Latest Reviews of Nicalis Games
Repent? But we just pented!!
Fantastic roguelite The Binding of Isaac has been around for a decade since its original Flash incarnation. On Switch alone it’s been a thing – along with its Afterbirth+ expansion – for over four years. A big, final addition to the game with the Repentance 'expansion', then, seems a little belated. Helpfully,...
Review Dungreed (Switch) - A Great Roguelite For Those New To The Genre
More like roguelove!
Live, die, repeat. Such is the way in roguelikes, which are experiencing somewhat of a resurgence in popularity lately, with the likes of Spelunky 2 and Hades dominating whatever remains of watercooler talk now that no one goes to the office any more. You live, making your way through dungeons, finding new weapons, beating a...
Review Umihara Kawase Fresh! (Switch) - An Appealing Platformer That Makes Itself Hard To Love
Something fishy
There’s something strange about Umihara Kawase Fresh! It’s not the fish with human legs; it’s not the tadpole that lays frogs. It’s not even the pork pizza you serve to a pig. What’s strange is that it can’t seem to decide how difficult it is. Assuming you are not familiar with the Umihara Kawase series, the opening of...
Review Crystal Crisis (Switch) - A Falling Block Puzzler That Fits Perfectly On Switch
But can it run Crystal Crisis?
Everyone has dabbled in some form of a falling block puzzle game at some point in their life. For most people, it’s probably some form of Tetris. For others, it may be Dr. Mario, or Puyo Puyo, maybe even Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine. Years upon years of formula tweaking and innovative twists on the simple...
Review Redout (Switch) - A Slightly Rough Port Of An Otherwise Decent Wipeout Wannabe
Seeing Red
One of Nintendo’s most popular (and amusingly, least supported) franchises is the F-Zero series, which popularized the concept of high-intensity, low-gravity racing. In the void created due to Nintendo’s reluctance to release more games in the series, plenty of other ‘me-too’ titles have released, such as Wipeout and FAST, and...
Review RemiLore (Switch) - An Endearingly Sweet RPG Experience That Might Leave You Wanting More
Got a sweet tooth?
In the modern game industry, it feels like there’s quite a continuous push for ‘event games’, like the sorts of action titles you see plastered over advertisements and social media just about everywhere you go. What doesn’t often get talked about is the market for less intense games; the sorts of experiences more geared...
Review Blade Strangers (Switch)
Beginner's Fight Club
When it comes to the world of virtual fisticuffs, few genres offers as much nuance and space for creativity and flair as the 2D fighter. It was here that fighting games were born after all, and as the years have passed this two-dimensional melting pot has refused to cease bubbling. Instead, it’s evolved into something far...
Review Code Of Princess EX (Switch)
This is an EX parrot
Proudly continuing the Japanese tradition of awkward-sounding fantasy game titles, Code of Princess arrives on Switch in ‘EX’ form courtesy of new publisher, Nicalis. The 3DS original launched back in 2012 and positioned itself as a spiritual successor to the SEGA Saturn cult classic, Guardian Heroes. This souped-up edition...
“Even though the ideal is high, I never give in”
Upon first release on Sega NAOMI-powered arcades back in 2001, Ikaruga polarised audiences. While it most certainly was a vertical scrolling shmup like one would expect from the spiritual sequel to Radiant Silvergun, it played nothing like it. In fact, it played like no shmup before it and even...
Run, run, as fast as you can
Unless you’ve had experience of the BIT.TRIP games previously, you’d be forgiven for thinking Runner3 is a platform game; Commander Video and his pink lady friend counterpart both jump, kick and slide their way through obstacle-laden courses. So on the surface it looks that way and through a certain pick up in...
Latest Nicalis Articles
News All Three 'Touch Detective' Games Are Out Now On Switch
Yes you heard, three
Do you remember the Touch Detective games on Nintendo DS? Well, chances are you were probably only familiar with the first two titles, since the third, released in 2014 for the 3DS in Japan, never made it to the West. That changes now, as Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is available right this moment on the Switch...
