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

1. Strategy-RPG
2. Strategy (General)
3. MOBA
4. Tower Defense

Strategy-RPG

Game	Genre	Grade
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A+
tl;dr Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a family-friendly Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that improves on its predecessor Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle in virtually every way. Players have plenty of ways to adapt and change their party, the combat is delightfully deep but also wonderfully accessible, the game is bursting with personality, has a killer soundtrack, a great sense of humor, and plenty of content to explore. This is just about everything you could hope for in a sequel, and then some.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A
tl;dr Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that mixes the series’ strategic gameplay with a fantastic plot and setting that feels like a mix of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, with deep gameplay that has you bolstering character relationships to build up your team of students over multiple long, rewarding campaigns. The graphics aren’t all that impressive, and sometimes the game isn’t as forthcoming with information as I’d like, but overall this is an absolute must-have entry for fans of the genre, as well as those looking for a game with great story, and also those looking for a game they will be playing for a very, very long time.
Disgaea 5 Complete	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Disgaea 5 Complete is a Strategy-RPG in the same style of Final Fantasy Tactics that includes all of the previous content released for the game. This is, in my opinion, the best game in the series, with a wealth of “quality of life” improvements that smooth out the gameplay, and tons of fun and interesting gameplay systems to play with to build up your characters. It’s not perfect – I hate this game’s story and characters and find its music mostly pretty bad, and it’s also not a game for everyone due to its focus on stats and grinding. However, if you’re the sort who enjoys gradually building up your Strategy-RPG characters to be powerhouses, this game is arguably the epitome of the genre.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Final Fantasy Tactics is a genre-naming game for the “Tactics-style” Turn-Based Strategy RPG genre, and for good reason, it’s outstanding, and it is presented here in the best version we’ve ever gotten of the game, albeit not the definitive version, nor one without its own flaws and frustrations. Still, the original game has aged well, and the new quality-of-life improvements and voiced dialogue makes this game even better. If you enjoy Strategy-RPGs, consider this a must-buy.
Fire Emblem Engage	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Fire Emblem Engage is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that loses a lot of the character interaction and party-building elements featured in the prior game, Three Houses. However, in its place we have the return of some important strategic elements in combat, as well as a new Engage mechanic that provides even more customization and expanded combat options, as well as the extremely fan-servicey use of classic characters from throughout the Fire Emblem series. This still feels like a far less significant game than Three Houses was, but it is nevertheless a solid experience well worth playing for any fan of the genre.
Hard West	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Interactive Story-Driven Adventure	A-
tl;dr Hard West is an XCOM-style Strategy-RPG that mixes in Choose-Your-Own Adventure mechanics, set in a darker, more supernatural version of the Wild West. It’s not without a few rough edges, but on the whole this is a delightfully inventive take on the genre, well worth a look.
Unicorn Overlord	Real-Time Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Unicorn Overlord is a Real-Time Strategy-RPG that plays like the classic Ogre Battle games, but is superior to those games in pretty much every way. An absolutely gorgeous presentation, well-crafted strategic gameplay, and free exploration of the game’s world all make this a game that both RPG and Strategy fans should definitely try out.
Valkyria Chronicles	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Valkyria Chronicles is a Turn-Based Strategy RPG that does a few unique and interesting things with the genre while delivering an absolutely gorgeous anime-inspired cel-shaded presentation. A must-have for fans of the genre.
Valkyria Chronicles 4	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a Turn-Based Strategy RPG that takes place at roughly the same time as the first game but with a different set of characters. Like the first game, the fourth game in the series combines XCOM-style Strategy-RPG gameplay with real-time movement and a beautiful anime-esque cel-shaded presentation, and it builds on the formula set in the first game with a new unit type as well as the ability to form commanders. Make no mistake, this is an improvement over the first game, but it’s a marginal one. However, this still means it is a must-have for Strategy-RPG fans, especially those who love anime.
Valkyria Chronicles + Valkyria Chronicles 4 Bundle	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Valkyria Chronicles + Valkyria Chronicles 4 Bundle is a Compilation of the two titular games, both outstanding XCOM-style Strategy-RPGs with wonderful and unique gameplay and a gorgeous cel-shaded anime-style presentation. This bundle offers a decent savings over buying both games separately too, though be aware that it doesn’t come with the Valkyria Chronicles 4 DLC that was in that game’s Complete Edition. Still, this is an excellent price on two fantastic games, and you’re still getting a great deal even if you decide you want to buy the DLC later.
Children of Zodiarcs	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Card RPG	B+
tl;dr Children of Zodiarcs is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG and Card-based RPG that follows a group of youths in a fantasy slum who find themselves at the center of a conflict surrounding one of the game’s titular magical artifacts. This game has something of a downer plot, and it suffers from pacing issues, but the multiple game mechanics involved in combat and character management are really engaging, and make this game well worth a look despite those issues.
Disgaea 1 Complete	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	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.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Idle Game	B+
tl;dr Disgaea 6 is a game that takes the zany, deep, grind-heavy Strategy-RPG series and adds in a slew of new elements, including optional Idle Game mechanics. These mechanics are a fantastic new addition to the series, albeit a divisive one. Less successful are many of the other changes this game makes, like its “bigger numbers for everything” philosophy or its new cel-shaded characters, which seems to have led to performance issues. On balance, this is still an outstanding Strategy-RPG, and unquestionably the most wildly creative game in the series, but it can’t top the well-rounded experience of Disgaea 5.
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Disgaea 7 is the second game in this oddball Turn-Based Strategy-RPG series to use fully-3D visuals in its gameplay, but unlike the divisive changes made in Disgaea 6, Disgaea 7 aims to bring the series’ gameplay back to what series fans are used to, albeit with a few interesting additions and a feudal Japanese theme. I do think this game suffers from unusually slow progression that makes its early hours a bit of a slog, but once you get past that, the mix of features and gameplay options makes this one of the better games in the series, albeit a poor entry point for newcomers.
Fragrant Story and Papaya’s Path	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Fragrant Story is a simplified take on the Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG, but there’s still some excellent depth and creativity hidden within this game. Plus, at only $8, this is a no-brainer for fans of the genre.
Inkulinati	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	B+
tl;dr Inkulinati is a game that combines side-scrolling Turn-Based Strategy-RPG gameplay with Roguelike elements to create something pretty unique, that has players strategically moving anthropomorphic animals around on a battlefield while being mindful of resources. The controls are unnecessarily confusing, and the game does a poor job conveying information to the player, but despite these flaws this is a truly inspired Strategy-RPG that is absolutely worth playing.
Into the Breach	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	B+
tl;dr Into the Breach is a Strategy-RPG with Roguelike elements that simplifies the genre and has players focusing on just the strategy. It’s very difficult, but fans of the genre will find it to be an excellent challenge.
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a Turn-Based Strategy RPG that plays a bit like the XCOM games, but is designed to be more approachable for players who are new to the genre. It looks gorgeous, has some unique gameplay elements, and is pretty user-friendly overall, although genre veterans may find some elements of the game frustrating.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle / Sparks of Hope Double Pack	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle / Sparks of Hope Double Pack is a physical-only (download code in a box) Compilation of the first two Mario + Rabbids games, both fantastic Turn-Based Strategy-RPGs. The games are absolutely worth getting, but the value this bundle presents isn’t great when you consider that the individual games go on sale frequently, and you can usually get a better deal that way. Given the lack of a physical cartridge here, I recommend just doing that instead.
Phantom Doctrine	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Phantom Doctrine is an XCOM-style Strategy-RPG that has you managing a covert spy agency during the Cold War. It’s a game full of wonderful ideas for the genre, but it doesn’t do the best job guiding the player through those ideas, making the game unnecessarily confusing.
Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs – Royal Edition	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Regalia is a Strategy-RPG that has players in the role of the heir to a crumbling castle looking to rebuild his empire. This is a challenging entry in the genre that does some unique things with combat, and with progression that resembles Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It’s not without its flaws, but for fans of the genre this is definitely a game I’d encourage you to try.
Shogun Showdown	Roguelike / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Shogun Showdown combines Roguelike game structure with side-scrolling Turn-Based Strategy-RPG gameplay in a feudal Japanese setting that stresses the importance of timing and positioning. It’s shorter than I’d like and the controls take come getting used to, but despite these issues, this is an excellent and refreshing take on both genres that’s absolutely worth a look for anyone who fancies themselves a combat tactician.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Tactics Ogre is a remake of one of the classics of the Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG genre, and it is overall an excellent entry in that genre, with well-crafted gameplay, a great presentation, and an excellent story. Having said that, the way the game limits players’ progression to maintain its difficulty is needlessly limiting. And while the presentation is very good, other games like Triangle Strategy look even better. In the end, this will still be a must-play game for fans of the genre, but it’s not quite on par with some of the best Strategy-RPGs on Nintendo Switch.
The Diofield Chronicle	Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr The Diofield Chronicle is a Real-Time Strategy-RPG that has players building up a team of mercenaries to fight enemies in real-time on a battlefield. The combat can get a bit repetitive and the strategy doesn’t feel terribly involved, but this is still a superb JRPG-style experience that’s well worth playing if you’re a fan of that genre.
Triangle Strategy	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Triangle Strategy is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that makes use of Octopath Traveler’s “HD-2D” graphical style, and pairs it with an outstanding Game of Thrones-style plot. The gameplay is a bit stifled by slow character progression and an inability to change class or recruit new members. Also, the heavy focus on story can mean you’ll sometimes go quite a while without any actual gameplay. However, the strategic elements here are still very strong, and that superb gameplay combines with the excellent story to make this an outstanding entry in the genre, despite the game’s shortcomings.
Wildermyth: Console Edition	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B+
tl;dr Wildermyth is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with some Roguelike elements and some “choose your own adventure” elements, with a unique blend of custom character creation and procedurally-generated story beats, combined with some really unique and clever gameplay mechanics. While this game’s visuals can be confusing at times, and the game isn’t always great about conveying information, this is overall a truly delightful take on the genre, and one that Strategy-RPG fans should consider a must-play.
Disgaea 4 Complete+	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Disgaea 4 Complete+ is an updated port of the PS3 strategy-RPG in the same style of Final Fantasy Tactics that includes improved graphics and all of the previous content released for the game. That said, even for a complex game series, this game can feel a bit overly-complicated, and the changes made to the series are a bit of a mixed bag. It’s still very good, but I just don’t feel the same excitement playing it as I did for the first game.
Fights in Tight Spaces	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Card RPG / Roguelike	B
tl;dr Fights in Tight Spaces is a game that combines Turn-Based Strategy-RPG, Card RPG, and Roguelike elements to create a game that is all about thoughtful, strategic decisions during a brawl with multiple opponents. The mindful combat in this game is superb, but at times it can be slow-paced, and mistakes in your deckbuilding snowball far too quickly. Meanwhile, the presentation has a good soundtrack, and the visuals are striking, but also visually-monotonous. This is a very good game, but one with significant flaws.
Howl	Puzzle / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Howl is a Puzzle game with some Strategy-RPG elements where players must plan their movements through areas stalked by dangerous beasts. The gameplay has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it there’s an excellent mix of elements here, and the game’s somber atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. Puzzle and Strategy-RPG fans will definitely want to give this a look.
Invisible, Inc. Console Edition	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Stealth	B
tl;dr Invisible, Inc. is a Strategy-RPG with a heavy emphasis on Stealth, having players avoiding combat with enemies and evading them instead. It’s an inspired take on both genres that really brings something new to the table, but it could have done a better job conveying vital information to the player. Still, fans of both genres would do well to give this game a look.
Live A Live	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	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.
Mech Armada	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	B
tl;dr Mech Armada is a Turn-Based Strategy and Roguelike that has players earning random mech parts in each run and combining them to make mechs to fight hordes of monsters. The controls are clunky and the visuals are far from impressive, but this game’s approach to the Strategy-RPG and Roguelike genres is enjoyable and unique enough to overlook its flaws.
Steamworld Heist: Ultimate Edition	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Steamworld Heist is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with Platformer elements, where you position Wild West-themed robots in shootouts to try to ensure that they have the right trajectories to take out enemies. It’s a unique spin on the genre, but it’s undercut by a lack of character customization and game mechanics that limit the strategy of combat and make missions repetitive. It’s still good, but it should have been better than this.
Tenderfoot Tactics	Open-World Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Tenderfoot Tactics is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG set in an Open World, with a presentation that can be bizarre and confusing in a way that forces you to figure things out rather than explaining it all to you. Having said that, there are some clever mechanics here, and the game’s mysterious nature is one of its selling points. I don’t think this game will be for everyone, but fans of Strategy-RPGs looking for something different should definitely give this game a look.
Banner of the Maid	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Banner of the Maid is a Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG set in an alternate-world version of the French Revolutionary War. Between this game’s fanfiction-like story and well-endowed anime-style characters, this definitely presents a unique setting for this genre, but the gameplay itself isn’t anywhere near as bold, and the lengthy story interruptions bring down the pacing. Still, this may appeal to fans of the genre who follow French history.
Banner Saga 1	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Interactive Story-Driven Adventure	B-
tl;dr Banner Saga 1 is a Strategy-RPG that mixes in Choose-Your-Own Adventure mechanics as well as numerous systems that require you to carefully manage both your party and your caravan. It’s a game with a wonderful somber story and a brilliant presentation, but it’s marred by frustrating controls and strategic elements that are difficult to wrap your head around. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll probably want to check it out, but this game isn’t for everyone.
Chroma Squad	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Chroma Squad is a Strategy-RPG that puts players in the role of a Power Rangers-esque sentai TV show, both in fighting the battles depicted on the show, as well as managing the business side of things. The mechanics here have a fair number of flaws that detract from the experience, and managing the business side is sadly nowhere near as extensive as it could be, but this still makes for a unique entry in the genre that’s worth checking out.
Cross Tails	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Cross Tails is a Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG presenting players with a pair of campaigns that show two different sides of a conflict involving nations of cat-people and dog-people on the edge of war. This is a decent entry in the genre, but the visuals are pretty bad, the localization is terrible, the tutorial is garbage, and overall the few unique gameplay mechanics on offer here don’t do enough to set this game apart in a genre with tons of great entries on Nintendo Switch. I do think this is still an enjoyable Strategy-RPG, but you have better options in this genre.
Dark Deity	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Dark Deity is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that is clearly designed to imitate classic games in the Fire Emblem franchise, and while it gets the basics down well enough, it lacks some of the great gameplay nuances of those games, and that’s not even mentioning how more recent Fire Emblem games have evolved. While Dark Deity is still decent, it’s hard to recommend when there are so many better options on Nintendo Switch.
DungeonTop	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Card RPG	B-
tl;dr DungeonTop combines Turn-Based Strategy-RPG and Card RPG elements. The presentation is generic, and the game does a poor job conveying information to the player, but the core gameplay is well-crafted, varied, and fun. As long as you have the patience for this game’s flaws, and aren’t turned off by the presentation, this is well worth checking out.
Front Mission 3: Remake	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Front Mission 3: Remake is a remake of a mech-focused Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with loads of customization, and a decent presentation. I think the new features this game offers, as well as the (secret) dual campaigns make it the best game yet in the series, but it still has some really unfortunate randomness in its otherwise strategic combat thanks to the returning body part damage system, and the remake itself makes some questionable choices with its 2D assets. Overall, this is still a good Strategy-RPG, but its flaws keep it from being a great one.
