FastSnail 8 in 1 JoyCon Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch 1&2 - Review By Britt🕹️ "GF RECOMMENDED"

I believe that this this is the first time I’ve covered a product from FastSnail, and it’s a solid one to start off with! This is very much a ‘does what it says on the tin’ product, acting as a snazzy charging dock for your Joy-Cons, whether that be the Original Switch, or the Switch 2. You can even mix and match, as I do – for reasons described later in this article -it’s Ring Fit Adventure-related.

Currently priced at around the £15 mark, The FastSnail 8 in 1 Charging Dock is a sleek and practical way to keep your Joy-Cons charged and at the ready. Especially if you own both Switches and need to flit between them, as of course - due to the new magnetic lock design - you cannot physically attach original Switch Joy-Cons to the Switch 2, although they are pair-able with the system.

Top Racer Collection Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "Top Gear (no, not that one) is back!" 🏎️ @qubytegames #RetroGaming

Known outside of Japan as Top Gear upon its initial release, the Top Racer Collection collects 4 titles from the series (Top Racer, Top Racer 2, Top Racer 3000, and Top Racer Crossroads – which is a ROM mod of the first game and so not wholly original) into a single pack, and as with other QUByte titles, there are various extras and bonus information about the series included, always a boon!

These are all titles from the early-to-mid ‘90s and as such are 16-bit emulations that keep the original frame rates etc. so it’s best not to expect silky smooth 60fps here! These are as close to the original releases as possible in terms of vibe and gameplay, so your mileage will certainly vary dependent on how much nostalgia and enjoyment you get out of typical 16-bit racers. That said, one thing that is solid gold about these games are the soundtracks, which are pure fun and took me right back to the early days of my gaming, bloody lovely stuff.

Roadwarden Nintendo Switch 2 Review 5.5/10 "A beautiful tale crushed by performance issues" 🗺️ @MoralAnxiety #IndieGame #GameDev

I actually received Roadwarden for review last year, but had an issue when playing on my Switch, whereby the game would judder along as if it was constantly buffering – I made contact with the relevant party to inquire if this was a known issue that would be patched shortly etc. – as it made the game unplayable - and received no response, so it fell off my radar. 

It was only upon installing games on our new Switch 2 that I spotted Roadwarden and wondered if it would run more smoothly on this new console, it is after all, a text-based adventure – hardly a genre that needs a technical powerhouse! And yet…problems remain, which is a real shame as the game has so much potential.

Detective: Rainy Night Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 *Care for a room, detective?* 🕵️‍♀️☔ @K148_GS #IndieGame #GameDev

I covered k148 Game Studio’s Detective: The Motel back in January, and whilst I relished the thought of the basic premise – a short detective title focused in a single location – the execution and layout of the game really hindered my enjoyment. Fast forward to the end of the year, and I got to tuck into Detective: Rainy Night, a title that moves away from tedious box-ticking exercises and instead more towards a supernatural, psychological horror bent. Good!

The POV adventure begins with your character arriving at a supposedly rural hotel (more on this later), with your character getting to briefly know the inhabitants of the scattered rooms, as well as the kindly motel manager. 

After a quick kip, you wake up to find that the heavy rain from the night before has now morphed into an impenetrable fog (again, more on this later) and to make matters worse, one of the temporary residents of the motel has been murdered, leaving you to don your detective cap and try to get to the bottom of what the heck is going on.

As much as I had fun with Detective: Rainy Night, there are a lot of caveats here. Whilst I enjoyed how stripped back and focused the narrative was – it’s a game that can be completed in a couple of hours – the game is very ‘assety’ and that does bite it on the arse somewhat.

For example, you are supposed to be in the middle of nowhere, but you can clearly see many houses around the motel, and at one point towards the ending, there’s a glitch (at least I assume its a glitch) in which you can openly leave the area and see the awkward surroundings/limitations of the street that the motel is plonked on. 

It doesn’t help that the burgeoning narrative really tries to drive home the fact that this motel is supposed to truly be miles out of town and almost unreachable. The sparsity of audio works with the unfolding tale, and I enjoyed how the story is set over five nights (shout out to the awesome Five Days a Stranger), with the creeping imminence of death closing in as the hapless residents get picked off one by one.

