Nintendo Switch Game Previews - Page 1

Preview header image for SteamWorld Heist II
Preview

SteamWorld Heist II Preview - Time to Plunder

SteamWorld is host to a myriad of titles spanning across multiple genres. You have the base-building sim SteamWorld Build, or even the turn-based RPG SteamWorld Quest. As a tactics fan, my personal…

June 26, 2024 | 10:00 EDT

A hobbit hole built into a hillside on a sunny day.
Preview

Tales of the Shire Preview - The Hobbit Simulator We've Always Wanted

Lord of the Rings is all about wizards, orcs, armies clashing, swords winging, bows a-shooting, right? Tales of the Shire is out to prove LOTR can be about good home cooking, fellowship, and just…

June 19, 2024 | 09:00 EDT

Header image for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake by Square Enix.
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Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Preview - The Start of a New Adventure

From the excellent Octopath Traveler to the highly tactical and addicting Triangle Strategy, Team Asano might just be the most consistent team at Square Enix. And now, with the studio's downright…

June 18, 2024 | 10:45 EDT

A cafe where a character next to Hello Kitty holds up a pie they just baked.
Preview

Hello Kitty Island Adventure Switch Preview - A Funner Animal Crossing

No other brands come to mind as a better fit for an Animal Crossing-like than Hello Kitty and the whole Sanrio gang. I don't have Apple Arcade, so this was my first time trying Hello Kitty Island…

June 18, 2024 | 10:45 EDT

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble header image.
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Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Preview - Fans'll go Bananas

No doubt Super Monkey Ball fans are chomping at the bit for Banana Rumble. After all, it's been too many years since we've had a mainline entry in the series. Fret not, for Super Monkey Ball Banana…

June 13, 2024 | 09:00 EDT

grit and Valor header image for preview
Preview

Grit and Valor - 1949 is a Strategy Gamer's Delight

Take the positional tactics of Into the Breach, the weapon triangle system of Fire Emblem, and some roguelite elements for good measure, and you'll find that the concoction brewed from this unlikely…

June 10, 2024 | 08:00 EDT

Sargon kicks a boss off his horse in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Final Preview - Is This Anime?

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the most excited I’ve been for a Ubisoft game in a long while. Pitched as a modern take on the franchise, it blends the old sidescrollers with the Sands of Time…

December 13, 2023 | 12:00 EST

On Your Tail preview header with key art showing Diana arriving to Borgo Marina on a scooter.
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On Your Tail Preview - A Charming and Nostalgic Cozy Life Sim with a Mystery Twist

During the latest Nintendo Indie World, Memorable Games and Humble Games announced its story-driven life simulator On Your Tail, and it's actually a secret I had to keep for a while, having played a…

November 15, 2023 | 11:00 EST

A header image for First Dwarf featuring the title character.
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First Dwarf Preview - Dwarven Delight

I'm a simple man. I see a dwarf in a game? I play it. So obviously, I'm not skipping out on First Dwarf. It also helps that the game is quite good, if my preview session at PAX West 2023 is any…

September 10, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince - The hero Psaro looks cool
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Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Preview - A Pokemon-Like With Its Own Personality

During Gamescom in Cologne, I played a preview build of the upcoming Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Nintendo Switch and experienced the next iteration of the popular sub-franchise of the…

September 8, 2023 | 09:47 EDT

The player character approaches a dog in Animal Well
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Animal Well Preview - It's Feeling Magical

One thing to know about PAX demo stations is that these games are (usually) all running on some sort of PC configuration. What stood out to me when approaching the Animal Well booth at PAX West, then…

September 5, 2023 | 10:30 EDT

Mario in elephant form running to collect coins.
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Super Mario Bros. Wonder Preview - Mario is Getting Weird With It

One of the few 10/10 reviewed games on TechRaptor is Super Mario Odyssey, the last mainline Mario game, which released about six years ago (and the last 2D Mario a decade ago). After just a brief…