Ninja Village	Management Simulation / RPG / Strategy	B-
tl;dr Ninja Village is a Management Simulation with RPG and Strategy elements where players manage the growth of a town expanding to become a kingdom. Each of its individual elements is underdeveloped, and the game has plenty of issues, yet despite this it’s an enjoyable experience overall with a lot of variety. Fans of Management Simulations may want to give this one a look.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a long-awaited sequel to the first Phantom Brave, bringing back the original Turn-Based Strategy-RPG’s “gridless” combat and its unique “confine” system while adding new gameplay elements and bringing the presentation in line with the developer’s recent Disgaea games. This is overall a solid sequel, but I think the characters and story are a mixed bag, and there are some quality of life problems that cause frustration too. It’s still worth playing, but it’s not quite the great comeback this could have been.
Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 1: Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle Remastered / Soul Nomad & the World Eaters	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr NIS Classics Volume 1 is a compilation of two Turn-Based Strategy-RPGs. Phantom Brave is a phenomenal and wildly inventive entry in the genre with compelling gameplay, excellent characters, good music, and a great story. Soul Nomad is also original, but the gameplay isn’t compelling and the characters and story are pretty terrible. Both games also suffer from some pretty nasty-looking low-res 2D characters. While this bundle still might be worth getting just for Phantom Brave, it’s absolutely not worth the $40 price tag, not when the PC version of Phantom Brave is better-looking and half that price.
Persona 5 Tactica	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Persona 5 Tactica is an XCOM-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that has some creative gameplay mechanics and some satisfying strategic combat, but that also minimizes or ditches a lot of the elements that made Persona 5 popular, and stuffs the game with far too much inconsequential dialogue that slows its pacing to a crawl. Fans of Persona 5 and Strategy-RPGs will still likely enjoy this, but it’s disappointing that this feels like it could have been a much better game.
Table of Tales: The Crooked Crown	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B-
tl;dr Table of Tales is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG where players play an RPG campaign through an intricate mechanical box. The presentation and story here is solid, but the controls and lack of choice in the gameplay does leave something to be desired. Overall, this game is still well worth a look for those craving a strategic RPG with a fun story.
All Walls Must Fall	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr All Walls Must Fall is a Strategy-RPG that has players controlling a time-traveling agent looking to avert a nuclear bomb in an alternate-history cyberpunk Berlin where the wall never fell. Some of the story and game mechanics here are really fantastic, but the gameplay holds these back, both due to some design decisions that strip the player of utility, as well as control and interface issues. It’s still worth a look for fans of the genre, but most are better off skipping it.
Ambition of the Slimes	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Ambition of the Slimes is a Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that has players using slimes to take control of humans to fight other humans. This is a unique twist on the gameplay of the genre, and a twist that makes this play almost more like a Puzzle game than a Strategy-RPG. Of course, this means it lacks some of what makes Strategy-RPGs so fun, and it doesn’t have the same depth of other games in its genre, but for $5 its unique charm may still make it worthwhile for genre fans to try.
Blackguards 2	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Blackguards 2 is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG about a noblewoman imprisoned and deformed for seemingly no reason, driven mad and aspiring to escape and conquer the kingdom. The story and characters here are great, but the gameplay and controls are unnecessarily confusing, and the pacing is pretty slow. This game’s unique charms may still make it worth seeking out for fans of the genre, but more casual players are better off skipping it.
Blood Will Be Spilled	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Platformer	C+
tl;dr Blood Will Be Spilled is a game that combines the sort of side-scrolling Turn-Based Strategy-RPG gameplay we’ve seen in Steamworld Heist, along with Platforming gameplay, all in a Western-themed world with anthropomorphic bug characters. The core Strategy-RPG gameplay is still good here, but not quite on par with what we saw in the Steamworld game. Unfortunately, all of the other added elements here are ineffectual at best, where they don’t actively make this game worse. The Strategy-RPG gameplay is still solid and worth playing, but you’re much better off sticking with Steamworld Heist.
Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Turn-Based Strategy	C+
tl;dr Brigandine is a game that combines Turn-Based Strategy and Strategy-RPG elements, and while the game has deep gameplay and an epic soundtrack, the amount of information players are expected to absorb and manage here feels like something most players will be overwhelmed by. If complex systems of statistics are your jam, you may love this game… but most players, even fans of these genres, will likely want to give it a pass.
Digimon Survive	Visual Novel / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Digimon Survive is a game that combines Visual Novel and Turn-Based Strategy-RPG gameplay, with a beautiful presentation and a surprisingly dark story involving a group of high school students in Japan who get trapped in another world. While there are some excellent elements here, this game is dragged down by some atrociously slow pacing. If you’re a more patient fan of this game’s genres, you may find it work a look, but otherwise be warned that this frustrating and tedious pacing will very likely tarnish your enjoyment of this game.
Front Mission 1st: Remake	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Front Mission 1st: Remake is a remake of a remake of a classic mech-focused Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with loads of customization, a gorgeous presentation, and even a delightful new 2-player competitive mode. Unfortunately, the game’s random elements really detract from the strategy of the game and kill the pacing. If you have the patience to muddle through those frustrating elements, there’s a lot to love here… but that’s a big “if”.
Front Mission Remake Trilogy	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Front Mission Remake Trilogy is a Compilation containing remakes of the first three mainline Front Mission games, all of which are Turn-Based Strategy-RPG games focusing on mech combat. The remakes are mostly good, but the games suffer due to an adherence to a body part damage system that results in combat being far too luck-based. Plus, as a bundle, while this package is normally a good deal, it loses out when comparing sale prices of the individual games. As such, I don’t think this is a good choice unless you’re a fan of mechs and Strategy-RPG games, and only then if this bundle finally gets a good sale price.
Grand Guilds	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Card RPG	C+
tl;dr Grand Guilds is a game that combines Tactics-style Strategy-RPG and Card RPG genres. It’s a fairly original approach to the genre, but it’s hard to appreciate the game’s good qualities because it’s filled with a lot of frustrations such as a cumbersome interface and bloated file size. If you’re a genre fan looking to fill out your collection with a cheap addition, you may want to consider it, but most are better off sticking with other games in the genre on Nintendo Switch.
Guild of Ascension	Action-RPG / Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	C+
tl;dr Guild of Ascension is a game that combines Action-RPG, Strategy-RPG, and Roguelike elements in a game where you’re controlling two warriors fighting their way up a fantastical tower. The blending of different gameplay elements here is absolutely inspired, but unfortunately the game does little to build on that excellent potential, leaving this feeling repetitive and tiresome. It’s a shame this game wastes so much potential, and unless you’re curious to see something clever and different that can’t live up to that potential, you’re better off skipping this one.
John Wick Hex	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr John Wick Hex is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG that has players controlling each and every move the Keanu Reeves character makes as he fights his way through enemies. It’s not the sort of game I suspect fans of the film had in mind, but even putting that aside, this game has issues with some frustrating design choices and repetitive gameplay, along with a poor presentation. This can still be fun if you’re okay with slower and more thoughtful gameplay, but even within that narrow vision this game could have been done much better.
Langrisser I & II	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	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.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-	Visual Novel / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Last Defense Academy blends Visual Novel elements that are similar to the Danganronpa franchise with turn-based Strategy-RPG gameplay, with a story about a group of teenagers made to fight to defend a school against invading monsters. The characters are unlikeable and the story drags, while the Strategy-RPG elements are surprisingly creative and original… which makes stretches of time the game takes with its Visual Novel elements extra-frustrating. If you can put up with the bad, the good here is quite good, but you’ll be putting up with a lot of bad.
XCOM 2 Collection	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr XCOM 2 Collection contains the Strategy-RPG XCOM along with all its expansion and DLC content. However, while this is a game in one of the most distinguished series in the genre, the gameplay here is unforgiving and frequently frustrating, and the Nintendo Switch port has numerous graphical issues that mar the experience. It’s still a game genre fans should give a look at, but there are numerous other games in the genre on the Nintendo Switch that are far more enjoyable.
