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Showing posts with label Nintendo Switch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nintendo Switch. Show all posts

2 Dec 2023

REVIEW: Speed Or Death - Nintendo Switch - A Promising Concept with Room for Improvement

Review by Jon Donnis
Speed Or Death on Nintendo Switch offers a unique twist to the racing game genre, prioritizing survival over sheer speed. The game challenges players to navigate through apocalyptic scenarios, from monster-infested cities to dodging dragon breath and escaping alien invasions. Unlocking different cars adds variety to the gameplay, creating an unpredictable and thrilling experience.


The graphics, while not groundbreaking, provide a visually appealing backdrop to the chaotic landscapes. The concept of surviving the apocalypse while racing is undeniably fun and keeps players engaged. However, there are notable drawbacks. Some players may find the cars lacking in speed, impacting the sense of urgency and excitement. The menu layout is less than intuitive, particularly concerning car options and default settings like automatic gears.


Car handling leaves room for improvement, with a smoother and more responsive control system needed to enhance the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the game lacks clarity on its ultimate goal, whether it's reaching a finish line or driving until a time limit expires. The absence of an on-screen map makes navigating the apocalyptic landscapes challenging.


In summary, Speed Or Death presents an innovative concept that injects freshness into the racing game genre. Despite commendable graphics and a fun premise, the game falls short in execution. Increased speed, improved menu layouts, better car handling, and enhanced navigation clarity are necessary for it to reach its full potential. The game earns a generous score of 7 out of 10 on the Nintendo Switch, with the potential to become a cult classic racing game if refined and polished.


Out now on Nintendo Switch at

8 Nov 2023

REVIEW: schleich® DINOSAURS: Mission Dino Camp on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
DINOSAURS: Mission Dino Camp is a fun, educational and engaging game that is perfect for young dinosaur fans. The game is set in a beautiful tropical forest that is home to a variety of dinosaurs, including velociraptors, brontosaurus, and T-Rexes. Players take on the role of Jack, a dinosaur research scientist who must explore the forest and rescue the dinosaurs from an erupting volcano amongst other things.

This is very much a jobs based game, your character will be given missions, like collecting herbs, or photographing a Dino, and then bring those to other workers, so a lot of going back and forth.


One of the best things about DINOSAURS: Mission Dino Camp is the graphics. The game looks great and the dinosaurs are very well-rendered. The forest is also very detailed and immersive.

The gameplay is simple and easy to learn, even for young children. Players must explore the forest, find the dinosaurs, and then use a tranquilizer gun to stun them and transport them back to base camp. Once the dinosaurs are back at base camp, players must care for them by feeding them, giving them water, and healing any injuries.


The game is also very educational. Players will learn about the different types of dinosaurs that lived on Earth millions of years ago. They will also learn about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment.

My only complaint about the game is that towards the end, it can feel repetitive, and this is definitely a game for younger gamers, older gamers mind find it a bit limited.

Overall, DINOSAURS: Mission Dino Camp is a great game for young dinosaur fans. It is fun, educational, and has great graphics. I give the game a 7 out of 10.


3 Nov 2023

REVIEW: Dreamworks Trolls Remix Rescue on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
Trolls Remix Rescue is a delightful, family-friendly game for the Nintendo Switch that takes players on a musical adventure through the Troll Kingdom. Playing as beloved characters like Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond, you'll embark on a mission to save the kingdom from the melodic mastermind Chaz, who has cast a spell on the trolls with his smooth Jazz saxophone, turning them catatonic and causing them to grow mustaches. The game's quirky premise is sure to entertain and make kids laugh.


One of the standout features of the game is the impressive level of customization for your troll character. You can choose from a variety of hairstyles, facial features, outfits, and even select a feminine or masculine voice, allowing for loads of combination possibilities, since this is a game directed at kids, I am sure this element of customisation will be greatly enjoyed by the younger gamer. As you progress, you'll unlock additional clothing options and classic characters to play as, adding to the game's replay-ability.


