Editor: Gameloft / Developer: Gameloft Barcelona
Disney Speedstorm offers solid karting action with great handling and clearly puts a lot of care and attention into its characters and tracks. However, the Switch’s performance is let down, especially on mobile devices, where it’s a blurry and stuttering mess and those not interested in setting up a live service will struggle to get to grips with it. However, the game went free-to-play in September 2023, so it’s definitely worth a try given the low barrier to entry.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: organism
The spin-off series Detective Pikachu Returns offers much of what thrilled us the first time around on the 3DS, an endearing and exciting story full of fun and light silliness. We really enjoy this cynical, coffee-addicted version of Pikachu, he always puts a smile on everyone’s face when he explodes, and the game manages to walk a very fine line with an adventure aimed at our younger, long-time players. Pokemon fans and long time players like us can also enjoy. If you can handle the repetition that comes with the core gameplay and some pretty boring graphics, you’ll enjoy this game.
Editor: WP Games / Developer: Rocksteady-Studios
Rocksteady’s brilliant Arkham series needs no introduction – three of the best superhero games you’ll ever play, with a top-notch cast and script, and great gameplay that puts you in the Dark Knight’s shoes. Asylum is an enduring game, City still ranks as one of the best open-world games we’ve played, and Knight, if a little less successful, remains a solid final chapter. It’s unfortunate that Knight isn’t playable on Switch. Very little tender loving care was shown to any of these games, and better decisions weren’t made once it became clear how poorly one of the games here ran on a Nintendo console. If you only have a Switch and never played the first two games, Batman: Arkham Trilogy is at least still a good way to play those two titles.
Editor: sega / Developer: arjust
We had some issues with Sonic Superstar – the local co-op mode would have greatly benefited from split-screen support, and the online battle mode felt incredibly shallow – but it’s the first real 2D Sonic game that works for us, making the Genesis title feel truly authentic to the classic Pixel. Not an imitation of the art style, and for many long-time fans it’s truly an absolute miracle. Navigating 12 regions in the excellent campaign made us feel like kids again, but it would also be a great entry point for new players who want to see what all the fuss is about. Developer Argest’s reputation has suffered in recent years, but this is a triumphant achievement from the studio and a great return for “2D” Sonic.
Editor: Electronic Arts / Developer: Essam
After years of slow and lukewarm releases, EA Sports has finally delivered a football game on the Switch that offers full feature parity with other consoles. In a much-needed engine upgrade, the frame rate drops resolution, but EA Sports FC 24 Switch owners finally have a port they can be proud of instead of feeling like an afterthought.
Editor: Bandai Namco / Developer: Bandai Namco
We’re a bit mixed on Tales of Symphonia Remastered. While the story is compelling, the character creation is satisfying, and there’s plenty of content to experience, Bandai Namco’s near-zero effort to smooth out the rough edges of this old game definitely holds it back from greatness. Things like brutal combat, dated graphics, and awkward writing limit the appeal here and make this remaster feel like a missed opportunity. It’s easy to recommend to those who are nostalgic for the original and want to relive those memories, but it’s hard to say whether newcomers should pick it up. It’s not the best action RPG on the Switch, and it’s arguably not the best Tales game on the Switch either. Its positives almost outweigh its negatives – the easy accessibility of this game on a modern console is a blessing – but this remastered version could be so much more.
Editor: Disney Games / Developer: Play Studio
While one could certainly argue that Disney’s Illusion Island might be more of a Metroidvania game than a 2D platformer, we think it strikes a good balance between the two genres, allowing it to fall into both categories honestly. Its focus on non-combat exploration makes it a great entry into the genre for a younger audience, and the ability to support up to four players in local co-op makes it a great choice for families who like to spend time with a few people. Some of the best iconic Disney characters imaginable. . You can hug each other to restore your health. What more would you like to do?
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
WarioWare: Move it! This is another great entry in this long-running franchise that brings back the speed-controlled mayhem while giving you plenty of ways to enjoy crazy fun with family and friends. There are tons of fun modes to dive into and unlock, the mini-games are as silly and colorful as ever, and as long as you can tolerate things that aren’t as fun on their own, it’s hard to beat the silly, chaotic atmosphere of this truly great party game.
Editor: konami / Developer: konami
If you’ve never played a Metal Gear Solid title or any of their MSX2 predecessors, Master Collection Volume 1 on Switch is a great way to experience some of the most famous games of all time. However, Switch owners were undoubtedly affected by the decision to drop the frame rate to 30 in MGS 2 and 3, and while the game is still satisfying at the moment, it’s a disappointing approach that will hopefully be rectified later. Point later in time. As for the overall package, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained, but the way it’s presented feels less than ideal. Still, a collection worth exploring if you’re dying to play (or replay) the Metal Gear Solid saga.
Editor: konami / Developer: konami
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty has rarely seen such a drastic improvement in graphics and gameplay. It has a wide range of optional mechanics that lead to an excellent gaming experience, albeit a little difficult for beginners. The story features many of the same tricks as the original PS1 classic, but is still original and compelling with chilling commentary on the dangers of artificial intelligence. The biggest downside to this version of the Switch is the 30fps performance, which looks good in practice but is still very disappointing in principle.
