series are often forced to deal with subpar experiences, and this comes in as one of them. Not withstanding various design decisions brought on by the new team, the quality is simply lacking on many aspects. Combat quickly becomes dry, and at how high of a price this game is, it is not recommended, even to fans of the series.
Most Western RPGs have been overshadowed this year by an incredible run of JRPGs, both those already released and several more looming on the horizon in the coming months. Against that backdrop, The Blood of Dawnwalker might genuinely be one of the best games 2026 has to offer. It has it all and then some, constantly surprising with consummate professionalism and polish.
Monsters beware, Musashi is here! One of the best hack and slash titles to come out in some time, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is deliriously fun. When it’s all said and done, Kyoto might be under the scourge of the devilish Genma, but it’s an absolute blast getting lost in it.