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Republique Anniversary Edition has an interesting story, fun sneaking gameplay, and quite a bit of the game to play. That said, is there anything exceptional about this Anniversary Edition? Not really. The change in perspective from its original release ruins the experience. It was far more tense, and ultimately enjoyable, when I was not in direct control of the main character. My actions felt far scarier because of their consequence on the main character. With the new perspective, I may be in control of the character, but I can't see anything in front of me. In the end, if you were a huge fan of stealth games, then maybe Republique is for you. If you're looking for the next great futuristic adventure, then you're likely in for a disappointing time.
Autobahn Police Simulator 2 (if grabbed on sale) could be a solid choice for certain types of players willing to invest the time and overlook quirks. But it overpromises and underdelivers, with a dated presentation sure to turn off many. Combined with a lack of Switch optimization, it warrants waiting for a deep discount on your wishlist.
A fun point-and-click game from 2012 that you can tell is at least a decade old. The storyline is interesting and will make up for some of the visual flaws of the game.
The Ramp was made for a specific purpose and it serves that purpose. I just wish I had more fun doing it. However, if you're into skateboarding and don't care about all the extra stuff, you might want to check this one out. Otherwise, wait for the next Tony Hawk Remaster.
Triangle Strategy pushes heavily into its narrative, perhaps to the detriment of its turn-based combat. That will turn some away. But for those who are willing to push through, you'll find the game worth (nearly) every second you put into it. Excellent level design, diverse character abilities, and a tense political climate generate an engrossing experience for JRPG fans.
Inukari is a somewhat charming platformer marred by sloppy presentation and gameplay. The story is an interesting one, despite the errors, and the characters are neatly rendered in a retro way. Unfortunately, the whole thing seems unfinished or unpolished, which is a shame because it has potential.
Mario Kart fans have been waiting too long for new console content. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is constantly in the top ten games sold in Japan each week, showing it still has plenty of life. A large install base also explains why DLC was the way to go, rather than an all-new Mario Kart 9. The first wave of the Booster Course Pass is a fun reminder of why this series is so popular.
Tempest 4000 is perceptibly held back by a clunky UI, missing two-player modes, and a gimped AI Droid. But it's still recommended, thanks to its superb audio/visual package and "one more time" gameplay. Especially for series fans, getting "in the zone" will ensure this entry has high replay value. Being able to enjoy this in handheld mode on the Switch is a big plus also.
Remember when Fire Emblem games focused more on story and combat than on fishing, construction, and class studies? So do the developers of Dark Deity, an SRPG that survives some annoying bugs and UI issues to provide a satisfying, briskly-paced adventure.
While it might not be to the level of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but Chocobo GP definitely earns its spot as a must-play on the platform IF the microtransaction system was removed. Square Enix has come out and said they are listening to fan feedback and will try to tone the system down. However at the time of this review, Square Enix has not pushed through that update. This makes it tricky to recommend Chocobo GP at this exact moment. There's a lot of fun to be had and I genuinely would continue playing this game. Yet I would strongly caution those interested in the title to hold out until the microtransaction system is fixed. By then progression will be as it should be and actually reward you for playing. Until then, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe just got new content…
Rune Factory 5 is a good game for series fans, but we'd recommend the last entry over it. We found that game was easier to control and preferred the top-down view. But, of course, you can still pass all manner of fun time with this sometimes slow (often choppy) installment.
Puzzle & Dragons Nintendo Switch Edition brings the popular mobile game to the Nintendo Switch. It comes at a low enough price to give puzzle fans something to play for a few hours. Making your own levels and downloading others is a fun distraction, but overall there's nothing new on offer here.
Quest for Infamy is an excellent outing for fans of those old-school, point-and-click fantasy games of yesteryear. It's packed full of missions, side-quests, and things to discover, albeit a little bare. The writing and characters breathe so much life and comedy into this game that you can't help but have a merry old time with Mister Roehm.
Young Souls combines two genres, beat 'em ups and RPGs, beautifully. The story is intriguing, and the artwork is stunning. Mix in a bunch of equipment that you can upgrade and explore, and you have a well-built game. It takes a lot for a game to break into my all-time favorite list for this genre, but Young Souls did just that.
Gal*Gun Double Peace is an on-rails shooter with light elements of a dating sim. The lightly smutty aspect of the game is unashamedly its big selling point, but if you get into the mechanics of playing it successfully, you can get some solid gaming entertainment out of it.
Awesome 16-bit graphics and nostalgia will distract you from the sluggish gameplay. Players unfamiliar with retro brawlers should probably skip out on this one. But if you're a fan of the River City series and want to take a trip back in time, this is a good place to start.
MacGuffin's Curse is a solid entry into the maze/puzzle genre. It's low-pressure, you can correct your mistakes quickly, and the writing has a cheesy comedic tone that's very chill. And as an entry into the werewolf/jewel thief genre, it's the frontrunner of the year.
Swords & Bones is a charming platformer with fun graphics and music. However, the controls are wonky, and there isn't much replay value.
A Musical Story is a short rhythm game that stands out with genuinely good original music, a touching story, and amazing visuals. If you're a fan of music, art, or all things creative, this game is certainly right up your alley.
Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space is a great point-and-click game with clever writing and puzzles; I was hooked from the beginning. At only $9.99, it's easy to recommend this title to genre fans.