Again, as much as there are strengths in the interesting premise, the character models move like they are encased in cement, and the dialogue is less than ideal. The light environmental puzzles and brief fetch quests never slowed the pace down, and the character archetypes work insomuch as they fill a hole; you’ve got a moody young woman, an unhappy couple (the male is possible the horniest person I’ve ever encountered in a game, there should honestly be a copy of Readers Wives poking out of his jacket pocket), a miserable rich bitch, a chubby food-focused schlub, and an alpha male – but it all works in the sense that this is a trashy horror story.

SUMMARY
All in all, when playing Detective: Rainy Night, it’s best to keep in mind that this is the work of a single individual, and quite frankly this is light years ahead of their previous releases. 

Whilst I’ve only rated this a 6/10, I’m genuinely looking forward to what the developer hits us with next, as there really is something here, and I hope that in a year or two I’m singing the praises of their newest release to the high heavens. 

As it stands though, this is flawed, silly fun that will appeal to those that like to smash through a light-horror title of an evening, and there’s absolutely nothing at all wrong with that.

6/10 

🧊💦MELTING🧊💦

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(also available on PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S)

Developer – k148 Game Studio [SOLO DEV]

Publisher – Jandusoft

Deathless. The Hero Quest Switch 2 Gameplay Quick Look 🃏⚔️ @Deathless_TOR #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich takes a quick look into Deathless: The Hero Quest on Nintendo Switch!

In Deathless, elements of a collectible card game, roguelike, and turn-based strategy combine seamlessly. Build a unique deck of cards, discover unusual relics, and face off against legendary bosses. With endless paths to explore, no two journeys will ever be the same.

Crush the Evil and save the world in this epic RPG adventure!

Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 *Some Rootin’ Tootin’ Old School Shootin’* 🤠 @NightdiveStudio #IndieGame #GameDev

First of all, the game runs gloriously on the Switch - for some reason gyro controls were turned on automatically, so I kicked those off as fast as humanly possible - but there are a lot of accessibility options for you to tweak the game to your tastes as you walk – or glide, rather - in the well-worn boots of James Anderson, a retired U.S Marshal who is out to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the casually named ‘Slim’ Sam Fulton, and his associate, the more worryingly monikered ‘Dr. Death’ Matt Jackson.

Outlaws really felt apart from other FPS of the time as the slim, stark visuals almost echo the rangy James Anderson himself. The dusty soundtrack, satisfying weapons and combat take centre stage in the relatively empty-feeling levels that you will be blasting your way through.

Yes, the stages in Outlaws feel far more dated than a lot of other titles from around this time, and I can’t quite work out if I like that aspect or not. There seems to be a lot of big, empty rooms and outside space to roam through, but with only a handful of secrets in each of the nine levels (and five extra in the expansion, bringing it to a total of fourteen overall) the sparseness of each one will either appeal or be a detraction of your enjoyment. 

Mini Arcade Pro For Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Unboxing and Set up 🕹️

Rich decides to turn his Nintendo Switch into a full arcade experience with the MiniArcade Pro by iMP Tech. In this video, Rich showcases how the MiniArcade Pro transforms your Switch into a retro‑style cabinet, complete with authentic arcade vibes. Perfect for Switch 1, Switch 2, and OLED models.

PURCHASE LINK:

Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Mini Arcade – IMPGaming

Above Snakes Switch 2 Gameplay | Wild West Survival RPG - Ten Minute Taster - Quick Look🌵🐍 @SquareGlade #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich decides to step into the Wild West frontier with Above Snakes on the Nintendo Switch 2!

In this gameplay showcase, we explore survival mechanics, base‑building, and the unique tile‑placing world design that sets Above Snakes apart. Watch as we gather resources, craft tools, and fight to stay alive in a harsh wilderness full of danger and opportunity.

