Vitamin Connection (2020)

In conclusion, Vitamin Connection was a game with tons of charm, using the joycons to their maximum potential for a unique co-op experience. While the main game is very playable solo, it doesn’t feel nearly as fun or as polished as a co-op title. It may use some gimmicks I’m not fond of such as motion controls, but I can’t deny that it led to a unique shooting experience overall. It was harder to play this game in co-op than I had anticipated, since I had to put it on hold for a long while due to the current health crisis, but now that I was able to give it several lengthy afternoons in co-op, it felt natural, and I’m confident in saying that Vitamin Connection is a quirky, charming co-op experience that’s a must-own. As a solo experience however, the game is pretty dull, and while it’s very handy to use normal controls for some of the trickier things like shooting enemies or using the claw, it just feels way more fluid with the co-op method of controls, which is something I never thought I’d say due to my general distain for motion gimmicks.

In the end, Vitamin Connection is a fun and endearing addition to the Switch library of exclusives. The level of difficulty is there, but nothing feels impossible unless you're playing solo so beating each stage feels like an accomplishment. The long stages mean that stretches of gameplay can feel lengthy, but the overall duration feels just right, while the New Game+ mode and the ability to improve on each minigame gives the game some legs once you beat the campaign. If you want something that feels fresh in the co-op space, grab Vitamin Connection.

Ultimately, I feel there were tons of cool ideas on display here and tons of charm, but that it wasn’t fully realized. Vitamin Connection is still a fun experience, and I appreciate the creativity. I just feel that perhaps some features required more time in the oven, so to speak. Honestly though, for only $19.99, it’s hard to take too much fault with the experience. I’d say if you want to support a cool indie company, you should give it a go. Just be ready for a steeper challenge than you might expect.

Vitamin Connection is the kind of unique game that only comes around so often. With its quirky visuals, amazing soundtrack and fun gameplay, Vitamin Connection is charming in a way that few other games can truly manage. Some of the Sub-Games don't fit the concept as well as the others, and the claw can be a bit frustrating at times, but the game's overall package is truly something special. Nintendo Switch owners in need of something bright, cheery, and cathartic would do well to check this one out.

Vitamin Connection is a worthy release on the Switch that is sure to give you a full dose of entertainment