Cat with Monocle
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Overall, Ocean’s Heart is a pleasant RPG adventure that will tickle the fancy of any Zelda fan. While there are minor navigation issues, these do not detract from the experience. The game is stuffed full of content, puzzles, dungeons, and quests, making for an expansive, well-balanced, and well-crafted experience that belies the fact that it’s from a small development crew. Through and through, this pixelated pirate adventure has found its true home on the Nintendo Switch console. So set sail: the heart awaits!
Rune Factory 5 takes a big step going all 3D, but it stumbles a bit with framerate issues and uninspiring textures. However, the game’s cast of characters, inclusion of same-sex marriages, and barnful of gameplay value mean players shouldn’t pass this up. The farming life is a decent life, indeed.
The Cruel and the Great Hero is a delightful RPG to play for those looking for a relaxing, wholesome story. The game feels more like a small adventure than a large-scale epic like Final Fantasy, but that’s totally fine. Grab your twig and venture forth, soon-to-be-great hero!
Ultimately, Aztech Forgotten Gods is a decent outing with its intriguing heroine and equally intriguing world of massive boss fights. It certainly has the potential to be a great game, but its graphics and gameplay mechanics need more refinement before it can reach that level. For now, these gods risk being forgotten again.
Atelier Sophie 2 has a well-built alchemy setup and battle mechanics that make it enjoyable even if the overall game has an outdated look. Hopefully, these fun mechanics will reappear in an expanded form in future Atelier games. In the meantime, savor this good dream!
After 26 years of catching them all, Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes the foundations of Pokémon and successfully reshapes it into a new style. While the graphics need considerable improvement, Legends: Arceus makes Pokémon fun all over again. By going into the past, Pokémon has evolved for the future. Look forward to the next line of games in this new form!
Overall, Unsighted is a solid nonlinear platformer with ample depth and content. While the start is a bit bumpy, the game quickly finds its rhythm and provides enjoyable gameplay with a retro feel. The timer and stamina systems may be frustrating to some players, but the game provides more than the typical customizability to scale the difficulty for casual players. In short, it’s hardly an un-sightly experience; it’s well worth a good long look!
Overall, Tunche is a nice, well-blended mixture of beat’em up and rogue-like gameplay that’s easy to play alone or with friends. Though it feels like a bit of a slow grind to progress, it will provide an ample challenge, even for veteran gamers. Plus, the Amazonia jungle themed, hand-drawn artwork is absolutely impressive and stylish. And who doesn’t love Hat Kid? Punch your way through the heart of the jungle to find Tunche!
Pretty Girls Panic! PLUS improves what its predecessor lacked and continues to make a cutting board puzzle game entertaining. However, the extra content only goes so far and ultimately feels unfinished. It’s a plus minus, instead of a plus plus.
Sakura Santa has its silly moments across its multiple storylines. However, the lack of content and the confusing user interfaces make it a challenge to revisit. If you enjoy harem anime and fan service, you’ll enjoy Sakura Santa, even if it’s a short festival.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl don’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s still an enjoyable adventure to revisit regardless of the weird quirks. Those who’ve played the classic Pokémon games will enjoy a trip down memory lane. Go out, trainer, and be the best!
Greak: Memories of Azur is fun and challenging. While it’s difficult to control all three siblings at once, they are a force to be reckoned with when players get a handle on them. Those who enjoy Metroidvania games should not pass up this unique adventure. Azur awaits!
Overall, Monomals took an impressive risk in blending two different genres, but the result is a masterpiece. The gameplay feels smooth between both styles and provides a quite enjoyable, low-stress experience for a wide audience. Those wanting either a Sonic-esque action-platformer or a music creation game will be satisfied, but it’s worth it trying out all the game has to offer. Hop on the boat to fish for your own beat!
Pretty Girls Panic! is a fun puzzle game, for a short time. The simplistic gameplay makes it easy to pick up, but there’s potential for much more. Expect a short day with these waifus.
Kitaria Fables isn’t perfect and has a handful of small issues. Still, with a good mix of adventuring, farming, and crafting, it’s a fun game whether you experience the game solo or with a partner. Grab your sword and prepare for a meowtastic adventure.
Catlateral Damage: Remeowstered lets you play as a cat. What more is there to say, really? It’s a fun and amusing game, and this updated version is the best one, even without VR support. Sharpen those claws, grab a bag of catnip, and have fun!
Steel Assault is a simple but solid, retro-feeling, side-scrolling indie platformer that is both enjoyable and challenging. While it would be great to have a few more levels, zipping through the nuclear wastelands of America is still well worth your time. The resistance is ready, so jump in and join the fight.
Overall, Diablo II: Resurrected is an impressive facelift of the original games with some fantastic quality-of-life improvements added in. The remastered solo play is quite impressive on the Switch, even given the existing hardware limitations. Unfortunately, the current issues with matchmaking, community size, and servers on the Switch are a huge blemish on the experience due to the grinding nature of solo play, but those can be resolved in time and earn higher marks as a result. The game can still provide one hell of an experience for those who prefer solo action or for folks using it for cross-platform progression while traveling. Purge this land of shadow, and may the light guide your way.
Overall, Sheepo is an enjoyable, under-the-radar addition to the Metroidvania genre. While some puzzle aspects and bosses can become predictable, the game is well executed in design and is quite a quirky adventure from top to bottom. So take an adventurous leap alongside Sheepo!
Overall, Cruis’n Blast is a fantastic spin on the classic Cruis’n arcade series. While it would be great to have online play and more complex race track layouts, the game has a great selection of wacky vehicles and is well made, easy to pick up and play, and full of low-stress fun. What are you waiting for – come on, go Cruis’n ♫♪!