The hugely popular TV comedy The Office finished its run after eight seasons–taking place over nine years–ending in 2013, but a new young generation of fans will soon be able to enjoy the antics of Michael Scott and his colleagues. There’s one difference however–it isn’t a new show, but a kids book titled The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary.,
The book is written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Melanie Demmer and is aimed at early elementary school-aged children. Instead of working at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Michael is a student at the school of the title, where he studies in Ms. Levinson’s class. He’s got “World’s Best Line Leader” printed on his water bottle and hangs out with his little buddies, who have familiar names likes Jim, Pam, Phyllis, Kevin, Oscar, and Angela.
The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary
According to Mashable, the book is packed with Office references and Easter eggs, meaning that Office-loving parents reading the book to their kids will get plenty out of it too. It won’t be published until October, but it can be pre-ordered here.
The Office is currently available to stream on Netflix, but in 2021 will move to NBC’s upcoming platform Peacock. In addition, it has been reported that NBC is looking to reboot the show. This week, actor John Krasinski, who played Jim, has stated that he would “absolutely love to do” an Office reunion.
February 27 is Pokemon Day, the anniversary of the series’ debut in Japan, and Pokemon Go is kicking off the festivities a little early with a new event. The Pokemon Day celebration is now live in Niantic’s hit mobile game, bringing back party hat-wearing Pokemon, a special Legendary, and more.
Throughout the event, you’ll be able to find party hat-wearing versions of Pikachu and Eevee in the wild. You’ll also be able to hatch party hat Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from 7 km eggs or encounter them in one-star Raids. Moreover, there’s a chance any of these Pokemon could be Shiny.
Those aren’t the only festive monster you’ll be able to encounter during the Pokemon Day event. On Sunday, March 1, Niantic will hold a special Raid Day featuring party hat-wearing versions of Nidorino and Gengar, the two Pokemon that famously battled during Pokemon Red and Green‘s opening movie. From 2-5 PM local time, you’ll be able to encounter the monsters in Raids, and these may likewise be Shiny.
On top of that, Armored Mewtwo has also returned to the game to tie in with the upcoming Netflix release of Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution. The Legendary Pokemon will appear in five-star Raids throughout the event, and this time it’ll know the Psychic-type Charged attack Psystrike.
To go along with Armored Mewtwo, Clone Pokemon have also made their debut in Pokemon Go. You can encounter Clone versions of Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise in four-star Raids, while Clone Pikachu may photobomb any Go Snapshots you take during the event.
The Pokemon Day celebration runs until 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET on March 2. You can read more details about the event on the official Pokemon Go website.
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Raw superstar Samoa Joe is the second WWE wrestler as of late to receive a 30-day suspension for violating the company’s wellness policy. Joe’s suspension began on February 24, hence why he wasn’t on television for that night’s episode of Raw.
WWE revealed the news in a tweet that’s pretty cut and dry about said suspension. There is no more information available. In fact, the announcement on WWE’s website says the exact same thing as the tweet.
WWE has suspended Nuufolau Seanoa (Samoa Joe) for 30 days effective Monday, February 24, for his first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.https://t.co/3PiiutkI32
At the end of January, Andrade was also suspended for his first violation of the company’s wellness policy as well. He is currently the United States Champion, and WWE did not strip him of his title. PW Insider (via Ringside News) reported that Andrade was in Winnepeg recently, speculating that he’ll be travelling to Saudi Arabia to appear on Super Showdown on February 27.
According to insider Hugo Savinovich, if a wrestler doesn’t or can’t show up to a testing facility, they automatically fail. Reportedly, Andrade’s suspension was a complicated matter as he didn’t take the test, so he failed (via Ringside News). The same thing happened recently with Primo Colon, who was in Puerto Rico during his time to get tested, and he couldn’t get to a facility–so he failed–and he was suspended.
As for Samoa Joe’s situation, there’s no information aside from the news WWE released. Joe will not be involved in Super Showdown nor will he be available for the Elimination Chamber PPV on Sunday, March 8. Joe’s suspension will be lifted in time for this year’s Wrestlemania, which takes place in Tampa on Sunday, April 5.
