It's not quite fluid enough to stand toe-to-toe with Super Meat Boy, but Never Give Up is nevertheless a solid platformer that offers up highly inventive, ludicrously challenging levels along with a smattering of dry humour that's well suited to the style of the game.
There's a lot of potential in the game's premise and presentation that could well be capitalised on for any future games, but here it feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity. Add to this the lengthy load times and technical issues, and this is game you'd be best off avoiding.
The Forbidden Arts feels like a game from the early GameCube era, but not a particularly good one. Whilst the dungeons are vast and varied, and the platforming mechanics competent enough, the combat really brings the whole experience to its knees thanks to poor enemy AI and half baked elemental mechanics that make the entire experience feel very repetitive. Add to that the lacklustre graphics and empty overworld, and this is a game that only the most ardent of fantasy enthusiasts will enjoy.
Every now and then, a game comes along that captures our hearts and reminds us why we love the medium in the first place. Forager is the latest in a line of stellar independent games to grace the Switch, featuring wonderfully designed crafting mechanics, addictive progression systems and more charm than you can possibly handle.
On its own, Paradox Soul is an average Metroidvania that will keep you reasonably entertained throughout its fairly short duration thanks to its creepy art direction and atmospheric soundtrack. But when you look at it next to some of the more accomplished examples of the genre on Switch, its repetitive nature and uninspired cover-shooting mechanics hold it back from being truly recommendable.
With gorgeous pixellated graphics and a charming, uplifting soundtrack, Furwind is a delight to behold. Unfortunately, with some awkward controls and a lack of any original, engaging ideas, it falls short of being truly great, if only because the Switch is already home to some stellar platforming games that comfortably outshine this workmanlike effort. Still, if you're a fan of the genre and you're looking for something to keep you busy during the summer months, Furwind's impressive stage variation and challenging difficulty make it worth a look.
With tight controls, retro-styled minimal art style and a superb sense of progression, this is the perfect Metroidvania to play whilst you're waiting for an actual Metroid or appropriate Castlevania game.
Project Nimbus: Complete Edition is a game that sports tight, engaging gameplay, but fails to back this up with compelling reasons to play for the long haul. On the surface, there's a generous serving of modes, missions and weaponry, along with impressive visuals and three difficulty options to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, repetition sets in far too soon, and eventually you'll want to store this mecha back in its hangar. The wait for the Switch's first truly comprehensive 'Big Robot' game continues.
