RR529

Mighty Switch Force! was the first 3rd party eShop game I was looking forward to, and after playing it, I found my initial enthusiasm paid off. GAMEPLAY: the game controls very well, and it was very smooth. The basic premise has you shooting and jumping through the levels, but what really sets the game apart is the ability to switch blocks from the background into the foreground (and vice versa). Whether to create a solid platform, move an obstacle, or even to smash enemies, the mechanic feels fresh and very fun (just watch out, you can smash yourself!). New types of blocks (that affect the environment in different ways) are added regularly, and keep the formula from feeling stale. DIFFICULTY: while not the toughest game on the eShop, it's not a pushover either, and has a very nice difficulty curve (again, the new blocks keep you on your toes at all times). While not necessary to complete the game, getting the par times on each level is a challenge that will satisfy the most seasoned gamers. LENGTH: this is where the game falters. With only 16 levels, you'll be able to beat the game in an afternoon. Sure, completionists will find solace in trying to complete the par times, and it is a less expensive investment than the other retro styled platformers on the service, but that might not be enough of a consolation for some. Luckily, WayForward has announced that they will be adding 5 new levels via update in the future (at no additional cost), so hopefully this issue can be put behind it in the future. GRAPHICS: this game has the most beautiful spritework on the eShop, hands down. It truly felt like a new game from the 16-bit era with a few modern effects here and there. As someone who grew up with an SNES, this game hit the right spot. The character animations are very smooth, and the 3D is great. SOUND: while not as amazing as something like VVVVVV, you'll still find yourself bopping along to the game's music. The only thing kind of annoying is Patricia's voice (the protagonist), but it's a minor issue that won't keep you from enjoying the game. STORY: befitting of the game's retro inspiration, there isn't a deep narrative here. What story is presented however, is charming. CONCLUSION: if you can forgive it's unfortunate short length, you'll find a game that succeeds in every other area of the spectrum, and is fun to boot.

If you have a 3DS, and it's connected to the eShop, get VVVVVV! GAMEPLAY: the games controls are very tight, responsive, and never once let me down. Instead of jumping to get from place to place, the game has you flipping gravity (ceiling becomes floor, floor becomes ceiling). The idea feels fresh, and forces you to think a little more creatively when it comes to overcoming obstacles. DIFFICULTY: the game has a retro feel, and that's reflected in it's difficulty. You will die, a lot, but the difficulty always seems to feel like it stems from devious planning rather than cheap tricks (and there are a generous amount of checkpoints), so it never gets too maddening, and no matter how many times you fail, you feel compelled to try it 'just one more time'. LENGTH: the main game lasts about 2-3 hours (depending on whether or not you go for the collectables), and while that would normally be quite short for the price, the game includes 16 additional "Player Levels" that really flesh out the experience. Whether it's through an even tougher difficulty, new obstacles, lack of checkpoints, or greater emphasis on story, each of these special levels do something that sets them apart from each other (and the main game), so it never feels old. There is also a "Flip Mode" that allows you to play everything from a flipped perspective, if that's your thing. GRAPHICS: I'll tell you right now that I'm not quite old enough to truly appreciate the nostalgia they were trying to get at with this one, but I still enjoyed the game's colorful charm. If I found one flaw with the game, it's that it doesn't make full use of the 3DS's widescreen support, and the 3D is a bit weak. With that said, it is a PC port, so those issues were a bit expected, and never once hampered gameplay, so it was a very minor annoyance at worst. SOUND: this game's soundtrack is simply beautiful. I can't post any links here to to the site's rules, but I urge you to find a way to listen to the game's music, it's that good. STORY: because of the retro design of the game, it does take a minimalist approach to storytelling, but that seemed to suit it just find. If you are however, really eager to find out exactly why you're doing all this, there are numerous computers scattered throughout the game world, which will give you more insight into the game's happenings, which is a nice touch. CONCLUSION: this game is a must own for any 3DS owner (unless you don't have eShop access for whatever reason). It has a few minor graphical issues, but the game is simply a masterpiece in the gameplay department.

I've been hearing a lot about how Mutant Mudds is the best 3rd party game on the eShop. After playing it for myself, I've come to find it's a very good game, but has a few issues that keep it from true greatness. GAMEPLAY: the gameplay was tight and very solid. With that said, it's jump and shoot gameplay was kind of a letdown after enjoying MSF's and VVVVVV's more unique approaches to the platforming genrÃ. DIFFICULTY: the game is rather difficult (which isn't a bad thing), and most of the time it's handled very well, but in the later levels I noticed that there were some enemies that would attack off screen, and there were also a few "leaps of faith". It was a little disappointing to see the dev resort to those kinds of cheap tricks to ensure difficulty in the later moments. LENGTH: the game is a tad overpriced, but you'll still get quite a bit from this game (especially if you play all the bonus levels). GRAPHICS: it has a very charming retro look, but it's not sure whether it wants to be an homage to the 8-bit or 16-bit era, instead it seems to be a mix of the two that doesn't fully envoke the kind of nostalgic feeling it would have, had it chosen one era more specifically. With that said, the 3D effect is utterly fantastic, and is used to great effect. SOUND: while not the best soundtrack in the world, it captures that retro vibe perfectly. STORY: befitting of the retro era, it takes a very minimalist approach to storytelling. The concept (kid fighting mud monsters with water gun) feels uninspired, and something a child might come up with. CONCLUSION: if you can get past the fact that the game is a little "safe" in design and concept (and the cheap difficulty tactics later on), you'll find a solidly built retro styled platformer that's fun to play.