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This is a game that has no right to be as much fun as it is. It should be one of those titles that’s ultimately forgettable – something that feels ported from mobile devices, but Super One More Jump is a bunch of fun with one player or more and it has that perfect ‘one more go’ attribute.
The biggest barrier for people would be that not only is UNO cheaper to buy in its physical form, it also allows you to play proper competitive matches against friends and family, which isn’t possible on the Switch unless you have multiple consoles and multiple versions of the game. Playing this version of it does have its advantages, but whilst you can only play against the CPU and online on the digital version of UNO, there’s no reason why you couldn’t play a co-op match with the physical deck. But overall, if you are looking for a streamlined and easy to play version of the classic card game, then why not try your hand with UNO for the Switch.
Azkend 2: The World Beneath is another solid enough effort from 10tons that might not do anything we haven’t seen dozens of times before, but proves distracting enough when played in handheld. With so many other better examples of the genre on Switch already out there though, you’re probably better off investing your time and money in one of those instead.
Shu will long be remembered for its wondrous art direction and hand-drawn characters, but also for the game’s many shortcomings. It’s bittersweet to reach the game’s conclusion, a moment that comes far too soon and leaves the player without enough of a compelling reason to sink more time into it. There’s charm to be found in the experience, but, as I soon discovered, it doesn’t take long to outrun a storm.
Aside from the story, there are local multiplayer and challenge modes. The latter does offer some really interesting game types like a horde mode, a boss challenge and a type that asks you to protect a flock of sheep. But, for me at least, I didn’t find any urge to pick up my Switch and play Brawl. This could have been a great game, but it tries to sell players something that we’ve already seen done much better and a style that just doesn’t merge all that well with the idea.
A part of me wishes there was more to sink my teeth into with InnerSpace – a proper narrative, maybe, but that takes away from what a lovely experience it is. It takes away from how it looks, sounds and moves. Most of all, it would make the game something very different and that would be a real shame because this is a very charming concept fleshed out with a great eye for detail.
With Sky Force Reloaded, despite not necessarily bringing anything revolutionary to the traditional arcade shooter, the many collectable systems in place somewhat reflect the special hook that made this genre so addictively popular in the first place. It all feels very well put together and equally hard to put down, even though the thought of the grind did initially put me off. Some may still feel that the progression system in place can be on the slow side, especially for those that just want to trail through it as quickly as possible. As for myself, collecting every medal, and aiming to snatch all four objectives in a single run keeps me on the constant return for more.
Romancing SaGa 2 is a remarkable experience that, even after such a long time, still has creative ideas that make the experience feel all the more meaningful. It still shows its age in places, not least for the fact that many of the gameplay mechanics that whir beneath its pixel art exterior are never explained to the player. But, those looking for a classic packed with challenge will find much to enjoy.
The Next Penelope is a short but very fun racer. While it may be the eye-catching visuals that initially draw you in, it’s the tough, clever, addictive racing gameplay that you’ll want to stay for. Another winner for the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.
Teslagrad is still as wonderful as the first time that I saw it through to conclusion, and the game’s release on Nintendo Switch is the perfect opportunity for those that have not had the chance to flee to the Tesla Tower to experience to see exactly how incredible it is.
But this game is silly fun, and fun you’ll have. It certainly doesn’t lose out anything in multiplayer. Split two Joy-Con and you’ll get a more simple control-scheme with automatic acceleration and simple trick input. It performs great in multiplayer docked or portable. Obviously, the big screen will emphasise more of the graphical blemishes, but you’ll be too busy performing sick tricks to care. Bring your wetsuit and get ready for a wild ride. Cowabunga dude!
Grimm may earn himself one too many slices of pizza for your efforts at wordplay, but Letter Quest Remastered doesn’t have enough content to really satiate my appetite. That’s a compliment in many ways, a game that has a clever gameplay mechanic but just needs to find more ways to explore it.
While Her Majesty’s SPIFFING holds a promising start to what will, hopefully, be an amusing series, its relatively high price point in comparison to the game’s overall length may very well discourage many. Considering that you can actually get this title for the fraction of the price on Google Play, it could potentially hurt its popularity on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Although to be fair, playing it on the Nintendo Switch will undoubtedly be the better experience, and a bit less harsh on the old phone battery.
Ittle Dew 2+ is hilarious though, and, even if it isn’t as mentally challenging, the game’s undeniable charm and pun-filled humour will carry you through to its concluding moments. Tippsie is the best companion an adventure could ever need (even if he needs to kick his health potion addiction), and the game throws more than enough ideas at you to make sure that it entertains.
Guns, Gore and Cannoli is a solid take on the run-and-gun genre. While its unique combination of zombies and gangsters is impressively illustrated through its detailed and eye-catching visuals, sadly the gameplay doesn’t feel as special. It might start out on a strong opening note, but slowly falls prone to repetition and like an infected, shambling zombie, the experience starts to rot a little the longer it’s around.
There is some satisfaction to be found in slaughtering the alien forces that are hellbent on attacking Earth in Xenoraid, but the experience fails to ever be more than distinctly average. Even throwing in the chance for friends to fly alongside you as wingmen seems a flawed move, a couch co-op experience that comes at the cost of removing the best idea that the game has going for it. There are better games in the genre to spend your time with on Nintendo Switch, then – meaning that it’s best to leave someone else to defend mankind in this one.
I would feel disheartened, but Celeste has taught me, in a short time, not to feel this way. The game has guided me, through Madeline, to strive for my goals, to take time and breathe, to take chances and venture out of my comfort zone. The story that eventually plays out is a powerful hit to the solar-plexus and is very welcome in the current field of video games.
For those in need of a quick fix with a group of friends, then you can’t go far wrong with Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure Deluxe. The story is funny, the animations of the characters are charming, and the basic gameplay system is on point. If you are playing alone, then you may not get a lot out of this title due to how short the story is and the lack of online multiplayer. You can play against bots I suppose, but nothing beats slamming the wind out of a friend’s stomach.
Baseball Riot is a simple, sometimes fun Angry Birds-inspired download that’s a neat enough distraction in short sessions but may lose its appeal when exposed to the player for too long. We’ve seen these kinds of games before and if you’re in the market for one on Switch then this certainly delivers just that.
All in all, The Escapists 2 does a decent enough job in providing that Shawshank Redemption fix you’ve always dreamed of. So much so that when you do finally make it out, you will probably fall to your knees while staring at the stormy sky in relief. Naturally, this game isn’t going to be for everyone as it can be quite intimidating for beginners. It may also test the patience for those who lack it or are initially looking for a quick fix. In all fairness, it is prison after all. It was never going to be a walk in the park. Now shut up and eat your porridge.