A Mass Effect mash-up pack is coming to Minecraft. Players can take control of 36 unique skins, including iconic Mass Effect characters like Commander Shephard, Liara, Illusive Man, and Garrus. The pack also contains unique locations like the Mars Base Camp, custom-made game textures, Mass Effect-themed menus, and a Mass Effect 3 soundtrack compilation.
Calibrate your engines, krogans and kroganettes, the Mass Effect Mash-up pack is coming to Minecraft! Roam around the Mars Base Camp as Commander Shephard, Liara or 34 other classic characters, and shape the fate of the entire galaxy! ↣ https://t.co/rMxnnEntge ↢ pic.twitter.com/gAuydLIJmR
Longtime Minecraft fans may know that this isn’t the first time a Mass Effect pack has made its appearance in the game. The discontinued legacy console edition received a similar pack back in 2014, but the Bedrock edition has not received it until now. Time will only tell if Minecraft will continue to release past packs from legacy console editions.
Minecraft also recently went through a big update on February 14 called the “Nether Update.” New crafting materials like an ore called Ancient Debris, wood materials, soul soil, and more blocks were added. Additionally, three new biomes–Crimson Forest, Soulsand Valley, and the Warped Forest–opened up for exploration and provide Netherite and new types of vegetation for players.
At the 2020 Toy Fair, new Minecraft figures by Mattel were also revealed, including a Redstone Monstrosity with spring-loaded arms from Minecraft Dungeons. Boost Minis from Minecraft Earth also will be for sale, and they can be scanned for in-game perks. Check out GameSpot’s full coverage of Mattel’s Minecraft toys.
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The third installment in the Jurassic World series of films has officially begun production and to celebrate, we now know what it’ll be called: Jurassic World: Dominion. Filming got underway on February 24, and in a tweet, director Colin Trevorrow revealed this along with the official title of the upcoming film, which will release on June 11, 2021. Check out the day one production shot below.
The photo was taken by Doane Gregory, and Trevorrow explained later that more images would be revealed on his Instagram account in the future. The director has also revealed one of the models for a dino in the upcoming movie, and of course, it’s a baby–because the internet loves babies right now, as long as they aren’t human.
Jake Johnson and Omar Sy will be joining the latest film, both reprising their roles from 2015’s Jurassic World. The reunion doesn’t stop there though. Jurassic Park’s Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum will also be reprising their roles in the latest dinosaur action flick. Having directed Jurassic World, Trevorrow returns to the director’s chair for the third installment after J.A. Bayona helmed Fallen Kingdom.
While there isn’t a lot known about the film, it’s safe to say humans will be running from dinosaurs. However, Trevorrow talked a bit about the upcoming movie a couple years back, and in many ways, it sounds like this series is going back to its roots.
“If I could contextualize each film, I would say Jurassic World was an action adventure, Fallen Kingdom is kind of a horror suspense film, and Jurassic World 3 will be a science thriller in the same way that Jurassic Park was,” Trevorrow said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2018.
One of the best things to come out of the new Jurassic World series is the short film “Battle at Big Rock,” which takes place in the wake of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, where dinosaurs have escaped the park and have made their way into the real world. And they do what dinosaurs do best: attack people. Additionally, a Netflix animated series called Jurassic Park: Camp Cretaceous is headed to the streaming service sometime this year. The show follows a group of teens who are running from dinosaurs, and the series is a Dreamworks/Netflix collaboration, which have also brought you Trollhunters, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
The first expansion of 2020 for the free-to-play, Diablo-style action RPG Path of Exile has been announced, and it sounds like a treat for fans of the game. Path of Exile: Delirium is launching on March 13 for PC before coming to PS4 and Xbox One the week of March 16.
Delirium features areas with a new item called the Mirror of Delirium. Touching the mirror causes your character to enter a state of “delirium” which adds a a creepy mist to the map and other spooky, otherworldly elements that are based on your character’s deepest fears. In short, this mist invades the player’s mind and creates new, more challenging scenarios that adds dynamic difficulty and tougher enemies.