September 3, 2023 | 10:00 EDT

Big Boy Boxing header
Preview

Big Boy Boxing Preview - A True Successor to Punch-Out

The great thing about PAX is that you often find hidden gems. To say a game is a "gem" is cliche, true, but if any game deserves that description, it's Big Boy Boxing. Since the initial debut of the…

September 3, 2023 | 09:30 EDT

Pepper Grinder header
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Pepper Grinder Preview - It's Drillin' Time

I don't know how Devolver does it, but the publisher is an expert when it comes to scooping up simple but absurdly fun indie titles. As it so happens, one of Devolver's latest published titles,…

August 24, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

Fate Samurai Remnant Berserker Miyamoto Mushashi
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Fate/Samurai Remnant Preview - Unlimited Fun Works

With impressive spin-off titles such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, and Persona 5: Strikers, Omega Force and Koei Tecmo might have raised the standard for…

August 18, 2023 | 09:47 EDT

Palia Preview - Cover Image Standing in Kilima Village While Delaila Walks Down the Stairs
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Palia Preview - Just Shy of Greatness

The juggernauts of the cozy gaming space have a new competitor: Palia, an MMO "community sim" that has just launched into open beta. Our Palia Preview will explore how Singularity 6's inaugural game …

August 12, 2023 | 11:14 EDT

Palia First Impressions - Cover Image Standing in Kilima Town Square with Other Players Fooling Around
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Palia First Impressions - Tailor-Made for Fans of Cozy Games

Cozy, casual games have grown in popularity with the resurgence of Animal Crossing, so it should come as no surprise that competitors are stepping up for a slice of the pie. In my Palia first…

August 8, 2023 | 11:25 EDT

An image from Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons featuring Jimmy Lee
Preview

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons Preview - Break Stuff

When a game made in the year of our lord 2023 opens with the line "It's the year 199X...", I already know I'm in for something special. Developed by Secret Base and published by Modus Games, Double…

July 13, 2023 | 09:35 EDT

the key art for Fae Farm
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Fae Farm Preview

Cozy farming sims have had a big renaissance since Stardew Valley came along, and it’s even usurped Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons as touchpoints of the genre. Phoenix Labs, known for creating…

June 16, 2023 | 01:58 EDT

The kitty looking toward the camera in Little Kitty, Big City
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Little Kitty, Big City Preview

Some say everybody wants to be a cat, and that’s never been truer than in recent years. Everyone remembers Stray, but it's time to move over; Little Kitty, Big City is the next cat-based game looking…

June 15, 2023 | 03:40 EDT

prince of persia the lost crown key art
Preview

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Preview

I had the opportunity to play Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at a Ubisoft event as part of Summer Game Fest.  It’s been over a decade since we last saw an entry in the Prince of Persia franchise,…

June 13, 2023 | 10:00 EDT

disney illusion island key art
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Disney Illusion Island Preview

While at Summer Game Fest I had the chance to try out Disney Illusion Island, the new cooperative platformer from Dlala games. Starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, it’s a wholesome trip down…

June 12, 2023 | 11:30 EDT

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy flying through the air in Sonic Superstars.
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Sonic Superstars Preview

There's a certain thrill that comes from classic 2D Sonic games when you're in the groove. Spin dashing up a ramp, going through loops, effortlessly bouncing between springboards -- Sonic is at his…

June 11, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

Mileena and Kitana from Mortal Kombat 1 clash in a cutscene
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Mortal Kombat 1 Preview

When you think of Mortal Kombat, it’s easy to get swept up in the brutal, gory, and decadent indulgence of it all. Mortal Kombat 1, the upcoming reboot, is no different in its approach. While I duked…

June 10, 2023 | 01:37 EDT

Harmony The Fall of Reverie Harmony Standing in Front of Aspirations While Holding Necklace That Lets Her Go to Reverie
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Harmony: The Fall of Reverie Preview - Aspiring Toward the Best Choices

