I can appreciate pretty simplistic budget platformers that have a more classic retro feel but to be competitive in the Switch eShop you really need to throw people a bone, some glimmer of inspiration that helps make the experience at least a little bit special. On pretty well all fronts Castle Pals, featuring two characters you’ll alternate playing as who each have their own style of play, can’t muster up any real fun or excitement. The controls are on the “touchy” side, the level design is pretty uninspired all around, and in general there just wasn’t a lot of joy to be found working through it. With so many decent to pretty great budget options out there Castle Pals struggles to justify a purchase.