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Aside from being called Spunky Mc-Fuckface on regular occasions, this is an excellent game. Void Bastards delivers a finely-tuned mix of action, planning, and strategy, and its bite-sized structure makes it perfect for short bursts of Switch gaming.
There’s a lot about Resident Evil 3 to love. Its combat is meatier, its linearity makes for an interesting change of pace, and Nemesis is pure nightmare fuel in all the right ways. Yet, the game’s pace is simply too hasty for its brief runtime. In the end, it’s an enjoyable – but noticeably rushed – remake, that never quite matches the heights of its outstanding predecessor.
With more sensational world-building, slick combat and compelling narrative, The Foundation feels like a superb next chapter to Control’s story. It might not do much with the ideas introduced within the original campaign, but with Control being one of last year’s best games, that’s far from a disappointment.
Doom Eternal features all the raw, raucous action of the 2016 reboot, but for reasons we can’t comprehend, is dragged out to an interminable length. Technically solid, blistering in parts, but lacking in soul.
Dan Marshall has said publicly that if Lair of the Clockwork God doesn’t sell well enough, it will most likely be Ben and Dan’s final adventure. And if that’s how it transpires, then this game will be a fitting swansong. But if there’s any justice in the world it will sell hand over fist, because it’s a brilliant, joyous, clever and generous experience.
Final Fantasy VIII isn’t without its flaws, and it spreads them fairly evenly across story, mechanics, and pacing. Happily, the speed boost on offer in the remaster fixes the pacing, which effectively papers over the cracks in the grind-heavy mechanics. What you’re left with is a fun, somewhat silly, and beautiful RPG. And on Nintendo Switch, you can play it anywhere. This really is the best way to play Final Fantasy VIII.
Despite its unapproachable first few hours and some severely rough edges, Planet Zoo is one of the best tycoon games of the year. It offers near-limitless potential through its construction and exhibit tools, while Frontier’s visually stunning animals feel authentic and supremely detailed. With some patches, there’s no denying Planet Zoo could wind up being something extraordinarily special.
In terms of moment to moment gameplay, Song of Horror can feel a little bland. The puzzles are inconsistent, it lacks scares, and the narrative is forgettable. However, the game’s willingness to go all-in on its interesting permadeath mechanic makes it a unique horror experience that manages to disguise its flaws with ambition. It may be largely centred around a gimmick, but with each episode feeling relatively brief, its one that doesn’t wear out its welcome.
Return of the Obra Dinn makes the journey to Nintendo Switch content and feature complete in a sparkling port from Warp Digital. The game is, simply put, one of the best ever made. It’s intricate, macabre, involving and essential. It’s aesthetically phenomenal and intellectually satisfying. Like the very best games, Return of the Obra Dinn is an experience that could only ever exist as a game. It’s’ a masterwork of narrative Sudoku and a recommended purchase on any platform.
A Hat In Time’s Switch port is sadly the worst way to play the game, however, beneath all its bugs and poor visuals, it’s the same aggressively fun and ruthlessly charming platformer. Its nine-hour runtime is filled with fluid gameplay, hilarious characters and diverse set of levels that toy around with the genre in the best way possible. A Hat In Time is simply one of the best platformers in years, and it’s worth dealing with the Switch’s technical limitations to experience.
The Surge 2 is a satisfyingly challenging game with fluid, fast and intense combat that rewards players investment. It’s not going to change the minds of Soulsborne detractors, but it’s got enough smart, unique features and interesting evolutions of the genre’s systems to put it on the radar of its fans. It’s far from a FromSoftware level game, but it’s a worthy alternative with a lot to offer.
The career mode is a little underwhelming, but Grid's racing is as on-point as ever. A culmination of Codemasters' years of experience – combined with brilliant assists and that oh so clever Nemesis system, that makes trading elbows with competitors as much fun as the racing itself – make this an ideal motorsport sim.
EA’s legacy of support for the Nintendo Switch might not be very impressive but FIFA 20: Legacy Edition plays a good game of football, particularly for portable gamers. If you’re new to the franchise on Switch, it’s recommended. If you own last year’s edition, or another games console, it’s an easy pass.
Greedfall is an ambitious and, at times, enjoyable RPG that makes use of its unique setting to deliver a story full of intrigue and compelling themes. However, its clumsy presentation, slow gameplay and bug-prone nature leave it a game that always feels a few steps away from greatness. Greedfall definitely has its moments, but unfortunately, you’ll have to break through its severely rough exterior to find them.
A wealth of content and a sparkling port make Grid Autosport the best non-kart racing game on Nintendo Switch. It’s an essential purchase for fans of the genre and a great entry point for players ready to graduate from their Cat-Cruisers and Biddy-Buggys.
To enjoy Star Wars Pinball it will certainly help if you a) like digital pinball and b) love Star Wars. Assuming that's the case, you'll find plenty to savour in this excellent collection of themed tables. If not, knock a star off and try your luck with Pinball FX 3 first.
Almost everything that's wrong with Untitled Goose Game – and to be fair, there isn't that much – is inherently wrong with the stealth genre in general, and a silly game about a goose wrecking someone's flower beds was never likely to change that. But what it does do, over and above other stealth games, is combine charming visuals and glorious audio with such a ridiculous and unique premise, it's impossible not to honk through this one with a massive smile on your face.
This is easily the best way to experience The Walking Dead on a technical front. The graphical revamp of the first two seasons is impressive, the special features are a nice touch, and having all the games in one package is a convenient deal. However, it's the content you're here for and (for the most part) the games hold up exceptionally well. They may be slightly dated, but there's no doubting this package serves as a glowing reminder of Telltale's best work.
A disappointing third act and weak moral choices aside, Faith is the best episode since Life Is Strange 2's debut. It unravels Sean's character in interesting ways, has some expansive areas to visit and delves into the more mature aspects of the sequel's world to create some deeply poignant moments. With the finale right around the corner, the Diaz brothers' last chapter has all the ingredients to be a doozy.
It may be clever, scary and intriguing, but Man of Medan rarely reaches the heights of its stablemate and elder sibling, Until Dawn. Perhaps its a case of difficult second album syndrome, or more likely, it’s just too weighed down by the tropes and trappings associated with the genre. (And the sooner Supermassive ditches its penchant for fourth-wall-breaking, creepy old narrators, the better.)