The monsters that appear in Delirium spawn their own demons that are extra powerful, while the regular monsters get buffs that make them even deadlier. Additionally, the effects of the delirium affect every encounter, including bosses, so players should expect an even bigger challenge.
One of the major draws of the Delirium expansion is that it makes Path of Exile even more replayable than it already was. The delirium effects also map to all previous League content, so you can re-visit encounters from a new, more challenging perspective.
For their efforts, players will earn special, randomized rewards that can include things like currency items, map items, armor pieces, and more.
Another major change coming to Path of Exile with the new update is the new “cluster jewels” that can be found in the Delirium league. These jewels can be placed on sockets of your skill tree to create additional passive skill groups that can each contain even more sockets. According to Grinding Gear founder Chris Wilson, this is the biggest change to the level of control and customization you have over your character since Ascendancy classes were added in 2016.
Path of Exile has always been a hardcore game for hardcore players, and the new jewel system ramps this up even further in the area of depth and complexity of character builds. There are millions of possibilities unlocked with the new jewel system, Wilson says, and this will impact the build guides that players can find on YouTube or through a Google search. It will no longer be so easy to find an easy path toward creating the best character. This should help Path of Exile feel fresh and exciting, and more mysterious, Wilson says.
The Delirium mist seen in Path of Exile
The story elements for the Delirium expansion are being kept under wraps so as to preserve the mystery, Wilson tells GameSpot. As for the theme and tone of the expansion, it’s focused on bringing the game back to its roots with a focus on action combat and difficulty. Delirium is a “core, foundational” expansion that will challenge veterans, Wilson says.
The Path of Exile: Delirium expansion is also introducing a series of new skills, the first of which is Blade Blast. As its name suggests, this skill creates a whirling circle of blades that defends the player while also attacking enemies. Another new skill is Kinetic Bolt, which is a wand attack. Players have been asking to live out their Harry Potter fantasies in Path of Exile for a while now, Wilson says, and the new Kinetic Bolt was created in response to that. It’s not strictly a casting skill, however, as the “forking bolt” that shoots out of your staff does elemental and physical damage.
The Delirium expansion includes two more skills and three additional support gems that will be announced later. What’s more, there are new items coming to Path of Exile in the expansion, including “Perfidy,” which is a melee-focused body armor, as well as “Algor Mortis,” which is a set of gloves that can be used with characters that focus on cold/lightning builds.
For lots more on Path of Exile: Delirium, check out this in-depth blog post on the Grinding Gear website. [ADD LINK]
The latest patch for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has gone live, adding a new map and several fixes along with balance tweaks. It’s now available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
The biggest item on the patch list is the new map, Bazaar. Shoot House has been added to a playlist with Shipment and Rust 24/7, and you can also play Rust as 3v3 Snipers. It also adds the earlier promoted Boots on the Ground War variant, using realism rules with no tanks.
Weapon balance has gotten some slight buffs and nerfs. The Crossbow has increased reload speed, the SA87 got reduced recoil, among others. The Under Barrel Shotgun got readjusted in some key ways–increased pellet count, increased shell count, increased range, but reduced rate of fire–so whether that counts as an upgrade or downgrade probably comes down to personal preference.
If you haven’t yet checked in with Modern Warfare and would like to give it a go, it’s included in GameStop’s Tax Refund Sale for $38. Currently the game is in the second season of its battle pass, and rumors have circulated that it’s preparing to launch a battle royale mode. GameSpot’s Modern Warfare review said the new multiplayer modes are great and the campaign “lays a strong foundation for where the Modern Warfare series could go from here.”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Feb 25 Patch Notes
WHAT’S NEW
New map, Bazaar!
Added Shoot House to an existing playlist with Shipment and Rust 24/7 (“Dirty Old House Boat”)
3v3 Snipers on Rust!
Giant Infection!
“Boots on the Ground War” (Realism rules. No tanks.)