Bearnard	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Platformer	C
tl;dr Bearnard is a side-scrolling Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with Platformer elements where players fight enemies with a bow and arrow, carefully considering their trajectory with each attack. Despite the adorable presentation, the challenge level in this game is vicious, and it’s such a nerve-wracking experience I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone other than genre fans seeking a challenge.
Super Dungeon Tactics	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C
tl;dr Super Dungeon Tactics is a Tactics-style Turn-Based Strategy-RPG based on a board game. It does a few things of note for the genre, but for the most part this is a bland, shallow, forgettable experience marred by a poorly-designed interface. It’s not terrible, but there are many better options on the Switch.
Super Robot Wars Y	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C
tl;dr Super Robot Wars Y is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG featuring a crossover of characters and mechs from numerous popular anime franchises, such as Gundam and Macross. There’s plenty of fan service for fans of those franchises, but as a Strategy-RPG, this is largely unremarkable fare. And I would argue that unless you’re one of said fans, you have much better options in this genre.
Wartile Complete Edition	Strategy-RPG	C
tl;dr Wartile is a Strategy-RPG with an aesthetic designed to look like figurine-based tabletop RPGs. It’s rather creative in its mechanics, but it unfortunately does a poor job properly explaining those mechanics and basic control functions to the player. Fans of Strategy-RPGs looking for something unique may still find this to be an enjoyable and original take on the genre, but it’s just as likely to frustrate you due to how poorly it conveys its information to you.
Front Mission 2: Remake	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C-
tl;dr Front Mission 2: Remake is a remake of a classic mech-focused Turn-Based Strategy-RPG with loads of customization, and a nice presentation, but this remake doesn’t seem nearly as extensive as what the first game received, and the lack of content, interface issues, and steep difficulty curve compared to the first game make this a pretty disappointing follow-up. Series fans may want to check this out, but everyone else is better off going with another game in the genre.
God Wars: The Complete Legend	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C-
tl;dr God Wars is a Strategy-RPG in the same style of Final Fantasy Tactics with a highly melodramatic story about a woman doomed to be sacrificed to a volcano to appease the gods. Unfortunately, this serious story clashes with the game’s terrible localization, and the game is troubled by numerous other problems, such as clunky menus and sluggish gameplay. Only the most die-hard Strategy-RPG fans should bother with this one.
Magic Scroll Tactics	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C-
tl;dr Magic Scroll Tactics is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG where the gameplay takes place from a side-scrolling perspective. Unfortunately, this perspective combines with poor level design to result in characters piling up and bottleneck in the game’s levels, making the simple act of moving your party needlessly frustrating and tedious. Fans of the genre may find some enjoyment here, but most are better off skipping it.
Steam Tactics	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C-
tl;dr Steam Tactics is a Strategy-RPG about anthropomorphic animals fighting sky battles with airships. Unfortunately, the smaller scale of battles makes this game feel too simple, and the poor way information is conveyed makes it feel indiscernible. The result is a game that gets too much wrong for a genre that’s so packed on the Switch.
The Warlock of Firetop Mountain	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C-
tl;dr The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is a Strategy-RPG designed to look like a tabletop RPG. While the game nails the presentation, the story is just a random combination of generic D&D elements, and both the battle system and game progression are exercises in frustration.
Galaxy Squad	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Roguelike	D+
tl;dr Galaxy Squad is a game that combines XCOM-style Strategy-RPG gameplay with Roguelike elements as players guide their spacefaring party through the galaxy while balancing the needs of their ship and crew. There are some interesting ideas here, but the game is absolutely ruined by a wealth of clunky interface problems and a horrible lack of polish. Skip this one.
Mercenaries Saga Chronicles	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	D+
tl;dr Mercenaries Saga Chronicles takes the strategy-RPG gameplay of a game like Final Fantasy Tactics, strips out much of its complexity, gives it terribly dated graphics, mediocre music and story, and then plops it onto the Switch, where there are countless other better games in the same genre. Die-hard fans of the genre may enjoy this, but only once they’ve tired of everything else.
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	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.

Strategy (General)

Game	Genre	Grade
Pikmin 3 Deluxe	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an outstanding and unique spin on the Real-Time Strategy genre that puts the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than strategic combat, and this version of the game adds a slew of new features, including multiple good control options, and more extensive co-op play that I would argue is the absolute highlight of the game. Unless you played the original version of this game on Wii U and have zero interest in the new co-op play, consider this a game that you absolutely should not miss.
Pikmin 4	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Pikmin 4 is the long-awaited (10 years!) fourth mainline entry in Nintendo’s unique series of Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG hybrid games that have you controlling an insect-sized space explorer commanding an army of ant-plant creatures. This sequel massively improves on prior entries in the series in numerous areas that both open up the game and make it more accessible, and it is visually-gorgeous as well. It’s just a shame that a few of the changes here add in some unfortunate flaws as well, and the lack of a full campaign co-op mode is a disappointing step backwards in a game that is otherwise all massive steps forward for the series. While it falls just short of Pikmin perfection, this is nevertheless an outstanding game, and one I highly recommend to all Nintendo Switch owners.
Wargroove	Turn-Based Strategy	A
tl;dr Wargroove is a Turn-Based Strategy game that is a damn near perfect spiritual successor to Advance Wars. This game is absolutely loaded with features, and should be considered a must-have for any fan of strategy games.
Wargroove 2	Turn-Based Strategy	A
tl;dr Wargroove 2 is a Turn-Based Strategy game which, like the previous Wargroove, clearly takes its inspiration from Nintendo’s Advance Wars series, albeit with a medieval fantasy setting and a wealth of features and improvements over what Nintendo has on offer. This sequel makes multiple small improvements, such as a new Roguelike-esque Conquest mode, but mostly this is more of the same sublime Turn-Based Strategy gameplay we saw in the first game. And in improving on one of the best games in the genre, Wargroove 2 has arguably become the new king of the genre on Nintendo Switch. Plus, with the game costing only $20, Strategy fans will absolutely want to get their hands on this game.
Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy	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.
Faeria	Collectable Card Game / Turn-Based Strategy	A-
tl;dr Faeria combines the Collectable Card Game and Turn-Based Strategy genres in a truly delightful way that makes for a wide variety of wonderful strategic possibilities. The pacing can be a tad slow and tiny text doesn’t work well in handheld mode, but overall this is a fantastic combination of the two genres with plenty of content to explore. Definitely worth a look for anyone who enjoys both genres.
Tiny Metal	Turn-Based Strategy	A-
tl;dr Tiny Metal is a Turn-Based Strategy game that attempts to show us what the Advance Wars series would look like if it was done using more modern graphics, and it succeeds brilliantly. It’s just a shame that it’s a bit feature-poor in comparison to the legacy it’s taking after. Also, be sure to mess with the settings before you start, as the default settings can cause issues.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim	Graphic Adventure / Strategy	B+
tl;dr 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a game that combines elements of Graphic Adventure and Visual Novel games with Real-Time Strategy and Strategy-RPG games, all within an absolutely bonkers story about a group of Japanese high schoolers involved in a mecha battle with invading kaiju. The story and presentation are the star of the show here, with so many outstanding twists and turns that you’ll be anxious to see what just happens next. The Strategy gameplay, on the other hand, is good, but it interrupts the flow of the game, and it can be frustrating when you have to fight some kaiju when you’d really rather be finding out more about what’s going on. While this may be frustrating, it’s definitely worth it to give this game a try – there’s nothing else like it, and it’s a wild ride despite its frustrations.
Pikmin 2	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	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.
Wargroove + Wargroove 2 Bundle	Compilation / Turn-Based Strategy	B+
tl;dr Wargroove + Wargroove 2 Bundle is a Compilation of the two named Turn-Based Strategy games that play much like Nintendo’s Advance Wars series. The games are outstanding, but this bundle isn’t an especially good deal. In fact, you’re better off waiting until the individual games go on sale and buying them then.
