Pure Nintendo

Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok is one of the more unique, attractive, and immediately enjoyable JRPGs available for the Switch 2. The main story is not very long, but the game offers more than enough peripheral content to keep players busy for quite some time.

Catto’s Post Office is a charming, cozy adventure with a lot of heart, but its extremely short runtime and awkward controls hold it back. While the relaxing atmosphere and wholesome message are enjoyable, the experience ends just as it feels like it’s getting started. It’s a nice game for those looking for a brief, laidback adventure, but players hoping for something with a little depth may be left wanting more.

Rhythm Heaven Groove is a silly, addictive rhythm game that brings the same weird energy that fans of WarioWare will recognize. As my first experience with the series, I was surprised by how much fun its odd challenges and catchy gameplay offered.

Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Switch 2 Edition is a robust exercise outing that provides a fun, rhythm-based way to exercise from home. Check with me next month to see if I’m still on top of things!

Console Archives L’Empereur is as challenging to score as it is to play. Depending on your sensibilities, it could be a downright poor title or an absolutely outstanding one. I’ll take a more middle-of-the-road approach. Some may consider it cowardly, but I prefer to view it as my “Pure Nintendoleonic Code.” And let’s face it, what other outlet will invest the time to give a release like this fair coverage? If you’re a fan of the historical simulation series on NES, this title is sure to be nostalgic, less expensive than tracking down an original cart, and much more convenient. For new players, unless you’re prepared to pore over the manual, pass on this one and check out some other Console Archives releases.

With its emphasis on empathy and understanding, the visual novel Schrödinger’s Call provides a comforting view on helping others cope with death, as well as how we all just choose to live. For those with big hearts and patience, I think this game is definitely for you.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action RPG with some narrative unevenness. But when it comes to gameplay, it’s a huge success. There’s not just plenty of content (above and below the ground); there’s plenty to appreciate. This is one HD-2D adventure that’s worth a long look, especially for top-down Zelda fans. Here’s hoping for a sequel that takes its time travel into the far future, preferably with a new companion alongside Elliot.

Star Fox is the front-loaded summer tentpole of gaming. You’ll play it, replay it, and be thoroughly entertained doing so. It’s rarely ever the same game twice. After a while, those of us who are nostalgic may rightly feel we’ve played this before. The refinements are greatly appreciated, but the time for them has passed—”Mission Accomplished.” Nintendo needs to create something new, with even more options and polish, to break the franchise out of its later cycle of inconsistency and stagnation and let it soar to the heights this entry achieves. Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2 might be the catalyst for the series’ return to form, sure to attract new fans while retaining old ones. Falco may grow bored in victory, but you won’t. There’s never a dull moment.

The Necromancer’s Tale sets players up with a fantastic story and wonderful character interaction to drive its dark premise, but undermines it all with clunky controls and shallow turn-based combat. The narrative and puzzle solving will be worth it for some, but not on the Switch 2.

Coffee Talk Tokyo is a delightful addition to the previous games in the series with intricate character stories, soothing tunes, and a fun drink menu to boot.