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Articles by Liesel Booker
Nintendo Switch Online Added a Fun GameCube Oddity and 3 NES Games – NSO Roundup 9/26
Star Fox Adventures This GameCube adventure might be the oddest game in the Star Fox series, which is largely known as a rail shooter series. Well, this game has shooting sections, but the bulk of it is a third-person adventure game.
Nintendo Switch Online Added a Fun GameCube Oddity and 3 NES Games – NSO Roundup 9/26
Star Fox Adventures This GameCube adventure might be the oddest game in the Star Fox series, which is largely known as a rail shooter series. Well, this game has shooting sections, but the bulk of it is a third-person adventure game.
Metroid Ravenous Announced: New Side-Scrolling Adventure Looks Dark and Amazing
The first Metroid Ravenous trailer, which debuted during September 9th’s Nintendo Direct, begins with the Metroid heroine, Samus Aran, narrating in a voiceover. She says that she was “attacked by unknown assailants and sustained grave injuries,” as black-and-white footage of hostile robots plays. Samus knows nothing about where she is, but of course, she won’t go down without a fight.
Nintendo Switch Online Adds a Fun Mario Classic and 2 Cancelled Games – NSO Roundup 8/2026
Super Mario Sunshine Some people consider the GameCube classic Super Mario Sunshine to be the black sheep among Mario’s 3D platformers, but others love it. As for me, I love it. Is it as good as Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario Odyssey? No, but it has a charm all its own. It is more difficult than your average Mario game, but that just makes it more satisfying when you finally clear that troubling level. With great music and a charming tropical atmosphere, this game feels alive in the best way.
Happy 35th Birthday, SNES! Ranking the 5 Super Nintendo Launch Titles from Greatest to Least Great
The classic computer sim game made its SNES debut with a little Nintendo flair added. For example, you could activate a hazard where Bowser attacks your city. Sim games designed for a mouse can be a bit awkward to play with a controller, but fortunately, the cursor moves fluidly here. The music is nice and calming, which can help to keep your blood pressure down as the challenges rise.
Happy 35th Birthday, SNES! Why the Super Nintendo Still Holds Up
When the SNES launched with games like Super Mario World and F-Zero, gamers got a look at the new generation of gaming. Sprites and backgrounds were more detailed and colorful than on the NES. The music and sound effects were sharper and more realistic than the beeps and chiptunes heard on 8-bit machines. The SNES could even handle pseudo-3D effects. It was like watching an amazing sequel to a great movie and seeing just how much the world could be expanded.
Nintendo Switch Online Added a Classic Full of Jungle Fun – NSO Round up 6/26
Nintendo Switch Online added Donkey Kong 64 on June 5th. Donkey Kong 64 was the first 3-D game in the beloved Donkey Kong series, and some people consider it one of the best games the Nintendo 64 had to offer, while others say it hasn’t aged that well. It followed the excellent Donkey Kong Country trilogy on the Super Nintendo, so it had to live up to high expectations when it first came out. So, what do I think of the game?
5 Amazing Stephen King Books for Rich Scares
Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of our time, and he is best known for his scares. His imagination lets you see yourself in the story and wonder what you would do in the characters’ situations, forcing you to take an honest look at yourself. Would you survive, or would you fall under the influence of Pennywise or the Overlook Hotel? Reading a King book makes you ask yourself difficult questions. 5 Great Stephen King Books for Heart-Pounding Scares 1.
Nintendo Switch Online Added Fun Namco Classics and Virtual Boy Treats – NSO Monthly Roundup April/May 2026
In April, Nintendo Switch Online brought us some Namco delights to the NES collection, and in May, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack added a bunch of Virtual Boy games. Since I missed April’s additions due to my computer being in the shop, I’m giving you guys a double helping this month. First, let’s look at the April releases. In April, Nintendo Switch Online added three NES games from the classic developer Namco. Are they any good? Let’s take a look.
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’: Should This Fun but Low-Stakes Adventure Have Gone Straight to Streaming?
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the first “Star Wars” theatrical movie since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” and you would expect audiences to snap to attention. However, the film received a low opening weekend gross at the box office. Does this mean that audiences are tired of the galaxy far, far away? Perhaps, but it might also mean that this movie simply didn’t belong in theaters.
‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Review – A Fun, Exciting Romp Across a Magical Galaxy
Nintendo fans have long been anticipating “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” Ever since Nintendo revealed that the sequel to 2023’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” would be based on the beloved Super Mario Galaxy games, fans have been speculating what the filmmakers will do with such rich potential. Well, the Nintendo fans who loved the first movie shouldn’t be disappointed.
Liesel Booker - Total Apex Entertainment
Liesel Booker holds a master's degree in English Literature from Salisbury University. She has loved reading and writing her entire life, and she is also an avid gamer who has a special love for indie and Nintendo games. Her two wonderful cats love to sit with her as she writes for Total Apex. She also really, really loves Star Wars, to the point where she is proud to call herself a geek.
Nintendo Switch Online Celebrates Mario and Pokémon with New Game Additions – NSO Roundup March 2026.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness for the GameCube is the follow-up to Pokémon Colosseum, which also debuted on the GameCube. However, Colosseum is not currently available on Nintendo Switch Online. Gale of Darkness takes place five years after the events of Colosseum, and the game mainly centers around the Shadow Pokémon that Colosseum introduced. Like in most Pokémon games, you explore, you talk to people, you capture Pokémon, and you use your Pokémon to battle other trainers’ Pokémon.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Engaging Strategy for Players who Like to Think
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a strategy game set in Japan’s Edo period. While it has been available on Steam for several years, it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 18th. The game involves a lot of stealth and strategy, so gamers who enjoy rushing in and killing everything in sight might not find a lot to like, but gamers who enjoy planning out their moves and the rush that comes with slipping past enemies unnoticed should have a great time.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Engaging Strategy for Players who Like to Think
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a strategy game set in Japan’s Edo period. While it has been available on Steam for several years, it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 18th. The game involves a lot of stealth and strategy, so gamers who enjoy rushing in and killing everything in sight might not find a lot to like, but gamers who enjoy planning out their moves and the rush that comes with slipping past enemies unnoticed should have a great time.
‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Final Trailer – Obscure Characters and Donald Glover as Yoshi
The final trailer for “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is here. Mario’s highly anticipated second animated movie takes inspiration from the beloved Super Mario Galaxy games, along with references to other Mario games sprinkled in. The movie opens on April 1st, and in the meantime, fans can pick apart the trailer for Easter eggs. They can also look forward to hearing Donald Glover as the adorable green dinosaur, Yoshi.
5 Awesome Sci-Fi Leading Ladies
It’s Women’s History Month, so it’s a good time to look at some of the leading ladies in sci-fi movies. While some people might consider sci-fi to be a male-dominated genre, that is far from the truth. Sci-fi movies have their fair share of amazing leading ladies. Let’s take a look at some of them to celebrate Women’s History Month. Here are five of the greatest heroines in sci-fi movies.
Nintendo Switch Online Added the Infamous Virtual Boy, Prepare for Fun and Headaches - NSO Roundup February 2026
February was a busy month for Nintendo Switch Online. In addition to two Game Boy classics, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack also added a new retro system to its retro game collections. The infamous Virtual Boy is now part of Nintendo Switch Online, although you need to purchase an accessory in order to experience the Virtual Boy in its intended 3D. So, let’s take a look at the new additions, along with the cardboard Virtual Boy accessory.
Nintendo Switch Online Added the Infamous Virtual Boy, Prepare for Fun and Headaches - NSO Roundup February 2026
February was a busy month for Nintendo Switch Online. In addition to two Game Boy classics, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack also added a new retro system to its retro game collections. The infamous Virtual Boy is now part of Nintendo Switch Online, although you need to purchase an accessory in order to experience the Virtual Boy in its intended 3D. So, let’s take a look at the new additions, along with the cardboard Virtual Boy accessory.
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Under the Island: A Wacky, Fun, Nostalgic RPG - Weekly Indie Spotlight
Under the Island is an action RPG that takes place on, you guessed it, an island. As with most action RPGs, you explore, you fight, you talk to people, and you go on quests. So, what makes Under the Island stand out from the pack of Zelda clones? Does it have something unique to offer? While I’ve only played the demo and I don’t yet own the game, the demo gives you a taste of the wackiness Under the Island has to offer.
