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Despite the litany of technical issues I just outlined, this quirky licensed brawler is one of my favorite games I have played all year. Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues delivers a satisfying combination of engaging beat 'em up gameplay, authenticity to the TV series, and preposterous humor that results in an experience unlike any other on Nintendo Switch. "Cobra Kai never dies" thanks to bonkers extensions of the IP such as what Flux Games has produced here.
Pumpkin Jack does not reinvent the wheel and it's far from mechanical perfection, but the game's strong atmosphere and fun platforming have earned it success.
If you're someone who enjoys sidescrolling platformers, wacky humor, or just the AVGN series, you'll probably enjoy this one. At the very least, it won't make you want to set your Switch on fire, shoot it with a gun, cut it in half with a katana, take a dump on it, or subject it to any of the other things the Nerd has done to sh*tty games over the years.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, like the original Oceanhorn, fails to have its own identity. However, in some areas, it does Zelda better than, well, Zelda. While the sub-par combat and iffy performance bog down the experience, its beautiful world, clever puzzles, and solid pacing elevate it to the very tip-top of the "Zelda-like" list.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a faithful recreation of Abe's Oddysee, with many reworked mechanics and added Mudokens to save. Fans of the original should enjoy the changes Just Add Water implemented, while newcomers will be charmed by Abe's antics. The franchise has been influential since the late '90s, and New 'n' Tasty proves that the gaming sphere is better with more Oddworld titles in your library.
All in all, I think The Crown Tundra is the better of Pokémon Sword and Shield's two expansions. It's yet another step forward over improving the Wild Area, so much so that I think it could serve as a really good foundation for creating a full open-world Pokémon title. It's not without its faults, but I haven't been able to stop playing since I started it and don't see myself voluntarily letting up any time soon.
Entering minds as Morris showed me that though so many characters were dead, people still allowed them to live on because of what they left behind. I put down I Am Dead with a new lease on life, a unique sensation for a video game to deliver. It's a puzzle game with a lot of heart. The characters are engaging, the world is delightful, the message is strong, and it's a fantastic way to escape into a game for a few hours. Hollow Ponds and Richard Hogg created an unforgettable experience that Nintendo Switch owners should definitely pick up. I Am Dead taught me that death isn't the end, but in fact, just the next step in all of our journeys.
It's not often that I review a game in which I want to dive right back in after I finish with it, but Ys Origin is one of those rare exceptions. With the exceptional boss fights, the copious amount of unlockables, and the short runtime, I can already hear the game calling to me to return. However, if there's one thing that really stands out to me about how good this game is, it's that it makes me want to check out the rest of the series.
Meroidvania games never get old. Unfortunately, there are plenty of games that do what Alwa's Legacy does, but better. That's not to say that this title from Elden Pixels is bad; it's quite good. The issue is that despite the responsive gameplay, inventive puzzles, and gorgeous pixel art, other games stand out more in the genre. You'll be done with Alwa's Legacy in a few hours, and I suspect most people won't revisit Zoe's adventure. She is a great protagonist placed in a game that doesn't have much staying power once the credits roll. With that being said, fans of the genre will find enjoyment trying to save the land of Alwa from the forces of evil, even if it's somewhat forgettable.
Supergiant Games has reached a new pinnacle of its craft with Hades, and I can now count the number of rogue-like games I enjoy on one finger. Even pushing to get through it for this review, I never felt bored or frustrated. The game doesn't have a single real flaw. It's not the perfect game for every single gamer, but if you enjoy an experience that rewards skill and has an amazing story, spot-on voice acting, beautiful music, and - I can't emphasize this enough - the ability to pet Cerberus, Hound of the Underworld, as many times as you want, then it's definitely the game for you.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps improves upon the already great foundation set out by Ori and the Blind Forest. Its map is brimming with details and secrets to discover while new weapons and movement abilities create real depth to both combat and platforming. Ori's journey through Niwen is filled with emotional ups and downs that all feel earned and act as the perfect payoff for fans of the series. The injection of RPG elements like side quests and a hub area anchor you to this gorgeously realized world, and the fantastic conversion to Switch means that you won't be missing out on a thing. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best 2D platformers on Switch and a game that shouldn't be missed.
Regardless, in a time when visiting real-life amusement parks is highly questionable (if not outright impossible), it's nice to still be able to enjoy them in virtual form with RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition.
All in all, Witcheye is a cute little platformer. Its movement mechanic can be a little annoying at times, but overall it is a nice change of pace from what you would expect from others in the genre. Though short and simple due to its mobile origins, there's a lot of extra content to unlock to add to the replayability if you feel inclined to keep going. Even if you don't though, for the price, Witcheye could certainly do a lot worse.
Although nothing here is likely to change your opinion on any of the titles, most people who have played these games don't need any convincing. Each game holds up very well and shines behind its own compelling strengths.
As someone who has grown tired of the ever increasing emphasis on competitive multiplayer games, I really wasn’t expecting to like Spellbreak. However, I was pleasantly surprised after I tried it. The combat is simple, yet provides enough depth for on-the-fly strategy changes. Despite the unique concept, much of Spellbreak is rooted in traditional battle royale mechanics, so ultimately the game's success will rely heavily on future content updates. For now though, Spellbreak is definitely worth a try.
Regardless of these minor quibbles, Spiritfarer is a journey I wholeheartedly recommend taking, even if management sims are not your thing. The main lessons of accepting loss and the importance of leaving something behind are important to learn. The heavy topics your colleagues discuss with you are also necessary to navigate and leave a lasting gut punch. The title is also wonderfully animated and the music is superb, with its main theme receiving a number of variations throughout the experience that well up deep feelings inside of you. Give it a go if you are ready to ugly cry and smile at the same time!
Minoria still has gorgeous art, haunting music, and addictive exploration that is sure to keep any metroidvania fan well entertained.
Gear. Club Unlimited 2 needs to be parked in a garage and just left there. If Eden really wants to turn this into something, head back to the blueprints and build something that can really compete. Otherwise, just take a detour.
Jump Force Deluxe Edition has great ideas and intentions but fails to execute them in a meaningful way.
As it is right now, with social distancing and self-quarantining being the norm in the United States, I can't recommend this title.