Here’s the games I have reviewed so far on the Nintendo Switch in this genre, from best to worst. Note: If multiple games have the same score, they will be sorted alphabetically.

Classic Games / Remakes (GameCube era or older)

Game	Genre	Original Platform(s)	Grade
Metroid Prime Remastered	First-Person Shooter / Metroidvania	GameCube	A+
tl;dr Metroid Prime Remastered is a remake of a game that combines First-Person Shooter Gameplay with Metroidvania game structure, first released on the GameCube. Not only has Metroid Prime aged incredibly well, but this remake is outstanding, going above and beyond in its graphical improvements, control options, and bonus content. The result is the absolutely definitive version of one of the greatest games ever made.
Super Mario RPG	Isometric Turn-Based JRPG	Super Nintendo	A
tl;dr Super Mario RPG is a remake of the 1996 classic SNES Isometric Turn-Based JRPG that’s extremely faithful to the original while adding completely modernized graphics and music, as well as new gameplay features. This is a great remake of a great game, and while it’s somewhat short and easy for a JRPG, it is so enjoyable throughout its 12-20 hour adventure that any fan of the genre should consider it a must-have, and players wanting to try their first RPG should consider this an excellent entry point. Either way, this game is outstanding.
Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy	Game Boy Advance	A-
tl;dr Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp is a compilation of remakes of the Game Boy Advance Turn-Based Strategy games Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising. These are two phenomenal games, and the revitalized presentation looks great. However, there are some important features that are missing here, and in particular this game looks especially feature-poor next to the highly-similar game, Wargroove. I do still highly recommend Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp, but between the two titles I think Wargroove is the better choice.
Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition	Spectacle Fighter	PlayStation 2	A-
tl;dr Devil May Cry 3 is a Spectacle Fighter that’s a prequel to the first two games, focusing on Dante’s rivalry with his brother Virgil. This game is a return to form for the series that’s still a joy to play to this day, even if the graphics are dated (despite the remastered HD upgrade) and the camera could use a bit of work still. And while the game is still somewhat overpriced, at least this time Nintendo Switch owners are getting something in exchange for that expense – new control options to swap combat styles mid-combo make the Nintendo Switch version the definitive edition of the game. If you’re a fan of this genre, Devil May Cry 3 on the Nintendo Switch may be a must-buy, despite its price point and even if you already own it on another platform. And for those who never played it in the first place, this is a no-brainer.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster	Compilation / Turn-Based JRPG	PlayStation 2	A-
tl;dr Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is a compilation of every game in the Final Fantasy X saga, with improved graphics and an optional remastered soundtrack. Final Fantasy X alone is an absolute must-play game that makes this compilation worthwhile, although none of the other content here quite measures up to it. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, however, this collection is worth it for that one game alone, and the other content here ain’t too shabby either.
Ikaruga	Bullet Hell Shmup	Dreamcast	A-
tl;dr Ikaruga is a Bullet Hell Shmup that’s at its best on the Switch, which not only plays smoothly while docked, but even has features to make the best use of the Switch in portable mode. If you like this genre, you need this game.
Katamari Damacy Reroll	Arcade	PlayStation 2	A-
tl;dr Katamari Damacy Reroll takes the excellent and crazy-inventive PS2 game about rolling up objects into a giant ball, and brings it into the modern day with HD resolution, higher framerates, and not much else. Still, as the best version of a fantastic game, it’s well worth getting.
Lumines Remastered	Puzzle	PlayStation Portable	A-
tl;dr Lumines is a Tetris-style Puzzle game where players drop blocks and match colors in the shape of squares and rectangles, all to the tempo of the game’s wide variety of music and visuals. The gameplay is solid, the fantastic presentation looks even better in HD, and in short for fans of this genre, this should be considered an absolute must-have.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door	Turn-Based JRPG	GameCube	A-
tl;dr Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a full remake of the classic family-friendly GameCube Turn-Based JRPG, one that series fans swear is still the best in the series, and they have a point – despite a slow start, this game is excellent, with some compelling but straightforward gameplay mechanics, likable characters, and a great story. What’s more, this release features a gorgeous graphical upgrade, a remade soundtrack, and some excellent minor quality-of-life gameplay additions. Overall, that makes this a must-play for RPG fans, and especially for fans of Mario RPGs.
Persona 4 Golden	Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	PlayStation 2 / PlayStation Vita	A-
tl;dr Persona 4 Golden on Nintendo Switch is a remaster of the PlayStation Vita remake of the original PlayStation 2 release of Persona 4, and this is still one of the best games in this series and the genre as a whole, even if it has aged somewhat. It’s not as flashy as Persona 5, but Persona 4 features a wonderful story with great characters, excellent gameplay, and this is overall a great port of the definitive version of the game. If you’re a JRPG fan with a Nintendo Switch, this game is a must!
Radiant Silvergun	Bullet Hell Shmup	Arcade / Saturn	A-
tl;dr Radiant Silvergun is a Bullet Hell Shmup that remains one of the greatest games in the genre thanks to its wide selection of weapons, its excellent level design, and its phenomenal boss design. The high challenge level and technical nature of the gameplay may make this less-appealing to newcomers to the genre, but every serious Shmup fan should consider this game an absolute must-have.
Sega Ages Sonic the Hedgehog	Platformer	Genesis	A-
tl;dr Sonic the Hedgehog remains a classic platformer, and this release of the game adds in a slew of special features and challenge modes that aren’t in the Sega Genesis Classics collection.
Sega Ages Sonic the Hedgehog 2	Platformer	Genesis	A-
tl;dr Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a classic Platformer originally released on the Sega Genesis, and it has aged pretty well. This release of the game adds in a slew of special features and challenge modes that aren’t in the Sega Genesis Classics collection. This is one of the highlights of the series, and well worth grabbing for any fan of Platformers.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy	Compilation / 3D Platformer	PlayStation	A-
tl;dr Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a collection of the original three PlayStation Spyro games, family-friendly 3D Platformers that have withstood the test of time and are presented here with absolutely gorgeous graphics. While there are a few elements that haven’t aged well, like the camera, on the whole this is an absolute joy that fans of platformers should consider a must-have.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2	Compilation / Sports (Skateboarding)	PlayStation	A-
tl;dr Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a superb Compilation and Remake of the first two highly-celebrated games in the Skateboarding series that updates their gameplay and combines them into one whole cohesive experience while retaining what made them so beloved in the first place. The Nintendo Switch version is a severe downgrade in both graphical fidelity and performance from the versions of the game on more powerful hardware, and if you can get one of those versions, I highly recommend it. However, this is still a very playable version of the game and is otherwise intact and feature-complete, including solid online play. If you’ve been waiting for a great Skateboarding game on Nintendo Switch, this is it.
We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie	Arcade	PlayStation 2	A-
tl;dr We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie is a remake of a PlayStation 2 classic Arcade-style game that has you rolling a ball to pick up various objects to make your ball bigger to roll up even bigger objects. This is the second game in the Katamari series, and takes the concept to even kookier places than the first game, but overall remains a great blend of surprisingly compelling gameplay and a delightfully silly nonsensical presentation. This remaster adds a few improvements, but mostly this is a fairly minor update of the classic game rather than an entirely new experience. Having said that, it’s still a joy to play, and I highly recommend it.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug X	Action-Platformer	Arcade / NEOGEO	B+
tl;dr Metal Slug X is an Action-Platformer that acts as an “alternate version” or “remix” of Metal Slug 2, changing around a lot of the enemies, stages, and power-ups from that game while still mostly offering the same experience. However, this game fixes Metal Slug 2’s terrible slowdown issues, and unless you’re a series fan or collector, you’ll want to skip Metal Slug 2 and go straight to this game, which is a superb Action-Platformer and an improvement over everything that came before in the series.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug 3	Action-Platformer	Arcade / NEOGEO	B+
tl;dr Metal Slug 3 is an Action-Platformer that many franchise fans see as the best in the series. Personally, I disagree, though I still think this is an excellent Action-Platformer well worth playing.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug 4	Action-Platformer	Arcade / NEOGEO	B+
tl;dr Metal Slug 4 is an Action-Platformer that makes a few small changes to the series formula, but overall this is more of the same great Action-Platformer gameplay, and well worth picking up for anyone who enjoys the genre.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug 5	Action-Platformer	Arcade	B+
tl;dr Metal Slug 5 is an Action-Platformer that makes a few small changes to the series formula, but overall this is more of the same great Action-Platformer gameplay, and well worth picking up for anyone who enjoys the genre.
Cave Story+	Action-Platformer	PC	B+
tl;dr Cave Story+ is an excellent version of a great Action-Platformer, but the price tag is absurdly high for a 15 year-old game that started out as a free download on PCs.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy	Compilation / 3D Platformer	PlayStation	B+
tl;dr Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a collection of the original three PlayStation Crash Bandicoot games, family-friendly 3D Platformers that have been given a glorious makeover here. The gameplay is still excellent as well, though it has aged a bit in places – the restricted level design and unforgiving gameplay can be a cause for frustration. However, overall this is a superb collection well worth having.
Disgaea 1 Complete	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	PlayStation 2	B+
tl;dr Disgaea 1 Complete is a strategy-RPG in the same style of Final Fantasy Tactics, but with a lot more content, options, and some really inventive approaches to genre standbys. This version brings the game into HD looking sharp and featuring all the content of previous versions, but it’s unfortunately lacking some of the improvements later games in the series made. Still, if you like juggling stats and grinding characters, this game will be a joyful playground for you.
Etrian Odyssey III HD	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo DS	B+
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey III HD is a remake of the 2010 Nintendo DS Dungeon-Crawling JRPG with a heavy focus on players mapping out the dungeons within the game. This is the first time this game has seen any sort of port or re-release, and while the HD-polished presentation here is still dated, this is nevertheless a strong step forward for this series that’s still great to this day. If you only get one game in the original Etrian Odyssey trilogy on Nintendo Switch, this is the one to get.
Final Fantasy VI	Turn-Based RPG	Super Nintendo	B+
tl;dr Final Fantasy VI is a Turn-Based JRPG that is still to this day arguably one of the best games this genre has ever seen. However, while the remade music in this release is wonderful and some of the new added features are nice, they do not justify the bloated $18 price tag this game has, especially when this release is missing some content that was included in other versions of the game. If you’re a fan of classic JRPGs and don’t mind taking a hit to your wallet, you should consider this a must-have game… but at this price, I can’t give it the full recommendation I feel it deserves.
Final Fantasy IX	Turn-Based JRPG	PlayStation	B+
tl;dr Final Fantasy IX is a Turn-Based JRPG that’s not as iconic as the seventh game, and not as wildly inventive as the eighth, but of the three mainline Final Fantasy games originally released on the PlayStation, IX is probably the one that holds up the best. The visuals are still dated and the gameplay is mostly pretty traditional, but overall this is still a well-crafted entry in the genre, even by today’s standards.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age	Action-RPG / JRPG	PlayStation 2	B+
tl;dr Final Fantasy XII takes the series gameplay into more Action-RPG territory with its real-time battles. The presentation here is fantastic, though the upgrades over the original release are more subtle this time around. The story is also still superb, with great voice acting, memorable characters, and a Game of Thrones-esque plot of political intrigue focusing on a group of resistance fighters looking to free their nation from a conquering enemy. That said, the gameplay here is still pretty divisive, with game systems that make for a fair amount of tedious gameplay. Overall this is still a very good game, but not without its flaws.
