StevenGreen

I have never given a score this low, and it doesn't feel great. I always at least give something higher than a 1, but this game is not even play-able (on the Switch at least). The game gets about 5-10 frames per second, and I had a headache in about 20 minutes. I am not even a huge frame-rate PC guy or anything, the frames are just atrocious, and I don't see this release being for anything but a cash-grab, as the game couldn't have been working when it shipped. Was very excited when I saw this announced a couple years ago, and I waited to play this on Switch, and maybe it runs just fine on other systems, but DO NOT PLAY IT HERE.

Mario + Rabbids. Who'da thunk that would turn out so well huh? Well this game is something special. Well, maybe not really, it's 100% XCOM, but using these characters and having that genre still work is special. Ubisoft really did something impeccable here, and these partnerships Nintendo is allowing need to increase tenfold. If you like XCOM, or other turn-based strategy RPG's, then you will love this just as much. Mechanics were a little weird to learn at first with an XCOM background, as cover is not nearly as useful as it is in XCOM, but once you get the hang of how to properly output damage and manage your units then you will love this one just as much. XCOM mentioned as a comparison 4 times...well 5 now.

This game is beyond addictive, and is a game I find myself playing over and over again! Simplicity is key here; the game uses very simple mechanics, and the faux-Tower Defense style gameplay in order to hook the player, and the fun just continues. If you're looking for a game you will pick up and play over and over again when you have 15 minutes or 2 hours available, then this is one title to look into. Basically, you pick up coins from your mini-economy (hunters and farmers) and use that to build up your town's defenses as you attempt to move onto the next level. The biggest issue I have with this game is that as the difficulty progresses form night to night, you aren't given any variety in defenses. All you can do is make more archers or catapults. Although, the point of the game is to move on as quickly as possible, and you aren't supposed to just hole up in your camp, but some more units would have added some flavor or strategy, when in reality the game is about how quickly you can get more coins. Still very addictive and fun!

Image & Form Games strikes gold (or other minerals) again with this amazing sequel. If you liked the previous titles from this studio, indie games in general, or other games in the Spelunky/Terarria style, then this is a MUST PLAY and is in the running for the best indie title of 2017.

Kamiko is a fun, short indie title on the Nintendo Switch that is a refreshing addition to the slim library. The game comes from the mobile space, from a small Japanese developer, but really doesn't come off as a mobile port. The game consists of going level to level solving puzzles and blasting through enemies with insane combo strikes. That about sums up all you do in this game. It is also super short, as I beat it in just a couple hours, but at the $4.99 price tag the game is a great value purchase. Anyone who likes indie titles, or games that can be finished in one sitting, and is missing something to play on a certain day, are the types of people I envision playing and really enjoying this game. Remember though, this is a mobile game port, so don't get too hyped on it, as the length leaves something to be desired and gameplay does get repetitive when just running around trying to solve the puzzles. A solid little title that is worth a taking a peak at.

Thumper is unsettling in a way that is super unique, and makes you get pumped into the music way more than most music/rhythm genre games. The game just uses metal/EDM style playlists, but even though they are just general beats they really pump you up, and the aggressive nature of the mechanics in which you must slide and slam into the course rather than just pressing a button, really get you involved. The game ramps up at a steady pace, and teaches you the mechanics at a fair clip. The game gets very challenging as you go along, and keeps the game interesting. The game could come across as boring to some, only because they don't use any mainstream music you're familiar with to keep you intrigued and they mechanics, once learned, don't chance much. Anyone who likes rhythm games like Amplitude will also enjoy this game, but it is more of a niche genre, so make sure to check out some gameplay before making the dive.

