Nintendo Life

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 27, 2018

Critic80/100

Agreement—

While it does have a few technical issues at launch, they don't detract from the fact Nintendo Switch now has a proper MOBA to add to its library of supported genres. One of the world's biggest games is now on Switch, and that's something to celebrate.

Nintendo Life

Mitch Vogel·Sep 27, 2018

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Alwa's Awakening is a game that perhaps manages to achieve its aims a little too well, with moments of great platforming action and a well-designed overworld being hamstrung by antiquated problems like an unforgiving checkpoint system and an unhelpful map. We'd give this one a light recommendation; there's plenty of quality to be found despite some flaws and it's evident that a lot of passion went into the development, although we would also add that there's nothing about Alwa's Awakening that screams “must play”. If you're a fan of retro action platformers or Metroidvanias, Alwa's Awakening is certainly worth a go, but if you aren't a fan, this isn't the game to change your mind.

Nintendo Life

Mitch Vogel·Sep 26, 2018

Critic90/100

Agreement—

Towerfall sets the standard for excellence in local multiplayer, creating a fun and endlessly replayable experience that's sure to be a blast every time you play.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 26, 2018

Critic90/100

Agreement—

It's taken three years to get here, but the long journey hasn't dulled Armello's blades. From the deep tactics of its living board game gameplay to the sheer charm of its world-building and character designs, it's a turn-based quest filled with back-stabbing, political power plays and rampaging monsters that's different each and every time you play. It's at its absolute best when played in multiplayer, that human factor making for an even more predictable battle for the corrupted throne. You'd be doing yourself a disservice not to add this anthropomorphic tale to your wish list.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 24, 2018

Critic70/100

Agreement—

No one on God's green Earth loves Jet Set Radio as much as the developers of Hover, and it shows in every strand of its DNA. The fast, trick-focused movement model is pure Dreamcast, and with spray-painting, challenging races and an anti-authoritarian attitude, this is probably the closest we'll ever get to a full franchise revival. The problem is the elements it brings to the mix - such as its shared online world, the variety of its mission types and the crux of its story - never manage to live up to the legacy of an 18-year-old game.

Nintendo Life

Jon Mundy·Sep 24, 2018

Critic60/100

Agreement—

This Is The Police 2 is a distinctive and multi-faceted management sim with a fresh tactical edge. However, its list of punishing demands, perpetually scarce resources, and sluggish storytelling can sap the game of joy and momentum. There's a lot to do, and a fair amount of that is fun, but it feels like the game's many systems and demands are competing both for scarce virtual resources and your strained attention. In that sense, you'll come to relate to Sharpwood's put-upon new Sheriff all too well.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 21, 2018

Critic70/100

Agreement—

STAY is a very unusual experience. Its unique approach to tracking time and using it as an influential factor on a character's well-being makes it the kind of game you really need to try, but it's one that comes with enough caveats that might make it less appealing to certain Switch owners. However, with some well-written dialogue, a mysterious house that keeps getting stranger and all manner of narrative paths, items, rooms and endings to unlock, there's plenty here to warrant repeated plays. Just don't nod off while you're playing, or wander out of the house. Poor old Quinn...

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 20, 2018

Critic80/100

Agreement—

While the lack of touchscreen support is an odd omission considering both games previously appeared on 3DS and Wii U, that doesn't stop Scribblenauts Mega Pack from bringing two of the most empowering games of the past decade. Both have been optimised for Switch so you can be sure you're getting a family-friendly experience that'll have you plumbing the depths of your imagination for the most creative and out-of-the-box solutions.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 19, 2018

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Relaxing as it is taxing, The Gardens Between offers a poignant coalescence of charming visuals, a relaxing soundtrack and a bittersweet story.

Nintendo Life

Gavin Lane·Sep 19, 2018

Critic70/100

Agreement—

While its short-burst gameplay is perfectly suited to phones, Reigns: Kings & Queens arguably works just as well lying on the sofa with a single Joy-Con. It's addictive with plenty of depth to its deceptively simple systems, although like the mobile edition, it really is best enjoyed when played in small chunks. After several hours, repetition inevitably dulls its initial appeal, but if you haven't played it elsewhere, this is a great package that's well worth swiping right on.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 19, 2018

Critic50/100

Agreement—

Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition has so much potential and offers a fine alternative to SimCity's broken reboot, but this game needed to be revamped and re-approached for Switch in a way that doesn't turn it into a performance quagmire. Sadly, this is a game better played elsewhere.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 18, 2018

Critic90/100

Agreement—

Nintendo Switch is no stranger to DLC and add-on content, but few expansions are as vast in their size and content as Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country. Whether you're a season pass holder looking to revisit a series you love from a new perspective, or you're fresh to the franchise and want a standalone adventure, this hefty slice of JRPG action will grab you right from the moment you start switching between Blade and Driver. With some welcome adjustments to combat and combos, this is a fine addition to an already brilliant game on Switch.

Nintendo Life

Damien McFerran·Sep 18, 2018

Critic90/100

Agreement—

If you're not a fan of the genre then you may well be wondering what all the fuss is about, but for everyone else, this is a must-have download.

Nintendo Life

Mitch Vogel·Sep 18, 2018

Critic60/100

Agreement—

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD is the sort of game that you play and then wonder why exactly it needs to exist.

Nintendo Life

Dom Reseigh-Lincoln·Sep 16, 2018

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Surgeon Simulator CPR finally brings Bossa Studios' slapstick medical 'sim' to Nintendo Switch, and while its use of Joy-Con motion controls is a little rough around the edges, they do make for some brilliant local co-op shenanigans. With plenty of patients to harm (sorry, we meant 'heal'), all manner of scenarios to contend with and plenty of hidden secrets to be found both in theatres and in the interactive menu, you're at least getting one of the better versions of this veteran title.