Gnosia	Visual Novel / Strategy	B
tl;dr Gnosia is a Visual Novel that incorporates elements of social deduction-style Strategy games like Mafia/Werewolf/Among Us. The combination of the two types of gameplay isn’t perfect – the dialogue in the parts of the story where players discuss and vote out intruders feels awkward and stilted, and the gameplay lacks multiplayer and doesn’t properly convey to players the impact of the RPG elements at play. However, despite these flaws, this is still a unique and interesting implementation of this style of gameplay, and the overarching story is made more interesting by the inclusion of a Groundhog Day-style gameplay loop that provides an intriguing overarching story across multiple gameplay sessions. Players who are enticed by this game’s unique combination of gameplay styles should find it worthwhile to check this out.
Knightica	Roguelike / Strategy / Puzzle	B
tl;dr Knightica is a game that combines Roguelike, Strategy, and Puzzle elements as players gradually buy and assemble their ideal synergistic army to face off against increasingly challenging demonic hordes. The Roguelike elements here are truly satisfying, and finding a good combo is exactly the sort of thrill you look for in the best Roguelikes. Unfortunately, the chaotic nature of battles detracts somewhat from the strategy. However, even with this flaw, this is absolutely a game that fans of Roguelike genre-mashups will want to check out.
Patapon 1+2 Replay	Compilation / Music-Rhythm / Real-Time Strategy	B
tl;dr Patapon 1+2 Replay is a solid remaster of two classic PlayStation Portable games that blend Music-Rhythm gameplay with Real-Time Strategy and some RPG elements. While both the games and the collection have their issues, this is overall well worth a look both for those who’ve never played these games and for those looking to replay them again, and the Nintendo Switch version even has exclusive local wireless multiplayer. Overall this is a good Compilation worth checking out.
Pikmin 1	Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	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.
Pikmin 1 + 2 Bundle	Compilation / Real-Time Strategy / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Pikmin 1 + 2 Bundle is a compilation of ports of the first and second games 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. These ports have some very minor improvements that make this the definitive version of these games, but overall they’re both bare-bones ports. And while this package’s $50 price tag does save you $10 over the price of buying both games separately, it still feels overpriced considering how little effort was made to modernize these games. Make no mistake, the first two Pikmin games are still wonderful, but they deserved a better modern release than this, or at least a cheaper one.
Worms W.M.D.	Strategy / Party Game	B
tl;dr Worms W.M.D. brings a slew of new features to the series, but for the most part this is more of the same classic multiplayer-focused Strategy gameplay that the series has been known for. Just be warned if you’re getting this in digital format – this game is an absurd 4.9GB big.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock	Turn-Based Strategy	B-
tl;dr Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a Turn-Based Strategy game that focuses on that franchise’s first Cylon war. This game has a really clever approach to the Strategy genre, and an excellent presentation, but it’s also complex in a way that makes it less accessible, and confusing menus and frustrating controls don’t help matters. Still, if you enjoy deep Strategy games, this is absolutely worth checking out, regardless of whether or not you’ve watched the TV shows the game is based on.
Crying Suns	Real-Time Strategy / Roguelike	B-
tl;dr Crying Suns is a game that combines Real-Time Strategy and Roguelike, putting you in the role of a cloned admiral awakened to bring his galactic empire back from the brink of a mysterious calamity. The pacing here is pretty slow, the controls are awkward, the Strategy elements are a bit simple and the Roguelike elements are marred by the pacing, but despite these issues, this is still a pretty solid game that overall makes good use of its Strategy and Roguelike elements to craft a worthwhile experience for fans of those genres.
Dots 8	Board Game / Strategy	B-
tl;dr Dots 8 is a family-friendly Board Game with Strategy elements with rules that are almost exactly like the classic game Go. There are some surprisingly good multiplayer options here, including 8-player pass-and-play gameplay sharing one controller or even just the touchscreen, however the game does not have computer-controlled opponents so there’s no single-player mode to speak of. Also, while the simple, relaxing presentation is nice, the competitive nature of this game feels like it would be better-suited to something more lively. Overall though, for its low price, this is a solid simple game to play in local multiplayer.
Fantasy General II: Invasion	Turn-Based Strategy	B-
tl;dr Fantasy General II is a Turn-Based Strategy game that has you commanding viking-like troops in a medieval fantasy setting on a hex-based grid. The gameplay here is solid, with some interesting mechanics and a good presentation. It could do with some multiplayer options, and the text is a bit small for the Nintendo Switch, but those issues aside, overall this is a solid entry in the genre.
Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness	Action / Strategy	B-
tl;dr Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness is a game that combines Action and Strategy elements as players protect a princess in a mobile castle as it travels on rails to bash into an enemy stronghold. It’s a fairly unique and enjoyable game, but it’s nowhere near as good as its Nintendo 3DS predecessor.
Hero’s Hour	Strategy / RPG	B-
tl;dr Hero’s Hour is a game that combines Turn-Based Strategy, Real-Time Strategy, and RPG elements, with players guiding armies to gather resources and build up their kingdom to compete with other kingdoms. This game has a multitude of problems, from its progression and pacing issues, control and interface issues, and its odd hands-off battles, yet for all of its many frustrations, this is nevertheless a compelling and enjoyable experience, and Strategy fans with the patience for long game sessions will likely find this to be worth a look.
Jelly Troops	Real-Time Strategy	B-
tl;dr Jelly Troops is a family-friendly Real-Time Strategy game that plays a bit like a competitive version of Pikmin where players take the role of wizards commanding an army of slimes. The gameplay here is fairly-balanced and accessible, making for a pretty enjoyable Strategy game… if you can find an opponent. Unfortunately, empty online lobbies and a depressing lack of content and options makes this a hard sell unless you have a friend to play it with. If so, you might find this worth a look, but don’t expect to play it for very long before that lack of content has you looking to another game for variety.
Space War Arena	Strategy	B-
tl;dr Space War Arena is a strategy game where players command one of a pair of dueling space stations commanding an armada of ships to attack and defend against the other. It’s a great concept with a really original approach to the genre, but unfortunately players are limited by some frustrating design decisions that limit their strategic options.
Volta-X	RPG / Real-Time Strategy / Roguelike	B-
tl;dr Volta-X is a game that has you managing a team controlling a mech in a one-on-one battle, with gameplay that combines elements of RPGs and Real-Time Strategy games, with base building and Roguelike elements as well. The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, and will not appeal to everyone. However, if you are good at multitasking and enjoy a challenge, you may find this game to be refreshingly original and well worth a look.
Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG / Turn-Based Strategy	C+
tl;dr Brigandine is a game that combines Turn-Based Strategy and Strategy-RPG elements, and while the game has deep gameplay and an epic soundtrack, the amount of information players are expected to absorb and manage here feels like something most players will be overwhelmed by. If complex systems of statistics are your jam, you may love this game… but most players, even fans of these genres, will likely want to give it a pass.
Crush Your Enemies!	Real-Time Strategy	C+
tl;dr Crush Your Enemies! is a simple Real-Time Strategy game where players command a horde of conquering barbarians. This is a basic but satisfying take on the Real-Time Strategy genre, and one with a pretty good presentation. Unfortunately, this game’s better qualities are hard to appreciate when the gamepad controls are so terrible. At the very least, the touchscreen controls in handheld mode are pretty good, so you may find this game worth playing that way. Otherwise, skip this raiding party.
Mecho Wars: Desert Ashes	Turn-Based Strategy	C+
tl;dr Mecho Wars is a Turn-Based Strategy game in the same vein as Advance Wars. However, it’s set apart by its bizarre, grotesque art style that unfortunately clashes with the tone and elements of the presentation of the rest of the game. If this game’s art appeals to you, you may find yourself enjoying its gameplay, which is decent. Otherwise, there are better options for you on the Switch.