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie has left me in a difficult position few other games could hope to accomplish. This isn't to say it's done something bad or failed to live up to the reputation of its…

May 4, 2023 | 01:00 EDT

minecraft Legends
Preview

Minecraft Legends' World is a Massive Battlefield of Fun

If you're like me, you're amazed by the possibilities the world of Minecraft offers. Procedurally generated mountains and all-encompassing oceans, sprawling cave complexes and fortresses within the…

April 6, 2023 | 03:05 EDT

trails into reverie elie during battle with dual guns

PAX East 2023: Trails into Reverie Preview

I should preface this by saying I’m already a huge Legend of Heroes: Trails fan. It’s my favorite video game series, and Trails in the Sky FC and SC are my favorite video game ever. The rocky…

March 31, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

The player character waters their crops in the field in Go-Go Town.
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PAX East 2023: Go-Go Town Preview

At PAX East 2023, I had the chance to play about 30 minutes of Go-Go Town, a new IP from developer Prideful Sloth, and speak with the Game Director Joel Styles. We sat down together on the show floor…

March 31, 2023 | 10:00 EDT

Key art for WrestleQuest depicting Muchacho Man front and center.
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PAX East 2023: WrestleQuest Preview

This past weekend at PAX East I was able to play a hands-on demo of WrestleQuest, an upcoming wrestling themed RPG from Mega Cat Studios and published by Skybound Games. The passion for the fandom of…

March 30, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

Hockey Rink in Goons Legends & Mayhem where players play against each other.
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PAX East 2023: Goons Legends & Mayhem Preview

Ever feel like you just don't give a puck? Bad puns aside, Goons: Legends & Mayhem is a super quirky and hilariously fun multiplayer experience from RageCure Games. At PAX East 2023, I had the…

March 29, 2023 | 11:30 EDT

Smalland Preview - Cover Image Whacking a Bull Ant with a Club
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Sizing Up Smalland: Survive the Wilds

Surviving in this world is all about perspective. Each and every survival game gives you unique challenges to overcome that you wouldn't encounter in real life such as a deadly plague, terrifying…

March 27, 2023 | 09:00 EDT

A spread shot image of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, showcasing the silhouette of a person against the backdrop of a dimly-lite downtown Seattle, with the Space Needle portruding.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Preview — The Usual?

Before anything continues, I will state that this is a bittersweet reunion. 2020’s Coffee Talk from Indonesian developers Toge Productions was a surprise hit, blending a linear well-written narrative…

March 16, 2023 | 11:00 EDT

coral island view header

Coral Island Swims Ashore

The idea of island living is the epitome of laid-back luxury. Sand, sun, surf, hanging, and living that sweet island life is the goal for many who move to tropical destinations. Unfortunately, no one…

November 14, 2022 | 10:00 EST

Official art of Harvestella and its logo
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Harvestella: Final Fantasy Meets Rune Factory

I’m sure there are a few people out there who might have wondered what a farming-sim from Square Enix would look like, but I imagine not many. I, for one certainly haven’t, given their repertoire for…

October 17, 2022 | 04:45 EDT

Monster Menu key visual.
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Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook Lets You Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Another title to see focus at NIS America’s Fall press tour is a bit of a niche outing known as Monster Menu: The Scavenger's Cookbook. NIS America has labeled it as one of their mid-tier titles, but…

October 17, 2022 | 09:20 EDT

Labyrinth of Galleria's bright character design.
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Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society Summons First-Person Dungeon Crawling and Deep Customization

Fans of Nippon Ichi may remember a certain dungeon crawler released a few years back called Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. It was unique for its first-person exploration which turned into 2D…

October 17, 2022 | 09:10 EDT

GrimGrimoire is being remastered for the first time in 15 years.
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GrimGrimoire OnceAgain Adds Plenty of Charm to a 15 Year Old Gem