The gameplay offers a mix of 3D platforming, combat, and rhythm-based mini-games, providing a well-rounded gaming experience. While the platforming aspect is fairly basic, there's room for improvement with additional skills like hair-whipping, swinging, and creating unique objects with troll magic. The inclusion of rhythm-based mini-games and boss fights set to the Trolls soundtrack adds an enjoyable variety to the game.

The game map is sprawling and divided into four regions, each featuring three different levels with unique themes and challenges. This ambition in level design keeps the gameplay engaging and prevents it from becoming monotonous. However, the level design could benefit from clearer navigation paths in some areas, as players might face challenges in finding their way forward, leading to frustration and backtracking.


One significant downside to "DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue" is the camera, which can be a major obstacle. It frequently zooms in too close to the character, obstructing your view of the surroundings. This issue can make precision platforming and navigating obstacles difficult, especially during 2D boss fights, which become unnecessarily challenging due to the problematic camera angles.

Despite its camera issues, "DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue" offers a solid family-friendly gaming experience. With fun character customization, a variety of gameplay elements, and the incorporation of the Trolls movie soundtrack, it has the potential to entertain players of all ages. The addition of local multiplayer for up to four players makes it a great choice for family gaming sessions. Overall, "DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue" is a charming game, scoring a 7 out of 10, but it could achieve even higher ratings with some camera and navigation improvements.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

25 Oct 2023

REVIEW: Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier on Nintendo Switch - An Innovative Space Adventure

Review by Jon Donnis
Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier is a unique addition to the platform game genre, offering a refreshing twist on traditional mechanics. In this game, you take on the role of Slippy, an intergalactic slug with a rather unusual set of skills. Utilizing the kickback from his guns and thrusters, Slippy embarks on a challenging journey to recover lost parcels on a mysterious planet. While the game may not be for everyone due to its novel control scheme, it's a colorful and entertaining experience that's well worth a try.


The game's standout feature is undoubtedly its innovative control system. As you guide Slippy through a series of obstacles, you'll need to master the art of using weapon kickback to move around. Shooting in one direction propels Slippy in the opposite direction, making for a quirky and physics-based gameplay experience. This unique control mechanism can be both rewarding and frustrating, depending on your preferences. It challenges players to think differently and adds a layer of complexity to the game that's both intriguing and occasionally daunting.

The storyline is simple yet effective, setting the stage for Slippy and Mr. McFly's cosmic adventure. Crash-landing on a strange planet with a mission to recover lost parcels, the game keeps you engaged as you navigate through various zones, each with its own set of challenges. The quirky characters and their commitment to their intergalactic delivery job provide a lighthearted atmosphere that complements the game's colorful, cartoonish graphics.


Speaking of visuals, Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier boasts fun and vibrant graphics that add to the overall enjoyment. The game's art style creates a whimsical atmosphere, and the diverse environments across five zones, including a dense jungle and icy peaks, keep things visually interesting.

However, the game isn't without its drawbacks. The unconventional control scheme, though innovative, may deter players who prefer the more traditional movement mechanics of platform games. It can be a bit challenging to master, and not everyone will enjoy the learning curve associated with it. Additionally, while the story is simple and charming, it may not be the main focus for players seeking a more narrative-driven gaming experience.


In conclusion, Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier is a fun and challenging platform game that deserves recognition for its innovative approach to character control. The quirky storyline, colorful graphics, and physics-based gameplay offer a unique gaming experience. However, the unconventional control scheme may deter some players. If you're willing to embrace this new way of navigating the game world, you'll find a delightful adventure with Slippy and Mr. McFly as they attempt to recover lost parcels in a strange, space-faring world.