Gleylancer	Bullet Hell Shmup / 2-Stick Shooter	Mega Drive	B+
tl;dr Gleylancer is a Shmup originally released on the Sega Mega Drive in Japan in 1992, and this release updates the game in numerous ways, including new control options that bring it closer to a 2-Stick Shooter. The original game is a solid entry in the genre, and the port is fantastic. If you enjoy this style of game, you should absolutely grab Gleylancer.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series	Compilation / Platformer	PlayStation / PlayStation 2	B+
tl;dr Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series is a Compilation of modern remakes of Klonoa: Door to Phantomile and Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil, a pair of charming family-friendly Platformers that both do a superb job of combining 2D gameplay with 3D elements, all wrapped in a presentation that’s absolutely wonderful, if a tad quaint and outdated. There are a few places here or there where I feel like these games could be further improved, and the selling of bonus content for an additional $20 seems unnecessarily greedy, but overall it’s hard to see this Compilation as anything but a wonderful package that any Platformer fan should absolutely snatch up.
Pikmin 2	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	GameCube	B+
tl;dr Pikmin 2 is a port of the second game in the Pikmin series, games loosely within the Real-Time Strategy genre that put the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat. This port has some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of the game, but overall this is a bare-bones port. However, the core game is still excellent even by today’s standards, and well worth playing if you can overlook the dated visuals and bloated price tag.
Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns	Puzzle / RPG	Nintendo DS / PlayStation Portable	B+
tl;dr Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns is an HD remaster of the classic Puzzle/RPG hybrid that adds in a slew of new content. This is a fantastic game with compelling gameplay that’s greater than the sum of its parts, and this is the absolute best version of the game, but it is also a game that definitely shows its age in some places.
Quake II	First-Person Shooter	PC	B+
tl;dr Quake II on the Nintendo Switch takes the classic First-Person Shooter and improves on it in countless ways, fills the game to the brim with content, and then offers it to players for a mere $10. The fast-paced and frenetic old-school style of First-Person Shooter may not appeal to everyone, but anyone who does enjoy that style of game should consider this to be an absolute must-buy.
SNK Vs. Capcom Card Fighters’ Clash	Turn-Based Collectable Card RPG	NEOGEO Pocket Color	B+
tl;dr SNK Vs. Capcom Card Fighters’ Clash is a Turn-Based Collectable Card RPG that is simple to pick up, but has a surprising amount of depth. This release includes both the SNK and Capcom versions of the game, and will even let players trade and battle between the two on the same system (though sadly not via online or local wireless multiplayer), and while the limited screen size means you’ll be shuffling through a fair amount of menus, this game has otherwise aged quite well, and fans of the genre should absolutely give it a try.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R	Action-RPG	PlayStation	B+
tl;dr Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of a classic PlayStation One Action-RPG that not only gives the game a truly gorgeous makeover, but also fills the game with improvements and QoL enhancements. The result is a game that is excellent by today’s standards, though a few elements like the game’s story definitely still seem a tad dated. Overall, this is definitely a game that RPG fans will want to pick up.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter	Action-RPG / Turn-Based JRPG	PC	B+
tl;dr Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a full remake of a 21 year-old classic that reworks the game from the ground up with massive improvements to gameplay and presentation. Some elements of the story and character customization still feel a tad dated, but overall this is a superb blend of Turn-Based JRPG and Action-RPG, and a great entry point for anyone curious about the Trails franchise.
Trials of Mana	Action-RPG	Super Famicom	B+
tl;dr Trials of Mana is a remake of a 1995 Action-RPG with graphics and gameplay fully redone in 3D, and while some elements haven’t aged well, and this version lacks the original’s multiplayer, this is still an excellent remake of a beloved classic.
Yakuza Kiwami	Action-RPG	PlayStation 2	B+
tl;dr Yakuza Kiwami is an Action-RPG focusing on the criminal underworld of contemporary Tokyo, with an extremely detailed world that begs to be explored, and an excellent story with some excellent twists and turns. Unfortunately, the inconsistent combat and an extremely linear early game hinder this otherwise excellent experience. Still, if you can put up with its flaws, I still think this game is absolutely worth playing. It’s a mixed bag, but that mix is mostly very good.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug	Action-Platformer	Arcade / NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD	B
tl;dr The original Metal Slug is an Action-Platformer that is in many ways still impressive even to this day. It does have a few issues with its difficulty, controls, and frequent slowdown, but even despite this it is a landmark of the genre, well worth returning to even after all these years.
ACA NEOGEO Metal Slug 2	Action-Platformer	Arcade / NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD	B
tl;dr Metal Slug 2 is an Action-Platformer that improves on its predecessor with better controls, plenty of new options, new weapons, and new vehicles, but these improvements are balanced out by massive, near-constant slowdown. It’s still an excellent game, but unless you’re a diehard series fan or a collector, you’ll want to skip this game and go straight to Metal Slug X, a remix of Metal Slug 2 that largely fixes this game’s slowdown issues.
ACA NEOGEO Puzzle Bobble 2	Match-3 Puzzle	Arcade	B
tl;dr Puzzle Bobble 2 is a Match-3 Puzzle game where players aim colored bubbles at other bubbles to match and clear them. This is a huge improvement over the first game, though it still lacks features modern players may be used to from this style of game, and it is sorely lacking in content compared to the Puzzle Bobble 2X/3 bundle also available on Nintendo Switch. Still, while it may not be the best version of this game, it is still a superb Puzzle game.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown V Special	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	B
tl;dr Samurai Shodown V Special is a Fighting Game that fixes much of what was wrong in Samurai Shodown V, expands the roster, and restores the violence of earlier games. The result is a game that, while still somewhat simple compared to modern Fighting Games, is still quite enjoyable even by today’s standards. That said, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection, so you may want to consider getting that bundle instead. However, if you’re just looking to buy the one game, this is a very good choice.
ACA NEOGEO Top Hunter Roddy & Cathy	Action-Platformer / Arcade	Arcade / NEOGEO	B
tl;dr Top Hunter is an Action-Platformer with a focus on the action where players play intergalactic bounty hunters hunting pirates on different planets. This is a fairly unique game with some clever gameplay mechanics, good cartoony action, and solid co-op play. It’s a bit rough in places, but overall this is a fun romp well worth trying out.
Arcade Archives Dragon Spirit	Shmup	Arcade	B
tl;dr Dragon Spirit is a Shmup where players control a dragon attacking targets in the air and on the ground. For this game to be playable, you really need to go into the settings and enable “rapid fire ability”, but once you do, you’ll find that this is a creative and enjoyable Shmup that still holds up today (though even with rapid fire, it’s still very tough).
Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition	Action-RPG	PlayStation 2 / Xbox / GameCube	B
tl;dr Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition is a remaster of a classic Action-RPG that updates the presentation and adds a lot of behind-the-scenes content, although on the Nintendo Switch this comes at the cost of framerate issues, and there are other problems like load times and some dated design. Still, despite these flaws, this is still a fantastic Action-RPG with a unique and beautiful world to explore. Dated though some parts of it may be, it’s still well worth a look.
Doom (1993)	First-Person Shooter	PC	B
tl;dr Doom (1993) is the First-Person Shooter that more or less kick-started the genre in the first place, and after the game’s initial problems were patched out, the Switch version plays beautifully. That said, there are definitely elements of the game that have aged poorly, and the lack of online multiplayer in particular is disappointing. Still, this game is a legend, and this is a superb port, so fans of the genre have reason to celebrate.
Doom 3	First-Person Shooter	PC	B
tl;dr Doom 3 is a First-Person Shooter that acts as a huge departure from the first two games, focusing more on story and atmosphere, with a slower pace and more methodical combat, for better or worse. Even a decade and a half later, the game is still fairly visually impressive, and the Switch version is a solid port. If you’re looking for a solid First-Person Shooter on the Switch, this is a good choice.
Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour	First-Person Shooter	PC	B
tl;dr Duke Nukem 3D is a classic First-Person Shooter that helped to define the genre over 20 years ago, and the Switch version includes a lot of extra bells and whistles over the original, with a lot of polish to help modernize the game somewhat. Granted, it’s still a relic of its time – even the improved presentation is archaic, the gameplay is extremely old-school, and the violent misogyny present here is shocking by today’s standards. But as long as you can be understanding about these anachronisms, you’ll find the gameplay here is still plenty of fun, even today.
Etrian Odyssey HD	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo DS	B
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey HD is a remake of the 2007 Nintendo DS Dungeon-Crawling JRPG with a heavy focus on players mapping out the dungeons within the game. It’s still a great game, and the controls on Nintendo Switch work surprisingly well, but this release is pretty pathetic when you hold it up to the 2013 Nintendo 3DS remake, Etrian Odyssey Untold. If you’re a fan of Dungeon Crawler JRPGs, this is still a superb entry in the genre, but this is sadly nowhere near the best version of this game.
Etrian Odyssey II HD	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo DS	B
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey II HD is a remake of the 2008 Nintendo DS Dungeon-Crawling JRPG with a heavy focus on players mapping out the dungeons within the game. It’s still a great game, and the controls on Nintendo Switch work surprisingly well, but this release is pretty pathetic when you hold it up to the 2015 Nintendo 3DS remake, Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold. If you’re a fan of Dungeon Crawler JRPGs, this is still a superb entry in the genre, but this is sadly nowhere near the best version of this game.
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered	Turn-Based JRPG	PlayStation	B
tl;dr Final Fantasy VIII is a Turn-Based JRPG that isn’t quite as iconic as its predecessor, but I’d argue that it has aged much, much better, and this version adds a good number of enhancements to the graphics and gameplay that are a marked improvement over the original. It’s a bit dated, and some of the experimental systems here don’t work out all that well (in particular, the Draw system makes for a lot of tedious grinding), but on the whole this is a solid JRPG worth playing.
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R	Fighting Game	Arcade / PlayStation 2	B
tl;dr Guilty Gear is XX Accent Core Plus R is the definitive version of an excellent, albeit slightly dated, 2D Fighting game. This may be a bit too technical for newer players, but genre fans should definitely give it a look.
Gunlord X	Action-Platformer / Shmup	NEOGEO	B
tl;dr Gunlord X is an Action-Platformer originally intended for the Neo Geo, and because of this it feels like a blast from the past, with tons of great Turrican-style action interspersed with some Shmup-style stages. The gameplay suffers a bit due to a limited point of view and boss battles that result in difficulty spikes, but this is still overall a superb Action game well worth playing, especially for fans of the genre.
Live A Live	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	Super Famicom	B
tl;dr Live A Live is a remake of a classic Super Famicom-era Strategy-RPG that was never released outside of Japan, given new life with an absolutely gorgeous “HD-2D”-style presentation. The game’s story is split into a variety of different eras, with different characters, tones, genres, and game mechanics, and each of these stories is well-told and compelling in their own right, and combine into an even grander tale. The gameplay is mostly good too, though the game’s refusal to convey information to the player feels like it limits the strategic element to the gameplay. Still, while it isn’t without its flaws, this is a magnificent game that JRPG fans will absolutely want to try out.
Lunar Remastered Collection	Compilation / Turn-Based JRPG	Sega CD	B
tl;dr Lunar Remastered Collection contains remastered releases of the PlayStation versions of two Turn-Based JRPG classics, Lunar: The Silver Star Story and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. These releases contain updates and changes with some good and some bad, but mostly these are faithful to the PlayStation releases. And while the original games have aged poorly in some ways (like the simple gameplay), in other ways they’re as delightful as ever (such as the story and characters). If you’ve never played these wonderful classic RPGs, or are looking to get them on a modern platform, this is an overall good remaster.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong	Puzzle-Platformer	Game Boy Advance	B
tl;dr Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is a remake of a Game Boy Advance Puzzle-Platformer that not only completely recreates the visuals and sound from scratch, but adds multiple new features and a bunch of new levels as well. This is an all-around solid remake of a solid game, which is why it’s disappointing that the price seems overly high for what’s on offer here. Still, if you’re a fan of Puzzle-Platformers this is a game you’d be advised to give it a chance if you can snag it on sale.