'Toy Story 5' - Who Will Be the New Voices for Beloved Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head? - Total Apex Entertainment
“Toy Story 5” is continuing a movie saga that is thirty years old. Unfortunately, thirty years is a long time, and when a film series lasts that long, it’s very likely that not all the original actors will live to see the end of it. In the case of the “Toy Story” series, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head were originally voiced by Don Rickles and Estelle Harris, respectively. Both actors have now passed, so how did “Toy Story 5” find suitable replacements?
Sony's Failed 'Spider-Man' Extended Universe Getting Rebooted
The “Spider-Man” movie universes have had fair share of reboots. After the successful Sam Raimi films of the 2000’s, the universe rebooted in 2012, then it rebooted again for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition, there has been the animated “Spider-Verse” film series, along with various spin-off films in Sony’s extended universe. So, what do you say to the extended universe getting rebooted?
Why Are Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Coming to the Switch eShop? 'We Thought It Would be Fun'
Nintendo recently announced on their official site that Pokémon: FireRed and LeafGreen will both be available on the Nintendo eShop on February 28th. These Game Boy Advance titles are remakes of the original Game Boy Pokémon titles, Pokémon Red and Blue. While several Pokémon spin-off games are part of the Nintendo Switch Online retro collections, the mainline games are surprisingly absent, and fans have been clamoring for them to be added for a long time now.
Why Are Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Coming to the Switch eShop? "We Thought It Would be Fun"
Pokémon fans recently received some great news from Nintendo – well, it might be great or it might be bad, depending on your point of view. Two beloved Pokémon titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch eShop on February 28th. However, that might leave some fans wondering why the titles aren’t coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Also, what does this mean for the future of Pokémon and Nintendo rereleases in general?
Megaquarium Getting Free Update on February 25
Megaquarium is developed by Twice Circled, and it takes some obvious inspiration from Roller Coaster Tycoon and other classic business sims. You build tanks, buy fish, and try to keep the fish alive so your aquarium can draw in customers. You can also decorate your aquarium, unlock upgrades, and work towards building a dream home for your fish. Of course, you’ll have to build slowly, or else you’ll go bankrupt. The game is addictive, but it can also be difficult.
Megaquarium Getting Free Update on February 25
Megaquarium is a very fun business sim where you get to run your own aquarium. Like in many business sims, Megaquarium strikes a balance between the thrill of getting to build your own aquarium and the stress of having to manage money and other elements. A new DLC pack is coming on the 25th, but in addition, fans will be getting a free update to the game.
"Hoppers" Sneak Peek on Disney+
Disney and Pixar’s newest animated movie, “Hoppers,” comes to theaters in March, meaning that it is just around the corner. Disney has been promoting the movie with various fun trailers, including some hilarious Winter Olympic-themed ads. Now, if you have Disney+, you can watch a short sneak peek of the movie. “Hoppers” trailer, Courtesy of Disney and Pixar The new “Hoppers” sneak peek can be found on Disney+, so you will need a Disney+ membership in order to watch it.
Cooking Academy 3: More Casual Fun with Delicious Food - Weekly Indie Spotlight
Developed by Fugazo Inc, Cooking Academy 3 continues the loose storyline from the previous games. Now you’re a fully trained chef with your own restaurant, but you want to write your own cookbook, so you once again go back to school to learn some new recipes to fill your cookbook. The story won’t win any awards for originality, but it doesn’t need to, since these games are about the cooking experience. Like Cooking Academy and Cooking Academy 2, this game focuses on cooking all kinds of recipes.
Cooking Academy 3: More Casual Fun with Delicious Food - Weekly Indie Spotlight
Cooking Academy 3: Recipe for Success is labelled as the third game in the Cooking Academy series, but it’s actually the fourth game in the series. A spin-off game, Kitchen Brigade, was released between the second and third games, but we’ll get to that game in a future Indie Spotlight. For now, let’s take a look at Cooking Academy 3. Image from Cooking Academy 3, Courtesy of Fugazo Inc. Developed by Fugazo Inc, Cooking Academy 3 continues the loose storyline from the previous games.
Under the Island Trailer - An Exciting Romp Through a Sinking Island
Under the Island was developed by Slime King Games and published by Top Hat Studios and Doyoyo Games. According to the game’s Steam page, you play Nia, who has just moved to Seashell Island, which will sink under the ocean if no one does anything. Of course, it’s up to Nia to save the day, which will involve exploring the island’s different biomes, each of which has a different environment. The release trailer is packed with quick glimpses of different gameplay features.