I score Kickback Slug: Cosmic Courier on Nintendo Switch a fair 7.5/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

26 Aug 2023

REVIEW: Contraptions 3 on Nintendo Switch

Contraptions 3 continues the zany tradition of its predecessors, delivering a fun and imaginative puzzle-solving experience that fans of the series will appreciate. This game successfully combines creative contraptions and Rube Goldberg-style mechanics to entertain players with its unique challenges. However, while it offers simple and enjoyable graphics, it also carries some drawbacks that might hinder newcomers from fully embracing the eccentric charm.

The game features over 200 wacky puzzles spread across five distinct worlds, offering a substantial amount of content for puzzle enthusiasts to explore. Additionally, the ability to create custom levels and challenge friends to conquer them extends the game's replayability beyond its premade puzzles.


Each level tasks players with ridding the environment of monsters by crafting intricate contraptions. The core gameplay revolves around arranging objects in a way that triggers chain reactions, leading to the monsters' demise. Players can pause time to reposition, flip, or connect objects, allowing them to fine-tune their solutions before setting the contraption in motion. If executed correctly, a satisfying domino effect unfolds, leading to the monsters' ultimate defeat.

Contraptions 3 boasts a wide array of gadgets, each with its own unique interaction and functionality. Igniting, touching, pushing, or pulling these gadgets can set off a series of events that culminate in solving a puzzle. Players must think creatively to interconnect these gadgets, crafting complex and often hilarious setups to achieve their objectives.

The game encourages diverse approaches to puzzles, enabling players to experiment and devise their own Rube Goldberg-inspired solutions. This aspect lends itself well to the game's replayability, as the puzzles can often be approached in multiple ways.


The Good
The game's simple and fun graphics retain the signature style that fans of the series have grown fond of. The whimsical world of Contraptions 3 is a joy to explore, with each of the five different worlds presenting distinct environments to unravel. Players who enjoyed the previous entries will feel right at home, revelling in the familiar visuals that make the game so inviting.

The Bad
Unfortunately, Contraptions 3 stumbles when it comes to onboarding new players. The absence of a detailed tutorial and the steep learning curve can be a significant barrier to entry, particularly for those who are new to the franchise. The complex interactivity of various gadgets and objects is not thoroughly explained, leaving players to grapple with confusion as they attempt to piece together solutions. This oversight in introducing newcomers to the game mechanics detracts from the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the experience.

Overall
Contraptions 3 successfully maintains the engaging and humorous puzzle-solving experience the series is known for. The game's vibrant and imaginative worlds, coupled with its intricate contraption-building mechanics, offer a joyful journey for fans of the franchise. However, the absence of a thorough tutorial and the steep learning curve can be off-putting to newcomers, hampering their initial immersion into the game.

With its unique blend of creativity and puzzles, Contraptions 3 stands as a solid entry in the series, deserving of a 7 out of 10. It's a game that rewards both ingenuity and patience, beckoning players to explore the wacky possibilities hidden within each level's assortment of gadgets and objects.

Out Now for £5.99 on Nintendo Switch


6 Aug 2023

REVIEW: Side Decide on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
"Side Decide" is a labour of love brought to life by solo developer Brendan Votano, operating under the studio name Blue Volcano. Four years of dedication and an idea that took root nearly eight years ago have culminated in a delightful puzzle game that graced the Nintendo Switch on August 3rd.

Boasting an equilibrium between serenity and challenge, "Side Decide" stands as a testament to the developer's commitment and creativity. The game's aesthetics draw inspiration from wooden blocks, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply. This simplicity doesn't just manifest in the visuals, but also extends to the gameplay, making it accessible and engaging for players of various skill levels.

A standout feature of "Side Decide" is its tranquil musical score, one that gracefully adapts to the player's progress. This harmonious soundscape serves as a companion on the puzzling journey, enhancing the immersive experience and adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.


The game's heart lies in its 10 distinct block types, each harbouring its own set of mechanics. This variety not only adds complexity to the puzzles but also encourages players to approach each level with a fresh perspective. The inclusion of Gold, Silver, and Bronze star ratings/achievements injects further incentive for seasoned players to chase excellence, aiming for mastery in every intricate challenge the game presents.