Astro Duel Deluxe is a couch co-op, arcade shooter that is fun and easy to pick up and play with friends. However, the game features very few modes, in which you practically can only play against other people. The game does allow you to play against bots in a single-player mode, but the game really isn't worth your time or money for just that. Fun for playing with a group of friends, but due to so many Nintendo games in general being based on that idea, I can't really recommend this game as so many other games do couch co-op fun with friends better than this one. The arcade graphics are nostalgic but don't really add anything. The controls are super wonky and most shots against opponents seem like they land on target through luck rather than actual skill. And the games out there like Towerfall Ascension show the potential of this genre, and really make the need to own this game go out the window. I do have to say the touch screen applications of the game, in which 4 people can hold on to separate corners of the screen to control your ship are really interesting, and could be utilized by other games as well, but it isn't a really great way to play only because the screen isn't quite big enough for 4 sets of hands. Recommended for anyone who wants to mess around with a game with friends at a drinking party, but that's the only time I could see pulling this game out.

I want to start this review by stating that Minecraft is one of the greatest video games created of all time. I also want to state that this review is specifically for the Nintendo Switch port of the game. From there, I also have to let you know that in my opinion Minecraft should only be played on PC with a mouse and keyboard in order to get the full game experience and control scheme that feels right. Now that you know my prejudices I can continue. This is easily the best CONSOLE port of this game. HD, portable, playable on TV, Nintendo themes, you really cannot beat this port of the game if you have to play it on PC. My only issue with the game comes in the wonky controls used in console ports, but that is an issue I have across all console ports of the game. It doesn't feel good to sprint, navigate menus, or even place objects, but nonetheless, Minecraft is a game that needs to be played by everyone young and old, and therefore this version must be played if you have no other (superior) way to play it.

This is truly the definitive Mario Kart experience. I don't think I have enjoyed a Kart game this much since Double Dash. Anyone who loves Mario Kart will continue their good time with this title, and the Deluxe version coming with all DLC really makes this feel like a good value right from the get go. Anyone who enjoys racing games, having fun with friends, or Nintendo games period obviously must pick this game up; one of the early must-owns for the console. It really is too bad the Wii U was such a flop, but now that we are getting ultimate versions of the Wii U's premier titles on the Switch I couldn't be more happy it existed for the short while it did just so it could bring us games like these. Easily, this is the 2nd best Mario Kart ever created (because nothing can beat Double Dash), BUY THIS GAME.

Has-Been Heroes is a super solid rogue-like that deserves a look from anyone who is into the genre, or is looking for something that is addictive and will soak up a lot of your time on your newly purchased Switch. The game does have it's short-comings as it has quite a steep learning curve and no real good way to learn the mechanics beyond trial and error. Also, the slow, plodding nature of progress is barely noticed, making for a frustrating game at times. However, the game displays fun gameplay, and some cool ideas, that are worth a shot. I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys games like The Binding of Isaac or Rogue Legacy, but remember this game really doesn't hit that level of precision, or greatness.

Snake Pass' unique control scheme is where this game shines, as you must move as a snake actually would, making this an exciting entry in the 3D platformer genre. Sadly, the learning curve, lack of good camera controls, and extremely difficult item collection make the game a hard one to enjoy the whole way. Due to the abundance of item collection, as is classic in this genre, you would think it would consist of being able to discern where all the items are, and just having it be difficult to get to them, however, I couldn't find all the items on almost any level, making it frustrating as the only mechanic of the game is to 100% all the items and move on to the next stage. The camera is what I think is to blame here, as there is no good way to angle the camera around to locate items. People yearning for a new entry into the 3D platformer genre should give this one a look, and people who like exciting and new indie games, but I just hope you find the items and master the wiggle better than I could.

World of Goo is known for being one of the forefathers in the indie craze, and the game holds up extremely well, but after almost 10 years on the market this game really needed an overhaul that it doesn't get in this port. It uses the same wonky controller functionality that it did on the Wii and Wii U where you point your controller at the screen, click a button, and then have it "centered" based on where you were pointing. Luckily, the Switch has a much better controller then the previous Nintendo entries with the Joy-Con, but you have to almost continuously re-center the game in order to keep the pointer where you want it. That is my biggest issue with this port. Otherwise, it is still a super fun and interesting puzzle game, that I have loved since it first came out. This game is a classic in the indie realm, and I love having it available to me still to this day, but the game definitely needs to better utilize a new control scheme. This is the same control scheme used by all the Tomorrow Corporation games, but the problem with this one is that there are puzzles that require you to do things quickly and accurately, and when you have to constantly re-center the pointer it can get frustrating. This game is a 9 with a perfect control scheme, but this feels like they plugged the old Wii version into a Switch emulator and hit play. Disappointing, but worth a play for first timers to this game. Otherwise, just keep playing it on your PC or mobile device as most gamers have probably bought this one before.

