We try to cover every Switch game we’re sent a code for here at Gamezebo. Sometimes we find ourselves with a bit of a backlog though – like right now for instance.
So here are some shorter reviews of games released or updated on the Switch over the last few months – that we might not have gotten round to covering otherwise.
Animal Well
A superbly presented metroidvania with alluring neon pixel art visuals, Aimal Well is a game that takes a fairly simple structure but executes it almost perfectly.
You play as a little blob exploring a jungle like landscape filled with a range of strange creatures, with many of them needing to be avoided at all costs.
As you progress through the 2D world you slowly unlock more tools and abilities, with the game rewarding out of the box thinking and experimentation in order for you to progress.
A game that keeps throwing surprises and different puzzles at you, Animal Well is arguably one of the very best indie releases from 2024.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Bread and Fred
A co-op platformer that is perhaps a little too niggly at times, Bread and Fred is still an undeniably adorable experience that will reward more patient players.
You play as the titular Bread and Fred, two penguins who must traverse 2D environments using each other and the obstacles you encounter.
As with many co-op platfomers of this type the controls need to be spot on to avoid being frustrating, and sadly Bread and Fred doesn’t quite nail this aspect. Too often we found ourselves struggling to get out of an area because of slightly finickity physics or overcomplicated controls, and it didn’t feel as if the blame lay at our door.
If you stick with it things do improve though, with the slightly fudged controls being workable and the game offering some interesting level design and ideas.
Score: 3 out of 5
Paper Trail
A very cute indie title that offers a unique twist on the narrative puzzler, Paper Trail may not live long in the memory but is sweet while it lasts.
The core gameplay is set up like you’re reading a storybook, with parts of the screen being flipped like pages to solve conundrums.
Considering that’s quite a simple idea on (ha!) paper, it’s surprising how many ideas the developer gets out of the concept. There’s a range of very clever puzzles here, and never do you feel you’re going over the same ideas again and again.
It’s a very short title, but anyone looking for a chilled puzzle experience should be checking out Paper Trail.
Score: 4 out of 5
Horizon Chase 2
A serviceable if perhaps slightly disappointing sequel, Horizon Chase offers more of the same – but very little else.
An old school racing title with the emphasis on speed, this offers an Outrun style experience with cars flying around like scalextric cars that have chugged ten cans of red bull.
The controls are well judged but not as fluid as in something like Ridge Racer (at its best), and the tracks are solid if never truly exciting.
There is a dizzying amount of content here though, so if you’re a fan of the original then this sequel is a must buy.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Just Crow Things
A silly idea executed well, Just Crow Things may not be the most technically accomplished title but offers a lot of fairly mindless entertainment if you’re in the right mindset.
As you might have guessed from the title you play as a crow, and basically go around causing havoc and completing simple objectives.
The challenges range from pooping on people/objects, helping other animals, and winning races. There’s nothing hugely taxing but all of them are done with a smile and a wink.
Ultimately Just Crow Things is a fun time that isn’t pretending to be anything it isn’t. If you’re looking for an amusing little indie title to while away some hours with you could do a lot worse.
Score: 4 out of 5
Aerofly FS Flight Simulator
Usually flight sims are best on PC, so it’s nice to see an effort more focused towards portable players.
Originally released on PC in 2022 and then mobile, Aerofly FS Flight Simulator is a largely no frills experience – but also one that boasts an impressive amount of depth.
A highly realistic flight sim, we found it pretty easy to get to grips with as a complete novice to the genre. The visuals and engine are all impressive considering the game’s origins and there’s a load of missions and flights to complete.
Yes, this is not a game for everybody. But if you’re looking for a flight sim on the Switch then you can’t do much better than this.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Tensei
Now here’s an odd one. Or maybe not as odd as it perhaps seems from screenshots, as at its heart Tensei is an ultra-casual high-scoring title.
You play as a ball that can morph into various animals, and your task is to keep flying upwards through locales that reminded us of the watercolour visuals of Okami.
Now that really all there is to Tensei, but it’s executed perfectly. Not only that, but the aesthetics and sound design make this a surprisingly relaxing high score chasing experience.
Tensei is not perfect – there’s not much content here, ultimately – but we still really enjoyed our time we had with this intriguing casual title.
Score: 4 out of 5