News 3DS Japan-Exclusive 'Touch Detective 3' Gets Official English Localisation In 2024
Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case is coming to Switch
The Touch Detective series is making its grand return to the West thanks to publisher Nicalis. Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is coming to Nintendo Switch physically and digitally on 28th March, 2024. (Thanks, Gematsu!) Physical editions have only been announced for No
News Cave Story's Secret Santa Is Available Now On Switch, But Only In Japan
Available for a limited time only
If you're looking for something to help get you in the festive mood, then Cave Story's Secret Santa might be just the ticket. Developed by Nicalis in cooperation with Cave Story creator Studio Pixel, Cave Story's Secret Santa is “a bite-sized side story of stealth and puzzle-solving, with familiar characters and...
News The Binding Of Isaac: Repentance Arrives On Nintendo Switch This Week
Out November 4th
Following on from the announcement The Binding of Isaac: Repentance would be coming to multiple platforms, it's now been confirmed the game will be released in North America this week on 4th November. Repentance is described as the "ultimate entry" in the series - taking the Binding of Isaac to new heights with new and updated...
News South Korean Developer Pixelian Studio Brings Critadel To Switch Next Month
A futuristic action game with "GBA-inspired graphics"
Last month Nicalis revealed it would be bringing Critadel by Pixelian Studio (a small three-person development team based in Seoul, South Korea) to the Nintendo Switch at some point this year. It's now locked in for a release on 13th October and will be priced at $19.99 USD. If you missed our...
News Critadel Mixes 2D Run-And-Gun Action With Roguelike Elements
Hits Switch later this year
Publisher Nicalis has announced that it is bringing Pixelian Studio's Critadel to Switch later this year. Described as a "futuristic platformer/shooter/roguelike", Critadel sees players climbing up a giant mechanical tower as they face off against the evil Forces of Noah, an organisation that has taken control of the...
News The Binding Of Isaac: Repentance Will Come To Switch This Summer
Including a physical release
The final chapter in The Binding of Isaac saga is almost here, and it's getting a physical release on Switch. The horror roguelike takes inspiration from the biblical story in which Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, with the mother of similarly-named Isaac attempting to sacrifice him as a symbol of her...
News Delisted Switch Title Save Me Mr Tako Will Return Better Than Ever, Says Creator
Rebalanced and retuned for 2021
Remember Save Me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San? This Game Boy-style adventure was given a glowing 8/10 review by us in 2018 and seemed destined to receive a lovely physical edition at one point. But sitting here right now, in The Year of Our Lord 2020, it's currently impossible to purchase
News Nicalis Is Issuing DMCA Takedown Notices To Free Versions Of Cave Story
"Do not support Nicalis. Do not buy Nicalis games"
Update: Ema – who worked on a fork of the CSE2 version of Cave Story – has gotten in touch to clarify some points: 1. This DMCA is strictly for CSE2, the fanmade decompilation of the original freeware version of Cave Story. Said freeware version is unaffected by the takedown, and can be...
News Nicalis Releasing Physical Switch Edition Of Redout On 27th March, Pre-Order Now
First 1,000 copies include a mini CD soundtrack
If you're looking for a fast fix on the Switch, one game worth checking out is Redout. It's a high-intensity low-gravity futuristic racing experience that is similar but different to games like FAST RMX, Wipeout and even the F-Zero series. In the latest news, Redout's publisher Nicalis has announced a...
News Physical Copies Of Ikaruga For Nintendo Switch Are Now In "Active" Production
Get ready to shoot 'em up
Publisher Nicalis has been teasing a hard copy of Treasure's sublime shmup Ikaruga for Switch since it showed off a gigantic Switch game case at PAX West 2018. It sent fans of this iconic game – first published as an arcade title in 2001 – into an absolute frenzy. Roughly a year later, Nicalis officially
News Nicalis Investigation Reveals Tales Of Ghosting, Slurs And Mistreatment Of Staff
"It’s a small industry. Actions have consequences"
Nicalis is a company that will need no introduction to Nintendo fans. It has been responsible for bringing some amazing titles to Wii, 3DS, Wii U and Switch, including Cave Story+, Blade Strangers, Crystal Crisis, Ikaruga, VVVVVV,
News '90s Super GP Is Still Alive, And Will Now Include Online Play
Racing ahead
One game we feel like we've been waiting a lifetime for is '90s Super GP. This arcade-style game, formerly known as 90's Arcade Racer, started out as a Kickstarter campaign and was originally targeting a Wii U release. In 2017, we received
News Blade Strangers Gets Three New Characters To Celebrate Its One-Year Anniversary
And much more
One of the fighting games on the Switch that perhaps deserves some more attention is Blade Strangers by Studio Saizensen and Nicalis. When it arrived in August last year, we said it was the most accessible 2D fighters we had played in years. If you've been looking for an extra reason to try it out, there is now a free update for the...
