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As the first Mario Golf series game on a home console in almost 20 years, my expectations were high. While I smile seeing my favorite plumber tee off, Mario Golf: Super Rush admittedly lacks some polish I'd expect from Nintendo-published software. It's also heavily focused on gimmicks, though standard golf presents a fun simulation-lite alternative to PGA Tour. But, the overall package is mixed and not "content-packed" as advertised, at least for solo players. Like Mario Tennis before it, some tweaks, additional content, and a sale would make this a wiser purchase.
Cosmic Top Secret is a fun adventure/puzzle game. The odd presentation may strike some as just being weird, but I think it's quirky enough to be both different and engaging. If you are geared more toward action games, this may not be your thing. But if you like detective stories, this is a good option.
Alex Kidd was more or less usurped by Sonic the Hedgehog as SEGA's golden boy, and it's not hard to see why. This platformer may have rendered some fun in 1986, but considering it's a direct remake, it's still a clunky platformer that has not aged well. If you're an Alex Kidd fan, this is nothing short of a must-have, the QoL improvements make it a little more playable, and it's one of the best-looking remakes on the Switch. If you need a satisfying platforming fix, it's hard to recommend this classic title.
In the visual novel adventure Winds of Change, you play as a hero who is meant to save your land. Throughout the game, you must make difficult decisions, explore your surroundings, discover secrets, and build relationships with those around you. With an interesting story with lots to interact with, this game is definitely one to play.
Beautiful Desolation is a deep, intelligent, puzzle adventure presented with a unique isometric view. It's an easy recommendation to sci-fi fans who prefer narrative over action, but the Switch is not the best way to explore this apocalyptic world.
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers is a good third-person shooter that's a little on the light side in terms of graphical style and humour, but don't be fooled – there are many missions to conquer and plenty of characters to unlock as you seek your ultimate team. The fast-paced action should keep you busy for hours.
The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers three intense, challenging, and mostly thrilling Ryu Hayabusa games for the price of one. Three may be one too many, but this is still a good deal for those seeking visceral, violent, video-game action.
Overboard is a charming and darkly funny game, with incredibly well-written characters and a great atmosphere of intrigue, secrecy and 1930s style.
Rotund Takeoff is a quirky game that is well constructed to be adorable yet fiercely challenging and rapid-paced.
Trails and Traces: The Tomb of Thomas Tew has room for improvement, but I appreciate the game for its humorous characters, diverse locales, and well-done puzzles. Finding a fully voiced graphic adventure for just $4.99 is something to value as well. Now bring on a sequel with better control options and a less cliched finale.
Regina & Mac World is heavily inspired by platforming greats of the past, yet falls short on delivering the fun homage it aims to provide. It plays more like a demo, with a poorly designed platforming experience and clumsy controls. I am hopeful of an improved version in the future but, for now, this is sadly one to avoid.
Kids should enjoy Family Vacation: California well enough. Parents who grab it on sale can take confidence that it's not objectionable, just rather forgettable. But older players might be turned off by its simplicity and shorter length relative to its launch price.
Sumire is a visual novel adventure that should appeal to anyone who has experienced loss or just ever felt disconnected from the world. It's perhaps over too quickly for the price, but it's an enjoyable, fulfilling adventure while it lasts.
Skellboy Refractured was a lot more fun than I thought it would be, and there's plenty to do to keep you busy. It isn't too long, but there's a good-sized world to explore, with hidden areas and special items that can only be found later. While I feel it could still use some slight improvements, I definitely recommend checking out this great-looking, entertaining game.
The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition is a long and finely constructed visual novel. It promises an intricate plot of suspense, intrigue and revenge for anyone willing to commit forty or more hours to the story.
Stonefly delights the eyes and ears. But the gameplay mix, despite offering some depth, can't do the same. The combat simply isn't much fun, and exploring runs the risks of glitches. This strange premise just isn't executed that well. I'd stick with Creature in the Well until Stonefly gets a discount and patch.
Fly TOGETHER! is a chaotic puzzle game to play with friends in various ways. The controls are responsive, but the game gets repetitive after a little while.
Trenga Unlimited is a fun puzzle game for a little while. The controls are responsive, but the different modes and puzzles don't add enough diversity to keep the player engaged.
With no words, Fire: Ungh's Quest provides a relatable hero in a quirky puzzle adventure. The imagery is playful and well rendered, and the audio is good with both sound effects and music. Playability is better in handheld mode than docked, but it's worth a go either way for those who like puzzlers.
Angels with Scaly Wings has mostly good sci-fi writing, and the choices it presents are welcomed, leading to replay value. The shallow romantic subplots have me hoping that a prequel/sequel has a bit more thought, though.