Stephen LaGioia
The best multiplayer game on Switch, and the richest, strongest entry in the Smash series, at least in terms of sheer content. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate should prove to be a near endlessly entertaining go-to for friends who want a fun, enduring party game.
Super Mario Maker provides endless fun, heavy doses of nostalgia, and a superb level creator that makes it easy to play the role of amateur game designer. A must have for any Wii U owner who is even mildly interested in Mario games and/or likes to create.
You could theoretically play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for months and not only find more things to do, but likely still enjoy doing them. It's a robust, well-crafted, and enjoyably addictive ride that JRPG fans, and even some WRPG diehards, should enjoy.
Considering its length, My Memory Of Us is a tad overpriced, but the game itself proves a charming magnificent puzzler that tugs at both your brain and your heart strings.
Aegis Defenders is an indie that has a chance to be a standout of 2018. Most of the key ingredients to a winning formula are here; engaging and addictive gameplay on both the solo and multiplayer fronts, a nice presentation, and just the right amount of innovation.
While Xenoblade Chronicles X doesn't quite hit must-buy territory, for those who appreciate RPGs, particularly with a focus on action and an open-world brimming with tons of content, should give this Wii U exclusive a chance.
With some solid gameplay - and there is lots of it to be found - Puyo Puyo Tetris might just be one of the definitive puzzle games of 2017, particularly on the Switch where the handheld, play-on-the-go nature fits it like a glove.
Feral Fury is a fun little pick-up-and-play shooter that serves its function quite well. It feels at once familiar in its gameplay, and fresh in its cartoony overlay.
SteamWorld Dig 2 feels a bit like the beginner's guide to sandbox games with its relative simplicity, but it maintains a sense of grandiosity and proves nonetheless entertaining with its Metroidvania-style adventuring and its marriage of both linear and nonlinear gameplay elements.
New Horizons draws from familiar Animal Crossing elements while building upon and redecorating them with its fun island motif. It's still fairly minimalistic, but I liken it to a warm honey tea - it may be simple and subdued, but still provides a relaxing, enjoyable experience.
CHANGE is an interesting survival indie that's both enjoyable and thematically relevant. Its grim undertones set the stage for a memorable experience, strengthened by solid mechanics and rewarding gameplay.
An enjoyable balance of innovation and fundamental oldschool platforming.
While your levels of enjoyment playing solo are likely to be tepid, those looking for co-op multiplayer gaming excellence should look no further than this charming, addictive sequel.
Those who like their shooters action-packed and intense, especially those who appreciate that late 80s retro gaming flavor, will certainly get a kick out of this one.
Yoshi’s Crafted World is a pleasant, enduring experience that platforming fans on the Switch shouldn’t miss.
Clubhouse Games excels in both the quantity and quality of its diverse, enjoyable set of recognizable games.
A dynamic, polished remake of the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 - with new skaters, challenges, unlockables, online gameplay, and an all-new soundtrack to complement the classic tracks.
Beyond some slight blemishes and the somewhat “slow burn” of both the combat and story, there’s much to love about this gripping Norse epic.
If you can appreciate this one for what it is - a polished, fleshed-out homage to Golden Era-Mario Party - then this gem really shines.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land reminds fans of what makes this charming franchise so uniquely fun. At the same time, Nintendo and HAL elevate the formula with Kirby’s range of strong and often absurd powers, dense 3D settings, and (relative) depth through upgrades and extras.