News Nicalis Brings Umihara Kawase Fresh! To North America and Europe This July
From the Japanese developer Studio Saizensen
Publisher and developer Nicalis, Inc. has announced it is teaming up with Japanese developer Studio Saizensen to bring Umihara Kawase Fresh! to the Switch in both North America and Europe. The game will arrive on 9th July and will also receive a physical release in the US for $39.99. The latest entry in...
News Umihara Kawase Joins The Crystal Crisis Roster As The 20th Character
Out this May
In case you forgot, last May, Nicalis announced a new game called Crystal Crisis would be coming to the Switch. This crossover puzzle-fighter was scheduled to arrive this April and is now actually due out
Feature Whatever Happened To The Sega-Style Racer '90s Super GP?
The title formerly known as '90s Arcade Racer has slipped off the radar
Hey, remember '90s Arcade Racer? This Sega-inspired speed-fest first slid into our collective consciousnesses way back in 2013, when it hit Kickstarter and was quickly
News Development For Switch Anti-Grav Racer Redout Close To Completion
Racing ahead
With no signs of a new F-Zero game on the horizon, the upcoming anti-gravity racer Redout looks to be a promising alternative. After experiencing multiple delays on its way to Switch, the title was finally rated by the ESRB in September. So, what's the current status on development? Speaking on Fra
News Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San Might Get A Physical Release If eShop Version Is Played
Show your support
Yesterday, Nicalis announced the platform / RPG crossover Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San would be released on the Switch eShop on 30th October. In a recent interview with GoNintendo, the game's developer Christophe Galati spoke about the possibility of a physical release: There’s always hope! P
News Game Boy Inspired Switch Title Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San Arrives On 30th October
Resolve the conflict
Last year, Californian publisher Nicalis announced the platform / RPG crossover Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San was headed to the Nintendo Switch. The title channeling old-school releases started development way back in 2014 and was designed as a tribute to the original Game Boy. Nicalis has now revealed t
Unlimited fun
American publisher Nicalis, best known in recent times for releasing an array of physical games on the Switch, has today announced the South Korean-developed title Dungreed is coming to Nintendo's hybrid platform. A launch date has not been confirmed. Developed by Team Horay in Seoul, Dungreed is a 2D side-scrolling action game...
News Repentance Will Be Final DLC For The Binding Of Isaac, According To Creator
Drawing the curtains
Edmund McMillen - the creator behind The Binding of Isaac - has taken to Twitter to announce the indie roguelike game, first released in 2011, will receive its final sizable DLC pack for r
News Nicalis Teases Ikaruga Physical Release With World's Largest Nintendo Switch Case
Not exactly subtle
Nicalis has made a name for itself in recent times publishing an array of physical titles on the Switch and also handling the release of Treasure's sublime shmup Ikaruga on the eShop. Teasing its attendance at PAX West 2018, the American publisher recently tweeted a photo of a gigantic game case with Ikaruga plastered...
Random NieR: Automata Game Director Explains How He Was Inspired By Ikaruga
Total respect for Treasure's shmup
In celebration of the recent re-release of Ikaruga on multiple platforms including the Switch eShop, the Japanese publication Famitsu sat down with Yoko Taro - the director of the highly praised NieR: Automata - to discuss how exactly Treasure's sublime shmup has influenced his own work over the years...
Feature Nicalis On The Timeless Allure Of Physical Games And Bringing More Treasure Titles To Switch
"We're always listening to fan requests"
American publisher Nicalis has been around for longer than you might think, and has recently gained recognition for its efforts to publish physical versions of Switch games with extra treats for fans. Such goodies often include delightful trinkets such as soundtrack CDs or retro inspired instruction manuals;...
News All Three 'Touch Detective' Games Are Out Now On Switch
Yes you heard, three
Do you remember the Touch Detective games on Nintendo DS? Well, chances are you were probably only familiar with the first two titles, since the third, released in 2014 for the 3DS in Japan, never made it to the West. That changes now, as Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is available right this moment on the Switch...
