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Despite Kirby Battle Royale featuring no stereoscopic 3D, the top-down and side-view visuals are a treat to view. As a multiplayer action brawler, the game certainly has its issues. Though the heart of its multiplayer action is largely repetitive, it’s still an enjoyable co-operative experience with upbeat music and interesting quirks. Just don’t tell King Dedede you ate all his cake.
The myriad of secrets, mini-games and references to previous series’ titles, coupled with some of the most fluid and ingenious action seen to date makes Super Mario Odyssey one of the best platform games in years. Those little Nintendo nuances and humorous quirks can be found almost everywhere; that’s what makes it so special.
Fans looking for another methodical tactical RPG might be disappointed by Fire Emblem Warriors, but it really manages to unite these two distinct franchises. It feels incredibly natural to swap between singular hack-and-slash combat and the more strategic controlling of troops. It’s a real achievement by Koei Tecmo. If you’re patiently waiting for the next mainline Fire Emblem game, Warriors has you covered.
This is a great place to start for newcomers to the Mario & Luigi series and fans of the original Superstar Saga will appreciate all the subtle changes that improve the experience, but if you didn’t enjoy Bowser’s Inside Story or Dream Team, this 3DS remake isn’t going to be able to win you over. It’s still a great game after all these years; it’s fun to play, funny and packed with Nintendo charm. In the words of Fawful: “I HAVE CHORTLES!”
Breathing new life into Metroid II’s storyline and setting, Samus Returns is a delightful, fully engaging and tense journey back to the depths of SR388. Between the music and bold visuals, the original nostalgia never feels lost amidst the new features. A new twist on an old format, albeit with a few errors, the essence of a Metroid game is firmly found in Samus Returns.
If you go into Stories expecting a true successor to previous Monster Hunter games, it may not impress. However, it’s a solid RPG with a younger demographic in mind. This certainly isn’t to say that an older fan won’t enjoy its charming story or gorgeous graphics, but it’s obviously intended as an introduction to the wider Monster Hunter world.
Many were sceptical about Nintendo lending out Mario for a Rabbids game, but this unique tactical RPG is a prime example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. While it’s not developed by Nintendo, it retains that distinct Nintendo charm and polish throughout. If you’re looking for a deep RPG for the Switch, Mario + Rabbids’ quality might just surprise you.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Miitopia loses its identity along the road. As a genuinely amusing life simulation game, it’s diluted as the support act. But as an RPG it’s lethargic, lacking strategy and appeal. Similar to a much-loved British dessert, Miitopia is like Eton Mess; a beautiful combination but sloppy in design.
Fans waiting for the next deep Pikmin experience may be disappointed with this side-scrolling re-imagination of the series, but it is certainly a charming experience for anyone looking for another creative 3DS platformer to play. Although every element of the gameplay feels simplified, Hey! Pikmin manages to retain the feel of the original games. From music to the fonts used in the menus, this alternative take on the franchise is certainly a Pikmin game.
As a game that never forgets to mock itself, Splatoon 2 is a must-buy for any Switch owner. Although it will always have its niggles, the base game feels much more satisfying than the original. With the promise of more weapons, stages and Splatfests in the future, Nintendo has certainly refined its colourful shooter and has plenty more ink in the tank.
It’s extremely difficult to say whether the Expansion Pass is value for money. While the Master Trials DLC contains some great additional features, it’s a little light on content at present. If you’re on the fence about the Expansion Pass, it seems sensible to wait until we learn more about The Champion’s Ballad before you invest. However, the Master Trials is still a great package for anyone still venturing through Hyrule.
With a heart-warming storyline that exudes charm and love, Ever Oasis is a stunning title in stereoscopic 3D. What it lacks in customisation and build, it makes up for in dungeon exploration. It just needs more substance to create the RPG simulation package that Animal Crossing and Mystery Dungeon fans crave. It’s like Pusheen; a bit lazy but really damn cute.
ARMS truly shines in its party match-ups and versus modes, but it’s let down by a lack of online customisation options and diluted single player offerings which risk becoming repetitive over time. If you’re a fan of multiplayer fighters and prefer the comprehensive combat from Pokken Tournament, Street Fighter and Tekken, ARMS may feel too simplistic with its combat mechanics. But it doesn’t stop us hopping from limb to limb as a back to basics fighting game, albeit with a unique twist.
Perhaps the only real downfall for Deluxe is its lack of bonus content for those who owned the Wii U version. Bonus tracks or exclusive vehicle items for those who own the DLC via the same Nintendo Account would be a neat reward for those loyal to the genre. It can’t help but feel a little bittersweet. But that said, the slickest, most polished version of Mario Kart 8 can only be experienced on the Nintendo Switch. For now, Switching it up is as good as it gets.
There’s no doubt that Ubisoft hit gold with the series, but is there enough variation to keep re-inventing the wheel time after time? Apparently so. If you didn’t pick it up for any other console, the Nintendo Switch version is by far the most unique with its great portability and Joy-Con accuracy. But like a child with too much sugar, it’s only fun in small doses.
Mario Sports Superstars doesn’t quite manage a hole-in-one, its bare bones nature provoking harsh comparisons to other games in the series. The basic gameplay is certainly fun to play, but anyone looking for a deeper sporting experience would probably be better tracking down another Mario sports game. Place your bets elsewhere, Superstars is down for the count.
With a heart-warming storyline filled with emotion, drama and love in every cutscene, Breath of the Wild is the defining cornerstone of the series’ future. From the very first Legend of Zelda to Skyward Sword, the series has been moving towards this level of freedom since its incarnation. It may be dangerous to go alone, but this bold move from Nintendo has certainly paid off, and it’s worth every single rupee.
Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World is, at times, more than just a 3DS port and actively tries to become its own identity. But just like its logo, Poochy is the bit on the side, tacked on as the sidekick, and never given the limelight. We’ve all been there Poochy, just ask poor Luigi. As a port, it just doesn’t quite stitch the entire tapestry for a polished finish.
SteamWorld Heist does little to take advantage of Wii U's capabilities, but is still one of the best indie games on the system.
Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure is a cute introductory action/platformer that stands the test of time to find new life on Nintendo 3DS.