Mr. Driller DrillLand	Puzzle-Platformer	GameCube	B
tl;dr Mr. Driller DrillLand is an HD remaster of the GameCube entry in the long-running Puzzle-Platformer series, releasing in the West for the first time. It takes the series’ solid gameplay and adds a good amount of variations to keep things interesting. I would have liked to see more done with the multiplayer, but overall this is a good entry in the series that should please fans of the genre.
Mushihimesama	Bullet Hell Shmup	Arcade	B
tl;dr Mushihimesama is a Bullet Hell Shmup with a bug theme. As of this writing, the Nintendo Switch release is only available in physical format, and the reduced size of the screen area the gameplay takes place on is frustrating, but beyond these issues this is a very good Shmup that’s well worth playing for genre fans.
Okami HD	Action-RPG	PlayStation 2	B
tl;dr Okami HD is an Action-RPG where you play as a wolf exploring a world designed to look like a Japanese watercolor painting. This is a solid port of the old PS2 game, and it still plays well, although it’s not without its flaws.
Persona 3 Portable	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	PlayStation 2 / PlayStation Portable	B
tl;dr Persona 3 Portable on Nintendo Switch is a remaster of the PlayStation Portable remake of the original PlayStation 2 release of Persona 3, and this is a fine Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG, but it has aged somewhat, features some tedious grinding, and lacks content from earlier versions of Persona 3. This is a decent port of a solid game, but it is neither the best game in this series nor is it definitively the best version of Persona 3.
Pikmin 1	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	GameCube	B
tl;dr Pikmin 1 is a port of the first game in the Pikmin series, games loosely within the Real-Time Strategy genre that put the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat. This port has some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of the game, but overall this is a bare-bones port of the worst game in the mainline series. It’s still well worth playing, but you’re probably better off playing this game’s sequels instead.
Psyvariar Delta	Bullet Hell Shmup	Arcade / PlayStation 2	B
tl;dr Psyvariar Delta is a Bullet Hell Shmup containing three versions of the classic game Psyvariar, including a new version made specifically for this release. This is a solid entry in the genre making good use of a graze mechanic called “buzz”, and although I wouldn’t call it exceptional, it’s still worth a look for fans of the genre.
Quake	First-Person Shooter	PC	B
tl;dr Quake’s release on the Nintendo Switch is a phenomenal port that takes the classic First-Person Shooter gives the visuals an improved framerate and resolution, includes a wealth of features, options, and content, and even some superb gyroscopic motion controls. This is still a port of a very old game, which shows both in its graphics and its gameplay, meaning this will absolutely not be a game for everyone. However, if you’re looking for classic, fast-paced old-school action, this is possibly the best port we could have possibly hoped for of this game.
Resident Evil 4	Graphic Adventure / Horror / Third-Person Shooter	GameCube	B
tl;dr Resident Evil 4 is an HD remaster of the GameCube Horror game that does a good job bringing the classic to the Nintendo Switch, albeit without the Wii version’s motion controls. And as it happens, the controls are the worst thing about this otherwise solid game. If you’re looking for one of the highlights of the Resident Evil series, you should definitely give this game a look, but be aware that the controls will make this a love it or hate it experience.
Sega Ages Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar	Shmup	Genesis	B
tl;dr Lightening Force, also known as Thunder Force IV, is a Shmup originally released on the Sega Genesis in 1992, and this version marks its only other US release since then. This is a game that has aged noticeably, with issues both in its graphics and gameplay. However, despite this, the gameplay is on the whole pretty good, and this is a solid port with a good amount of extra features. Fans of Shmups should definitely give this a look.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic	RPG	Xbox	B
tl;dr Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a solid port of the classic RPG. Both the graphics and the gameplay have aged poorly in some areas, but much of what made this game great nearly two decades ago still remains intact. While it’s far from perfect, this is still a superb RPG and a great exploration of the Star Wars universe.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil	First-Person Shooter	Nintendo 64	B
tl;dr Turok 2 is a port of the old-school N64 FPS that does a good job of cleaning up the game to be playable in the modern day. It still looks blocky and archaic, but the smooth framerates make this a great way to enjoy the fast-paced action, so long as you aren’t frustrated by the backtracking, the loss of split-screen multiplayer, and the abandoned online multiplayer.
Windjammers	Sports (Frisbee)	NEOGEO	B
tl;dr Windjammers is a competitive 1v1 sports game with discs that plays somewhat like Pong. Originally released in arcades and on the NEOGEO in 1994, the game holds up well today, and the addition of online play is a good compliment to this style of gameplay.
ACA NEOGEO Crossed Swords	Arcade / Action	Arcade / NEOGEO	B-
tl;dr Crossed Swords is an Arcade-style Action game that has players using a sword and shield to fight enemies with gameplay vaguely similar to the Punch-Out!! franchise. It’s a unique approach, and it’s done well here, but this game’s challenge level is still exceptionally high in a way that may put off most players. If that doesn’t make you wary, I’d say this game is well worth a look.
ACA NEOGEO Nam-1975	Arcade / Shooting Gallery	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Nam-1975 is an Arcade-style Shooting Gallery game set in a fictionalized Vietnam War, where players aim a reticule while having their character at the bottom of the screen dodge incoming enemy fire. This game is absurdly difficult and will force players to use the unlimited continues the ACA NEOGEO release offers, but if you can stomach that I think you’ll fid this to be a solid Action game.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown II	Fighting Game	Arcade, NEOGEO, NEOGEO CD	B-
tl;dr Samurai Shodown II is a Fighting Game that is a huge improvement over the previous game, with better controls, an expanded character roster, and new gameplay mechanics. It’s still not quite on par with modern Fighting Games, but this is still a solid entry in the genre. However, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection, so you may want to consider getting that bundle instead. However, if you’re just looking to buy the one game, this is a pretty decent choice.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown III	Fighting Game	Arcade, NEOGEO, NEOGEO CD	B-
tl;dr Samurai Shodown III is a Fighting Game that changes up its control scheme and reduces the character roster but makes up for it by adding alternate versions of every character. The result is a mixed bag that some will like more than others, and it still doesn’t quite compare to modern games in the genre. Also, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection, so you may want to consider getting that bundle instead. However, if you’re just looking to buy the one game, this is a pretty decent choice.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown IV	Fighting Game	Arcade, NEOGEO	B-
tl;dr Samurai Shodown IV is a Fighting Game that tweaks a few things from Samurai Shodown III and expands the roster of characters to 17. It’s still not on par with modern Fighting Games, and it’s not a huge leap over the previous game, but this is nevertheless an enjoyable entry in the genre, even today. That said, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection, so you may want to consider getting that bundle instead. However, if you’re just looking to buy the one game, this is a pretty decent choice.
Arcade Archives Armed F	Shmup	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Armed F is a Shmup built around the mechanic of changing the formation of your “Option” helper ships to take on threats from above and below. As older Shmups go, this one is actually pretty good, and while it does have a few issues, fans of the genre may want to give this a look.
Arcade Archives Gaplus	Shmup	Arcade	B-
tl;dr This sequel to Galaga initially feels like more of the same, but differences gradually reveal themselves as you play – you can move freely now, there’s a new “Queen Capture” power-up mechanic that’s truly delightful, and greater variety in stage types. It all adds up to a refreshing take on a classic that’s rarely released on modern platforms. The price is a tad high given the game’s age, but if you’re a fan of Shmups, this may be worth checking out.
Arcade Archives Koutetsu Yousai Strahl	Shmup	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Koutetsu Yousai Strahl is a Shmup that doesn’t do anything truly original, but what it does works pretty well and makes for a fun, if a tad easy, entry in the genre. Shmup fans will definitely want to give this one a try.
Arcade Archives Punch-Out!!	Sports (Boxing)	Arcade	B-
tl;dr This version of Punch-Out!! is an iteration of the classic Boxing game that’s distinctly different from the Nintendo Entertainment System release. I would argue this is not nearly as good as the less visually-impressive Nintendo Entertainment System port, but it’s distinct and different enough from that port to be worth a look for fans of the series, though the lack of content and high difficulty curve means that I would highly encourage those new to this series to start with a different entry in the franchise first.
Arcade Archives VS. Super Mario Bros.	Platformer	Nintendo Entertainment System	B-
tl;dr Super Mario Bros. is an absolute classic Platformer, and VS. Super Mario Bros. is a version of the game that’s altered just enough to be frustrating without changing enough to make it feel truly new. On top of this, the price seems too steep, especially with the NES version of Super Mario Bros. being easily accessible on Nintendo Switch Online’s NES app. As a result, while this is still a great game, it’s a game that almost no one will find worth buying.
Batsugun Saturn Tribute Boosted	Bullet Hell Shmup	Arcade / Saturn	B-
tl;dr Batsugun is arguably the first Bullet Hell Shmup, and it is one that has aged remarkably well. This is a pretty good port of the game too, including its “Special” remixed version. Unfortunately, the $30 price is absurdly high for a game that is over 30 years old, and while I do recommend picking up this game when it goes on sale at a better price, at its standard price it just isn’t worth it.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion	Top-Down Action-RPG	PlayStation Portable	B-
tl;dr Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is a remake of a PlayStation Portable Action-RPG that tells a story that is a prequel to the events of Final Fantasy VII. This game’s gameplay straddles the line between its RPG elements and Spectacle Fighter-esque combat, but it does neither of those things especially well, and while it’s not a bad game, its presence acts as a reminder that Nintendo Switch owners are apparently getting this game instead of Final Fantasy VII Remake, rather than as a supplement to it. On it’s own, it’s a good but not great Action-RPG, but in that context it’s hard not to see it as a disappointment.
Devil May Cry	Spectacle Fighter	PlayStation 2	B-
tl;dr Devil May Cry is a Spectacle Fighter, and probably the first one in the genre, originally released on the PlayStation 2 in 2001, following the sword- and gun-wielding half-demon Dante as he fights demons in a crumbling Gothic castle. This version is the port of the HD remaster first released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012, but where that collection gave players three games for $20, this game charges Switch owners the same price for just one, making it one of the more ridiculous examples of price-gouging on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a shame too, because even though some elements have aged poorly, this is still a fantastic game full of satisfying combat, but it’s hard to fully recommend at this price.
Doom II (Classic)	First-Person Shooter	PC	B-
tl;dr Doom II is a First-Person Shooter that follows directly in the footsteps of the first Doom, and after the game’s initial problems were patched out, the Switch version plays beautifully. That said, there are definitely elements of the game that have aged poorly, and the lack of online multiplayer in particular is disappointing. Plus, it’s hard to ignore the fact that this game is largely a retread of ground broken in the original Doom. Still, this is nevertheless a solid port of a classic well worth playing.
Doom 64	First-Person Shooter	Nintendo 64	B-
tl;dr Doom 64 is a First-Person Shooter that follows directly in the footsteps of the first Doom and Doom II, and features some minor improvements and tonal differences over those games that sets it apart. It’s still a 23 year-old game and very much looks it despite the improvements to framerate and resolution, and the lack of multiplayer is disappointing, but for $5 it’s still a good deal on a classic entry in the genre.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	B-
tl;dr Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a new version of the classic 1988 Turn-Based JRPG that updates the game with a new HD-2D presentation, along with numerous quality-of-life improvements. The result is a gorgeous and much-improved version of a JRPG with dated gameplay, a dated story, and playable characters with zero personality. If you’re looking to play a polished-up version of a classic JRPG from nearly 40 years ago, this is absolutely the best way to play this fan-favorite entry of one of the genre’s biggest franchises. But just be aware that under the shining polish is a game that has not aged very well.
Final Fantasy V	Turn-Based JRPG	Super Nintendo	B-
tl;dr Final Fantasy V is a Turn-Based JRPG with a really enjoyable job class system and a decent (albeit not spectacular) story. And while the remade music in this release is wonderful and some of the new added features are nice, they do not justify the bloated $18 price tag this game has, especially when this release is missing some content that was included in other versions of the game. If you’re a fan of classic JRPGs and don’t mind taking a hit to your wallet, this game may be worth picking up, but at this price, I can’t give it the full recommendation I feel it deserves.