Human Resource Machine is a fun, coding simulation game, and takes an interesting path on how to help you learn some basics into programming. You basically take the character and program in a set of commands in specific orders, and have him complete the puzzles. It consists of moving around numbers from one platform to the next in a certain order. I enjoyed my time with it, but the difficulty level ramps dramatically, and I don't think gives you enough time to move up without having some prior background knowledge into programming or coding. As well as this game started out, it was a bummer that it got to the point that I couldn't figure it out (which may just be a reflection on my own math skills), and the game doesn't have a good way to get hints or move on past a level you are stuck on. If you like math puzzles, then you will fall in love with this game, and if you are interested in programming then this is probably a must play, but otherwise I think most people will get stuck, or lose interest part way through. Tomorrow Corporation's quirkiness made it worth a shot to me, and the weird settings they play in add another level of interest to it, but the game doesn't really work for me.

Little Inferno is a super quirky game, that really shows the uniqueness of what Tomorrow Corporation can do. The game is short, and can be completed in one sitting (probably 2-5 hours) and isn't all that challenging, as the entire premise of the game is to find different combinations of items, and burn them in a fireplace together based on a simple phrase. Once you have completed that, and had some odd interactions from people outside your home, you find out a little more of the story, and type of society you live in, and it adds a level of creepy, and quirky that makes the ride a fun one. I will say though, the game is one you will probably only play through once, and at $9.99 I think it is worth it, but if you are someone who has limited funds and bases value solely on length of play, then this won't be the game for you. If you are into simple puzzle games, and unique stories in the indie space then make sure to give this one a shot, but I wouldn't set my expectations too high, otherwise you may be disappointed.

This game is everything I loved about Wind Waker, but extrapolated into quite the feat. The size and maneuverability of Breath of the Wild is unmatched, and all open world, exploration style games from here on out are going to attempt to allow you to climb anything as this game does so masterfully. It seems like a small thing, but it really opens the game up, to a truly "open" level, and allows you to get creative with your gameplay, rather than hindered in any way. The puzzles and dungeons are exciting and interesting, and the use of powers with the Sheikah Slate adds multiple angles to solve each puzzle. I have never lost myself in a game like I have this one, and the only other games I have played for 100+ hours and then wanted to start over and do it again came out of Bethesda, and even those seem like they will need a major overhaul going forward to hit what this game did (and with almost zero bugs and glitches I might add). I do wish the dungeons were a little bigger and had more to them, but the castle itself seems like a mega dungeon to me that satiated that need. Also, the bosses and enemies were semi-bland, as it is just variations on a handful of monsters. The mechanic of having your weapon break was obnoxious at times, and I wish at least the mega weapons (Master Sword, etc.) were unbreakable, but alas they did not have that be the case even though for me I would even be willing to work harder to attain those items if they didn't ever break. The exclusion of a fishing pole in this game astounds me, but obviously if that's a complaint then this game must be pretty amazing in all the other categories. Anyone who is a Nintendo fan in general, even if you've never played a Zelda game, will most definitely find enjoyment here. And especially with the over-saturation of open world games, this is one of the few must play's in that genre. Nintendo adds a level of polish to games that I never thought could be done in a fully open world setting, but here we are, and is it ever exciting.