With an impressive count of 121 levels awaiting exploration, "Side Decide" stands as a testament to its rich content. Aspiring to attain a perfect score of 363 stars across these levels may seem daunting, yet the satisfaction derived from overcoming each trial is undeniably rewarding.

"Side Decide" encapsulates the essence of nostalgia with its wooden block-themed puzzles. The primary objective, guiding a wooden cube to its destination, is deceptively simple. However, the cube's diverse sides, each sporting unique shapes, introduce an element of strategic complexity. Rolling onto circles adds an ingenious mechanic, enabling players to rotate the cube and unveil new avenues for progress. Teleportation, wildcards, and precarious falling blocks further elevate the challenge, ensuring that players are consistently engaged.

Bridging the gap between accessibility and complexity, "Side Decide" is a title that should resonate with a wide audience. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or a riveting challenge, the game accommodates your preferences. Its allure lies in its ability to provide a serene ambiance for casual players while still catering to completionists yearning for a thorough test of their skills.


The Good
A great looking game, that is easy to play but tough to master. Nice relaxing soundtrack. Easy to pick up and play either for a few minutes or longer. I played on the Switch Lite and it works well on the smaller screen.

The Bad
The menu to choose levels confused me at first, instead of automatically going to the next level after completing the first, you have to choose the next level by moving the block. This isn't clear at first and could do with the choose level system being simplified or automated.

The game gets "challenging" pretty quick, and that toughness may put off some players who perhaps don't have the patience.

Overall
"Side Decide" is a testament to Brendan Votano's dedication and vision, capturing the essence of childhood nostalgia within its wooden block puzzles. With its harmonious blend of accessibility and challenge, a symphony of unique mechanics, and a treasure trove of levels, this game rightfully claims its spot as a captivating addition to the puzzle genre on the Nintendo Switch.

I score Side Decide a solid 8/10

Out now on Nintendo Switch

31 Jul 2023

REVIEW: Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a delightful Nintendo Switch platform game that takes players on an action-packed journey through the vibrant world of Mara. In this loving tribute to classic platforming adventures, you join the series favourite Koa and her trusty friend Napopo as they traverse wild islands, dodge cunning traps, and face off against formidable bosses.

One of the game's standout features is the diversity of the world it offers. With eight distinct worlds to explore, each with its own theme, traps, and bits of story, players will find themselves constantly engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead. From sandy beaches to bubbling volcanoes, the islands are charming and colourful, filled with secrets and collectibles that beckon exploration.


The gameplay is both exciting and accommodating, catering to different playstyles. Players can choose to race against the clock and aim for speed-running medals or take a more leisurely approach to soak in the beauty of each level while collecting shells, the main currency in the game. Collectibles scattered throughout the islands further add to the replay value, as they can be used alongside shells to purchase cosmetic upgrades for your character, boat, and even rebuild the city of Qälis.

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara boasts a well-designed progression system. Unlocking the archipelago piece by piece keeps players motivated to uncover the mysteries that each island holds. The presence of memorable characters adds a layer of charm to the adventure, and helping them on their respective journeys enhances the sense of fulfilment in the game.


While the game may not bring anything groundbreaking to the genre, it compensates with its well-crafted mechanics, unique island designs, and diverse boss battles. Speaking of bosses, each island's final encounter is distinct, requiring players to adopt different strategies to defeat them. This variety ensures that players are constantly engaged and challenged as they progress through the game.

Whether you're a newcomer looking for a relaxed gaming experience or a seasoned speed runner seeking a challenge, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara accommodates all players. With approximately six to seven hours needed for a relaxed playthrough or four to five hours for a more rushed approach, completing the main story offers a satisfying gaming experience. However, for completionists aiming for 100% achievement, the game offers plenty of additional content, ensuring hours of captivating gameplay.