GENERAL FIXES:
Fix for a bug where friends who are online in Social Tab were not always appearing at the top of the list
Various map exploit fixes
Fix for some players seeing an incorrect Career Level
More fixes to Regiment tags
Fix for some players encountering an issue where their mouse stopped working after the last title update
Fixed a bug in 3v3 Gunfight that allowed players to shoot through the center structure on King while using the AX-50
Fixed an error that could occur when Hardline was earned in Specialist
Quality of life backend fixes to help the Regiments and Social menus run smoother
Fix for a spawn exploit on Vacant
Fix for White Phosphorous killing all players instantly when in Realism modes
Trials: Fix for the score at the end of “Fire in the Hole” not tallying up properly
Challenges:
Fixed a bug for the “Kills with Enemy Weapon” Karma challenge not tracking properly
Fixed Daily Challenges that require you to get an X number of kills with an enemy weapon
Fix for an objective when completing Golem’s Operator Mission that requested 5 Kills with lethal equipment but was tracking with killstreaks.
“Alliance” Objective 6: Complete any 4 Co-Op Operations has been fixed
“Alliance” Objective 2: Requires 50 Juggernaut kills with Otter as your Coalition Operator. This has been fixed
Weapons:
Fixed a bug where weapons stopped showing level progress 1 level before their max rank, giving the appearance that they are no longer gaining XP
Striker 45: Fixing range and ADS speed to match the description of the 300mm Poly Barrel
Model 680: Slight range increase
Model 680 XRK 30.0 Sport: range increase
Slight Range decrease and ADS increase to the following:
Model 680 – XRK 18.0” Liberator
R9-0 Force TAC Sentry
Origin 12 Forge TAC Precision
Under Barrel Shotguns: increased pellet count, reduced rate of fire, increased shell count to 8, tuned autoswap after ammo is complete, range increase
Crossbow: Increased reload speed
Fixed a bug where the Akimbo Snakeshot .357s did not register damage for both guns when fired on the same frame
Reduced recoil to the SA87 12.4 Factory Barrel
Increased close and mid-range damage for the AK 5.45x39mm round mags
Classic Special Operations: Fix for a graphical bug that could occur on mission “Disinform” while on Xbox
Special Operations: Survival
Piccadilly: Fix for a bug where helicopters could clip through buildings
Adjusted Cluster Strike damage towards enemy helicopters
Fix for a bug where destroying the enemy helicopter/pilot was not awarding money as intended
Special Operations:
Operation Crosswind: Fix for a bug that could prevent players from using the Cruise Missile while having the Thermite Launcher equipped
Operation Crosswind: Fixed an issue where the Juggernauts outside the airport might not pursue players after breaking stealth
Operation Crosswind: Fixed a bug where a player would have infinite ammo and standard weapons if jumping out of the plane with the Juggernaut suit
Call of Duty League:
When CDL Rules are enabled, the Restrictions warning icon will be displayed next to the buttons that contain CDL banned items, even if they are in sub menus. This should make it easier for players to know what parts of their loadouts need to be replaced in order to follow CDL Rules.
Domination: Round timer set to 5 minutes (previously 6)
Search and Destroy: Round timer set to 1 minute 30 seconds (from 2 minutes)
Restricted Thermite, Throwing Knives, and Killstreaks to CDL playlist
CoD Caster: Reintroduced the Data View feature, allowing KBM Codcasters to view player information by pressing the keybind assigned in the Options menu.
PC: Several fixes to prevent crashes and improve stability
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As February comes to a close, Amazon and Twitch have revealed the free games and loot that Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to grab in March. For those unfamiliar with the program, each month Amazon Prime subscribers get five free games–usually smaller indie titles–and in-game loot for popular online multiplayer games. Twitch Prime freebies are perhaps one of the lesser-known perks of Amazon Prime, but if you’re a member, you shouldn’t miss out.
Starting March 2, subscribers will be able to snag Furi, a stellar action shoot-em-up featuring a series of increasingly challenging boss fights. The science fiction aesthetic coupled with the stylish color palette makes for a captivating atmosphere, and the gameplay is fast and fun. You can also grab Epistory – Typing Chronicles, a gorgeous action-adventure set in a world made of origami; Whispers of a Machine, a 2019 point-and-click adventure starring an augmented special agent; Bomber Crew, a World War II strategy game; and Mugsters, a physics-based puzzler filled with aliens.
