Nintendo Insider
HomepageNintendo Insider's Reviews
I never thought that I would ever have the chance to play Final Fantasy IX on a Nintendo console, and, with Nintendo Switch, Square Enix has perhaps found the perfect place to experience the genre classic.
OlliOlli: Switch Stance fills the void left in the skateboarding genre rather nicely with its unique and rewarding trick system and snappy gameplay. The fact it’s a straightforward port with little in the way of extra content may disappoint returning players but for those craving something to fill that Tony Hawk-sized hole in their hearts this should do the job.
There are fleeting moments of brilliance to the puzzle design in The Gardens Between, but, between them, the pace meanders to the point where my interest started to wane. There can be no doubt that it’s unlike anything else that you will have played before, but, in turn, the wondrous idea that lies at its core never feels like it blossoms into something that manages to enter its stride.
It may be a three-year-old game at this point, but BlazBlue CentralFiction Special Edition is a fine example of the quality Arc Systems Works puts into their games. The fact that all the downloadable content is included at such a decent price point makes this complete package a necessity on the Nintendo Switch.
Octahedron: Transfixed Edition is an eye-catching game whose platforming keeps things simple without sacrificing its challenge. It’s that kind of ‘one more try’ feeling, fast-paced action experience the Switch was born to do and despite some frustrations, I had a great, and rewarding, time building platforms and navigating Octahedron’s luminous playgrounds.
Taken as a whole, Aragami: Shadow Edition does the sneak ‘n’ stab genre well enough to tickle the taste buds of its fans. Others not quite as invested will probably only get a moderate amount of enjoyment with little satisfaction in gameplay outside of some nice ideas and the relief of accomplishment.
Piczle Colors is a decent puzzle game that offers a good number of tough and rewarding brainteasers to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, my time spent coloring in squares was hindered thanks to the game’s often confusing and less than helpful presentation of its clues. Challenging sure but not always in the way you want.
Joggernauts is a surprisingly fun take on the auto-scroller but a fairly short one filled with its fair share of frustrating moments. As a single player experience it feels clumsy but gather a group of friends and there’s a good amount of amusement to be had even if most of the time it’s from everyone yelling at each other and trying to orchestrate themselves. A short, simple and laugh-filled time.
Granted, by today’s standards Dragons Lair may even be considered as a pretty awful game in every angle outside its drop-dead gorgeous Disney-flavoured smut. However, Dragon’s Lair Trilogy is another important slice of gaming history and one that can now be added to the growing museum on the Nintendo Switch.
Unruly Heroes is a wonderfully enthralling adventure thanks to its striking visuals, impressive variety and clever mix of platforming, puzzles, and combat. What might at first seem like a fairly ordinary platformer reveals itself to be much more not only helping it stand out from an already crowded genre on Switch but surprise players in a great way.
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a must play classic that acts as a great example on how to make a timeless title. Despite having a few quirks that remind us of its age, this Egyptian escapade is just as enjoyable as it was back in 2003, if not even more so on the Switch.
It is in local multiplayer, then, that Big Crown Showdown excels, although in its current state that’s by default. Fun, frantic and maddening in places, there’s undeniable potential in the idea that it has been built around, it’s just the execution and, sadly, lack of online interest that sees it fumble short of the finish line.
Despite its flaws, Sundered: Eldritch Edition contains enough magic to keep developer Thunder Lotus Games intact as an interesting and viable studio. There is a lot to be found here that would usually keep me enticed if it wasn’t following last year’s more entertaining alternatives.
Out Run is a true classic pure and simple and a fantastic addition to the SEGA AGES line-up. It’s one of those games you’ll find yourself pulled back to for one more joyride and with its numerous options, extra features and choice between playing portable or on the big screen the Switch version is arguably the best version out there.
If you’re a fan of platformers, adventure games or Metroidvania style games, then this will be a great title for you. With a lengthy playtime, plenty of variety in its gameplay and has so much about it to enjoy, it is a title that does very little wrong and outdoes the game that it set out to emulate. It wasn’t on my radar in the build-up to release, but I love it now. It comes highly recommended.
Honestly, it’s just a really fun game and you should play it. It is only a few hours of your time, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Onimusha: Warlords for Nintendo Switch is a delight. It looks and plays well, it’s fun, and the in-game achievement system – aptly named Honors – motivates the player to replay the game several times. On average, most will be able to complete the game in around four hours. Despite the short duration, the journey is a quality one and something you’ll want to replay.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes is a solid return for the assassin but one not without its problems. While the writing feels just as sharp as ever, unfortunately, its six-game premise doesn’t feel like it totally lives up to its potential. Still it’s great to see a new entry in the long-dormant series and hopefully, this marks the beginning of a brand new chapter for Travis Touchdown and the league of assassins.
The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 3 – Broken Toys may stumble upon an all too familiar plotline, but the chemistry between the two most important roles helps to iron out the creases thanks to a believable and important companionship. My decisions standing in Clementine’s shoes conjures certain anticipation within me in how it may affect the final strokes of the series. Whether there will be alternative conclusions or a single ending set in stone is yet to be made clear.
It’s great to finally see Supergiant Games bring some of their great work over to a Nintendo platform and Bastion easily ranks among the best. From its eye-catching presentation to the mysterious story to the challenging but satisfying combat Bastion is an emotionally fascinating journey from start to finish and one well worth venturing.