News 3DS Japan-Exclusive 'Touch Detective 3' Gets Official English Localisation In 2024
Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case is coming to Switch
The Touch Detective series is making its grand return to the West thanks to publisher Nicalis. Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is coming to Nintendo Switch physically and digitally on 28th March, 2024. (Thanks, Gematsu!) Physical editions have only been announced for No
News Cave Story's Secret Santa Is Available Now On Switch, But Only In Japan
Available for a limited time only
If you're looking for something to help get you in the festive mood, then Cave Story's Secret Santa might be just the ticket. Developed by Nicalis in cooperation with Cave Story creator Studio Pixel, Cave Story's Secret Santa is “a bite-sized side story of stealth and puzzle-solving, with familiar characters and...
News The Binding Of Isaac: Repentance Arrives On Nintendo Switch This Week
Out November 4th
Following on from the announcement The Binding of Isaac: Repentance would be coming to multiple platforms, it's now been confirmed the game will be released in North America this week on 4th November. Repentance is described as the "ultimate entry" in the series - taking the Binding of Isaac to new heights with new and updated...
News South Korean Developer Pixelian Studio Brings Critadel To Switch Next Month
A futuristic action game with "GBA-inspired graphics"
Last month Nicalis revealed it would be bringing Critadel by Pixelian Studio (a small three-person development team based in Seoul, South Korea) to the Nintendo Switch at some point this year. It's now locked in for a release on 13th October and will be priced at $19.99 USD. If you missed our...
News Critadel Mixes 2D Run-And-Gun Action With Roguelike Elements
Hits Switch later this year
Publisher Nicalis has announced that it is bringing Pixelian Studio's Critadel to Switch later this year. Described as a "futuristic platformer/shooter/roguelike", Critadel sees players climbing up a giant mechanical tower as they face off against the evil Forces of Noah, an organisation that has taken control of the...
News The Binding Of Isaac: Repentance Will Come To Switch This Summer
Including a physical release
The final chapter in The Binding of Isaac saga is almost here, and it's getting a physical release on Switch. The horror roguelike takes inspiration from the biblical story in which Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, with the mother of similarly-named Isaac attempting to sacrifice him as a symbol of her...
News Delisted Switch Title Save Me Mr Tako Will Return Better Than Ever, Says Creator
Rebalanced and retuned for 2021
Remember Save Me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San? This Game Boy-style adventure was given a glowing 8/10 review by us in 2018 and seemed destined to receive a lovely physical edition at one point. But sitting here right now, in The Year of Our Lord 2020, it's currently impossible to purchase
News Nicalis Is Issuing DMCA Takedown Notices To Free Versions Of Cave Story
"Do not support Nicalis. Do not buy Nicalis games"
Update: Ema – who worked on a fork of the CSE2 version of Cave Story – has gotten in touch to clarify some points: 1. This DMCA is strictly for CSE2, the fanmade decompilation of the original freeware version of Cave Story. Said freeware version is unaffected by the takedown, and can be...
News Nicalis Releasing Physical Switch Edition Of Redout On 27th March, Pre-Order Now
First 1,000 copies include a mini CD soundtrack
If you're looking for a fast fix on the Switch, one game worth checking out is Redout. It's a high-intensity low-gravity futuristic racing experience that is similar but different to games like FAST RMX, Wipeout and even the F-Zero series. In the latest news, Redout's publisher Nicalis has announced a...
News Physical Copies Of Ikaruga For Nintendo Switch Are Now In "Active" Production
Get ready to shoot 'em up
Publisher Nicalis has been teasing a hard copy of Treasure's sublime shmup Ikaruga for Switch since it showed off a gigantic Switch game case at PAX West 2018. It sent fans of this iconic game – first published as an arcade title in 2001 – into an absolute frenzy. Roughly a year later, Nicalis officially
News Nicalis Investigation Reveals Tales Of Ghosting, Slurs And Mistreatment Of Staff
"It’s a small industry. Actions have consequences"
Nicalis is a company that will need no introduction to Nintendo fans. It has been responsible for bringing some amazing titles to Wii, 3DS, Wii U and Switch, including Cave Story+, Blade Strangers, Crystal Crisis, Ikaruga, VVVVVV,
News '90s Super GP Is Still Alive, And Will Now Include Online Play
Racing ahead
One game we feel like we've been waiting a lifetime for is '90s Super GP. This arcade-style game, formerly known as 90's Arcade Racer, started out as a Kickstarter campaign and was originally targeting a Wii U release. In 2017, we received
News Blade Strangers Gets Three New Characters To Celebrate Its One-Year Anniversary
And much more
One of the fighting games on the Switch that perhaps deserves some more attention is Blade Strangers by Studio Saizensen and Nicalis. When it arrived in August last year, we said it was the most accessible 2D fighters we had played in years. If you've been looking for an extra reason to try it out, there is now a free update for the...