The Good
Great graphics, game looks and plays great on the Nintendo Switch Lite. A nice fun little platform game.

The Bad
No double jump! How dare you! The controls can be a bit fiddly at first, and unless you are running, the movement of the character feels very slow. So, you just end up constantly holding down the button to run.

Overall
Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a well-made and engaging platforming adventure. With its beautiful visuals, diverse gameplay, and memorable characters, it provides a delightful gaming experience for players of all levels. Whether you're exploring the islands leisurely or seeking to conquer time trials and challenges, this buccaneering escapade is a must-play for Nintendo Switch owners.

I score Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara a strong 7.5/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

28 Jun 2023

REVIEW: Formula Retro Racing - World Tour on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
A few years ago Formula Retro Racing was released, and I reviewed it on Xbox, I called it the spiritual successor to Virtua Racing. Well fast forward to 2023 and we have a sequel called Formula Retro Racing - World Tour.


Let's take a look at the official blurb.

"Players can drive, drift and draft their way across 18 unique tracks, including Japan, London and Paris. Multiple gameplay modes provide hours upon hours of replayability, with corners to master and endless lap times to overcome through the online leaderboards. This expanded sequel also adds new vehicle types to the mix, each with their own distinctive feel and handling properties.

Low-poly models and assets now look crisper than ever before thanks to 4K visuals and 60fps performance. Every aspect of the game has been designed with performance in mind, ensuring a consistent feel as players dive headfirst into corners at breakneck speeds. It's retro gaming as players remember it, but with a modern twist.

Relive the glory days of sharing the settee with 4-player split-screen in Formula Retro Racing: World Tour's multiplayer mode. Players can take the clean driving line, draft behind competitors or take the chaotic route and push friends into the wall  - just remember, the only place that matters is first.

For those looking to add an additional dimension to their racing experience, Formula Retro Racing: World Tour is also fully playable in VR. Incredibly immersive, and not for the faint of heart, this mode allows players to experience the thrill of racing from the most authentic point of view, the cockpit."

Since I am playing this on a Nintendo Switch Lite, I have not been able to try out the VR mode!

At first you might not notice much difference between this and the previous game, the menu looks the same, the graphics are basically the same, but there are some differences, the main ones being new tracks and a new set of drift cars. Everything else is pretty much the same as the previous game.


I have to admit I tried the drift cars first, and they just felt a bit strange to play with. Feels like they may have been tacked on at the end just to add something different. I quickly went back to what I know best, that being the regular racing cars. 5 to chose from, from F1 style to Le Mans style. They all pretty much handle the same though, although there are slight differences in cornering and braking, but nothing that felt major. Once you choose your car, you can change its colour, and away you go.

Racing is very straight forward, no turbos or boosts, just basic racing, but keep an eye on your damage gauge, if not you might explode.

4 racing modes, Arcade, Grand Prix, Eliminator and Free Practice. 18 tracks in total.

The game plays just as well as the first game, it is good fun, the tracks look great in their low polygon style. The eliminator mode is still the most fun.

The only question that remains, is if this game has improved enough over the original for it to be worth purchasing.


The Good
Fun little arcade racing game, that could have come right out of the 1990s. The graphics are awesomely retro. The soundtrack is very 8bit which I like.

The Bad
The addition of the drift cars, although a nice idea, did not cut it for me, after a few goes using those cars, I had lost interest and went back to the regular racing cars. Since that is the main addition, it is slightly disappointing.

Drift cars but no drift mode? Car damage but no demolition mode?

Overall
First of all this game is 100% an improvement over the original, more tracks, more cars, leader boards, multiplayer grand prix events. But I am not sure it offers enough to make it a proper sequel, it feels more like an update, or DLC content than a seperate new game.

If you don't have the original, then this is worth a shot, it is a lot of fun, looks and plays great. If you do have the original though, I am not sure if this offers enough for you to buy it. 