Final Fantasy VII	Turn-Based JRPG	PlayStation	B-
tl;dr Final Fantasy VII is arguably the most famous and iconic Turn-Based JRPG ever made, and it’s presented here with slightly-improved graphics and QoL enhancements. However, many elements of this game have aged extremely poorly, and by today’s standards it can be frustrating and even outright archaic in its design. If you haven’t played it before, this game is a must-play history lesson, but be warned that it’s one that will require a lot of patience.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Pizza Pop!	Action-Platformer	Famicom	B-
tl;dr Pizza Pop! is an Action-Platformer that was never released in the West, and while I can see how hit detection issues would have been a good reason for this, this release adds a second “Extend Ver.” version of the game that’s much more polished, and the result is a great retro-style Action-Platformer with a lot of variety and a ton of personality, even if the gameplay is a tad on the simple side.
Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty	Puzzle-Platformer	PC / PlayStation	B-
tl;dr Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty is a remake of the first game in the Oddworld series, the stealth-focused Puzzle-Platformer Abe’s Oddysee. The presentation here is great, and the world and its characters still have a fantastic personality with a lot of dark humor. However, the gameplay is hampered by stiff, laggy controls. Overall it’s still worth a look if you find the world of the game or the stealth elements appealing, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
Puzzle Bobble / Bust-a-Move (16-Bit Console Version)	Match-3 Puzzle	Arcade / NEOGEO / Super Nintendo	B-
tl;dr Puzzle Bobble is an exceptional, highly-influential Puzzle game where players aim colored bubbles at other bubbles to match and clear them. However, by “highly influential”, that means there are an absolute ton of game on Nintendo Switch that play exactly like this, including another version of this exact game… although I do prefer this version over the ACA NEOGEO version. This is a truly exceptional Puzzle game, I just think you’re better off playing one of the later games in the series.
Sega Ages Puyo Puyo 2	Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Sega Ages Puyo Puyo 2 is a Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle game originally released in 1994. It’s a marked improvement over the first game in multiple areas. It’s still missing features we’ve come to expect from Puzzle games today, and the online servers are deserted, but the core gameplay here is still solid, and worth a look for Puzzle fans who don’t own another version of the game.
Sega Ages Space Harrier	On-Rails Shooter	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Space Harrier is a classic On-Rails Shooter originally released to arcades in 1985. While the limitations of the time mean that both the visuals and the gameplay show their age, this is nevertheless still a fun game even today, and it’s a solid port too. Definitely worth a look for fans of classic games or those looking for a solid action title.
Sega Ages Virtua Racing	Arcade Racing	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Sega Ages Virtua Racing gives us the definitive version of the classic Arcade-Style racer, with newly-improved framerates, resolution, and draw distance, and 8-player splitscreen play. It’s still archaic in some ways, but this port has revitalized the game to still be relevant today.
Shadow of the Ninja Reborn	Action-Platformer	Nintendo Entertainment System	B-
tl;dr Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is an Action-Platformer and a remake of a classic Nintendo Entertainment System game about ninjas sent to take down an evil dictator. This remake introduces a huge number of changes, some good (like the beautiful new presentation and the ability to use both weapon types without having to swap them out) and some bad (awkward jumping and item selection). The result is still an enjoyable re-imagining of the original game, but this feels like it could have been much better if these flaws had been addressed.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster	Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	PlayStation 2	B-
tl;dr Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG set in a post-apocalyptic demon-infested Japan. This game’s setting and mechanics are still fun and original after all these years, even if some of the elements of the presentation and old-school game design haven’t aged as gracefully. Still, if you’re a fan of the genre looking for something out of the ordinary, you’d do well to try this game out.
Toki Tori	Puzzle-Platformer	Game Boy Color	B-
tl;dr Toki Tori is a Puzzle-Platformer that has been remade multiple times over the years, and its release on the Nintendo Switch has it getting gorgeous graphics, terrible sound, and missing features like touchscreen that were in earlier versions of the game. This is still a decent game, but its flaws definitely mar the experience.
Turok	First-Person Shooter	Nintendo 64	B-
tl;dr Turok is a port of the old-school N64 FPS that does a good job of cleaning up the game to be playable in the modern day. It still looks blocky and archaic, but the smooth framerates make this a great way to enjoy the fast-paced action, so long as you aren’t frustrated by the still-terrible platforming.
ACA NEOGEO 2020 Super Baseball	Sports (Baseball)	NEOGEO	C+
tl;dr 2020 Super Baseball is a futuristic version of Baseball with some unusual rule differences that result in a game that’s unbalanced in favor of the fielding team at the start, then unbalanced in favor of the batting team toward the end of a game. It’s an odd take on the sport, and while it has its charm, it won’t appeal to everyone.
ACA NEOGEO Blue’s Journey	Action-Platformer	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Blue’s Journey is an Action-Platformer with an adorable presentation and an environmentalist message, but it’s filled with numerous frustrations that make it harder than its appearance would lead you to believe. Unless you don’t mind dying countless times, this one probably isn’t for you.
ACA NEOGEO Fatal Fury 3	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	C+
tl;dr Fatal Fury 3 is a Fighting Game that reworks the visuals and gameplay of the series, mostly with great success, creating a game that plays great even by today’s standards. The problem is, it’s still a nearly 30 year-old game priced at $8, and its roster of only 10 playable characters is woefully small. Still, Fighting Game fans may want to give this game a look.
ACA NEOGEO Last Resort	Shmup	Arcade / NEOGEO	C+
tl;dr Last Resort is a Shmup focused on a game mechanic where players have an invincible drone rotating around the ship firing and protecting you. The core gameplay here is great, but it’s tarnished by horrible slowdown and flickering, an overly-tough difficulty, and a short game length. This one is still worth getting, but I wouldn’t put it near the top of your “must-have Shmups” list.
ACA NEOGEO League Bowling	Sports (Bowling)	Arcade	C+
tl;dr League Bowling is a fast-paced but otherwise fairly straightforward Bowling game, which is surprising given the exaggerated cartoony characters and over-the-top presentation of the game. It’s also a bit bare-bones as Bowling games go. Not bad by any stretch, but unless you’re a Bowling enthusiast it may not keep your attention for very long.
ACA NEOGEO Prehistoric Isle 2	Shmup	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Prehistoric Isle 2 is a Shmup where players pilot helicopters fighting off dinosaurs and rescuing bystanders. The presentation here is great, but this also makes it hard to tell what’s safe and what’s not. Overall, this is a decent but flawed game that fans of the genre may want to check out.
ACA NEOGEO Puzzle Bobble	Match-3 Puzzle	Arcade / NEOGEO	C+
tl;dr Puzzle Bobble is an exceptional, highly-influential Puzzle game where players aim colored bubbles at other bubbles to match and clear them. However, by “highly influential”, that means there are an absolute ton of game on Nintendo Switch that play exactly like this, including another version of this exact game, and the ACA NEOGEO release is sadly lacking basic features. This is a truly exceptional Puzzle game, but even if this is exactly what you want, there are better ways to get it.
Arcade Archives Libble Rabble	Arcade	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Libble Rabble is an Arcade-style game where players control two cursors, using a rope stretching between them to surround enemies. It’s an interesting concept, but one that seems like it requires the player divide their attention too many ways… unless they split the Joy-Cons to share with a friend. If you do this, you may be looking at a unique co-op experience. Otherwise, I think you may be in for a frustrating single-player game.
Arcade Archives Metal Hawk	Top-Down Action	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Metal Hawk is a Top-Down Action game that’s fairly unique, though it’s limited by awkward controls and limited view area, and it lacks the novelty of the original Arcade cabinet. Players curious to try out an obscure oddity may find this worth a look, but the game’s flaws likely mean that most won’t be playing this game for too long.
Chip’s Challenge	Top-Down Puzzle	Atari Lynx	C+
tl;dr Chip’s Challenge on Nintendo Switch is a port of the original Lynx version of the game, which is still to this day a superb Top-Down Puzzle game with excellent level design. The problem is that the presentation in this game is absolutely terrible, and I would argue painful to look at in docked mode. Thankfully, the game is more tolerable in handheld mode, and you can mute the awful sound, and for only $3, I would say it’s still worth the price of entry.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition	Compilation / Turn-Based JRPG / Visual Novel	PlayStation	C+
tl;dr Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a Compilation of the Turn-Based JRPG Chrono Cross and the previously Japan-only Visual Novel Radical Dreamers. Chrono Cross was and remains a great JRPG, albeit one with some major flaws. On the other hand, Radical Dreamers is a deeply flawed Visual Novel. And this port of the two games has its ups and downs – the presentation is improved, but the performance for Chrono Cross is actually worse than the PlayStation original. As a result, this is still a modern release of a flawed classic that’s still worth playing, but one that has major flaws of its own.
Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C+
tl;dr Dragon Quest III is a JRPG originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, and it is a marked improvement over its two predecessors, with better presentation and multiple added features that set it apart. Having said that, it’s still dated by today’s standards, with a lot of grinding and frustrating design choices. RPG fans looking to play something old-school may find this worthwhile, but others are best off leaving it in the past.
Final Fantasy	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C+
tl;dr Final Fantasy is the Turn-Based JRPG that started the entire franchise, and this is an absolutely outstanding remake that gives the game a gorgeous new presentation with absolutely beautiful remastered music and some excellent new gameplay features that help to cut down on the original game’s flaws… but those flaws are still there, from the laughably quaint story to the shallow gameplay. JRPG fans and especially Final Fantasy fans wanting to see where this series started should find this to be a great way to do that, but definitely don’t expect anything especially great by modern standards.
Final Fantasy II	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C+
tl;dr Final Fantasy II is a Turn-Based JRPG with a storied history and innovations that shaped the franchise, and this is an absolutely outstanding remake that gives the game a gorgeous new presentation with absolutely beautiful remastered music and some excellent new gameplay features that help to cut down on the original game’s flaws… but those flaws are still there, from the laughably quaint story to the shallow gameplay. JRPG fans and especially Final Fantasy fans wanting to explore one of the franchise’s earliest games should find this to be a great way to do that, but definitely don’t expect anything especially great by modern standards.
Final Fantasy IV	Turn-Based JRPG	Super Nintendo	C+
tl;dr Final Fantasy IV is a Turn-Based JRPG that made some major innovations that shaped the franchise, but this game has not aged well at all. And while the remade music in this release is wonderful and some of the new added features are nice, they do not justify the bloated $18 price tag this game has, especially when this release is missing some pretty significant content that was included in other versions of the game. Unless you’re a big Final Fantasy fan or have major nostalgia for this game, skip it.
Guilty Gear	Fighting Game	PlayStation	C+
tl;dr Guilty Gear is a classic Fighting game that still plays well, but the limited roster, lack of online play, and lack of multiple other more modern features makes the $10 price tag seem a bit too steep. It’s still a fun game, but there are other Fighting games on the Switch that will get you more bang for your buck.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Pinball Quest	Compilation / Pinball / RPG	Famicom / Nintendo Entertainment System	C+
tl;dr Pinball Quest is a Compilation of multiple Pinball tables, including one that’s extended into a full RPG-style quest. There are issues with the game’s physics and punishing late-game difficulty, but it’s still a fun and unique combination of its respective genres, and this release includes a surprisingly good amount of extra features. This won’t be for everyone, but players curious about the interesting combination of elements may want to try it.
Langrisser I & II	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	Genesis / Mega Drive	C+
tl;dr Langrisser I & II is a Compilation and Remake of two classic Strategy-RPGs originally released on the Sega Genesis, with gameplay similar to the Fire Emblem series, albeit with some unique mechanics of its own that set it apart. Unfortunately, some game design issues, dumb AI, and poorly-conveyed game mechanics make this collection less enjoyable than it could’ve been, and the $50 price tag seems a bit steep for two 25 year-old games. For genre fans, it’s still worth a look, but definitely know what you’re getting into before you get started.
Legend of Mana	Action-RPG	PlayStation	C+
tl;dr Legend of Mana is a remaster of the classic PlayStation One Action-RPG that updates the beautiful visuals and the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack, adds some welcome new menu content and options, and retains the flawed gameplay, story, and localization of the original release. However, those who can look past this game’s flaws will still find this to be a beautiful experience with some solid co-op gameplay.
Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition	RPG	PC	C+
tl;dr Neverwinter Nights is a remastered port of a 2002 Western RPG originally released on PC, and while this game made the transition to console better than the other games in this series, it is still extremely dated in its graphics and controls, and the story feels lacking compared to the prior games. There’s a lot of quality RPG content here if you’re willing to overlook the many, many ways this game has aged poorly, but most would be better off sticking to more modern games.
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee	3D Platformer	Xbox	C+
tl;dr Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee is the third game in the Oddworld series and the first to feature full 3D gameplay. While this port of the HD re-release has aged pretty well in terms of visuals, the gameplay fares far worse, with some pretty frustrating camera issues and tedious busywork taking up much of the gameplay. Fans of the series may still find this game worthwhile, but most will want to skip it.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD	First-Person Shooter / 3D Action-Platformer	Xbox	C+
tl;dr Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a port of a 2005 Xbox First-Person Shooter with 3D Action-Platformer elements. While there are some creative ideas at work here, at every turn this game is marred by poor design choices that make the game needlessly tedious, and missing options that really feel like they were needed. The result is a game that still has some fun to offer, but you have to put up with a lot of frustration to actually enjoy it.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake	On-Rails Shooter	Saturn	C+
tl;dr Panzer Dragoon: Remake is a completely-remade version of the classic Sega Saturn On-Rails Shooter that began the series. The graphics here are much better… though still not great. And there are more control options… but the controls are still a bit too limited. And the game was released at a budget price… but it’s only a few hours long. Compared to the original game, this is still a huge improvement, but by today’s standards it’s lacking in multiple ways. As a result, this is mostly a game for those looking to relive the glory days with a modern retouch, not for those who missed out on it the first time and want to see what the fuss was about.
Resident Evil	Graphic Adventure / Horror	PlayStation	C+
tl;dr Resident Evil is an HD remaster of the GameCube remake of the formative “Survival Horror” game, and in terms of its visuals and presentation, it’s still impressive even to this day. What is not impressive, however, is the horribly awkward controls and frustrating game design elements that were derided even in the original PlayStation release, and are even less welcome over 20 years later. This is still an impressive, landmark game, but it’s not especially fun to play by today’s standards.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven	Turn-Based JRPG	Super Famicom	C+
tl;dr Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is the second time a remake of this 1992 Turn-Based JRPG has come to Nintendo Switch, but this remake is far more extensive, giving an overhaul to the graphics and soundtrack, as well as brushing up the localization and making the game more user-friendly. The result is a much better, much more well-rounded game… but one that’s still pretty dated. Fans of the SaGa series will definitely want to give this a look, but I think most players are better off playing other JRPGs.
Romancing SaGa 3	Turn-Based JRPG	Super Famicom	C+
tl;dr Romancing SaGa 3 is a JRPG originally released only on Super Famicom in Japan, and this game brushes up the visuals while leaving the original game otherwise largely intact. Thankfully, this game improves on the flaws of the previous game in the series somewhat, and there’s some good old-school JRPG fun to be had here… but once again, the price tag is just way too high. It’s worth a look if you can catch a really good sale on it though.
Sega Ages Fantasy Zone	Shmup	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Fantasy Zone is a Shmup originally released to arcades in 1986, and some parts of it have aged pretty well, like its presentation. Other parts of the game, like its promising but frustrating upgrade system… not so much. While this is a solid port with a good amount of bonus features, it’s ultimately still a game most will want to pass on.
Sega Ages Puyo Puyo	Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Sega Ages Puyo Puyo is a Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle game originally released in 1991, with this version based on the 1992 arcade version of the game. It’s missing features we’ve come to expect from Puzzle games today, and the online servers are deserted, but the core gameplay here is still solid, though it’s missing some small tweaks to round out the gameplay that subsequent titles added. It’s still worth a look for Puzzle fans who don’t own another version of the game.
Sega Ages Shinobi	Action-Platformer	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Shinobi is a classic Action-Platformer originally released to arcades in 1987. While there’s still some fun gameplay here and multiple iconic moments, the game is still extremely short and filled with unfair gameplay designed to stretch out play time and sap quarters from players. This version’s helpful features soften the blow of some of that, and what remains is a decent but flawed game.
SNK Gals’ Fighters	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C+
tl;dr SNK Gals’ Fighters is a Fighting Game featuring female fighters from throughout SNK’s franchises, originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre or even other SNK Fighting games, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unless you have a nostalgia for the original release, you’re better off sticking with other SNK Fighting games.
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy	3D Platformer	PlayStation 2 / Xbox / GameCube	C+
tl;dr Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is an excellent remaster of a classic 3D Platformer whose graphics have aged extraordinarily well… but not its gameplay. While the core gameplay here has some good platforming and puzzles, this is often overshadowed by the game’s severe issues with its terrible camera, poor signposting, and horribly slow pacing. Players with a wealth of patience and a walkthrough guide may still find this game’s charms to outweigh its flaws, but most players will find those flaws difficult to ignore.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated	3D Platformer	PlayStation 2 / Xbox / GameCube	C+
tl;dr SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Reloaded is a remake of a classic PlayStation 2/Xbox/GameCube-era 3D Platformer, and this is mostly a pretty good remake, with a great presentation and solid (if a bit dated) gameplay. However, the constant loading times really hurt the game’s pacing, making this far less enjoyable than it should be. Still, even with this problem, this is well worth picking up for any SpongeBob fan.
Star Wars Episode I Racer	Futuristic Racing	Nintendo 64	C+
tl;dr Star Wars Episode I Racer is a port (not a remake) of the classic N64 podracing game, although taking off the nostalgia goggles reveals a racing game that’s visually ugly by today’s standards and doesn’t have too much going on in the gameplay department to set it apart. It’s decent, but not the great racing game many remember.
Star Wars: Republic Commando	First-Person Shooter	Xbox	C+
tl;dr Star Wars: Republic Commando is still a decent First-Person Shooter even 15 years after its original release, but not an especially noteworthy one. While the game has aged reasonably well, it doesn’t do anything all that noteworthy for the genre. It’s still a decent entry in the genre, but without its license there wouldn’t be much here to recommend it over other more modern First-Person Shooters.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	GameCube	C+
tl;dr Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of a GameCube Action-RPG and “Farming RPG”-style Management Sim. It’s a bit slow-paced and generic, even for this genre, and all of its more subtle nuances will take time to uncover. More patient fans of the genre may find these unique features may make this game worth checking out, but most players are better starting out with other games in the genre.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	Game Boy Advance	C+
tl;dr Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a “Farming RPG” much like Stardew Valley, and a remake of a beloved Game Boy Advance classic. Unfortunately, while this is a solid entry in the genre, just about everything this game does, Stardew Valley does just as well or better, and at a fraction of the price. Unless you prefer this game’s art style, there’s no reason to bother with this game when you could get Stardew Valley instead.
Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse	Action	PC / Xbox	C+
tl;dr Stubbs the Zombie is an Action game where players control the titular zombie as he wreaks havoc on the game’s retro-futuristic town, attacking its citizens and turning them into more zombies. This game has its charms, but overall it seems shallow and repetitive. It’s mildly entertaining in short bursts, but not much more than that.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix	Action-RPG	Nintendo DS	C+
tl;dr The World Ends With You is a unique Action-RPG originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, with this version getting an updated presentation and updated controls to work on the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it’s clear that this is a game that was designed with the Nintendo DS in mind, as the controls don’t work nearly as well on the Nintendo Switch. It’s still decent in portable mode using the touchscreen, but playing the game docked using motion controls is frustrating. Players willing to put up with that frustration may still want to give the game a try for its unique gameplay and original story about a mysterious life-or-death contest in Tokyo’s Shibuya district… though I could’ve done without the protagonist being such a jerk.
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap	Metroidvania	Sega Master System	C+
tl;dr Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a stunningly good remake of a classic Sega Master System Metroidvania title. The visuals in this version of the game are fantastic, and you can swap in the original game’s visuals at any time if you prefer to go old-school. It’s just unfortunate that this game also brings with it the classic game’s repetitive, tedious level design.
Arcade Archives Don Doko Don	Action-Platformer / Arcade	Arcade	C
tl;dr Don Doko Don is an Arcade-style Action-Platformer that strongly resembles Bubble Bobble, though it’s more challenging and not on par with that beloved classic. It’s not a terrible game, but I don’t think it will hold the interest of modern players for very long before they give up and move on to something else.
Arcade Archives Donkey Kong	Arcade / Platformer	Arcade	C
tl;dr Donkey Kong is an absolute classic Arcade-style Platformer, albeit one that definitely shows its age, and most modern players won’t be eager to buy a game you can complete in five minutes. On top of this, the price seems too steep, especially with the NES version of the game being easily accessible on Nintendo Switch Online’s NES app. As a result, while this is still one of the most important videogames ever made, it’s a game that almost no one will find worth buying.
Arcade Archives Roller Jammer	Sports (Roller Derby)	Arcade	C
tl;dr Roller Jammer is a Roller Derby-inspired game that combines faux 3D Racing Game gameplay with a goal of bashing your way past a set number of opponents in a limited amount of time. It’s unique and plays reasonably well, but gets repetitive far too quickly. Not bad, but not quite a “hidden gem” either.
Arcade Archives Super Punch-Out!!	Sports (Boxing)	Arcade	C
tl;dr This version of Super Punch-Out!!, not to be confused with the very different Super Nintendo game bearing the same title, is a decent Boxing game, but its value is undercut by the fact that it’s a retread of the previous arcade game, its gameplay isn’t as refined as later entries in the franchise, and it has the least amount of content of any game in the series. While series fans may enjoy this as a curiosity, pretty much every other game in the Punch-Out!! franchise is superior to this one.
Arcade Archives Terra Force	Shmup	Arcade	C
tl;dr Terra Force is a Shmup that has players swapping between overworld top-down gameplay and underground side-scrolling stages, but otherwise this is a fairly by-the-books entry in the genre, and a particularly tough one at that. Unless you’re a collector or a Shmup fanatic I don’t see this game being of much interest to you.
Diablo II: Resurrected	Action-RPG	PC	C
tl;dr Diablo II: Resurrected is a remastered version of the classic Action-RPG from 2000. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to this game, nor has the port to consoles, and neither has the fact that the sequel, Diablo III, has been available on the Nintendo Switch for years now and is a much better game. While there is still some fun to be had in Diablo II, only those with nostalgia for this game’s original release would find this game worth playing when they can just play more Diablo III instead.
Dragon Quest	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C
tl;dr Dragon Quest is the game that codified the JRPG genre in Japan all the way back in 1986, and this release seeks to polish it a bit for modern audiences. In some areas, like the wonderful soundtrack, this game still shines. However, in numerous others, it definitely shows its age, from the graphics to the story, to the grind-heavy gameplay. It still has a classic charm to it, but by today’s standards it is definitely lacking some basic features we’ve come to expect from the genre.
Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C
tl;dr Dragon Quest II is a JRPG that may have been a notable improvement over the first game when it was originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, but those improvements have largely been rendered moot by the remake treatment these games have all gotten, and without that to its credit, all that’s left is pretty much a game that’s extremely outdated and archaic by today’s standards. Fans of the genre looking to revisit a classic may find this game worth their while, but most would do well to skip it.
G-Mode Archives29 Zanac	Shmup	MSX / Mobile Phones	C
tl;dr Zanac is a Shmup that’s a classic of the 8-bit era, but this version of the game is based on the 2005 cell phone port of the game, which squeezes the game into a screen too small for the game, resulting in absurd difficulty spikes.
Mega Man Battle & Fighters	Compilation / Action-Platformer / Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C
tl;dr Mega Man Battle & Fighters is a Compilation of two Fighting Games with strong Action-Platformer elements, Mega Man: The Power Battle, and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, both genuinely fun games that play like a boss rush of the Mega Man franchise. Unfortunately, these versions of the games were heavily cut back for their port to NEOGEO Pocket Color, and on top of that, the lack of a proper English localization is irritating. Even worse, players can already get Arcade-perfect versions of these games in Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium. With this being the case, why would anyone bother with these versions?
Onimusha Warlords	Action / Spectacle Fighter	PlayStation 2	C
tl;dr Onimusha is an Action game that’s a few steps short of being a Spectacle Fighter like Devil May Cry (a game inspired by Onimusha’s development). Its graphics have been improved in this Switch release, but the game overall still feels like an archaic relic of the past, with outdated game design that pales next to more modern games on the Switch. It’s not bad, but there are better options for Switch Owners looking for this sort of game.
R-Type Dimensions EX	Compilation / Shmup	Arcade	C
tl;dr R-Type Dimensions EX is a Compilation and remake of two classic Shmups, and while this version improves the graphics and adds plenty of features, including some meant to help with the game’s incredibly high difficulty, those features can only help so much when the original games were seemingly designed to be nearly impossible. This is a game only genre fans can appreciate.
Rune Factory 3 Special	Top-Down Action-RPG / Management Sim	Nintendo DS	C
tl;dr Rune Factory 3 Special is a remaster of a Nintendo DS Top-Down Action-RPG and “Farming RPG”-style Management Sim with added post-game content. While this game still has some appeal, it has aged poorly in multiple ways, especially when compared to Rune Factory 4 Special on the same platform. A less-interesting story and characters, clunky gameplay, and a lack of anything truly unique and interesting to offer makes this a game that’s only worth seeking out if you’ve played the other Rune Factory games on Nintendo Switch and are absolutely desperate for more. Otherwise, stick with Rune Factory 4 Special.
Samurai Shodown! 2	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C
tl;dr Samurai Shodown! 2 is a Fighting Game in SNK’s long-running series originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre or even in its own series, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unless you have a nostalgia for the original release, you’re better off sticking with other games in the Samurai Shodown series.
Sega Ages Herzog Zwei	Real-Time Strategy	Sega Genesis	C
tl;dr Herzog Zwei is an extremely influential Real-Time Strategy game originally released on Sega Genesis, and this Sega Ages release of the game does quite a lot to bring the game up to modern standards. Unfortunately, it just isn’t enough, as there are just far too many clunky and tedious game mechanics and incomprehensible menus to make this game enjoyable next to modern entries in the genre. The result is that Sega Ages Herzog Zwei is better as a conversation piece than a game.
Sega Ages Out Run	Arcade Racing	Arcade	C
tl;dr Out Run is a classic Arcade-Style Racing game that’s a bit archaic, and absurdly difficult, but still fun to play even today.
Sega Ages Phantasy Star	Turn-Based RPG	Sega Master System	C
tl;dr Sega Ages Phantasy Star takes the old Turn-Based RPG and adds a number of improvements to make it less of an ordeal, but it’s still an archaic game that doesn’t hold much appeal for modern gamers.
SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C
tl;dr SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium is a Fighting Game featuring an all-star roster of characters from the two named companies, originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unfortunately, as of this writing none of those games feature this great selection of characters, so if you want to see Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui face off against Ryu and Chun Li, this is currently your only option.
Xtreme Sports	Compilation / Sports (“Xtreme” / Various)	Game Boy Color	C
tl;dr Xtreme Sports is a decent collection of “Xtreme Sports” minigames based on Skateboarding, Surfing, In-Line Skating, Street Luge, and Skyboarding. Unfortunately, they’re marred by a framing device that slows the game’s pacing to a crawl, and the extras added to this release don’t justify the $10 price tag for a game you could get on Nintendo 3DS for $4. This game may be worth a pickup when it goes on sale, but I wouldn’t recommend it otherwise.
ACA NEOGEO Big Tournament Golf	Sports (Golf)	Arcade / NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD	C-
tl;dr Big Tournament Golf, also known as Neo Turf Masters, is a Golf game with a lot of elements that have aged well, and one that has absolutely not – the lack of an accurate indication of how far your shot will go. The result is a game that’s just not very playable by today’s standards.
ACA NEOGEO Fatal Fury Special	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr Fatal Fury Special is a Fighting Game that is an iterative sequel to Fatal Fury 2, adding a few gameplay tweaks and almost doubling the playable roster of characters. Again, a huge improvement over prior games in the franchise, though the gameplay is still a bit stiff by today’s standards and the $8 price seems a bit steep. I would argue this is only a game for series fans – everyone else is better off going for a more recent game in the franchise.
ACA NEOGEO Ghost Pilots	Shmup	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr Ghost Pilots is a Shmup set during a version of World War II, and while it has appealing visuals, your slow movement speed and overly-large plane mean you’ll be crashing into enemies and their attacks far too often. You have far too many better options to waste money on this.
ACA NEOGEO King of the Monsters	Pro Wrestling	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr King of the Monsters is for all intents and purposes a Pro Wrestling game starring giant city-stomping kaiju monsters. While this is an outstanding concept, in practice it simply isn’t very fun to play. Unless you have nostalgia for this game from decades ago, I suggest you skip it.
ACA NEOGEO King of the Monsters	Pro Wrestling	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr King of the Monsters is for all intents and purposes a Pro Wrestling game starring giant city-stomping kaiju monsters. While this is an outstanding concept, in practice it simply isn’t very fun to play. Unless you have nostalgia for this game from decades ago, I suggest you skip it.
ACA NEOGEO Football Frenzy	Sports (Football)	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr Football Frenzy is a Football game that suffers from a rushed pacing and poor hit detection. Even on Nintendo Switch, you have better options than this.
ACA NEOGEO Over Top	Isometric Racing	Arcade / NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD	C-
tl;dr Over Top is an Isometric Racing game that follows up Thrash Rally and improves the visuals tremendously while doing absolutely nothing to address the gameplay issues and even making them worse. In short, these vehicles are too large on-screen and going too fast to turn on time. Plus, no multiplayer. It all adds up to a game that you shouldn’t bother with.
ACA NEOGEO Riding Hero	Faux 3D Motorbike Racing	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr Riding Hero is a Faux 3D Motorbike Racing Game that is a bit more accessible than Faux 3D Racing games tend to be, but it’s still not quite on par with what we’ve come to expect by today’s standards, especially for this game’s $8 price tag. This game may appeal to some players, but most are better off skipping it.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr The original Samurai Shodown is a Fighting Game that has some good qualities, but clunky controls and hitboxes that are way off both contribute to a game that just can’t stack up to contemporaries like Super Street Fighter II, let alone modern games. Plus, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection. If you’re even going to get this game, you’re better off getting that bundle instead.
ACA NEOGEO The Super Spy	First-Person Arcade / Action	Arcade	C-
tl;dr The Super Spy is a First-Person Arcade-style Action game that puts players in the role of a spy fighting terrorists with fists, hand weapons, and occasionally guns. It’s a fairly unique game, but it’s too shallow to hold your interest for very long, and the fantasy-themed Crossed Swords does this style of gameplay (more or less) much better.
ACA NEOGEO Thrash Rally	Top-Down Racing	Arcade / NEOGEO	C-
tl;dr Thrash Rally is a Top-Down Racing Game that has some good visuals and decent controls, but the zoomed-in view makes it too difficult to anticipate upcoming turns and hazards. Players looking for a good game in this genre have better options on Nintendo Switch.
Arcade Archives Donkey Kong Jr.	Arcade / Platformer	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Donkey Kong Jr. is a classic Arcade-style Platformer, albeit one that definitely shows its age, and most modern players won’t be eager to buy a game you can complete in fifteen minutes. On top of this, the price seems too steep, especially with the NES version of the game being easily accessible on Nintendo Switch Online’s NES app. As a result, while this is still a classic, it’s a game that almost no one will find worth buying.
Arcade Archives Donkey Kong 3	Arcade / Action-Platformer	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Donkey Kong 3 is an Arcade-style Platformer where players are literally tasked with shooting bug spray at Donkey Kong’s butt. An odd game to be sure, and it’s decent, but nowhere near as memorable or compelling as the prior two games in the series. On top of this, the price seems too steep, especially with the NES version of the game being easily accessible on Nintendo Switch Online’s NES app. As a result, it’s difficult to give this game a recommendation.
Arcade Archives Excitebike	Side-Scrolling Motorcycle Racing	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Excitebike is a Side-Scrolling Motorcycle Racing game that’s a classic from Nintendo’s earliest days as a game developer, but one that has aged significantly, and the lack of multiplayer really hurts this one. On top of this, the price seems far too steep, especially with multiple NES versions of the game being easily accessible on Nintendo Switch Online’s NES app, both of them improved over this version. As a result, it’s difficult to give this game a recommendation.
Arcade Archives Galaga	Shmup	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Galaga is a classic shmup, although by today’s standards it is frustratingly slow and limited. What’s worse, this release charging $8 for this game is a rip-off when you get this game and 11 others in Namco Museum Arcade Pac. If you want this game, just get that bundle instead.
Arcade Archives Mappy	Arcade / Platformer	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Mappy is an Arcade game with Platformer elements where you play as a mouse cop trying to evade criminal cats and steal back their stolen goods. The gameplay here takes some getting used to, and I ultimately think you’re better off playing the NES version in Namco Museum Archives Vol. 1, which at $20 for 11 games is a far better deal than the overpriced $8 for this one game is.
Arcade Archives Mario Bros.	Arcade / Platformer	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Mario Bros. is a classic Arcade-style Platformer where players must clear a sewer of an infestation of vermin. It’s a classic throwback game, albeit somewhat dated by today’s standards. However, the real issue here is that there are multiple versions of this game available on Nintendo Switch Online’s apps, and those other versions are all better. On top of this, the price seems too steep, making it difficult to give this game a recommendation.
Arcade Archives The Tin Star	2-Stick Shooter	Arcade	C-
tl;dr The Tin Star is an Action game reworked here with much-improved 2-Stick Shooter controls, where players take the role of a sheriff in a shootout with outlaws. For its time, there was some inspired gameplay here, but it is all undone by numerous choices that make this game punishingly difficult. Unless that’s your thing, I suggest you mosey on to some other game.
Arcade Archives Terra Cresta	Shmup	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Terra Cresta is a Shmup that re-imagines Moon Cresta’s multi-part ship mechanic in a way that’s really wonderful, but this game is sadly undermined by its nasty unforgiving difficulty. Unless you’re a fan of the genre who likes games painfully difficult, this is one to skip.
Arcade Archives Water Ski	Sports (Water Skiing)	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Water Ski is a game where players try to race through a course while avoiding obstacles. This is a huge improvement over Alpine Ski, but still suffers from control issues that make this game far too frustrating to recommend.
Constructor Plus	Real-Time Strategy / Management Sim	PC	C-
tl;dr Constructor Plus is more of a Real-Time Strategy game than a Management Sim, despite appearances, and it has you taking the role of a mob boss guiding workers to expand your empire while sabotaging the efforts of a rival gang. It’s a unique concept, but one that is made hard to appreciate thanks to the unintuitive nature of many elements of this game. I feel like there’s some good gameplay at the core of this game, but it’s not easy to get to it.
Fatal Fury First Contact	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C-
tl;dr Fatal Fury First Contact is a Fighting Game in SNK’s long-running series originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre or even in its own series, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unless you have a nostalgia for the original release, you’re better off sticking with other games in the Fatal Fury series.