Along with the free games, you can claim new in-game loot for Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and FIFA 20. Apex Legends’ Revenant has a new Gilded Rose skin that’s up for grabs until March 19. Fans of FIFA 20’s Ultimate Team mode can grab the Twitch Prime Player Pack, which includes an 81+ overall item and four rare gold player items. Destiny 2’s latest batch of in-game loot goes live February 26 and includes new Exotics, including the Praxic Finery Sparrow, Sails of Osiris ship, and Poultry Petting emote.
You can start claiming free games and loot from Twitch Prime by linking your Twitch account to your Amazon Prime account. If you’re not a current Amazon Prime subscriber, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial before taking the plunge on the $119 per year membership. We’ve listed the full Twitch Prime freebies schedule below, and you can learn more at Twitch Prime.
March is just around the corner, which means a new slate of Games with Gold will soon be available. Microsoft has revealed the next batch of free games for Xbox Live Gold members, and as usual, it includes two titles for Xbox One and two for Xbox 360.
Kicking off the month are Telltale’s Batman: The Enemy Within for Xbox One and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 for Xbox 360. The former will be available throughout the entire month, while the latter will be free to download from March 1-15.
Two more free games will be available starting March 16. First is Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, which will be up for grabs until April 15. Joining it is the well-liked Xbox 360 Sonic game, Sonic Generations; you’ll be able to download that until March 31. As usual, both of March’s free Xbox 360 titles are backwards compatible with Xbox One.
An Xbox Live Gold membership costs $10 a month, while an Game Pass Ultimate subscription–which includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold along with access to the Xbox Game Pass library–runs for $15 a month. Microsoft recently confirmed that Halo Infinite will be available on Game Pass for Xbox One and the company’s upcoming Xbox Series X console. If you’re interested in trying the service, you can get three months of Game Pass Ultimate for $25.
March Xbox Games With Gold Lineup
Xbox One
Batman: The Enemy Within (March 1-31)
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (March 16-April 15)
Xbox 360
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (March 1-15)
Sonic Generations (March 16-31)
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The Nintendo Switch continues to win over people’s hearts with every passing year since its launch. After the middling reception of the Wii U, many were concerned about how the company could possibly manage against industry giants like Sony and Microsoft in the increasingly competitive games market. However, Nintendo succeeded against all odds with the Switch’s intuitive and innovative design. Capable of transitioning from a portable to a living room console at will, the promise of the Switch is one that has captured the imaginations of the game playing public.
Alongside the Switch’s release was the universally praised The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, giving it the killer app it needed to quickly rise to the top of console sales charts and dramatically increase Nintendo’s revenue. But in the years since its launch, there has been no shortage of amazing games. We’ve got big first-party games like Mario and Fire Emblem. On the other hand, there are indie darlings like Dead Cells, Celeste, and Stardew Valley.
Another strong aspect of the Switch is its third-party support. You’ve got games like Mortal Kombat 11 and Octopath Traveler. Of course, there’s plenty of ports too, such as Assassin’s Creed III and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Regardless of where you look, the library only seems to be expanding and improving with every consecutive year.
In this feature, we’re taking a look back at the best Switch games so far. This is a hand-picked list pulling from games that have received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot since the Switch’s release. With the console’s library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months.
The Switch already has hundreds of games, so many that some are bound to fly under our radar. The games covered here are only a small handful of the experiences out there. Scroll down to see some of the finest on the hybrid console handheld.
Which games do you think are some of the Switch’s finest? Let us know in the comments below.