Desert Race Adventures Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "Oregon Trail With Less Dysentery and More Horsepower!" 🚛 @bssgameshq #IndieGame #GameDev

This new title from Firedrake Games is a rally game with a difference, as opposed to actually racing, your vehicle instead trundles on regardless as you take a backseat from driving, and instead focus on the logistical side of this mammoth task – which is driving across Europe and Africa.

With some lovely pixel visuals, and simple, looping music to keep you company on your trip, Desert Race Adventures begins with choosing your driver and co-driver from the six available and selecting up to three items for your vehicle loadout. 

Whilst each driver / co-driver has their own strengths and accompanying weaknesses – perhaps they fatigue slower, or require less nourishment than the other, greedier drivers, but also suffer more in crashes – the balancing act of switching between the stock in your limited carrying space makes up a very important part of your journey.

Spindle On Nintendo Switch | Death Jnr & Piggy in Action 🐷☠️ @spindleDev #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays as Death’s tiny sidekick in Spindle, a beautifully crafted indie adventure full of puzzles, charm, and eerie whimsy. This gameplay video showcases the opening moments on Nintendo Switch—exploring strange lands, solving mysteries, and uncovering the secrets of the afterlife.

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition Nintendo Switch Review 5/10 "Not a (Raw) thrill to play" 🛻🔥@CradleGames @GameMillEnt #GameDev #IndieGame

I don’t usually directly compare games when I discuss them, but I do feel that I have to open this review by saying that you can currently get a physical copy of the infinitely superior Cruis’n Blast on Amazon UK for twelve quid, should you so wish (and you should wish so). 

Fast & Furious is a console port of the 2022 arcade title, which was originally developed by Raw Thrills – who were also behind the original arcade version of Cruis’n Blast – and whilst the port to consoles has some brief action, it’s far too insipid to be a recommendation beyond a few minutes of simple fun.

I’m not too au fait with the Fast & Furious franchise, but the links here seem pretty tenuous – there are a few recognisable cars, and each of the six stages (which last around two / three minutes each) set the task of reaching the finish line and thwarting various events such as a missile launching, a bomb being detonated or a plane taking off. You can choose from a handful of supercars, and play with up to two players, but the issues reveal themselves quite quickly as you dive in.

Dark Deity 2 Nintendo Switch Review 9.5/10 "Sword & Axe LLC Shine Once More!" ⚔️🪓 @DarkDeityGame #GameDev #IndieGame

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to cover the original Dark Deity on Switch back in 2022 when I awarded the game 9/10, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience… with the exception of the downtime between the turn-based skirmishes in which a light visual novel element crept in, and I found myself mindlessly skipping through paragraphs of seemingly endless dialogue and banter between the characters in my party. 

With this sequel, Sword & Axe LLC have found a way to tighten this aspect, blending in the more dialogue-heavy sections into the actual plot itself, making it a much more seamless experience, that makes the game feel more cohesive, and much more inviting and playable, with these scenes feeling as important in terms of unveiling the expanding tale as the core combat sections themselves.

The Edge of Allegoria Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 *A Game Boy-styled JRPG with a lot of effing and jeffing*🧑‍🌾 @its_avg_joe @CobraTekkuGames #IndieGame #GameDev

The Edge of Allegoria is an atypical Game Boy-esque JRPG in that, whilst it has the usual turn-based battles, top-down adventure vibe, and glorious chiptune music, the basis for the writing is a pretty vulgar crudeness that, whilst setting it apart from more generic titles in the same genre, means that your mileage will very much vary dependent on how amusing you find crass language.

Whilst there’s nothing offensive about The Edge of Allegoria, the story sort of sits in the background, and gameplay overall is pretty standard with the main hook in the combat being that you acquire certain masteries of weapons after using them for a short while that broadens your arsenal of attacks against monsters that have physical. Magical, and elemental abilities. 

There are some nice visual flourishes, such as the overall colour palette changing as you get poisoned or wounded etc. with the music being the usual jaunty GB fun, but the very thing that sets The Edge of Allegoria apart – its use of adult language and humour – makes it a game that people will either click with or find tiresome. 