News Nicalis Brings Umihara Kawase Fresh! To North America and Europe This July
From the Japanese developer Studio Saizensen
Publisher and developer Nicalis, Inc. has announced it is teaming up with Japanese developer Studio Saizensen to bring Umihara Kawase Fresh! to the Switch in both North America and Europe. The game will arrive on 9th July and will also receive a physical release in the US for $39.99. The latest entry in...
News Umihara Kawase Joins The Crystal Crisis Roster As The 20th Character
Out this May
In case you forgot, last May, Nicalis announced a new game called Crystal Crisis would be coming to the Switch. This crossover puzzle-fighter was scheduled to arrive this April and is now actually due out
Feature Whatever Happened To The Sega-Style Racer '90s Super GP?
The title formerly known as '90s Arcade Racer has slipped off the radar
Hey, remember '90s Arcade Racer? This Sega-inspired speed-fest first slid into our collective consciousnesses way back in 2013, when it hit Kickstarter and was quickly
News Development For Switch Anti-Grav Racer Redout Close To Completion
Racing ahead
With no signs of a new F-Zero game on the horizon, the upcoming anti-gravity racer Redout looks to be a promising alternative. After experiencing multiple delays on its way to Switch, the title was finally rated by the ESRB in September. So, what's the current status on development? Speaking on Fra
News Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San Might Get A Physical Release If eShop Version Is Played
Show your support
Yesterday, Nicalis announced the platform / RPG crossover Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San would be released on the Switch eShop on 30th October. In a recent interview with GoNintendo, the game's developer Christophe Galati spoke about the possibility of a physical release: There’s always hope! P
News Game Boy Inspired Switch Title Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San Arrives On 30th October
Resolve the conflict
Last year, Californian publisher Nicalis announced the platform / RPG crossover Save me Mr Tako: Tasukete Tako-San was headed to the Nintendo Switch. The title channeling old-school releases started development way back in 2014 and was designed as a tribute to the original Game Boy. Nicalis has now revealed t
Unlimited fun
American publisher Nicalis, best known in recent times for releasing an array of physical games on the Switch, has today announced the South Korean-developed title Dungreed is coming to Nintendo's hybrid platform. A launch date has not been confirmed. Developed by Team Horay in Seoul, Dungreed is a 2D side-scrolling action game...
News Repentance Will Be Final DLC For The Binding Of Isaac, According To Creator
Drawing the curtains
Edmund McMillen - the creator behind The Binding of Isaac - has taken to Twitter to announce the indie roguelike game, first released in 2011, will receive its final sizable DLC pack for r
News Nicalis Teases Ikaruga Physical Release With World's Largest Nintendo Switch Case
Not exactly subtle
Nicalis has made a name for itself in recent times publishing an array of physical titles on the Switch and also handling the release of Treasure's sublime shmup Ikaruga on the eShop. Teasing its attendance at PAX West 2018, the American publisher recently tweeted a photo of a gigantic game case with Ikaruga plastered...
Random NieR: Automata Game Director Explains How He Was Inspired By Ikaruga
Total respect for Treasure's shmup
In celebration of the recent re-release of Ikaruga on multiple platforms including the Switch eShop, the Japanese publication Famitsu sat down with Yoko Taro - the director of the highly praised NieR: Automata - to discuss how exactly Treasure's sublime shmup has influenced his own work over the years...
Feature Nicalis On The Timeless Allure Of Physical Games And Bringing More Treasure Titles To Switch
"We're always listening to fan requests"
American publisher Nicalis has been around for longer than you might think, and has recently gained recognition for its efforts to publish physical versions of Switch games with extra treats for fans. Such goodies often include delightful trinkets such as soundtrack CDs or retro inspired instruction manuals;...