Under the Island Trailer - An Exciting Romp Through a Sinking Island
Under the Island is an indie action RPG that just came out for game consoles and Steam. Take one look at the trailer, and it will remind you of old-school adventure games and modern indie darlings. So, what does this new game have to offer? Does the trailer invite you to play the game, or is Under the Island just like the hundreds of other indie RPGs out there?
New 'Toy Story 5' Trailer Shows Woody and Buzz Reuniting and a Biting Statement about Tech
“Toy Story 5” is already a controversial sequel before it even comes out. Many people (myself included), thought the “Toy Story” franchise should have ended with “Toy Story 3,” and they thought that “Toy Story 4” was an unnecessary sequel. However, the new “Toy Story 5” trailer shows that the franchise might still have some life left, as it tells a relevant story about how tech has overtaken our lives.
Playing Around with Gear.Club Unlimited 3’s Free Play Modes
Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is a new racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Even if you haven’t played the other games in the Gear.Club Unlimited series, Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is easy to jump into. The game has a Story Mode where you can race in both France and Japan, but it also has a bunch of different modes in Free Play. Let’s take a look at the Gear.Club Unlimited 3 Free Play modes.
Gaming Release Dates
Total Apex is your front‑row seat to everything that moves culture; entertainment, gaming, lifestyle, spirituality, wellness, and real‑world relationships. We don’t do filler. We drop the stories, the heat, the breakthroughs, and the truths that actually matter. If it’s trending, game‑changing, or worth your time, it’s here. Bold, sharp, and built for people who want more than noise; this is where culture comes to get clarified.
‘Opalite’ – Taylor Swift’s New Music Video is Full of Humor and Nostalgia
The song “Opalite,” from Taylor Swift’s album “Life as a Showgirl,” is a song about loneliness and finding hope while pushing your way through the storm. Swift released the music video for the song last week, and it demonstrates the wild creativity and bedazzlement that her music videos are known for. With guest stars and humorous eighties flair, the music video is not to be missed, even if you aren’t a Swiftie.
‘Be By You’ – Luke Combs’ New Single Is A Painfully Standard Love Song
“Be By You” is a new single by country artist Luke Combs. It is part of his upcoming album, “The Way I Am,” which is due out on March 20th. So, does “Be By You” give a good taste of the album? Does “Be By You” stimulate excitement in buying the album, or is it just another country track that gets lost in the masses? Let’s see what “Be By You” has to offer. “Be By You” lyric video, Courtesy of Luke Combs Luke Combs released the lyric video of “Be By You” on YouTube a few days ago.
Lovish: Some 8-Bit Nostaglic Fun - Weekly Indie Spotlight
Developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment, Lovish has a simple plot. The Princess Tsnuna has been kidnapped by the Devil Lord, and Sir Solomon sets off with his hero party to rescue her. However, Solomon is madly in love with the princess, so he also wishes to obtain the Devil Lord’s Video Helmet, which can allegedly make anyone fall in love with you. There are hilarious cutscenes between levels that both advance the story and bring a chuckle.
Anime & Manga - Total Apex Entertainment
Total Apex is your front‑row seat to everything that moves culture; entertainment, gaming, lifestyle, spirituality, wellness, and real‑world relationships. We don’t do filler. We drop the stories, the heat, the breakthroughs, and the truths that actually matter. If it’s trending, game‑changing, or worth your time, it’s here. Bold, sharp, and built for people who want more than noise; this is where culture comes to get clarified.
The Legend of Zelda and Characters of Color - Rare, but Memorable
Impa is perhaps the most iconic character of color in The Legend of Zelda, although a large number of her incarnations have been white. However, The Legend of Zelda involves the characters getting reincarnated over and over, so it makes sense that characters’ appearances could change as they get reborn. As such, they can change races depending on where in time they are. Impa’s most prominent role in a mainline Zelda game is also a role where she is a person of color.