Super Bomberman R is an exciting return to a classic game, but sadly it comes up a good bit short for many reasons. The online gameplay isn't excellent, and that could be on Nintendo's end or just because of the servers, but matches are tough to find. Also, the gameplay itself is a little wonky. When I played Bomberman 64 I knew exactly when I was around the corner and exactly how far I needed to move the stick to get around corners, but I found myself getting caught on edges and not able to scoot around corners to avoid bombs very well. I am not sure if that is because of the slightly slower speed Bomberman seems to move, or because of a weird hit box on the character itself, but nonetheless the game handles funny, and doesn't seem right. Other than that this is 100% classic Bomberman with very little gimmicks. The addition of different colored Bombermen/ladies having actual character traits is a fun addition to the game, and the single player additions made me happy, but sadly the odd-feeling controls made the bosses on single player super tough, as they boost and scoot around the arena, dropping bombs like mad men, whilst you trudge along getting blown up a little too often for comfort. Anyone who is a big fan of the Bomberman franchise is most likely going to enjoy this one as well, but if you don't have nostalgia for the old games you can probably keep moving on this one, especially at the $40 price tag.

TumbleSeed is one of those indie games that comes out and really makes you think about what can be done with games today. TumbleSeed is a procedurally- generated, rogue-like, balancing game, in which the basic premise is to transport your seed through various obstacles to the top of a mountain in order to save the people. This game is special. I haven't felt like this playing an indie title in quite some time, and in the world of rogue-likes I put this one up there with Rogue Legacy. The game is brutally difficult, however, so anyone just looking for a casual, pick-up-and-play experience should probably avoid this game (unless you like playing through the intro sequence over and over again). I would also say that anyone who likes faster paced games exclusively should probably pass on this one as the game requires a ton of patience and understanding of the mechanics to be successful. On the flip side, anyone who loves indie games, and keeps up with the best ones out there must play this game. It is one of the good ones that can't be slept on. I would even say this is a great entry point into the indie world if you usually stick to AAA games, especially if you are into games that FromSoftware makes, or the various other Souls clones. I haven't been this frustrated with a game since Dark Souls, and I loved every second of it.

I am Setsuna sticks to the JRPG mold pretty tightly, and doesn't add much to the existing genre. However, the story goes above and beyond almost every other JRPG I have ever played and, arguably, has the greatest story currently available on the Nintendo Switch as of writing this review. I would definitely recommend this game to any and every JRPG fan, as well as any hardcore/indie gamers who haven't yet made the leap into JRPG's. However, for the $40 price tag I would strongly urge people to look into the game more, and be sure this is something you will like before making the jump. Not really a game that you can "just give a shot" to.

Fast RMX, in my opinion, is another generic futuristic racing game that doesn't really add much to the conversation. Take that with a grain of salt, however, as I am not a racing fan in general. The racing games I play add something extra, and this one doesn't. The boost mechanic is odd, and makes you choose the color of the booster on the track to allow you to boost, otherwise it basically stops your vehicle in it's tracks. Also, the technical aspects of just controlling the vehicle are difficult, as even after playing through the game, I found it hard to not hit walls and obstacles. Could be user error, or just that you need to really work at it, but maybe that's this game's "thing" is adding extra skill needed. Not sure. The game is pretty straight forward otherwise, no frills, you start the race and try to get 1st place, or a certain time. That's about it. If you are a hardcore racing fan, then this game is probably for you, OR if you are an old school F-Zero fan looking for a nostalgia trip, then give this a go, but anyone else should do some more research before plunging in.

Snipperclips does an amazing job to show off what is unique and exciting about the Nintendo Switch. The co-op mode is a lot of fun, and this game has a totally unique idea for the puzzle genre that I am a big fan of. I will say that if you want to play this single-player, it really hinders the fun the game brings. This game really should only be played if you plan on playing with a friend or family member. Although the single-player is fun and challenging, it is just very wonky switching back and forth between the characters, and the fact you are still forced to use a single Joy-Con rather than a Pro Controller or alternative really hurts this game's single-player play-through. I would totally recommend this game for anyone who wants to see what you're Switch can do, has the extra funds, and plans to play this couch co-op style. Otherwise I would say only major puzzle game fans should give this a whirl.

Mr. Shifty takes the action-packed gameplay of a title like Hotline Miami, and adds the mechanics to take it to the next level, in my opinion. Mr. Shifty is several hours of fun, touching on 80's movie tropes, and really packs it in with an arcade-y gameplay that can't be rivaled by many in the same genre. Story is where the game really lacks, as it has nothing but a cliche' husk, but gameplay alone stands to make this a title worth your time.