I score Formula Retro Racing - World Tour on Nintendo Switch a safe 7/10. Just expected more after 2 years.

Out Now


23 Jun 2023

REVIEW: Martian Panic on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
I have not played an "on-rail shooter game" for ages, I was a big fan of the Virtua Cop and The House of the Dead games back in the late 90s which probably introduced me to the genre, well on-rail shooter games are back, (apparently), this time on Nintendo Switch. I played Martian Panic on a Switch Lite.


The Martians have invaded, and you have to stop them. Thats the story. No more, no less.

As mentioned, this is an on-rails shooter, for those unfamiliar that means that you are on a pre-determined route, and all you need to worry about is shooting the aliens, you don't need to worry about which way to go etc.

The main selling point of the game is the style, everything is done in a comic book style, with a retro 1950s feel.


There are 8 levels to beat, across various locations, movie theatre, the pyramids, a farm, outside a diner etc. There are 6 different weapons to collect and use, and 10 different types of enemies, there are also a number of powerups to collect. Other than the aliens, you can also shoot various objects that might drop a bonus. For example, shoot a scarecrow in the farm level and you might get a new weapon. Try to avoid killing the civilians who will undoubtably run right in front of you, get a high score, and try to get to the top of the leaderboards.


Between each level you have short movies which further tell the story, and within each level there are short cutscenes to give your fingers a break. Everything is done with a nice level of humour, and as mentioned earlier in a 1950s comic book style.

There are the usual difficulty levels, and you can also play with 3 others on one console although I was unable to test that, I am guessing that is for the Switch regular and not the switch lite.


The Good
This is a fun little game, great humour, nice voice overs, and a silly but fun story.

Fun bright graphics and I like the comic book style in the cut scenes.

The Bad
This game needs to played using a light gun, using the Switch Lite controller joystick to move the aim icon is tough, it is hard to be accurate, why on earth they didn't make this touch screen for the Switch Lite is beyond me, that is literally the only other way that you could get the best out of this game without using a light gun. Also you NEED to play this game with the sound on, I know many people like to listen to music or have the TV on, but without the sound it is hard to tell when you are out of bullets, watch the gameplay video below, and you will see how often I kept shooting when I had no bullets left. Also, when you do shoot someone, there needs to be more of a feeling that you have hit them. This game leaves you wondering at times if you have actually hit an enemy or not.

Overall
A fun game that just struggles on the Switch Lite, if you have a Switch regular, then I am sure this game will play better. I wonder if I can plug a regular PC mouse into the Switch Lite to play this game? Would definitely make it easier? No Bluetooth mouse though, will need a converter.

If you are a fan of On Rail Shooters and have a Light Gun, then this is definitely a game you should add to your collection, if only because there isn't that many out there. Would be great fun with young kids.

Doesn't really work on the Switch Lite which is a shame, but there is a fun game here if you have the right set up, which unfortunately I don't think I did.

Out now on Nintendo Switch at https://amzn.to/3NoxuWv and also pick up the accessory to turn your Joy-Cons into a gun like device at https://amzn.to/3CJHi8D, its not perfect, but until we get a proper light gun it will have to do.

9 May 2023

REVIEW: Dogfight: A Sausage Bomber Story on Nintendo Switch

 
Review by Jon Donnis
If you follow my reviews, then you will know I love me a retro style action shooter, and boy do we have a great little game in Dogfight: A Sausage Bomber Story on Nintendo Switch.

You play as a member of the Sausage Bomber Corps, your job is a simple one, defeat wave after wave of enemy fighters, and then destroy the boss, before you can progress to the next level. Action comes by way of a classic side scrolling adventure, as you control your little plane against seemingly unsurmountable odds that come from Vega Nation.

The game is non stop action, with some great humour thrown in between levels. The graphics are outstanding and of the cartoon variety.