Billie Lourd Pays Powerful Emotional Tribute to Late Star Carrie Fisher Original
Billie Lourd, the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, continues to honor her mother’s legacy nine years after Fisher’s untimely death. Fisher died of a heart attack on December 27, 2016, at age 60, and her death shocked the world. Best known for portraying Princess Leia Organa in the “Star Wars” franchise, Fisher’s memory lives on through her work – and through her daughter. In an Instagram post, Lourd shared how a happy morning with her daughter helped her to reflect on Fisher’s impact.
Billie Lourd Pays Powerful Emotional Tribute to Late Star Carrie Fisher
Billie Lourd, the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher, continues to honor her mother’s legacy nine years after Fisher’s untimely death. Fisher died of a heart attack on December 27, 2016, at age 60, and her death shocked the world. Best known for portraying Princess Leia Organa in the “Star Wars” franchise, Fisher’s memory lives on through her work – and through her daughter. In an Instagram post, Lourd shared how a happy morning with her daughter helped her to reflect on Fisher’s impact.
Dark Quest: First Impressions of a Fun but Flawed Dungeon Crawler Original
Dark Quest is a strategy RPG where you crawl through dungeons and look for treasure. Fans of RPGs and dungeon crawlers should be familiar with this kind of gameplay. There have been four games in the Dark Quest series, and a remastered version of the first Dark Quest game is being released tomorrow. So, what does the first Dark Quest have to separate itself from the pack of strategy games and dungeon crawlers? Screenshot of Dark Quest, Courtesy of Brain Seal Ltd.
Hotel Architect: Final Thoughts on This Fun Sim Game
Hotel Architect is an upcoming sim game that is currently in early access. It recently had a free weekend, during which I got to play it. While I didn’t get to complete all the scenarios, I played enough to get a good impression of the game. So, what are my final thoughts on Hotel Architect? Will I buy it when it gets released, or was the free weekend enough for me?
Nintendo Switch Online Added An Epic RPG for the Classic GameCube - NSO Monthly Roundup Original
January was a quiet month for Nintendo Switch Online. Gamers who don’t yet have a Nintendo Switch 2 didn’t get any new retro games at all, and Switch 2 players only got one new game added to Nintendo Switch Online’s massive retro collection. So, what was that game? Well, it was a game that is part of one of Nintendo’s popular franchises, but that franchise still has a rather niche appeal.
Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Leak Turns Out To Be a Disappointing Mistake Original
Nintendo Switch Online players got excited when they saw an advertisement on Walmart’s website that included the cover art from Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2, two GameCube classics that aren’t yet included in Nintendo Switch Online’s retro game collections. This got people thinking that those two games would soon be added to Nintendo Switch Online. Well, now they can be disappointed, because Nintendo has issued a devastating statement about that.
Hotel Architect - First Impressions of A Fun New Hotel Sim
Hotel Architect is a business simulation game that is currently in early access. It’s also free to play until February 2nd, so you can go download it on Steam and try it out now. However, is it worth the time and hard drive space that it will take to play it? Well, I just started playing it, so let’s take a look at my first impressions of the game.
Cooking Academy 2: Delicious Laid-Back Fun - Weekly Indie Spotlight Original
Cooking Academy 2: World Cuisine is a sequel to the relaxing cooking sim, Cooking Academy. Like many good sequels, it takes what was great about the original game and expands on it. While it doesn’t do anything particularly revolutionary in its gameplay, it still makes for a fun, relaxing time, nailing the cozy vibe of the first game perfectly. Even if you’re not into cooking, you should still have some fun times with this game. Image from Cooking Academy 2, Courtesy of Fugazo Inc.
Total Apex Gaming Original
Haunted Chocolatier is set to be the next game created by Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, the creator of the beloved Stardew Valley farm simulation. Haunted Chocolatier was first announced in 2021, so surely it must be almost ready for release now, right? Well, while ConcernedApe has put out a steady flow of news about the game, he has been busy with Stardew Valley updates, so it might be a while before the game actually comes out.
Total Apex Gaming Original
You might not have heard of Hideki Konno, but you have definitely heard of his work. He has been working at Nintendo ever since the days of the NES, and his credits include such classic games as the Mario Kart series and Luigi’s Mansion. Now, he has announced that he is leaving Nintendo, though the reason why remains unknown. Image from Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, Courtesy of Nintendo As reported by IGN, Hideki Konno announced via Facebook that he left his job back in July of 2025.
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