Super Mario Odyssey — 10/10
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“Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who’s never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that’s been introduced, Nintendo’s forward-thinking platformer retains the series’ classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is. Mario’s latest outing is big, bold, and bursting with new ideas, and like Breath of the Wild, is another instance of Nintendo going above and beyond to redefine our expectations. It’s a shining example of refined creativity, and another crown jewel for Switch that is without equal.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Splatoon 2 — 8/10
“At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you’re new to the game, it’s a fantastic place to jump in.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
Stardew Valley — 9/10
“The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story–you may just want to start over rather than continue on. You’ll work quite hard to gather enough money for your first horse, so that you can quickly move to the mines to get a mineral to complete a bundle at the community center. It’s all centered around whatever it is you want to accomplish that day. And that’s truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism.” — Mary Kish
Rocket League — 9/10
“For people new to the game, they have a lot to look forward to regardless, as it’s one of the most fascinating sports games in memory. Nevermind if you don’t like soccer or couldn’t care less about the growing esports community. Rocket League is a unique game that redefines the concept of what a sports game can be, and Psyonix continues to support it with new content on a regular basis. It’s been around for a while, but now that it’s on Switch, there’s no better time to give it a shot.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Owlboy — 8/10
“Owlboy is consistently charming and surprising, and when its final act doubles down on every front, it’s bittersweet to see it end. As you relish the outcome of the final battle and watch the closing cutscene, you can’t help but reflect on the beginning of your adventure and how far the world and its inhabitants have come. You’ll never be able to play Owlboy for the first time again, but the memories of its magic moments stick with you. This is more than a treat for fans of old-school games; Owlboy is a heartfelt experience that will touch anyone with an affinity for great art and storytelling.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — 8/10
“For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it’s the version of Mario Kart to get. If you don’t own a Wii U or skipped out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around–or even if you’ve played it before–Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is worth your time. It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original’s lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle — 9/10
“Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It’s a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle’s unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with. Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming.” — Edmond Tran, Senior Editor & Producer
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — 10/10
“No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It’s a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery–which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Golf Story — 8/10
“It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you’ve really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there’s likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear’s RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you’re looking for something that’ll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course.” — Ginny Woo
Celeste — 9/10
“It’s a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I’d been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain.” — Oscar Dayus
Dead Cells — 9/10
“Dead Cells is a fascinating amalgam of several of today’s most popular indie genres. It juggles elements of tough-as-nails action games and Metroid-inspired exploration platformers, with the procedurally generated levels and random item allotments found in roguelikes. It’s impressive how it all comes together without a hitch, especially given that the persistent character growth found in games like Dark Souls or Metroid squarely conflicts with the randomized resets emblematic of Rogue-inspired games.” — Daniel Starkey
Into the Breach — 9/10
“There is so much strategic joy in seeing the potential destruction a swarm of giant monsters is about to unleash on a city, then quickly staging and executing elaborate counter maneuvers to ruin the party. Into The Breach’s focus on foresight makes its turn-based encounters an action-packed, risk-free puzzle, and the remarkable diversity of playstyles afforded by unique units keeps each new run interesting. It’s a pleasure to see what kind of life-threatening predicaments await for you to creatively resolve in every new turn, every new battle, and every new campaign. Into The Breach is a pristine and pragmatic tactical gem with dynamic conflicts that will inspire you to jump back in again, and again, and again.” — Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer
Undertale — 9/10
“Three years after its initial release on PC, Undertale has found its way to the Nintendo Switch–and of course, the game is every bit as charming, challenging, and harrowing as it was the first time around. Undertale may seem like a straightforward retro-style RPG, but it subverts player expectations every chance it gets, which never gets stale because of clever writing and an evocative chiptune soundtrack. Thankfully, it plays just as well as it does on other platforms without any performance hitches or bugs after putting about four hours into this version. Like its console counterparts, you can fill the screen with an adaptive border that thematically fits with the location you’re in (Undertale plays in a 4:3 aspect ratio). Dodging enemy attacks in the bullet hell-style defensive phase in combat works just as well with the Joy-Con analog sticks. Undertale isn’t afraid to break convention, and because it does so in a way that’s thoughtful and humorous throughout, the result is an emotional rollercoaster that fills us with determination.” — Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate — 9/10