As mentioned the game is a side scrolling action shooter, you will collect power ups, to make your weapons more powerful, you can also drop bombs as you are flying. A nice touch is the ability to switch the direction of the plane, so that you can defend yourself better from attacks coming from behind.

Super easy to pick up and play, hectic levels that never become confusing. Cracking sound track and all round good fun, multiplayer is also available, but alas I never had chance to try that.
The Good
Everthing looks and sound great, a proper old school shooter that is all about fun. The gamne plays well on a Nintendo Switch Lite, the small screen handles the game perfectly. The speed run counter is a nice touch.

The Bad
I'd kind of like an adult mode of the game, allowing you to blow escaped pilots to smithereens!

Overall
Fun little shooter, perfect for fans of the genre. Check it out!

I score Dogfight: A Sausage Bomber Story on Nintendo Switch a solid 8.5/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch
https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Dogfight-2367985.html

Also available on Xbox Series S/X. PlayStation 4 (playable on PS5), and PC (Steam + Epic Games Store) priced at $18 / €18.


2 May 2023

REVIEW: Togges on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis
Togges is advertised as "a game unlike anything you've ever seen!", and to be fair, it is pretty unique, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing you will have to read on to find out.

This is a 3D platformer, but you control what I can only describe as a robot vacuum of sorts. You can suck up and spread cubes, (Togges) which in turn will help you solve environmental puzzles. You are tasked with helping the King President to save the Universe from the threat of The Void.


Even though your vacuum (yes I am calling it that) can move around freely and even jump, to stack Togges you need to have a start point, this start point then allows you to spread cubes either horizontall or vertically. You have a set amount of Togges. Now why would you need to spread Togges? Well early on you are tasked with collecting fruit, but to collect fruit you need to place some Togges on the top of the fruit, so you need to spread a line of Togges to reach the fruit before you can collect it. And of course the fruit aren't going to be in an easy to find location, this is where the environmental puzzle element comes in.

Now after the first tutorial, you will start your first world of sorts. Now this game is rather heavy on the text dialog, too heavy, and because of that, you will find yourself skipping through things just so you can start to play the game, this is a problem, as you will inevitably miss an important instruction, as I did.


I assumed that to reach the next level, you would need to build some kind of bridge, or find a way to jump to it, since you can see it not too far away. But instead you needed to collect all 5 fruits which in turn opened a doorway that would warp you there. I assumed I had collected all of the fruits, but of the 5 I had only actually caught 4, so I then spent way too much time going round in circles, trying whatever I could to progress but without success. Eventually I resorted to a walkthrough on Youtube and I realised my mistake. While playing you will discover the ability to change the colour of the Togges, which in turn gives them different abilities, for example the red togges can only stack 5 high vertically, where as the yellow ones can stack 7, but each Togge costs double that of the red ones. And the final fruit could only be collected using a yellow Togges. Now I am sure this was in the seemingly endless instructions, and I missed them, but I just wanted to play!


So once I figured that out, I was able to progress and finally started to enjoy what was up unil them a rather frustrating game.

There are loads of levels/worlds to play through, the graphics are excellent, even on a small Nintendo Switch Lite screen. There are lots of things to collect, loads of places to explore and secrets to uncover. There are characters to interact with and stories to understand. And most importantly as you unlock new Togge varieties, lots of new skills and interactions to enjoy.


The Good
A beautiful game, with a new gameplay mechanic. Once you get used to the controls the game is fun to play and offers a decent challenge, both in a platforming manner but also in a puzzle sense.

The Bad
The game is way too complicated at first, too many instructions, too much dialog, and you are thrown into the deep end pretty much straight away, the learning curve is too steep, and the balance is off at first. Get past the first proper world and you will be flying though, so try not to let it put you off.

Overall
Despite the issues mentioned above, this is a fun game, it looks great and despite the at times fiddly controls, this offers up a really impressive amount of gameplay and challenge.

I score Togges on Nintendo Switch a solid 7.5/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch