Nintendo Enthusiast

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cloud Version presents an enjoyable and original story for the beloved troublemakers on Nintendo Switch. Excellent writing and vocal performances build a narrative that is both comedic and surprisingly heartfelt. A meaty but meaningfully varied campaign introduces fun locations and surprises for Marvel fans, and it’s backed up by a killer ’80s soundtrack.

Fans who need an exact recreation of the originals or require challenge mode multiplayer might want to skip this one or wait for a deep discount, but those who just want to play Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2 again or the first time should absolutely pick this one up on Switch, especially if you enjoy playing on the go. While there is still a bit of work to do, Super Monkey Ball is back, and it’s a great feeling. I strongly recommend you don’t miss out on this one.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a great idea with some powerful nostalgia and a winning formula behind it, but the execution is lacking. With lackluster aesthetics, spotty online issues, and a host of other issues, it’s not a great experience for those accustomed to highly polished alternatives, namely, Super Smash Bros. I believe it will find its audience, but it doesn’t straddle the line between casual and competitive as effectively as the original Nick cartoons seamlessly wove adult jokes into children’s shows. Ultimately, the idea may be more exciting than playing the actual game.

Tetris Effect: Connected is probably my favorite iteration of the beloved puzzler, featuring unique levels with mind-boggling visuals. Playing docked doesn’t look as great as in handheld mode (particularly on Switch OLED) due to Switch resolution differences, but that doesn’t detract from the overall experience. If you’re after a fantastic puzzle game on Nintendo Switch, then Tetris Effect: Connected is an easy recommendation.

Fantastic vocal performances and comedic writing make great use of the Marvel characters from both the movies and the comic books, and it’s topped off by an entertaining open world to let players mess around with characters to their heart’s content. Some small graphical and control issues remind you that this isn’t a modern title, but that said, once you’re flying around Manhattan as Iron Man, these flaws are soon forgotten.

There are a few technical hiccups, frustrating level design choices, and repeated mini-bosses, but my enthusiasm was never swayed thanks to a steady stream of exciting and memorable moments that kept my hands glued to the controller until the credits rolled. Dread is a stellar sequel to Fusion and a triumphant return that easily ranks among the best in the 2D series.

Mileage will vary of course, and I can’t say if my unexpected adoration of this game will extend to all players. Nonetheless, ActRaiser Renaissance is a meticulously crafted remake that genuinely improves on the original game in several respects while maintaining the spirit of what made it special in the first place.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is the Hot Wheels racing game that we have been waiting on for a while. It delivers outside of a few hiccups. Players with concerns about performance will likely want to hold off until the upcoming patch releases on Switch. Players will also have to sit through some slow progression to really start unlocking cool cars, but they will have some very fun racing to keep them busy in between blind boxes and upgrades.

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is filled with charm, offering an accessible JRPG that is perfect for newcomers to the genre. Although the Nintendo Switch version has a few issues, the gameplay more than makes up for it, alongside its heartwarming narrative and addictive side activities. If you’ve never played it, then this might be the time to jump in. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Princes Edition is now available for Nintendo Switch, featuring all previously released updates and downloadable content.

Ultimately, Lost in Random succeeds at telling a modern coming-of-age dark fairy tale that can be enjoyed by players of almost all ages, and the character and world design perfectly complements the zany and clever writing and voice acting. The gameplay is likewise unique and engaging, and even though combat doesn’t offer extreme depth or challenge, it fits the scope of the adventure.