Nintendo Switch gets variety this week: Four new games, four different genres
In the third week of May, four new titles are launching on the Nintendo Switch (available on Amazon for $342), each representing a different genre. Here’s a quick overview of what players can expect from each game:
Fantasy Life i: The Time Thief (May 21)
Fantasy Life i: The Time Thief is a life simulation set on the island of Reveria – which has mysteriously fallen from the sky. Blending a linear storyline with open-ended gameplay, the adventure begins as players awaken with no memories and are soon given a vital mission: stop a mysterious time thief threatening the balance of the world. Guided by Flutter – a talkative butterfly spirit – players travel through time portals to visit different eras of the island, encounter ancient civilizations, build relationships and uncover the truth behind the time thief.
The game breaks away from traditional RPG conventions by forgoing fixed character classes. Instead, players can choose from twelve distinct “lives” – ranging from swordsman to paleontologist – and switch between them at any time. This flexibility shapes how the story unfolds, as progression is driven by how you choose to live within the world. While the main story offers a clear path, the way you reach each milestone is entirely up to you. Rather than following a cutscene–mission–cutscene formula, Fantasy Life i emphasizes exploration, gathering materials, helping villagers and discovering that even small side tasks can play a key role in the overarching narrative.
Monster Train 2 (May 21)
Monster Train 2 is a roguelike deckbuilder that picks up right where the first game left off. In the aftermath of an apocalyptic clash, Heaven has frozen over Hell – leaving only a single ember of hellfire: a magical spark that holds the last hope for demons and underworld factions. Players are tasked with protecting and transporting this ember through treacherous skies, hoping to reignite it into a new hellfire by journey’s end.
At the core of Monster Train 2 is its signature vertical, multi-deck combat system. Players place monster cards across three train compartments (floors) to fend off waves of enemies before they reach the ember at the heart of the train. While the core mechanics remain familiar, the sequel introduces a refreshed user interface and a major new feature: the ability to strategically combine two factions at once. Each faction brings unique mechanics – from cloning and rage boosts to unpredictable mutations – unlocking deeper synergies, stronger combos and a broader range of tactical possibilities.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (May 23)
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is an action-adventure game that blends hack-and-slash combat, survival mechanics and RPG progression. Set in 1571 during Japan’s war-torn Sengoku era, the story follows wandering swordsman Jubei Yagyu, whose village has been destroyed by the demonic Genma. The massacre is the work of resurrected warlord Oda Nobunaga, who has formed a dark alliance with the demons in his quest to conquer Japan. Fueled by revenge and a sense of duty, Jubei sets off on a deadly path – and soon discovers he possesses a supernatural gift: the power to absorb Genma souls and fight as an Onimusha warrior.
Onimusha 2 blends fast-paced hack-and-slash action with puzzles, RPG mechanics and fixed camera angles reminiscent of early Resident Evil titles. Combat centers around a timing-based system, where well-executed Issen counters instantly take down enemies. Players can also wield magical, elemental weapons that grow stronger by absorbing souls – a core mechanic for both combat and progression. A standout addition is the companion system: players can build relationships with four different allies, which affect the storyline, level paths and battle scenarios, encouraging multiple playthroughs to experience all possible outcomes.
Please, Touch The Artwork 2 (May 23)
Please, Touch The Artwork 2 is a point-and-click adventure and puzzle game where players take on the role of a friendly ghost who awakens in an abandoned museum. A mysterious event has scrambled the artworks and it’s your job to put things back in order – not just by touching the paintings, but by stepping inside them. Each artwork becomes a fully interactive world to explore. While the first game focused on modern art, the sequel centers on the surreal and often satirical works of Belgian painter James Ensor, known for his vivid colors, mask-like figures and symbolic, sometimes unsettling imagery.
The game does away entirely with text and dialogue, relying instead on visual cues, sound and the player's sense of curiosity. You’ll explore five interactive artworks, each with its own unique mechanics – one might have you matching masks to faces while another involves arranging instruments based on sound patterns. There are no penalties, time limits or game over screens. Please, Touch The Artwork 2 encourages relaxed exploration, letting players discover at their own pace while picking up small collectibles and lending a hand to quirky museum inhabitants along the way.
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