We've made it through spoopy season, folks, so now it's time to feast on some great Nintendo Switch releases!
The Legend of Tianding – November 1
Between an awesome comic book art style and a story based in Taiwanese folklore, this side-scrolling beat 'em up looks like a lot of fun!
– TroytlePower
World War Z – November 2
I want to be excited about this game, but… I got it free on PC at some point and never played it and also it's launching just after Halloween and also Back 4 Blood is already out, so… I just can't get too excited, but I'm sure plenty of folks will love a zombie shooter on the go!
– TroytlePower
Unpacking – November 2
I've been looking forward to this one ever since it showed up at Steam festivals! Unpacking is as simple a game as it looks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Arranging and rearranging the game's decor is a cathartic way to while the hours, and acts as a sly way to inject a sense of storytelling into a puzzle game. It's quaint, but in a way that truly benefits from its small scope.
– Data_Error
Bloodshore – November 3
I can't figure out exactly what the gameplay in an FMV game that looks like it's inspired by The Hunger Games will actually be like, but the trailer looks like a dumb action movie I'd love to watch, so… I think I'm in?
– TroytlePower
Demon Turf – November 4
I was sold on this game when I saw its art style, which beautifully mixes 2D and 3D art, and then I realized it was a 3D platformer and I became even more sold!
– TroytlePower
Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R – November 5
Okay, hear me out. There's this Netflix animated Fast & Furious show that's about kids in a spy organization with super-powered cars that kind of rules, and this is a game based on it. It will absolutely be ridiculous, and hopefully a lot of fun!
– TroytlePower
Blue Reflection: Second Light – November 9
I admittedly had mixed feelings about the first game in this series. But after early impressions and interviews with the designers, all signs point to Second Light improving on the first game's strengths while casting off its worse aspects. Hopefully that holds true, because I'd love to dive into such a gorgeous JRPG. Plus, who wouldn't want to live the life of a Magical Girl?
– Data_Error
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition – November 11
We still don't know how well these games will run on the Switch, but these three were extremely formative for young Troytle so… I'm probably getting them on day 1!
– TroytlePower
The Wild at Heart – November 16
We played The Wild at Heart earlier this year, and were wowed by its distinct sense of atmosphere. You can read our thoughts at length in our previous article, but suffice it to say, we're happy that more people will get a chance to experience this award-winning indie darling.
– Data_Error
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – November 19
Here we go again. After my disappointment with Sword and Shield (let’s just leave it at that), I swore off the Pokémon franchise forever. However, I included one caveat: should Game Freak turn over the reins to a developer with some fresh ideas, I might give the series another chance. I don’t know if these remakes will innovate in any particularly interesting ways, but I’m squarely in the camp that loves the cutesy art direction that developer ILCA has decided upon. And as much as I hate to admit it to myself, I feel that irresistible itch to ‘catch ‘em all’ returning! While these latest ‘evolutions’ are entirely new adventures for me, having never played the Diamond and Pearl originals, I’m still fully expecting an experience somewhat spoiled by an extremely linear world that discourages exploration, a lackluster plot that discourages reading, Pokémon designs that remain inferior to Gen 1, and RPG combat that is as engaging as being past the age of ten and playing your fifteenth game of tic-tac-toe with a niece or nephew who can barely tie their own shoes. That is, my bar is set incredibly low. Maybe these games will surprise even little old cynical me, and I’ll once again rediscover the Pokémon passion that infused my childhood with boundless enthusiasm. You have one more chance to not let me down, Pokémon!
– Nestor
My second opinion is a bit more positive – maybe it came out at the right time, but the DS line of Pokémon games felt like some of the series' strongest designs. While I'm disheartened to see much of the original's pixel-art charm lost in favor of “cutesy” deformed character models here, what won't be lost is a satisfyingly exploration-forward world with built-in reasons to come back and re-visit areas. These remakes are somewhat of a return to the old form with the benefit of modern convenience, which should help please those who've been away from the series for a while.
– Data_Error
Death's Door – November 23
Death's Door release earlier this year generated a lot of “game of the year” talk, and having it available on more systems is only going to push that further!
– TroytlePower