“An inconsistent online mode and situational downers don’t stop Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from shining as a flexible multiplayer game that can be as freewheeling or as firm as you want it to be. Its entertaining single-player content helps keep the game rich with interesting things to do, as well as bolstering its spirit of loving homage to the games that have graced Nintendo consoles. Ultimate’s diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb.” — Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee — 8/10
“Despite these concessions, Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are delightful reimaginings of the series’ origins and a deep RPG in their own right. It makes a lot of smart improvements on the original Red, Blue and Yellow while holding on to what made them so special in the first place. Fans of the series might be let down by the lack of features they’ve come to expect, but Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee take the Pokemon formula in some exciting new directions.” — Jake Dekker, Video Producer
Tetris 99 — 8/10
“Tetris 99 may not be a proper battle royale game, but it taps into the same emotional well, where a large number of players vying for supremacy creates an ever-present intensity that’s difficult to shake. Add that layer to a game that’s plenty capable of instilling tension on its own, and you’ve got a riveting experience that even at its worst is still a game very much worth playing. There’s obvious room for improvement, but that’s the last thing on your mind when the pieces start falling and the players start dropping.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Cuphead — 8/10
“Cuphead has been a longtime coming, and it’s great to see that it lives up to its initial promises across all platforms. It’s beautiful to look at, and with a pitch-perfect soundtrack, it flawlessly captures the era its developers so clearly revere. It’s also an intense action game that pulls no punches. It could benefit from a few tweaks, and two-player co-op doesn’t feel like the valuable addition you might imagine, but Cuphead remains a rare, unique game that truly stands out.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Fire Emblem: Three Houses — 9/10
“When all was said and done, all I could think about was starting another playthrough. I was curious about the mysteries left unsolved, of course, but I also hoped to undo my mistakes. There were characters I didn’t talk to enough, students I didn’t recruit, and far more effective ways to train my units. A second playthrough treads familiar ground in the beginning, but after learning and growing so much in the first, it feels fresh, too. That speaks to Three Houses’ mechanical complexity and depth as well as the connections it fosters with its characters–and whether you’re managing inventories or battlefields, it’s the kind of game that’s hard to put down, even when it’s over.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening — 8/10
“Though the remake has a couple of blemishes, it’s still an easy game to recommend. People speak of Link’s Awakening as the secret best Zelda game. That’s a tough call to make, but it’s definitely one of the best. If you haven’t touched a classic Zelda game in a while, Link’s Awakening will almost instantly transport you back to the ’90s. It’s simple, in many ways, but the orchestrated journey still conveys a sense of adventure, and this new version is without question the best way to experience it. And more than anything else, it will put a smile on your face. Remakes are a dime a dozen nowadays and often easy to overlook. Don’t make that mistake with Link’s Awakening.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Untitled Goose Game — 8/10
“The important thing is that Untitled Goose Game is a hoot. It’s a comedy game that focuses on making the act of playing it funny, rather than simply being a game that features jokes. Wishing that it was longer speaks to how much fun I had with it. There’s nothing else quite like Untitled Goose Game; it’s charming and cute despite being mean, and both very silly and very clever. It’s also probably the best non-racing game ever to feature a dedicated “honk” button.” — James O’Connor
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition — 9/10
“Despite some small graphical compromises in 3D mode–rare frame rate stuttering and some occasional pop-in–almost everything in Dragon Quest XI on Switch is an improvement on its original release. If you have been putting off playing this RPG masterpiece, this portable edition is absolutely the way to go–and if you want to revisit it, this version is the perfect excuse to do so.” — Heidi Kemps
Luigi’s Mansion 3 — 8/10
“But while the multiplayer modes may not hold your attention for long, the strength of the Luigi’s Mansion series has always stemmed from the satisfaction of exploring its carefully constructed settings, and in that regard Luigi’s Mansion 3 certainly succeeds. The game may not radically diverge from the series’ formula, but it offers up another meticulously crafted set of challenges to overcome while smoothing out some of the issues that held Dark Moon back, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you clear a particularly head-scratching obstacle is just as potent now as the first time Luigi unwillingly strapped a vacuum to his back and stepped into a haunted mansion.” — Kevin Knezevic, Associate Editor