First Look: Puzzle Quest Immortal Edition Switch 2 Gameplay (2025 Release) - Ten Minute Taster Video 🧙‍♂️🪄🔮 @505GamesJapan @505_Games #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich dives into the world of match-3 RPG strategy with Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition, now running on Nintendo Switch 2. In this gameplay video, we explore the opening battles, character progression, and spell combos that make this edition a must-play for fans of tactical puzzle games.

Quick Look: From Baytona Beach to Frostbite Harbour – VHR World Tour! (Victory Heat Rally Ten Minute Taster) 🚗💨 @VHRgame #IndieGame #GameDev

🏁 Rich plays Victory Heat Rally – World Tour Gameplay! Lets all buckle up for a high-octane ride through the pixel-perfect tracks of Victory Heat Rally! In this gameplay showcase, we blaze from the sun-soaked shores of Baytona Beach to the icy curves of Frostbite Harbour, drifting through vibrant environments and unleashing turbo-charged chaos.

🔥 What to expect in this video:

🚗 Fast-paced arcade racing with retro flair

🌍 A tour of two stunning tracks: Baytona Beach & Frostbite Harbour

🎮 Skill-based drifting and tight cornering

🎵 Thumping soundtrack and nostalgic visuals

🏆 Tips, tricks, and pure racing thrills

Gioteck WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Pink Swirl | Unboxing & First Impressions 🍭 @GioteckArmy

🎮Rich unboxes the Gioteck WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller – Pink Swirl Edition

In this video, we take a close look at the Pink Swirl version of the Gioteck WX5+, a wireless RGB controller that blends vibrant aesthetics with multi-platform compatibility. 💡 What’s Inside: - First impressions of the Pink Swirl design - Build quality & button feel - Compatibility with Switch, PC, Android & more If you’re into stylish gear that performs, this controller might just be your next favourite. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more gaming hardware unboxings and retro goodness!

Pockettohiro Available on GBC (physical edition), PC, Switch 🎮 #IndieGame #GameDev

The Adventure Begins!

Welcome to the world of Pokettohiro! A new action/adventure game developed for Game Boy Color.

A group of brave heroes must gather the fragments of the Magic Crystal to face the evil Black Knight and thus prevent the destruction of the kingdom. But it will not be an easy task, for this they will have to overcome countless obstacles, defeat huge monsters and visit all kinds of places. Will these little heroes be able to restore peace to the kingdom?

Our Summer Festival 2 Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "A Bunch of Mini-Games Set in a Japanese Festival" 🎈 @SAT_BOX_2011 #IndieGame #GameDev

We’ve covered a few Sat Box games here at GF, with the most recent being the very enjoyable Desktop Golf. This newest title takes us away from the links and instead plonks you and up to three other players in a Japanese festival in which you will find yourself doing everything from fishing through to dancing, and even cooking!

Is OFF Still Brilliant in 2025? Nintendo Switch Ten Minute Taster Gameplay📴 @‌OFFtheRPG @pr_pirate @MortisGhost

Rich steps into the eerie, minimalist world of OFF by Mortis Ghost—now on Nintendo Switch! In this gameplay episode, we explore Zone 1, uncover cryptic lore, and battle ghostly adversaries in a turn-based system unlike anything you've seen before.

A Cat and His Boy (also available on PC) - Developer – Howdy Riceball *a short and simple adventure in a Game Boy style* 🐈👦 #IndieGame #GameDev

A very short little side quest presented in a black & white Game Boy style, A Cat and His Boy puts you in the shoes paws of a cat, your owner – a little boy called Leif – has gone to sleep and you are left to roam the house and surrounding areas in vintage top-down Game Boy adventure style, coming across other characters and areas that require some pretty light problem solving.

A simple little title that can be completed in under an hour, A Cat and His Boy evoke the Game Boy style pretty tastily, with suitably chip tune music provided by Beatscribe.

Whilst this is a fun little game that touches on topics such as alienation and how an unstable household can affect the children involved, it’s such a breezy experience that things don’t get too heavy. 

Lovely sprite work and music push this simple adventure along at a nice pace, whilst its short length means it can be completed over a cup of tea – or perhaps a saucy glass of wine. Looking forward to seeing what Howdy Riceball dream up next!