Northgard	Real-Time Strategy	C+
tl;dr Northgard is a Real-Time Strategy game about vikings exploring a new land while warring with competing tribes. This game has a good variety of options and decent core gameplay, but it’s more complex than it initially appears, and does a terrible job conveying vital information to the player. This game is also poorly optimized for Nintendo Switch. If you’re a fan of the genre, you may find this game to be enjoyable, but definitely consult a wiki guide before you start playing.
Reverse Crawl	Turn-Based Strategy	C+
tl;dr Reverse Crawl is a Turn-Based Strategy game where you play a murdered king commanding a legion of undead to get revenge on the enemy who killed you. It has a nice whimsical plot, but the gameplay is not very compelling, with multiple design decisions that limit how strategic the player’s choices are. It’s okay, but not great.
112 Operator	Simulation / Strategy	C
tl;dr 112 Operator is the sequel to 911 Operator, and plays in a similar fashion, mixing Simulation and Strategy elements as players direct a region’s police, fire, and medical first responders and manage resources as well. Unfortunately, this game not only doesn’t fix the first game’s problems, it actually makes them worse, and it also loses much of that game’s good qualities too. And the Nintendo Switch version of the game lacks content from the PC version as well. Despite the core gameplay here still being compelling, that’s far too many flaws to ignore, and I suggest you just skip this one.
Braveland Trilogy	Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr Braveland Trilogy is a Turn-Based Strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world and played on a hex-based grid. It isn’t actually a trilogy but instead three different “chapters” with the same boring, mindless gameplay and forgettable presentation. There’s nothing here especially noteworthy.
CastleStorm II	Tower Defense / Arcade / Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr CastleStorm II builds on the combination of side-scrolling Tower Defense and Arcade-style gameplay of its predecessor while adding a greater Turn-Based Strategy element. Unfortunately, this pull toward Turn-Based Strategy ruins much of the elegant simplicity of the first game, and the game is overall more rough, more poorly optimized for Nintendo Switch, and just overall a worse game than its predecessor. Just stick with the first CastleStorm.
Door Kickers	Strategy	C
tl;dr Door Kickers is a Strategy game where players direct members of a SWAT team to clear out a building full of hostile enemies. While the concept is good, the execution is poor, with multiple issues limiting the strength of the game’s central strategic elements, along with clunky controls. There are better options on Nintendo Switch if you want a game where you’re strategically moving units to take on hostile forces.
Sega Ages Herzog Zwei	Real-Time Strategy	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.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI	Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr Civilization VI is a Turn-Based Strategy game that has players building up their empire to meet one of multiple win conditions before their opponents do. There’s a great presentation and a lot of impressively complex game systems here, but the gameplay is virtually guaranteed to confuse the heck out of anyone who isn’t already indoctrinated into the series. If you love the Civilization, you probably already have this and don’t need a review. If not, I highly recommend you stick with other strategy games – they’re far easier to get into.
Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition	Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr Skulls of the Shogun is a Turn-Based Strategy game that has you taking the role of a feudal Japanese warlord gathering troops to take over the afterlife, with the Switch version including all DLC from previous releases. This game does a few fairly unique things for the genre, but multiple design choices make it a messy, frustrating affair where it’s too difficult to see what’s going on. Genre fans may find this worthwhile, but most are better off skipping it.
Constructor Plus	Real-Time Strategy / Management Sim	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.
Grit and Valor – 1949	Real-Time Strategy / Roguelike	C-
tl;dr Grit and Valor is a blend of Real-Time Strategy and Roguelike set in an alternate-history version of World War II with mechs. There are some creative ideas here, but faulty controls and at-times poor game design cause far too many problems for this to be enjoyable.
Infectra	Puzzle / Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Infectra is a Puzzle game with Real-Time Strategy elements that has you evacuating people during an epidemic. Unfortunately, nothing here is especially compelling – the presentation is dull, the satire misses the mark, and the gameplay is too limited to be all that interesting. No matter what you’re looking for in this game, you’ll likely find something elsewhere that better satisfies what you want.
KnightOut	Action-Platformer / Strategy	C-
tl;dr KnightOut is a game that combines Action-Platformer and Strategy elements as players alternate between building up castle defenses and then manning those defenses to fend off enemies or take down an opposing castle. The core premise here is great, but everything about this game is sloppy, poorly-executed, and unpolished, resulting in gameplay that’s frustrating more often than it is fun.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Bundle	Turn-Based Strategy	C-
tl;dr Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV is a Turn-Based Strategy game set in China’s Han dynasty, where players try to guide a province to victory. This game is incredibly deep and detailed, but that detail is so involved that only a small fraction of Strategy game players will be able to fully appreciate it. To make matters worse, this game’s performance on Nintendo Switch is terrible, the text is a pain to read in handheld mode, and players still interested in the game only have the choice to shell out $70 for this “bundle” (well, or an even pricier $100 bundle) rather than just buying the base game on its own. In the end, I am positive that some diehard Strategy game fans will absolutely love this release, but most are better off skipping it.
Rover Wars	Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Rover Wars is a Real-Time Strategy game that boils the genre down to basics, having players moving a robotic rover unit to attack enemies and construct automatic drone-producing towers. Unfortunately, the game’s systems are not adequately explained to the player, the visuals make it difficult to parse information, and the gameplay is too messy and frenetic to feel all that strategic. There’s still some value in this game as a brainless multiplayer throwdown, but Strategy fans will be disappointed.
Sea Salt	Top-Down Action / Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Sea Salt is a game that combines elements of Top-Down Action and Real-Time Strategy as you control a horde of sea creatures wreaking havoc on humanity at the behest of an angry sea deity. Unfortunately, this game doesn’t work as an Action game or a Strategy game, as your command over the horde is so imprecise that you ultimately just end up frustrated at your lack of control. While this is a unique game with interesting ideas, it’s not ultimately a game I can recommend.
Space Raiders in Space	Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Space Raiders in Space is a Real-Time Strategy game that plays like a Tower Defense game without towers. Players command a small group of characters fighting off a horde of angry aliens, and this game’s unique approach to the genre and great presentation both make this really appealing… until you get your hands on the terrible controls, which will fight you every step of the way. Without this problem, this would be a fantastic and original Strategy game. As-is, it’s still something Strategy fans may want to play, but only if they can be patient with the sort of flaws this game has.
Despot’s Game	Strategy / Roguelike	D+
tl;dr Despot’s Game is a game that combines Roguelike and Strategy elements in a setting where players command a horde of humans being put through a mazelike gauntlet of enemies by an evil AI. There are some really original ideas here, but the complete lack of control in battles and the many ways the game sabotages your ability to make strategic choices really hurts this game. Even worse, the control interface on Nintendo Switch is absolutely disastrous. While I really like some of the ideas this game presents, the game itself is an absolute mess.
Unholy Heights	Strategy / Management Simulation	D+
tl;dr Unholy Heights combines a Management Sim with a Strategy game by having you manage an apartment complex with monsters and then rouse those monsters to fight off invaders. It’s a cute premise, but the game doesn’t give you enough to do in the management part of the game, and makes your units far too unreliable in the strategy part, resulting in a game that’s just frustrating. Skip it.
Operation: Polygon Storm	Real-Time Strategy	D
tl;dr Operation: Polygon Storm is a Real-Time Strategy game where players command troops on a battlefield. Unfortunately, just because you command them doesn’t mean they listen to you, and enemy forces are overwhelming even at the easiest difficulty level. The result is a game that is too frustrating to be enjoyable.
Vazial Saga XX	Turn-Based Strategy	N/A (F)
tl;dr Vazial Saga XX is a Turn-Based Strategy game that does not have an English-language option. It is just menus and menus and menus of Japanese text. As such, for most players in America, this game will be virtually unplayable. Don’t waste your money on it.