Pokemon Sword & Shield — 9/10
“In collecting, battling, and exploring, Sword and Shield cut out the bloat and focus on what makes these pillars of the Pokemon games so captivating in the first place. You’re not held back by overly complicated back-end systems or hoops to jump through; from the outset, you can start wandering the Galar region, seeing its new Pokemon, and trying out its new battle strategies with very little in your way. This leaves you free to enjoy what Pokemon is all about, and that makes for an incredibly strong showing for the series’ proper debut on Switch.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
Divinity: Original Sin II — 9/10
“The Nintendo Switch version of Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition seems as if it shouldn’t work on the hybrid console, and yet it does wonderfully. Larian’s acclaimed RPG makes the transition to Switch intact (except for couch co-op, though online and local wireless play are available) with very little in the way of compromises. The control scheme, as with that of the PS4 and Xbox One versions, works well here despite the lack of a traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup. The turn-based nature of combat lends itself to short bursts of gameplay in handheld mode, though it’s a difficult game to put down once you get started.” — Chris Pereira, Engagement Editor
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition — 9/10
“Although the Nintendo Switch might not be the best platform to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, it’s still a fantastic experience that shouldn’t be missed. If you are looking to replay The Witcher 3 and bask in its detail and beauty, the Switch port may not quite scratch that itch. However, what makes this game excellent isn’t its graphics, but the powerful stories it tells, and those are as vivid as ever on Switch.” — Jake Dekker, Video Producer
Bayonetta 2 — 10/10
“Bayonetta 2 arrives on Switch with everything intact from the Wii U version, but with the added convenience of portability and a more consistent frame rate, making it the definitive version of the game. Thanks to the confident execution of seemingly unbridled creativity, Bayonetta 2 remains a game that shouldn’t be missed, just as it was when we first reviewed the game on Wii U.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze — 9/10
“Tropical Freeze isn’t a heavy-hitter from Nintendo in the same way Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey are, but it’s a fantastic platformer that’s bursting with creativity and expertly designed challenges. It’s tuned just right–always tough but rarely frustrating–to ensure that even the most common moments feel great. If you missed out when the game first debuted back in 2014, give it a shot today. It easily stands the test of time.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus — 8/10
“As long as you’re able to play the entire game in docked mode, The New Colossus is the same fantastic game it is on other platforms. It runs well and, despite some minor visual compromises, it still looks pretty good. Handheld mode is unfortunately far less optimized, and the Joy-Cons simply don’t feel as good to use as the Pro Controller. If Switch is your only way to play it, The New Colossus is absolutely worth your time–just not on the go.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
SNK Anniversary Collection — 8/10
“Digital Eclipse proves once again that it’s the right team for the job of both preserving and resurrecting classic video games. For SNK and its fans, the team has elevated some of the company’s most important milestones. It’s responsible for more than just Neo Geo games, and though not every game that came before is worth replaying on its own today, the addition of supplemental materials and revitalizing modern gaming conveniences make them feel more interesting than they have in years, and in some cases, decades.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled — 8/10
“Simply put: This is a remaster done right. Nitro-Fueled maintains the spirit and rock-solid foundations of a childhood favorite while building on it and modernizing it where necessary–even if the handling might take a bit of getting used to. Adventure mode’s classic variant feels a little tough, but your first race on Roo’s Tubes or Sewer Speedway will bring a nostalgic grin to your face regardless. When the nostalgia fades, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled remains fun and engaging enough to keep you racing on with a smile on your face for much longer yet. It’s good to have Crash back.” — Oscar Dayus
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice — 8/10
“Hellblade has now made its way to Nintendo Switch. While this port manages to reach the same emotional and spiritually resonant highs as other releases, it unfortunately features some inconsistent frame rate and subdued texture detail throughout, lessening the impact of some key moments. With that said, Hellblade is still largely intact on the more modest platform. In the Switch’s tablet form, it gives the impression you’re diving into an engrossing novel, making for a more intimate experience that can’t found in other versions of the game.” — Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Thumper — 9/10
“Thumper has now made its way to Nintendo Switch, where it remains every bit as enjoyable to play on a monitor (at 1080p 60fps) as it is on PS4 and PC. Surprisingly little has been sacrificed in the transition to the portable console, and in some ways the fact that you can now hold it close by undocking the Switch makes it a slightly more immersive experience than sitting feet away from your TV. If VR isn’t something you have access to or want to invest in, the Switch version of Thumper is arguably the second best route to experience everything this impressive and brutal rhythm game has to offer.” — Peter Brown, Managing Editor