Mixtape offers a unique experience, even if it looks familiar at first. The narrative approach to memory and growing up creates a coming-of-age story that weaves through the messiness of teenage emotions. While the very small amount of gameplay can feel repetitive, the story mitigates that weakness.

The Europa Universalis V: Fate of the Phoenix immersion pack adds distinctive new features and flavor to the Byzantine Empire, making a challenging, undesirable empire more enticing for players to explore. However, for anyone not up to the substantial challenge, there isn’t much left to hold onto.

Motorslice has some cool moments, but they’re largely lost in stale and dated gameplay and weirdly sexualized beats.

In 007 First Light, IO Interactive has taken their signature Creative approach to level design, their talent for making the best suits in games, and imbued it with a James Bond DNA to craft something cinematic and fresh. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

Invincible VS delivers a fun, frantic, and brutal fighting game experience. While it can be unforgiving at times, it never feels like you don’t have the tools to survive the bloody battles it challenges you with.

Aphelion is a small game that hits hard with big emotions by embracing the very best elements of science fiction. It embraces humanity and connection while still showcasing the genre’s love of alien planets and condemnation of evil corporations.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a chaotic breath of fresh air, even if it doesn’t offer a ton of things to do.

OPUS Prism Peak leaves a heavy, lasting impression thanks to beautiful environments and emotional storytelling.

Saros is Housemarque at its best. It nails the roguelike formula, with each run feeling completely different than what came before thanks to changing areas and a variety of weapons. The story grips you and doesn’t let go, with Rahul Kohli’s fantastic performance at the heart of it.

Mongil Star Dive misses far more than it hits. Obnoxious characters weigh down a passable story, while decent gameplay is curtailed by an oppressive leveling system that feels too inhibitive to the experience.

Tides of Tomorrow tells an exciting story through an innovative lens. It prompts players to think beyond themselves and their own stories.

Dragon Quest Smash/Grow is a simple, straightforward action game that provides some fun.

Dosa Divas is so full of heart and charm that you can’t help but have a massive smile on your face the entire time.

Pragmata is a great sci-fi action adventure game that doesn’t demand much from its players and provides an entertaining experience throughout.

Town of Zoz leaves a lasting impression by centering culture, community, and connection in a vibrant adventure that’s easy to get lost in.

Forza Horizon 6 is the exact sequel Horizon fans have been waiting for. A long time coming, the Japan location is definitely worth the wait. It’s stunning on the Series X in ways that are hard to describe, even if you are familiar with the country’s picturesque scenery. That, plus updates to core gameplay mechanics, like progression and even drifting, are making the wait for May even harder. [Hands-On Impressions]

People of Note is a great mash-up of the people behind music. Music may have divided the people of Note, yet it also slowly brings them all together for a brighter, more rockin’ future.

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! is a delightfully cozy cooking game filled with mouthwatering recipes, fun character designs, and an intriguing, slow-burning story that unfolds at its own pace.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is one of the best Switch 2 editions yet. It’s at its best when being played with other people, with the co-op challenges being a highlight.

KASSO GAIDEN Escape from the Skaterverse bucks expectations by having engaging gameplay, some catchy tunes, and a pretty reasonable price for additional perks.

Life Is Strange Reunion isn’t perfect, but it hits the most important notes. Getting to see Max and Chloe together again is a phenomenally emotional experience.

There is a solid idea and foundation here that needs to be massaged more in future attempts. DAMON and BABY has some cool ideas, but ultimately, is not a fun trip to heaven.

MLB The Show 26 builds on a rock-solid foundation and improves across the board, even if there is still room for improvement.

Midnight has quickly set up a base that could easily be one of World of Warcraft‘s best expansions in quite some time—possibly ever.

GreedFall: The Dying World leaves much to be desired. Despite offering an engaging story and a strong cast of characters, technical problems abound, making the experience far more frustrating than it’s worth.

This is a massive undertaking for any development team. It's ambitious to a point that it becomes curious that it was attempted. But unlike Captain Ahab, this is a level of investment and ambition that ultimately pays off in the highest order. The level of detail in Crimson Desert is unlike anything we have seen in this console generation.

Pokémon Pokopia is a massive love letter to the series, one that fittingly hits in the 30th year. It’s the gold standard of Pokémon spin-offs, letting you live in a Pokémon playground.

Ninja Gaiden 4: The Two Masters is a good DLC that offers a decent amount of content, despite its incredibly short length and lackluster narrative.