Final Fantasy III	Turn-Based JRPG	Nintendo Entertainment System	C-
tl;dr Final Fantasy III is a Turn-Based JRPG that introduced a few important elements to the franchise, and this is an absolutely outstanding remake that gives the game a gorgeous new presentation with absolutely beautiful remastered music and some excellent new gameplay features that help to cut down on the original game’s flaws… but those flaws are still there, from the terrible story to the shallow gameplay that was much greatly improved upon in later games in the series. This game may be one of the more obscure titles in the mainline Final Fantasy franchise, but it is simply not worth the absurd $18 price tag.
G-Mode Archives25 Topolon	Puzzle	Mobile Phone	C-
tl;dr Topolon is a Puzzle game where players are trying to clear a network of viruses by selecting nodes to clear the viruses that are adjacent. It’s a solid concept that builds on a classic Puzzle design, but unfortunately inconsistent rules and a dated presentation make this one hard to get into.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Saiyuuki World	Action-Platformer	Famicom	C-
tl;dr Saiyuuki World is an Action-Platformer that was originally created as an altered Famicom port of Wonder Boy in Monster Land, but this game hasn’t aged well and it’s easy to see why it wasn’t localized to the West. This may be an interesting curio for collectors, but everyone else is better off leaving it alone.
King of Fighters R-2	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C-
tl;dr King of Fighters R-2 is a Fighting Game in SNK’s long-running series originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre or even in its own series, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unless you have a nostalgia for the original release, you’re better off sticking with other games in the King of Fighters series.
Resident Evil 0	Graphic Adventure / Horror	GameCube	C-
tl;dr Resident Evil 0 is a Horror game that follows in the footsteps of the remake of the first Resident Evil game with a story that takes place before the events of that game. While this is a decent port, ultimately this game isn’t anywhere near as iconic as the first Resident Evil, the visuals aren’t as impressive, and the gameplay has all of the flaws of that game and then some. The result is a game that only series fans should bother with.
Sega Ages G-LOC Air Battle	On-Rails Shooter	Arcade	C-
tl;dr G-LOC is a faux-3D On-Rails Shooter originally released to arcades in 1990, and while this is a superb port that does a great job recreating the arcade experience on a home console, the game at the center of it all is extremely flawed, with the outdated graphics making it difficult to aim, and the frustrating controls causing problems turning and even bigger problems with accidental barrel roll maneuvers. Unless you’re a Sega die-hard, skip this one.
Sega Ages Wonder Boy: Monster Land	Action-Platformer	Sega Master System	C-
tl;dr Sega Ages Wonder Boy: Monster Land is a solid port of the old Sega Arcade title, but the game has aged poorly. The combination of Action-Platformer gameplay and RPG elements is a good mix, but the slow movement and unforgiving combat makes this game just not very fun to play.
Shantae	Metroidvania	Game Boy Color	C-
tl;dr Shantae is a Metroidvania and the first game in the self-titled series. This game was a jaw-dropping marvel when it originally released on the Game Boy color, but by today’s standards it is flawed in numerous ways that make it the worst game in its franchise. Definitely check out any of the other Shantae games instead.
Star Ocean: First Departure R	Action-RPG	Super Famicom	C-
tl;dr Star Ocean First Departure R is a remaster of a remake of the first game in the Action-RPG series, and with that comes graphics that straddle the line between quaint and archaic, and a story that just can’t live up to modern-day standards. However, what’s really holding it back is the confusing ways it chooses to do things differently than other games in the genre, without explaining how it all works, including combat where the game feels like it’s fighting you for control over your own character. There’s stuff to like here, but most will find a hard time getting into this game.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter	Third-Person Shooter	PlayStation 2 / GameCube	C-
tl;dr Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a Third-Person Shooter set between the events of Star Wars Episode I and Episode II, starring the bounty hunter Jango Fett. It was a serviceable but sub-par entry in the franchise back when it was first released nearly 25 years ago, and this remaster doesn’t change that. As Star Wars games go, you could do worse, but you could also do much, much better.
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast	First-Person Shooter	PC	C-
tl;dr Jedi Outcast is a First-Person Shooter originally released in 2002, now cleaned up and ported to the Switch. The characters and story are as classic as ever, but the gameplay has aged very poorly, with terrible level design, bullet sponge enemies, a stingy autosave, and a slew of other problems. It’s still a game that’s full of charm, but by today’s standards it’s hard to enjoy this game.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy	First-Person Shooter	PC	C-
tl;dr Jedi Academy is a First-Person Shooter with some Third-Person Action originally released in 2003, now cleaned up and ported to the Switch. The gameplay here is improved in some areas over the previous game, but worse in others. Terrible level design, bullet sponge enemies, unreliable lightsaber controls, a lacking story, and a shallow and not especially fun online multiplayer mode are some of its major flaws. Overall, this is a game that only the most diehard fans will enjoy.
The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny	Fighting Game	NEOGEO Pocket Color	C-
tl;dr The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny is a Fighting Game originally released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color. Unfortunately, the limitations of that hardware really hobbles this game when it’s compared to other games in the genre or even in its own series, including the ACA NEOGEO games you can get on the Nintendo Switch for the same price. Unless you have a nostalgia for the original release, you’re better off sticking with other games in The Last Blade series.
Trip World DX	Platformer	Game Boy	C-
tl;dr Trip World DX is a remaster of an obscure Game Boy Platformer where players control a bunny-like creature. This release looks and sounds delightful, and has a good amount of extra content. However, the game itself has multiple gameplay issues that make for an experience that’s not nearly as fun as it looks. Unless you somehow have nostalgia for the original release, skip this game.
Wild Guns Reloaded	Arcade / Shooting Gallery	Super Nintendo	C-
tl;dr Wild Guns Reloaded takes the arcade classic Shooting Gallery game, where you target enemies onscreen while dodging bullets with your character, and adds two new characters while cleaning up the visuals. Unfortunately, the gameplay has not aged well, and frustration with the controls and punishing difficulty make it hard to recommend.
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based RPG	Apple II	C-
tl;dr Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a remake of the highly-influential 1981 Turn-Based RPG and Dungeon Crawler by the same name, updating the presentation and some gameplay elements. Unfortunately, far too much of the game relies on randomness that is not only punishing, but apparently impossible to mitigate or avoid. Because of this, and despite the clear amount of love and reverence this remake has for the original, I do not recommend this game. The parts of it that have been carried over from the original have aged exceptionally poorly.
ACA NEOGEO Magician Lord	Action-Platformer	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Magician Lord is an Action-Platformer and one of the games most directly tied to the launch of the NEOGEO. It has a cool concept of a transforming wizard and decent graphics, and it is also an absolute nightmare to play, with no-win situations seemingly designed to punish players and force them to spend more quarters. I suggest you don’t even spend a single quarter on this game.
Arcade Archives Fighting Hawk	Shmup	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Fighting Hawk is a mediocre Shmup with a good presentation but frustrating, overly-difficult gameplay that’s a slog to play and just not very fun. You have too many better options for Shmups on Nintendo Switch to waste any of it on this game.
Arcade Archives Moon Cresta	Shmup	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Moon Cresta is a Shmup with a multi-part ship mechanic that’s really creative, especially for the time this game was originally released. Unfortunately, poor hit detection and frustratingly limited shot speed make this one difficult to recommend to anyone but the most diehard Shmup fans.
Arcade Archives Pac-Man	Arcade	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Pac-Man is an Arcade classic, a legend that’s one of the most influential games in videogame history, and even if the original game is too repetitive compared to many of its sequels, it’s still a delight to play. But don’t get the Arcade Archives version of the game – it’s far too overpriced, and there are numerous collections on Nintendo Switch that include the game. Get one of those instead.
Arcade Archives The Genji and the Heike Clans	Action-Platformer / Top-Down Action	Arcade	D+
tl;dr The Genji and the Heike Clans blends two different types of Action-Platformer with Top-Down Action, but none of these types of gameplay feels especially well-done, and they’re all pretty unpolished. While I appreciate this game’s ambition, I don’t recommend you play it.
Arcade Archives Typhoon Gal	Fighting Game	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Typhoon Gal is a Fighting Game with elements of Pro Wrestling games, and while there are some interesting gameplay mechanics at work here, the controls are far too unreliable, and the huge difficulty spike when you face off against the head of a dojo is far too steep. All this makes for a game I simply cannot recommend.
Devil May Cry 2	Spectacle Fighter	PlayStation 2	D+
tl;dr Devil May Cry 2 is a Spectacle Fighter that is generally considered to be the worst game in the series, and this remaster doesn’t change that fact. Yet despite this, Capcom is still trying to price gouge customers looking to get the game on the Nintendo Switch, charging the same price for this game as the cost of the full trilogy on other platforms. This isn’t just greed or disregard for customers, it’s pure stupidity, since the easiest way to respond to an overpriced bad game is to not buy it.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition	Action-RPG	GameCube	D+
tl;dr Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered takes the classic GameCube Action-RPG, upgrades the graphics and presentation… and breaks everything else. Broken multiplayer, tedious and boring combat, terrible load times, and a slew of poor design choices that actively make the game worse… I could go on and on about all of the things that make this a terrible game. Even if you have nostalgia for the original game, you’re probably better off leaving your fond memories in the past than trying to relive them here.
Impossible Mission	Puzzle / Platformer	Commodore 64	D+
tl;dr Impossible Mission is a Platforming game with Puzzle elements that’s often seen as one of the classics of the Commodore 64 platform, but sadly it has not aged well, and while this release does add a few graphical enhancements and quality-of-life features, these additions do not justify the absurd $15 price tag for a 40 year-old game. Unless you’re wearing nostalgia goggles that can blind you to how poorly-aged and overpriced this game is, skip it.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Magic John & Totally Rad	Action-Platformer	Famicom / Nintendo Entertainment System	D+
tl;dr Magical John and Totally Rad are the Japanese and Western versions of the same Action-Platformer, which has a pretty good presentation but the gameplay is terrible. As amusing as this game’s localization may be, the game itself isn’t worth playing.
Sega Ages Alex Kidd in Miracle World	Platformer	Sega Master System	D+
tl;dr Sega Ages Alex Kidd in Miracle World is a great port of a terrible Platformer. The Sega Master System classic has aged incredibly poorly, and even the polish this release gives the game doesn’t change its frustrating, repetitive gameplay and atrociously bad hit detection.
Sega Ages Gain Ground	Top-Down Action	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Gain Ground is a top-down action game a bit like the classic Gauntlet, except the characters move slow as molasses. If you really want to try this game, get the Sega Genesis Classics collection – at least that way you have some other good games to play after you see how bad this one is.
ACA NEOGEO Fatal Fury	Fighting Game	Arcade	D
tl;dr Fatal Fury is a Fighting Game that’s the start of a franchise that would grow to become the best direct competitor the classic Street Fighter series would ever face off against. However, the series gets off to a rocky start here, with stiff controls and an embarrassing roster of only three characters. Unless you’re looking to spend a pricey $8 just to see a part of the history of the genre that has aged horribly, skip this game and play a later entry in the series.
ACA NEOGEO Fatal Fury 2	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	D
tl;dr Fatal Fury 2 is a Fighting Game that improves greatly on the first game in the series, but is still well behind modern standards for the genre. Even worse, there’s no reason to get this game when the expanded version of the game, Fatal Fury Special, is sitting on the same storefronts. Even if you could overlook Fatal Fury 2’s flaws, there’s no good reason not to get that game instead.
ACA NEOGEO King of the Monsters 2	Arcade Brawler	Arcade / NEOGEO	D
tl;dr King of the Monsters 2 is an Arcade-style Brawler starring giant city-stomping kaiju monsters. It’s a solid concept, but it’s ruined by frustrating game mechanics and enemies’ ability to keep piling on you after you take a hit, making that one hit into a guaranteed death at times. Skip this one.