MOBA

Game	Genre	Grade
Smite	MOBA	B+
tl;dr Smite is a MOBA that has players taking the role of one of over 100 gods or mythological heroes. The strategic action here is solid, the monetization is pretty fair, and overall this is an excellent game for anyone curious about the genre. At least… as long as you don’t mind looking up some of the finer points of how this game works.
Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra	MOBA	C+
tl;dr Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is a free-to-play MOBA featuring characters from the Dragon Ball franchise, and it’s mostly a good pairing, though unfortunately both inside and outside of battle information is displayed in a confusing manner. However, fans of both the genre and the franchise should find this to be worth a look.
Pokemon Unite	MOBA	C+
tl;dr Pokemon Unite is a MOBA that brings Nintendo’s colorful creatures into the genre. The core gameplay is good, and the presentation is highly polished, but unfortunately the controls are frustrating and the game’s nasty monetization is particularly sleazy and sneaky, with molasses-slow progression after the initial introduction. As fun as the gameplay is, I can’t give the game a glowing recommendation with problems this severe.
Arena of Valor	MOBA	C
tl;dr Arena of Valor is a MOBA that does a good job of converting the game’s mobile touchscreen controls to the Switch, but the game’s technical problems and slow, microtransaction-pushing progression makes this otherwise fun game into a slog.

Tower Defense

Game	Genre	Grade
X-Morph Defense	Tower Defense / Two-Stick Shooter	A
tl;dr X-Morph: Defense mixes the Tower Defense genre with the Two-Stick Shooter to create something even better, with impressively detailed environments and some really inventive gameplay. This game is a blast to play, and while the Switch version is sadly missing some features, it’s still an absolutely wonderful game.
CastleStorm	Tower Defense / Arcade	A-
tl;dr CastleStorm is a side-scrolling Tower Defense game with Arcade-style gameplay elements where players can customize their own castle and then war with opponents in other castles, commanding troops and firing using a ballista to control the battlefield. This is a game that gives players a lot of freedom to make strategic choices, and does a good job making them easy to understand through the game’s campaign. What’s more, this is a fantastic multiplayer game both in co-op and competitive play, local and online (though the online lobbies are empty now), and the Nintendo Switch version is the definitive version of the game, with its excellent touchscreen controls in portable mode. If you enjoy Strategy games and don’t already have this on another platform, you should absolutely give it a try.
PixelJunk Monsters 2	Tower Defense	B+
tl;dr PixelJunk Monsters 2 takes the solid Tower Defense gameplay of the first game and gives it a wonderful graphical makeover. It’s a bit overly difficult and at times it feels like you don’t make as much headway against enemies as you’d like, but it’s a blast to play in co-op, and overall a solid entry in the genre.
The Last Friend	Tower Defense / Arcade Brawler	B+
tl;dr The Last Friend is a colorful, cartoony post-apocalyptic game that combines Plants Vs. Zombies-style lane-based Tower Defense with Arcade Brawler style action, and while it’s not quite on the same level as Plants Vs. Zombies, it’s still a lot of fun, with the Brawler elements bringing both an added layer of strategy and a more frenzied pace. The game is a bit short and lacking in features, but for the $15 price tag, this is a very good doggo.
Aegis Defenders	Action-Platformer / Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Aegis Defenders is a blend of Action-Platformer and Tower Defense that has players running and jumping around a central point they need to defend from enemies, building structures and combining character abilities for new structures. It does a good job of mixing up the way Tower Defense is done, and the co-op here is very good, though the single-player portion could have used better AI, and the platforming sections that start off every level seem a bit superfluous. Overall, this is a solid take on the Tower Defense genre that brings enough unique elements to be worth a look for genre fans.
Prime World: Defenders	Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Prime World: Defenders is a Tower Defense game with a Collectable Card Game mechanic that results in some grinding being a part of the game, for better or worse. In any case, the game looks great and plays pretty well. Fans of Tower Defense games should definitely give it a look.
Steampunk Tower II	Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Steampunk Tower II is a unique take on the Tower Defense genre that has you managing various turrets on one tower under attack. This fairly original take on the genre is joined by some pretty good light base-building elements, and while the game is hampered somewhat by its use of multiple currencies and wait mechanics, these issues don’t mar what is otherwise a good, original entry in the genre.
Swords & Soldiers II: Schawarmageddon	Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Swords & Soldiers II, like the first game, is a side-scrolling Tower Defense game that has you managing resources, commissioning troops, and competing with an opposing army. However, this time around, the game improves on its predecessor in virtually every way, addressing most (but not all) of the issues I had with the first game and adding a wealth of extra features. While there’s still room for improvement here, overall this is a solid Tower Defense game well worth playing.
No Heroes Here	Platformer / Tower Defense / Party Game	B-
tl;dr No Heroes Here is a Platformer Tower Defense game with strong Party Game elements with a focus on co-op as you and your friends work to defend a castle by crafting the ammunition needed to supply the cannons defending the structure. The co-op play here is solid, but the single-player play really leaves something to be desired. So long as it’s the co-op you’re looking for, I think you’ll be satisfied.
Rock of Ages II: Bigger and Boulder	Tower Defense / Arcade	B-
tl;dr Rock of Ages II combines the Tower Defense genre with an Arcade-y ball-rolling game into a unique, wonderful, silly formula that’s a blast to play. Unfortunately, the Switch version of the game is missing local multiplayer and looks terrible in handheld mode. This is a middling port of an otherwise very good game.
Zombo Buster Advance	Tower Defense	B-
tl;dr Zombo Buster Advance ditches the Arcade-style gameplay of the predecessor and places the focus squarely on lane-based Tower Defense. This is a pretty good take on the genre, if a bit slow-paced and lacking in anything truly unique or groundbreaking. I believe fans of this style of game will find it well worth the low $4 price tag.
Kingdom: New Lands	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Kingdom: New Lands is the second game in this side-scrolling Tower Defense series, and the first on the Switch. While it has some nice pixel art visuals and some strong core gameplay, this game is plagued with all sorts of frustrations that make it feel like a thankless chore. The result is something only the most patient players will enjoy.
Kingdom: Two Crowns	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Kingdom: Two Crowns is the third game in this side-scrolling Tower Defense series, and the second on the Switch. While it has some nice pixel art visuals and some strong core gameplay, and while added content and features make this the best game yet in the series, this game is still plagued with all sorts of frustrations that make it feel like a thankless chore. The result is something only the most patient players will enjoy.
McDroid	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr McDroid is a Tower Defense game where players move around a droid and install emplacements to fend off giant invading insect enemies. This game has a good presentation and some clever ideas it brings to the genre, but the act of actually gunning down enemies is so tedious and frustrating that it saps much of the fun out of the game. Only fans of Tower Defense games should bother with this.
Monster Outbreak	Tower Defense / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Monster Outbreak is a game that combines Tower Defense and Action-RPG elements with players defending against waves of enemies by gathering resources and building defensive installations. There are some really clever and unique ideas here, but this game ultimately fails to reach its potential due to multiple issues with its combat and presentation.
Otherwar	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Otherwar is a challenging Tower Defense game with 2-Stick Shooter and Bullet Hell elements where you take the role of an angel defending the gates of heaven from a horde of hell spawn. The added elements here are promising, but ultimately underwhelm, leaving this game as an overly-tough Tower Defense game that seems to fall short of its potential.
OTTTD: Over The Top Tower Defense	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr OTTTD is a Tower Defense game with a satirical presentation straight out of Starship Troopers, and hero units you can level up and move around the map is a great addition to the genre. Unfortunately, the game suffers from interface and presentation problems that make it far more frustrating to play than it should be. It’s still worth a look for fans of the genre, though.
