Anuchard
Verdict: 6.5/10
In Anuchard, players take on the role of a hero known as the Bellwielder. Players will save their civilization by using a bell-shaped weapon to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Players will also get the opportunity to rebuild their civilization with city-building mechanics.
Anuchard has a few neat mechanics, with the most noteworthy being the combat. Players can knock enemies around the bell, bouncing them off of walls and other structures for extra damage. At first, the game’s combat and puzzles are a lot of fun. It feels novel while also calling back to the PSX era in RPG gaming. Unfortunately, the formula does eventually get a little stale, even if the game isn’t too long. The end result is a charming experience that is quite enjoyable, but fails to be something remarkable.
My Brother Ate My Pudding
Verdict: 6.5/10
Thanks to memes, most people will likely recognize the art style of My Brother Ate My Pudding. Players are treated to a bland blue background juxtaposed by simple art with members of a family. This style is minimalistic, but it’s hard not to fall for. Like Hide & Dance, or Mom Hid My Game, My Brother Ate My Pudding is short, simple, and satisfying.
Players take on the role of a little brother who ate his sister’s pudding from the refrigerator. Now players need to find a place to hide in one of the game’s many rooms. The presentation is as simple as ever, but the puzzle-solving is entertaining. Failing to find a solid hiding spot leads to funny results. Eventually, things get absurd and leave reality. It’s not a long experience, but its entertaining and funny. More importantly, the level of challenge is just right, so the experience is never a breeze or too frustrating.
Legend of Ixtonia
Verdict: 6/10
KEMCO is on a good run of solid JRPGs right now. Ghost Sync, Justice Chronicles, and RPGolf Legends have all been entertaining titles. Legend of Ixtonia doesn’t quite reach the highs of those other JRPGs, but it is still rather entertaining.
There aren’t any remarkable mechanics this time around, and Legend of Ixtonia is mostly a generic strategy game. Unfortunately, it’s a little too simple, with AI that can’t ever seem to make the best call. The end result is a game that players won’t have to think much about, and will likely reach the finish line in no time at all. The story and characters are also pretty generic, rounding out a fine, but forgettable experience. There are worse strategy JRPGs on the Switch, but there are also much better ones too.
Sorrowvirus
Verdict: 7/10
The Nintendo Switch has had a string of fine to good horror games lately, and that continues with Sorrowvirus. This horror experience focuses on narrative and psychological horror.
As a walking simulator with puzzles, there isn’t really too much to do aside from walking around, solving puzzles, and fleeing from enemies. The puzzles can be frustrating, and the lack of checkpoints is annoying throughout. Fortunately, the story is genuinely interesting and worth sticking around for. There are a few branches for players to discover, but there isn’t much replay value once players get through the experience.
As Far As The Eye
Verdict: 7.5/10
A good resource management game can make a player forget about time and lose an evening. As Far As The Eye can be just that, but it requires some patience.
The jaw-dropping art and warm colors make As Far As the Eye an easy sell when it comes to visuals. The game’s mechanics are solid too, but they are more complex than they seem and the tutorial isn’t thorough enough. Sure, some games tend to hold the player’s hand too much, but there is a balance. If players can overcome the obstacles of learning how to play, As Far as The Eye is special. It’s peaceful but challenging. It’s full of depth and different approaches due to intricate skill trees. The roguelite mechanics aren’t for everyone, but for the right player, this will be a special experience.
Dysmantle
Verdict: 7.5/10
Survival and crafting games are a dime a dozen these days, but that doesn’t mean that they should be abandoned altogether. Dysmantle is an example of the genre done right.
Despite its simple visuals, there is a lot to Dysmantle. It’s not easy and will require tons of trial and error. If players can figure it out though, they will be delighted by the game’s fully destructible environments. Breaking stuff is satisfying. Progressing is satisfying. The core loop is satisfying. This is just a satisfying adventure that is perfect for players who just want to turn off their brains and survive.
