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Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is a standard, run-of-the-mill, hack and slash action RPG. Its shining moment squarely falls on the shoulders of its Infinity mode, with boss fights flying by in a close second. But its lack of polish and attention to detail means gameplay falls by the wayside, leaving a gaping, sore wound that no ultimate alliance can solely heal. Nothing more than a fun beat ‘em up that’s best played with friends, not CPUs.
With several ways to make and play, Super Mario Maker 2 is a stunning sequel for the Nintendo Switch. Create courses on the go or in co-op, try your hand at beating a level in the fastest time, or take inspiration from the developers themselves by playing the inventive levels seen in Story Mode. We just wish it had one more overworld to make those slots even. Super Mario Galaxy, anyone? After all, the sequel has the music and the Sky theme’s night effect makes things float. We’re already halfway there.
When playing through Breath of the Wild with the VR Goggles, with the Joy-Cons slotted firmly into the sides (as they would be in handheld mode), a head strap wouldn’t go amiss. Leaning back into my chair, propped up by a few pillows, was certainly the most comfortable way to play. And though the visuals stutter every now and then with weather transitions, Breath of the Wild performs nicely in VR. Besides, it’s pretty neat to feel fully immersed in the game – even if the visuals don’t quite take your breath away. I only wish we could use the wind pedal – or any of the other Toy-Con – as a way to glide through an updraft. Can we get a Toy-Con Sword next time, please? You just know there’s some grass itching to be cut.
Aside from the bare-bones visuals and lack of online play, BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! fits right at home on Switch, where future installments have the option to significantly amp things up and adopt a more modern locale that doesn’t shy away from inducing volume. Nevertheless, the game is brimming with engaging content that is sure to appease 2D platforming fans, especially those who enjoy solving puzzles while thinking outside the box.
With all Toy-Cons considered, Labo VR is a mixed bag of playability. Its replay value relies on competing with others, and there’s no rewards or special unlockables if you beat the high score. The focus on quantity over quality is a little unorthodox too, given how scarce the content for Labo has historically been. But, when all things are said and done, Labo VR is a good bit of fun for the kids, especially with its ability to be used in conjunction with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey on April 26th. And don’t worry, we’ll be writing a mini review of how they shape up in VR very soon. But for now, that’s all folks.
Yoshi’s Crafted World is a real joy to play. While it’s monotonous during the flip side levels, its masterful platform design makes up for it in droves. And as Nintendo proved last year, cardboard boxes, bits of string, fuzzy felt and plastic cups can be used to form highly unique creations, suitable for anyone to play. Who knows, perhaps we’ll see Yoshi in Labo VR next – well, one can hope.
For those that missed out on the original, Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is a solid 3DS port, albeit with a few lapses in usability. While the main campaign can be completed in just short of ten hours, both newcomers and returning fans alike can share in the joy of the opulent worldly textures, adorable animations and a beautifully simple storyline to ‘bobbin’ and out of.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is a remarkably polished remake with well-balanced updates that makes the game all the more enjoyable. If you’ve been champing at the bit like a chain chomp to play another Mario & Luigi RPG, you can’t go far wrong with Bowser’s Inside Story. We’ll be here, keeping calm and chortling.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes is not exactly the full-fledged sequel fans have been asking for, but it’s a step in the right direction and a sign of good things to come from Goichi Suda. With more than 10 hours of gameplay and further content planned via upcoming DLC updates, the game may very well keep you busy for a while. Another positive take that could be realized from the latest release: it’s a relief to know that Travis is back and he’s most likely here to stay.
Despite the exclusion of online features and fresh content, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a sizeable collection that offers one of the most solid platforming experiences of the current decade. If you’re a newcomer, it could provide numerous hours of excitement for you and your local friends. It’s a fun game for sure, but for someone who spent a good amount of time exploring every nook and cranny of the original a few years ago, it will most likely feel all too familiar.
The sheer amount of content on offer outside the main storyline is, quite possibly, what makes Yo-kai Watch 3 so interesting to play. Between side quests that feature all your favourite Yo-kai, Blaster Camp, the deliciously tantalising Boss Rush mode (though, let’s never speak of Agent X again), the fun (but gimmicky) Build-a-Nyan mode, online battle and post-game content, there’s more than enough to sink your teeth into; whether you’re a casual fan or a competitive player. It presents a highly polished front with some significant updates to gameplay, but it lacks the charm, witty jibes and magical moments found during the first and second titles. Usually you can find me chuckling in my seat, admiring the fantastic script-writing during a Yo-kai game, but for the third instalment it just wasn’t to be. Let’s hope the next instalment brings back that missing magic.
Despite striking setbacks with online, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is arguably the most addictive game on Nintendo Switch. Like its predecessors, its combat system is unrivaled with precise inputs that give you full control of your favorite characters. With an extensive roster of playable fighters and an impressive lineup of stages, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can easily provide you with a varied sense of enjoyment for many years to come. Because future updates and improvements are in the pipeline, the potential is there and it may very well shape up to be the best entry in the series to date.
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! feels at home on the Switch. Its deliciously, vibrant textures and reimagined features brings a new lease of life to a game that is loved by many. While it has its faults, Let’s Go is pure, unadulterated fun, never taking itself too seriously. This is Pokémon for Generation X, Y and Z.
Though it isn’t the Switch remake many had hoped for, Grezzo delivers a solid and well-polished 3DS port. While it would have been great to see the Hidden Mansion alter its content with new areas unlocked, Luigi’s Mansion remains best as a spooky near-episodic adventure, packed full of fun, with moments of humour, mischief and magic. If you enjoyed the original, there’s no way you’d miss this.
If you’re searching for a real challenge on Switch and haven’t played the original before, look no further than Dark Souls: Remastered. It’s going to be a daunting yet thrilling ride filled with frustrations along the way, but satisfying nonetheless in the end. Just be extremely patient, learn from your mistakes and you’ll eventually feel right at home.
Since it’s been a while since the original title made its debut, chances are you are like Neku and don’t remember everything at this stage. If that’s the case, the Switch version can provide you with another round of entertainment that can be played on the go and in the comfort of your own home. For newcomers, picking up The World Ends with You: Final Remix should be a no-brainer as it’s definitely the definitive version of the Nintendo DS gem.
With impressive aesthetics and delightful character animations, Nd Cube has finally found its rhythm with Super Mario Party. Although the game isn’t without its issues, these are few and far between, making the eleventh instalment one of the best it has been in years. That’s something to celebrate – and thankfully with no party car in sight.
While the Vehicle kit is no show-stopper, Nintendo Labo is still surprising us in very fun and clever ways. It might not be everyone’s calling, but there’s no limit to creativity. We just can’t wait to see what’s next.
Between the characterisation of Blades and Drivers, the improved battle system and a storyline that will make you reach for a jumper sleeve (or for the more sophisticated of souls, a tissue), the expansion DLC just feels so satisfying to play. So, whether you’re a newcomer, a JRPG lover, or a veteran Xenoblade fan, Torna: The Golden Country is a prequel not to be missed.
Long gone are the days of piling into a room with your friends to play WarioWare Smooth Moves on the Wii. Perhaps that’s why WarioWare Gold to a veteran player feels like an afterthought. There’s no chance of getting salty with your friends on a 3DS with no local download play and no stereoscopic 3D. If you’ve got a three-hour car journey with your kids over the summer, WarioWare Gold will just about fill that gap. Sorry Wario, we just expected more.