Pixel Gladiator	Action-Platformer / Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Pixel Gladiator is a combination Action-Platformer and Tower Defense game that has you shooting monsters while defending your base. Unfortunately, poor controls, a lack of content, and some disappointing gameplay decisions squander this game’s potential. It still has fun moments, but it’s not nearly as good as it could have been.
Swords & Soldiers	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling Tower Defense game that has you managing resources, commissioning troops, and competing with an opposing army. While there’s some good variety here, and good support of the Nintendo Switch’s features, multiple design choices limit the strategic potential of the game and make battles far messier than they need to be. Not bad, but there are better options out there.
Tower Defense Bundle	Compilation / Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Tower Defense Bundle is a Compilation of Fantasy Tower Defense and Royal Tower Defense, two of the blandest Tower Defense games I’ve ever played, in a bundle that’s actually ripping you off unless you get it during a sale. Even then, I think you may be better off saving your money for an actually good Tower Defense game instead.
CastleStorm II	Tower Defense / Arcade / Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr CastleStorm II builds on the combination of side-scrolling Tower Defense and Arcade-style gameplay of its predecessor while adding a greater Turn-Based Strategy element. Unfortunately, this pull toward Turn-Based Strategy ruins much of the elegant simplicity of the first game, and the game is overall more rough, more poorly optimized for Nintendo Switch, and just overall a worse game than its predecessor. Just stick with the first CastleStorm.
D-Corp	Tower Defense / Party Game	C
tl;dr D-Corp is a game that combines Tower Defense and Party Game elements, and it would be a decent meshing of the two genres if the game’s visuals didn’t make it far too difficult to discern important gameplay elements. As a result, there is some fun to be had here, but overall you’re better off sticking with other entries in the genre.
Duke of Defense	Tower Defense	C
tl;dr Duke of Defense is a Tower Defense game that’s fairly standard, and plays somewhat similarly to the Pixeljunk Monsters series. And given that Pixeljunk Monsters 2 is the same price as this, and is a much better game… if you’re looking for a Tower Defense game on Switch, there’s not any good reason I can think of to get this game instead of that one.
Fantasy Tower Defense	Tower Defense	C
tl;dr Fantasy Tower Defense is quite possibly the most generic, bland, forgettable Tower Defense game I’ve ever played. There’s nothing truly bad here, but there’s nothing great either.
Hypercharge Unboxed	First-Person Shooter / Tower Defense	C
tl;dr Hypercharge Unboxed is a First-Person Shooter with Tower Defense elements that has you as a toy defending various toy-appropriate locales from an invading army of other toys. The idea here is fantastic, but it’s brought down by sub-par First-Person Shooter gameplay and sub-par Tower Defense elements, making for a game that isn’t very fun to play.
Rock of Ages III: Make & Break	Tower Defense / Arcade	C
tl;dr Rock of Ages III takes the series’ combination of Tower Defense and ball-rolling Arcade-style gameplay and adds in a healthy amount of variety and a level builder, giving this game so much potential to be the absolute best in its series… potential that is completely destroyed by this game’s terrible freezing problems. As a result, I cannot in good conscience recommend this game, despite how fun it is when it works… because far too often, it doesn’t.
Royal Tower Defense	Tower Defense	C
tl;dr Royal Tower Defense is the follow-up to Fantasy Tower Defense, and while there are some small improvements made throughout the game, this is still a pretty bland and generic Tower Defense game, and you’re still better off spending your money on one of the many better entries in the genre.
Dead Ground	Tower Defense / Two-Stick Shooter / Roguelike	C-
tl;dr Dead Ground is a game that combines Tower Defense, Two-Stick Shooter, and Roguelike elements, a pairing that works well in theory, but in practice simply can’t get past the fact that this game fails in the execution of every single element of the game. I commend the game for having some great ideas, but unfortunately those are ideas it just doesn’t get to work properly.
Defentron	Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr Defentron is a Tower Defense game that’s painfully generic. It’s not bad, but it does nothing especially well or out of the norm for the genre. And with a $10 price tag, you’re better off spending just a little bit more to get a great game in the genre, rather than wasting your money on a mediocre game like this.
Gunhouse	Falling Block Puzzle / Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr Gunhouse is a game that combines Falling Block Puzzle and Tower Defense elements, but the result is a chaotic mess where you’re constantly being pushed to do things that are non-intuitive. It’s an interesting experiment in gameplay, to be sure. It’s just not an experiment that works.
Heroic Pirates	Strategy	C-
tl;dr Heroic Pirates is a Strategy Game that plays a lot like a lane-based Tower Defense game, minus the towers, with players instead placing pirates who march off toward the enemy and then either die or go off-screen. This disposability of everything you place makes it so the gameplay doesn’t feel especially nuanced or interesting because there’s nothing here to build on. Do yourself a favor and get another Tower Defense game instead of this.
Invasion of Alien X – Earth in Crisis	Shooting Gallery / Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr Invasion of Alien X is a game that combines a Shooting Gallery-style game with a Tower Defense, in a way that’s absolutely full of originality, and bursting with personality… but is also unfortunately poorly-executed, with the limited perspective making for too much confusion, and the mix of genres resulting in neither being done especially well. This game might make for an interesting study case, but it’s not a fun game to play.
Kingdom Majestic	Compilation / Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr Kingdom Majestic is a Compilation of Kingdom: New Lands and Kingdom: Two Crowns, the second and third games in the Kingdoms series of 2D side-scrolling Tower Defense games. I found both of these games to be frustrating and niche in their design, and this bundle is only a moderate savings on buying the games separately, despite coming two years after better versions of this bundle on PlayStation and Xbox platforms. All told, even fans of this series would have to admit this package is disappointing.
M.A.C.E. Tower Defense	Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr M.A.C.E. Tower Defense is a cheap Tower Defense game that feels cheap. It plays fine, but there’s nothing really special going on here, and in many places this game looks and feels very amateurish. If you only have four bucks, it’s fine, but if you can afford to spend more there are plenty of better options.
Bugvasion TD	Tower Defense	D+
tl;dr Bugvasion TD is a Tower Defense game where players set up towers to defend against invading bugs. There are some decent ideas here, but the gameplay is ruined by terrible, clunky, and sometimes unresponsive controls, paired with cursor design that makes it extremely difficult to tell what you’re selecting. Don’t waste your time on this game.
Defend Your Castle	Tower Defense / Arcade	D+
tl;dr Defend Your Castle is an Arcade-style Tower Defense game that started out as a Flash web browser game, with players tasked with flicking enemy stickmen into the sky to get rid of them. Unfortunately, this game being playable only in handheld mode, missing multiplayer and motion controls from the earlier WiiWare release, and the core gameplay being repetitive and shallow, all add up to a game that just isn’t worth getting on Nintendo Switch, even if the touchscreen controls are the best way to play this.
Planetary Defense Force	Tower Defense / Two-Stick Shooter	D+
tl;dr Planetary Defense Force mixes the Tower Defense genre with the 2-Stick Shooter, having players defend a spherical planet from an alien invasion. Unfortunately, the spherical map makes it difficult to keep track of what’s going on, the game doesn’t do a good job of indicating important information the player needs, and the individual elements themselves are not very satisfying. The result is a frustrating game that’s not worth playing.
BeeFense BeeMastered	Tower Defense	D-
tl;dr BeeFense is a Tower Defense game where players control bees collecting pollen and fending off invading insects, and while there are some clever gameplay mechanics and a decent presentation, none of that matters when the loading times are so ridiculously bad, the game’s pacing is terrible, and the game does a poor job outlining its directions to the player. The result is an excruciating entry in the genre that is absolutely not worth your time.
Faith & Shield: Tower Defense Space Wars Game 2022	Tower Defense	F
tl;dr Faith & Shield is at least nominally a futuristic Tower Defense game, but it is completely unplayable, with no apparent ability to build said towers or interact with the game in any meaningful way. Stay far away from this one.

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