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While this pack contains two games, the conceit of both, a rhythm-based RPG is ultimately fairly shallow. In the end, just about every RPG element is an afterthought. Still, there's simply far too much charm here to overlook, especially if you're a fan of the long-running Taiko no Tatsujin series or rhythm games in general. Playing either title in docked mode with full volume, or in portable mode with good headphones is enough to get anyone in the groove.
Bus Driver Simulator deserves some appreciation for its attention to detail, but the details are pretty boring in this case. It doesn't help that the gameplay is cumbersome and glitchy, and the visuals are dated and drab. Unless you're really into slow drives through PS2-era depictions of European cities, take the Desert Bus instead. At least then it's for charity.
Unhatched is sometimes a bit odd and repetitive (it may take a few passes to get your card play order squared away), but there is some fun to be had in this puzzle adventure card game.
The Alto Collection has some issues on the Switch, but these lively games can keep you engaged considerably longer than expected.
It just doesn't stand out to me as a "must buy." I will say that there was a patch for some of the bugs in the game, but it could use a little more fine-tuning, in my opinion. YesterMorrow is nowhere near the worst game I've ever played, but it's nowhere near the best.
Umihara Kawase BaZooka! is an arcade fighting game that's best to play with friends. The enemies and levels are diverse enough, but the overall gameplay falls short.
Commandos 2 – HD Remaster takes a fun but difficult real-time tactics PC game and makes it less fun but more difficult on the Nintendo Switch. The celebrated core gameplay remains, but clunky controls and some annoying bugs will make you wish you'd gone with the computer version.
GUNPIG: Firepower For Hire does what it must for the modest cost of $4.99. It teases a sequel – "Bax will return…" – and I hope the followup brings expanded leaderboards, a save system, and maybe even a two-player mode. But if you're a fan of top-down dual-stick shooters, this entry is solid fun and replayable.
If you've never played Sam & Max Save the World, this remaster is certainly worth investigating. It's kind of clever, kind of funny, and appropriately priced. It doesn't warrant a second playthrough, but few adventure games ever do.
Paw Patrol/Mighty Pups: Save Adventure Bay does nothing to save itself from being mediocre and a weak attempt to take advantage of an easily exciting franchise. To me, the game was almost offensive, with its generic take and the developer's hope that name recognition carries it – which it almost did. Like I said earlier, I am not the demographic for the game. Being six, my son liked the game, but I could tell he sees the faults in it.
Ramp Car Jumping is a physics-based puzzler that lacks creativity and longevity. It provides a couple hours of silly fun for one or two players on the Nintendo Switch, but it never feels like more than a free-to-play mobile title.
Captain Sabertooth and the Magic Diamond has its moments. Still, the challenge fluctuates too much to give it a broad recommendation to youngsters. Without any difficulty settings or even a two-player mode where mom and dad could help out, I could see kids growing tired of this one after a while.
No More Heroes is still a blast to play today. Living up to its cult status that it initially earned when it first released on the Wii, over ten years ago. Some of the gameplay feels dated, primarily due to the empty and dull open world sections, but the comical writing and boss battles alone make it worth your attention. Whether you're a fan of the original or, like me, a newcomer to the franchise No More Heroes is a great addition to any Switch players library.
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle improves on its predecessor in nearly every way imaginable. Successfully maintaining what made No More Heroes so adored, all the while improving on the original without sacrificing the heart and soul of the game: having fun.
Brawl Chess is strictly adequate. It's hard to screw up chess badly, but as a video game, the aspiration in this take (or lack thereof) is pretty average. While targeting kids with a cartoony, less violent take on the Battle Chess formula is noble, overlooking a tutorial is a head-scratcher, to put it mildly. DLC is also highly questionable at best. Think long and hard on this one if it isn't on sale.
While it's nothing new in the realm of retro puzzle platformers, More Dark has enough value to keep you engaged throughout some of its brain-teasing levels.
Touhou Spell Bubble is a clever and challenging game that combines bubble popping mechanics with rhythm elements and surprisingly intricate strategies. The price may be high, but it'll pay off if you're able to stick with it-especially if you can squeeze extra life out of local multiplayer instead of having to rely on the DLC purchases.
Memoranda is a stunning game with beautiful graphics and amazing music, only to fall short with lackluster gameplay and an incomplete story.
Grood is a fast-paced shooter that's fun and easy to pick up and play. It comes with two warnings: it's highly addictive, and it's very challening.
Beat-em-ups are a dime a dozen, but 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is at the very least different from many of the other offerings on the Switch. From the complexity of the combat system which offers plenty of potential for variety in gameplay, to the inspired visual presentation, it's easy to recommend to any fan of the beat-em-up genre.