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Overall, Sunshine Manor is a uniquely spine-tingling title that scratches that Halloween itch with cartoony gore. The terrific visuals and excellent soundtrack, not to mention the ghostly plot of exploration, create a creepy-yet-fun vibe just in time for Halloween.
The visuals and roguelike elements of World of Horror combine to create a wholly unique experience for Switch users. The gameplay loop does become repetitive rather quickly, but the short gaming sessions and changing relationship between events make this a successful and scary diversion from the norm.
PAW Patrol World provides a 3D adventure meant for preschool kids who enjoy the franchise or just want a simple game to play. Though it can be repetitive and won't pose a challenge to even younger gamers, its open world mechanics and side missions-not to mention all the collectables-still leave room for plenty of enjoyment.
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is a difficult SRPG to push through if you have no previous experience with the series. But you've got to start somewhere, right? And once you get into the flow of it, you may find yourself losing a month or two to the game's unique elements, tricky systems, and joyful charms.
If you're a fan of retro action/platformers, then you're in for a treat with 30XX. It's a fun game with a good amount of customization and level variety. Play alone or with a friend, and blast your way through ever-changing levels and tough bosses.
TY the Tasmanian Tiger 4: Bush Rescue Returns is a strong platformer with a uniquely Aussie charm. A lot of care has gone into bringing TY's fourth outing to life on the Switch, with delightful audiovisuals that immerse the player in the outback.
The appeal of BBG Entertainment's Astrosmash remake is not in what it modernizes, but in what it retains from the original. Although it looks good and runs great on the Nintendo Switch, its best feature is how accurately it recreates the feeling of playing it on the Intellivision in the early '80s.
While I very much appreciate the efforts game developers put in to entertain (and maybe educate) us, Ultimate Games' Castle Renovator falls flat in early every way. If one of the selling points is that you can "Choose the shapes and designs of flags and pennants," you know you're in trouble.
Bokura is a clever co-op game that makes use of an unusual play structure and innovative puzzles to deliver a story about friendship and contemplations about the human existence that stays with you.
For history buffs, especially the military history wonks, Company of Heroes Collection falls in "must-have" territory. The game has multiple difficulty levels so you can ease your way into it and replay for a while to test your skills, and the Switch control system doesn't get in the way as much as you might expect. If you like a good RTS or you like a good WWII game, this is a very good title to have in your Switch library.
Silent Hope is a simple action RPG that provides plenty of fun even if it doesn't pose a substantial challenge. Paying all playable characters equal attention will lead to redundancy, but shifting your focus to just a few will help the quick combat and hero customization to carry you through.
Quantum Recharged is likely going to appeal only to the Atari faithful or die-hard retro game players. While it's a very simple game to learn and play, there just isn't that much in it to keep you invested for any long amount of time (unless you want to climb the leaderboards). It's great for a five minute burst, which fits well on Nintendo Switch. Yet, like a lot of the Recharged series, the new additions of things like "Mission Mode" highlight how there isn't much you can add to these older games. It's a fun experience that will likely have a limited appeal.
Touhou: New World is the refreshing, fast-paced RPG you didn't know you wanted. If you're after something a little lighter and a little different, this one might be worth your time.
Despite a few bugs and oversights, The Making of Karateka has become one of my favorite releases in 2023 and should be considered unmissable. Playing this interactive documentary, packed with history and fun remastered works, can't help but make one wonder what Digital Eclipse plans next. How about a deep dive into Mechner's later work, The Last Express?
Whatever the season, Xtreme Sports can offer a bit of fun in the virtual sun. But, you'll likely play for just a few minutes here and there, spread out over time. The small number of events leads to a repetition, making it struggle to maintain interest. The extras in this Switch port barely register, too.
Dynablaster adds a modern sheen to the original Bomberman gameplay. Key-collecting mode is fun, and there's some multiplayer value. But this release-originally intended for the Intellivision Amico-doesn't otherwise do enough to justify its asking price on the Switch.
If you're a fan of RPGs, then Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles will be up your alley. You'll enjoy the graphics and fun music with simple gameplay mechanics.
My Little Universe is an adventure game in which you explore 9 different planets to restore them back to their original environments by collecting materials and expanding resources. You can upgrade your tools, fight monsters, and discover new materials in this casual tycoon-like game.
A relaxing and satisfying cleaning simulator, Fresh Start channels a serious environmental messages through a simple, if repetitive, tour of a planet.
A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cute game in which you play as a little donkey who explores new areas, collects many stickers, and helps people along the way. The explorative puzzle/adventure gameplay is super fun, and not too challenging; its simple style makes it easy to complete, leaving you feeling accomplished and happy.