One of the most interesting releases to come at the end of the PlayStation 2 lifecycle was a niche little gem known as GrimGrimoire. Crafted by the folks at Vanillaware, their first outing as an…

October 17, 2022 | 09:00 EDT

inkulinati gameplay cover
Preview

Inkulinati is Strategic, Stylish, and Pretty Darn Complicated

They do say that the pen is mightier than the sword - and in the case of Inkulinati, that concept is pretty literal. The turn-based strategy game adds small roguelite-esque elements as you move from…

October 10, 2022 | 11:00 EDT

crisis core reunion final fantasy vii zack fair

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion Feels Like Coming Home

When Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core was originally released for the PSP in 2007, it was one of the reasons I even bought a PSP in the first place and it quickly became my favorite Final Fantasy game…

October 10, 2022 | 10:00 EDT

The key art for Bayonetta 3
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Bayonetta 3 Feels Bigger, Faster, and Better Than Ever

To this day, Bayonetta feels like the most out-of-place IP among Nintendo’s roster of exclusives. Place her next to the pantheon of mascots like Mario, Link, and Samus, and she’ll stand out like a…

September 14, 2022 | 09:00 EDT

slave zero x
Preview

Slave Zero X Combines Style With Brutal Difficulty

After playing games such as Sifu and Sekiro, I've come to the realization I'm a glutton for punishment. What these two games share along with the upcoming Slave Zero X is a skill curve that, once…

September 12, 2022 | 11:30 EDT

Macho Man Randy Savage in WrestleQuest, taunting to the camera
Preview

WrestleQuest Is Wrestling and RPG Tag Team Perfection 

When you hear the term "fantasy RPG," it’s easy to get lost in the Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests of the world. But-- what’s that? Whose music is that? Well by god, it’s WrestleQuest, charging…

September 9, 2022 | 12:30 EDT

Jackbox Party Pack 9
Preview

Jackbox Party Pack 9 Continues to Bring the Fun

Coming in for the ninth iteration of the ultra-popular Jackbox party games is Jackbox Party Pack 9, and we got to go hands-on with this ultra-fun game with many other players at Pax West 2022. For a…

September 8, 2022 | 10:30 EDT

lunark
Preview

Lunark's Visuals Are the Product of Dark Sorcery

Lunark's visuals achieves something rarely seen used effectively in video games: it adheres to the principal that less is more. Visually, Lunark isn't using a lot of pixels to create its retro style…

September 7, 2022 | 11:30 EDT

Inkling in Splatoon 3
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Splatoon 3 Is a Splatastic Time: Hands-On Gameplay

At PAX West ahead of the Splatoon 3 release date that's going to round out one of Nintendo's newest trilogies, we were able to get a hands-on Splatoon 3 gameplay preview. For an hour and a half we…

September 3, 2022 | 12:00 EDT

The main character of Mail Time and all the residents of Grumblewood Grove in front of a screenshot of the 3D platformer game. There is a note in the corner that says "Mail Time."
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Mail Time Delivers Cute Cottagecore Mail Delivery

Indie game Mail Time is a cottagecore dream-come-true that TechRaptor had the pleasure of previewing ahead of the game's presence at Gamescom. Mail Time lets players create their own Mail Scout and…

August 26, 2022 | 11:00 EDT

disney dreamlight valley logo

Disney Dreamlight Valley is Full of Predictable Delights

Dinkum, My Time at Sandrock, Catizens - just a few examples of recent life sims hitting the already crowded market. In the recent genre boom since the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, many…

August 18, 2022 | 02:00 EDT

Backpack Hero Preview Official Backpack Hero Art
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Backpack Hero is a Simple yet Interesting Dungeon Dive

Sometimes, a game doesn't need top-of-the-line graphics, an epic saga for the ages, or gameplay systems so varied they can keep players on their toes for hours. All they really need to do to succeed…

August 16, 2022 | 10:00 EDT