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Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition is still a game that will push strategy fans to (and beyond) their limits. You'll spend more time learning than playing. But the Joy-Con mouse functionality in this Switch 2-only release removes a major obstacle to the long-serving rewards awaiting those able to stick with it.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour probably should have been a pack-in release; not because it’s not worth the money, but because it’s turned into a PR nightmare. It also feels like the perfect game to include with a new system. At the end of the day, it wasn’t included; but it IS fun and interesting. So, if you like the sound of it, give it a go! If not, leave it alone. Someone at Nintendo worked hard to put this together, and I, for one, am glad I was able to experience it.
Klaus Lee – Thunderballs is an engaging homage to the TV and gaming action heroes of the '80s. It's not the deepest or most diverse platformer you'll play on the Switch, but its 100+ levels and built-in level designer provide plenty of staying power.
Leftovers KO! showcases some very fun art of foodstuffs dealing with a fierce blow. It's a fine little time-killer, but otherwise doesn't have much going for it to make it stand out from the crowd of other novelty fighting games.
This 15-year-old game has aged well, with new cutscenes and other enhancements contributing to an epic, movie-like quality to the action. This prequel makes the perfect first entry for the Switch 2.
Although TRON: Catalyst may feel like a paint-by-numbers entry in the Tron series, it's one of the better kits we've had. It stumbles over repetition and some awkward gameplay segments, but the solid story and franchise-familiar elements will carry fans through its somewhat short runtime.
The roguelike, deck-based dungeon builder Into the Restless Ruins may not be a big budget spectacle, but strategy game fans will find it a solid addition to their game library.
It took me a while to realize I wasn't having quite as much fun with Sonic X Shadow Generations as I expected, given the high praise of the 2011 console original. Such elevation likely reflects the quality of Sonic games declining over the past 20 years, as even the better new titles can't reach the peak of the '90s classics. Combine that with no upgrade for existing owners, and Sega has made it challenging to recommend this one on Switch 2. Many players would be better off with Sonic Mania or Origins. But if you're a diehard fan who hasn't played this yet, wishlist it and wait for a discount-you'll be safe knowing that, even though it's showing its age more than most would care to admit, you're sure to find some entertainment.
HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition is perhaps thus named because it literally requires your signature to play. Once you're past that and a few other technical and online issues, however, you'll get a ton of content with countless ways to work through it. Make room for the 60GB install file, because you'll want to keep this game around for a very long time.
If you're looking for a game to highlight how different the Switch 2 experience can be, look no further than Kunitsu-Gamin: Path of the Goddess. The unique combination of action and tower-defense strategy-enhanced by the stunning graphics and art direction-make this a game you'll use to show off your new system.
Overall, Not Not 2 – A Brain Challenge is exactly what it says on the box. It tickles the brain in a fun, interesting, and challenging way. With over 100 levels to master, daily and weekly challenges, and unlockables, this is a fun title with plenty of longevity.
Hidden Kittens: Kingdom of Cats is a chill, low-key hidden objects game with calm music and pleasant hand-drawn art.
Hidden Cat Outlaws is a clever hidden objects game with quirky music, lovely hand-drawn art, and enough of a challenge to keep you playing.
Techno Banter manages to balance surreal twists and turns through a gritty nightlife scene with characters that feel grounded and believable. The story is concise and well written, set against a finely constructed backdrop of trippy art, a thumping soundtrack, and quick wit.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a colorful combination of two popular puzzle games with plenty to keep you busy. A robust story mode and chaotic multiplayer matches are very entertaining. If this was a new gane, it would receive higher marks. I'm glad it's on the Switch 2, but it's a shame there's no upgrade option for owners of the original Switch version.
1f y0u're a gh0st ca11 me here! is one of the more unique games I've played on the Nintendo Switch. It does get repetitive after a while, but the striking visuals, compelling story, and frantic "call center" gameplay will be enough to get most new gr1ms through the workday.
A narratively disconnected relationship makes Old Skies stumble badly at the end. But that aside, this polished release is generally great. I'd love to see a sequel that explores more of ChronoZen and its staff while jettisoning the romantic fluff to a side-story spinoff visual novel. The best way to make that happen is to check this title out. Old Skies starts brilliantly and maintains its grip with fun individual stories and an overall sci-fi plot that keeps ticking in mostly thoughtful ways.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma's greatest accomplishment is its ability to pile so many gameplay elements into one big adventure, and to make all of them feel integral and organic. Whether you're farming, fighting, exploring, or romancing, every task-like the game itself-feels like it's worth completing.
Point-and-click adventure fans may be surprised by the more depressing tone of Leila, but the art style, emotional story, and challenging puzzles will carry them through. The game's themes can feel heavy, but leave the player with a sense of hope.
Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is delightful. Its beautiful paintings, quirky characters, and lovely music combine to create a playful outing that provides a true form of escape. This short but sweet outing will stick with you after the credits roll.