ACA NEOGEO Samurai Shodown V	Fighting Game	Arcade / NEOGEO	D
tl;dr Samurai Shodown V is a Fighting Game with faster gameplay than its predecessors, and a much-expanded roster of characters, but it also drops features from earlier games that series fans enjoyed, and its roster has some pretty bad balancing issues. The result is a game that isn’t quite as good as multiple other games in the series, and it’s particularly not worth getting when you can get its much-improved successor, Samurai Shodown V Special, instead. Plus, this release lacks control options and bonus content in the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection. No matter which way you slice it (ha), I don’t recommend getting this release.
Arcade Archives Alpine Ski	Sports (Skiing)	Arcade	D
tl;dr Alpine Ski is a game where players try to race through a ski course while avoiding obstacles. This game has a strict time limit and terrible controls, which adds up to a game that is simply not fun to play.
Arcade Archives Kiki Kaikai	Top-Down Action	Arcade	D
tl;dr Kiki Kaikai is a Top-Down Action game that puts players in the role of a Shinto shrine maiden fighting Japanese spirits and monsters. This is the first game in the Pocky & Rocky franchise, and much like its sequels it is punishingly difficult. Plus, with this game appearing in the much better-priced Taito Milestones 2, it’s difficult to recommend this game to anyone. Unless you’re a huge fan of this series, skip this one.
Arcade Archives Omega Fighter	Shmup	Arcade	D
tl;dr Omega Fighter is a mediocre Shmup whose only unique feature is that its levels comprise different parts of a large enemy spacecraft, but otherwise is dull, uninteresting, and suffers from some poor design choices. You have too many better options for Shmups on Nintendo Switch to waste any of it on this game.
Arcade Archives Pole Position	Faux 3D Racing	Arcade	D
tl;dr Pole Position is a landmark Faux 3D Racing Game that is an important piece of videogame history. It is also a game that plays terribly by today’s standards, and its $8 price tag seems horribly high. Unless you’re a collector and money is no object for you, don’t buy this one.
Arcade Archives Pole Position II	Faux 3D Racing	Arcade	D
tl;dr Pole Position II is a Faux 3D Racing Game that takes the gameplay of its predecessor and adds four tracks to race on. It is also a game that plays terribly by today’s standards, and its $8 price tag seems horribly high. Even though it’s an improvement over the first game, it’s still not actually good, and I don’t recommend it.
Arcade Archives Soccer	Sports (Soccer)	Arcade / Nintendo Entertainment System	D
tl;dr Soccer is Nintendo’s first take on the Sport, and by far the worst. By today’s standards this game is terrible, a fact made even worse by an insulting $8 price tag, which is even more insulting given that this same game is available on Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Entertainment System app. Do not buy this.
Arcade Archives Splatter House	Action-Platformer	Arcade	D
tl;dr Splatterhouse is a violent Action-Platformer has you fighting off various grotesque enemies as a Jason Vorhees look-alike. It’s okay, but the action is simple and unforgiving, and this release’s $8 price tag seems far too costly when multiple bundles include this game with a far better value.
Arcade Archives Vs. Baseball	Sports (Baseball)	Arcade / Nintendo Entertainment System	D
tl;dr Vs. Baseball is Nintendo’s first take on the Sport, and by far the worst. By today’s standards this game is terrible, a fact made even worse by an insulting $8 price tag, which is even more insulting given that this same game is available on Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Entertainment System app. Do not buy this.
Arcade Archives Vs. Tennis	Sports (Tennis)	Arcade / Nintendo Entertainment System	D
tl;dr Vs. Tennis is Nintendo’s first take on the Sport, and by far the worst. By today’s standards this game is terrible, a fact made even worse by an insulting $8 price tag, which is even more insulting given that this same game is available on Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Entertainment System app. Do not buy this.
Arcade Archives Youkai Douchuki	Action-Platformer	Arcade	D
tl;dr Youkai Douchuki is an Action-Platformer that has some surprising old-school charm and a few clever ideas… but it ruins all of that by constantly throwing enemies at you that you can neither destroy nor dodge, resulting in a game you’ll quickly sour on. Skip it.
Big Bang Pro Wrestling	Pro Wrestling	NEOGEO Pocket Color	D
tl;dr Big Bang Pro Wrestling is a Pro Wrestling game first released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color, but it unfortunately suffers from the original platform’s limited controls, as well as some extremely finicky hit detection. The result is a pretty bad Pro Wrestling game, and not one I recommend playing.
Biomotor Unitron	Turn-Based RPG	NEOGEO Pocket Color	D
tl;dr Biomotor Unitron is a Turn-Based RPG first released on the NEOGEO Pocket Color, where players must build the ultimate fighting robot, something that seems like it would be a lot more fun than it actually is. This slog of an RPG offers very little reason to keep playing it, and no reason for me to recommend it over countless better games in the genre on Nintendo Switch.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	Famicom	D
tl;dr Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, the first game in the Fire Emblem series, is a Strategy-RPG originally released only in Japan on the Famicom. However, time has not been kind to this game, as its game design and visuals are so archaic that it’s nearly unplayable by today’s standards. This may be a fascinating historical relic, but if you’re looking for a great game, you’re better off sticking with Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Bio-Warrior Dan The Increaser War	Action-Platformer	Famicom	D
tl;dr Bio-Warrior Dan is an Action-Platformer that was never released in the West, and it’s easy to see why. Poorly made with bad platforming, terrible hit detection, horrible controls, and nasty input lag, I can’t see any modern players actually enjoying this.
JALECOlle Famicom Ver. Yokai Club	Action-Platformer	Famicom	D
tl;dr Yokai Club is an Action-Platformer that was never released in the West, and it’s easy to see why. While the gameplay bears some similarities to Kid Icarus, it’s so poorly-made, with bad Platforming and terrible hit detection, that I can’t see any modern players actually enjoying this.
Night Trap – 25th Anniversary Edition	FMV Game	Sega CD	D
tl;dr Night Trap is an FMV game that is an important landmark in videogame history, and this version of it does a great job of cleaning it up for a modern release, but at its core this game is trash and all the polish in the world doesn’t change that it’s still absolutely terrible.
Romancing SaGa 2	Turn-Based JRPG	Super Famicom	D
tl;dr Romancing SaGa 2 is a JRPG originally released only on Super Famicom in Japan, and this game brushes up the visuals while leaving the original game otherwise largely intact. Unfortunately, this is a game plagued with problems, including a terrible localization, bad menus, and slow and repetitive combat, all with an absolutely absurd $25 price tag. Do not buy this game.
ACA NEOGEO Stakes Winner	Sports (Horse Racing)	Arcade / NEOGEO / NEOGEO CD	D-
tl;dr Stakes Winner is a Horse Racing game, and while there’s clearly some strategy behind proper use of your horse whip and positioning on the track, that strategy is not clear, resulting in gameplay that’s frustrating and overall feels pointless. Skip this one.
ACA NEOGEO Stakes Winner 2	Sports (Horse Racing)	Arcade	D-
tl;dr Stakes Winner 2 is a Horse Racing game, and much like the previous game, while there’s clearly some strategy behind proper use of your horse whip and positioning on the track, that strategy is not clear, resulting in gameplay that’s frustrating and overall feels pointless. Skip this one.
Arcade Archives Kurikinton	Action-Platformer / Arcade	Arcade	D-
tl;dr Kurikinton is an Arcade-style Action-Platformer with some nice character designs, but little else that’s worthwhile. This is a poorly-made repetitive slog, and I do not recommend it.
Arcade Archives Xevious	Shmup	Arcade	D-
tl;dr Xevious is an incredibly influential game in the Shmup genre, with a creative air-to-air and air-to-surface combat system. It is also extremely archaic, with slow movement, a terrible lack of power-ups, and gameplay that has overall been far outpaced by countless other entries in the genre. If you want to see a piece of history, and demand an Arcade-accurate version, this game may be worth checking out. Otherwise, it’s not worth your time, especially at this price.
Chex Quest HD	First-Person Shooter	PC	D-
tl;dr Chex Quest HD is a First-Person Shooter that remakes the cult classic cereal pack-in promotional game, and it is every bit as bizarre and surreal now as it was when it first released. Unfortunately, the performance is terrible and the gameplay is absolutely atrocious, and the $5 price tag is insulting for an advertisement poorly disguised as a game that has been free in every other release. If you want to check this out, download the free PC version on Steam. In any case, stay far away from this version of the game.
Commander Keen in Keen Dreams	Platformer	PC	D-
tl;dr Commander Keen in Keen Dreams is the first console port of a Platformer released to PCs in 1991, the “lost episode” and second game in the series. However, it is an absolutely terrible platformer in multiple ways, and it has only gotten worse with time. Series fans nostalgic about the good ol’ days be warned – this is not the game you’re looking for.
F-117A Stealth Fighter	Combat Flight Sim	Nintendo Entertainment System	D-
tl;dr F-117A Stealth Fighter is a port of an only Nintendo Entertainment System Combat Flight Sim, but even when this game was first released it wasn’t an especially good game, and time has not been kind to it. Unless you somehow harbor nostalgia for this game, don’t waste your money on it.
Sega Ages Ichidant-R	Arcade / Minigame Collection	Arcade	D-
tl;dr Ichidant-R is a Minigame Collection originally released to Japanese arcades in 1994, with this release marking the game’s first time being sold in America. Unfortunately, with only 20 minigames, and many of those games variations on memorization and pattern-recognition games, there’s not much of interest here to anyone other than a diehard Sega collector.
Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles	Action	PlayStation / Dreamcast	D-
tl;dr Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is an Action game set during the first of the Star Wars prequels, and it’s even worse than the movie is. Everything from the combat to the platforming is terrible here, and the visuals haven’t aged well either. Do not buy this.
Arcade Archives Dinorex	Fighting Game	Arcade	F
tl;dr Dinorex is a Fighting Game where players take the role of dinosaurs fighting each other. It’s a fun concept, but it is very poorly executed here, with ugly visuals, terrible hit detection, absurdly bad controls, and limited gameplay. This is a terrible Fighting Game, and you should not waste money on it.
Arcade Archives Dragon Buster	Action-Platformer	Arcade	F
tl;dr Dragon Buster is an Action-Platformer that may have been ahead of its time in some ways, but it was still an all-around awful game, with ugly visuals, terrible platforming, and horrible combat. Avoid it.
Arcade Archives Golf	Sports (Golf)	Arcade / Nintendo Entertainment System	F
tl;dr Golf is Nintendo’s first take on the Sport, and by far the worst. By today’s standards this game is virtually unplayable, a fact made even worse by an insulting $8 price tag. Do not buy this.
Arcade Archives Pac-Land	Platformer	Arcade	F
tl;dr Pac-Land is an absolutely abysmal Platformer whose most lasting legacy is being the basis for one of the worst stages in the Super Smash Bros. series. What’s worse, this release charging $8 for this game is an absolute rip-off when you get this game and 13 other much better games in Pac-Man Museum+. If you want this game, just get that bundle instead.
Arcade Archives The Tower of Druaga	Top-Down Arcade	Arcade	F
tl;dr The Tower of Druaga is an Arcade-style maze game that is absurdly slow-paced. This game is an absolute drag. What’s worse, this release charging $8 for this game is a total rip-off when you get this game and 11 others in Namco Museum Arcade Pac. If you want this game, just get that bundle instead.
Corpse Killer – 25th Anniversary Edition	Shooting Gallery / FMV Game	Sega CD	F
tl;dr Corpse Killer is a remaster of a classic Sega CD Shooting Gallery FMV Game. Well, except replace “classic” with “absolutely terrible”, and “remaster” with “botched attempt at modernization”. And then replace any thought of buying this game with the money it would have cost you to do so, because that money is far, far more valuable.

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