Pure Nintendo

The Mysterious Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde is entertaining as a hidden object game, but this port is sloppy. If you’re a fan yet to play it, wishlist it for a future sale. But know that there are better representations of the genre on the Nintendo Switch, including from the same publisher. Everyone else can stick with the well-known short novel.

I find Gallic Wars: Battle Simulator more of a proof of concept than an actual game. There are so many far superior options in the tactics category that this game is even a waste of time for beginners.

There are often points when a map would come in handy. On more than one occasion, I managed to jump off screen and lose my character altogether. But the little glitches aren’t at all game-breaking, especially not when you consider how low the price is.

Sokodice is a relaxing puzzle experience. The simple concept provides something that’s anything but simple to solve. With well over 100 puzzles to solve, this is a well-designed game that will tease the brains of puzzle enthusiasts for hours.

Ghost: Elisa Cameron is not particularly riveting. However, if you’re a fan of the comics, or this type of puzzle game there may be something here for you to enjoy.

DARQ Complete Edition is a dark puzzle platformer in which you must help a boy named Lloyd navigate a seemingly endless loop of nightmares. Its lack of story and solid scares may disappoint some players, but it’s a solid pick-up for those seeking a quick, creepy gaming experience.

All things considered, Rip Them Off is a good, unique tower defense game with a comically cynical viewpoint. It has a limited number of levels, but it is also not very expensive, making it an ironically good deal considering the subject matter.

This game is built to get you into the action quickly with just a few cutscenes to explain the creation of the Delta Squad. I enjoyed the chance to mindlessly shoot droids and see how far I could get. With a variety of difficulties to help you set your pace, gamers of any skill level can play Star Wars: Republic Commando.

Though it is rather easy, Stitchy in Tooki Trouble should appeal to younger gamers or those looking for a simple, quick platforming romp.

Faircroft’s Antiques: The Heir of Glen Kinnoch Collector’s Edition delivers a 10-plus hour hidden object adventure that’s just as fun as the initial game in the series: Treasure of Treffenburg. More variety with minigames and puzzles is welcomed, as is better incorporation of hidden items to the plot. Only a handful of bugs knock the game down, but not enough to stop me from recommending it to genre fans.

With its unique visuals, clever environmental puzzles, and non-violent gameplay, El Hijo is a welcome entry in the somewhat overlooked stealth/puzzle genre. If you don’t buy into the gameplay before the repetition sets in, however, it can become an adventure that’s easily abandoned.

Chess Knights – Viking Land provides hours of puzzle-based gameplay using a twist on the usual chess formula. With some additional incentives to replay, and a little more finesse in the controls, this could be a must-have puzzle game. It’s still worth checking out, particularly anyone with a penchant for chess.

Although the improv gameplay of What the Dub?! is somewhat basic and repetitive, it presents numerous opportunities for MST3K-style hilarity. You don’t need to be a fan of movies to enjoy this party game; you just need to be quick-witted (or have funny friends).

A turn-based tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy map, Battle Brothers isn’t the most original premise, but it is well executed and easy to get hooked on.

Cathedral is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library. It was a lot of fun solving the puzzles and finding my way around the cathedral and surrounding areas.

If you’re down with OCD, (yeah, you know me,) Faircroft’s Antiques: Home for Christmas Collector’s Edition will keep you staring at the screen for a while. It may feel a little more appropriate around Christmas time, but fans of hidden object games will find it plays well enough any time.

Sumatra: Fate of Yandi offers good point-and-click puzzles, but I found the tonal shift in its tale unappealing. I think the game isn’t long enough to be thought-provoking in the way intended. While I saw enough good things here that I’ll keep an eye out for the devs future point-and-click games, they might be better served by lighter plots to match the shorter lengths.

The Dark Eye: Memoria is a fitting to sequel. It continues the story well improving on it in every way. There isn’t too much progress in regards to gameplay, however the new character helps add new layers to an already great format. If you enjoyed the first one, this is a must play.

Whether you’re a fan of The Dark Eye franchise or point and click adventure games: The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav is certainly worth your attention.

Dreaming Sarah’s surreal world is fun to explore, all wrapped in great pixel art and an excellent soundtrack. There’s plenty of variety and puzzles to solve. Despite its short length, it’s worth checking out if you’re after something different yet memorable in the genre.

Signs of the Sojourner is a good, challenging card game that has more at stake than expected. Replayability is high as you create various decks, befriend new people, and try to get that good ending.

It’s not too difficult, and you can easily get used to the controls without swarms of enemies constantly in your face. I had fun with the game, especially playing with my sister. I may go back to it at some point, but there are better twin-stick shooters out there to try.

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a game that will definitely keep you busy. I was seldom ever bored while playing as there was always a task I was working towards and a lot to do. I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed playing it.

Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure delivers more than its predecessor, but there’s also more competition on the Switch in 2021 than in 2017. I can’t say I find the additions significantly more enjoyable, and there’s still plenty that could be improved. Despite offering a lesser version of karting staples seen elsewhere, this should still be enjoyable to fans of the first.

Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption is a fun game with great exploration, unique graphical design, and a great fantasy setting. Despite all this, I found myself having a hard time getting into the overarching narrative of a young thief on his road to redemption.