I cannot think of a single negative thing to say about The House in Fata Morgana. My time with the game was well spent, and I crave a replay as soon as possible, so I can dive even deeper and appreciate the game at a different pace. This definitive version of the Fata Morgana series is perfectly suited for the Switch, allowing you to read on the go as you move through one of the most beloved visual novels in the genre.

For the right kind of player, someone who just wishes to explore and live in a gorgeously designed fantasy setting, this game will offer countless hours of enjoyment. However, if you are like me and when you are presented with a quest to undertake you simply wish to follow that quest in a way that feels fluid and rewarding, this game has some huge hurdles to overcome.

Elden Ring was a massive endeavor and success, and instead of coasting on that success, they turned Shadow of the Erdtree into a thrilling final adventure with its own identity.

Hades 2 is a standout experience in a year full of highlights, keeping the player coming back run after run for just one more go. The art style and graphics are as impressive as ever, a visual feast at every turn.

Metroid Prime Remastered is the gold standard for how to remaster an old game. Retro Studios have earned a reputation as one of the best game developers in the business, perfecting the balance between nostalgia and modern game development. Fans of the original Metroid Prime and newcomers to the franchise alike are in for an absolute treat.

Cobalt Core provides a memorable story with fun characters, tense gameplay moments, and a payoff that is nearly unmatched. Despite the characters’ best attempts to escape the loop, it’s a game that you should play over and over.

Elden Ring is an absolute triumph that will surely please all of the many players eager to get their hands on it.

It’s hard to find much of anything to complain about when it comes to God of War Ragnarok. The complex characters and storyline provide a plethora of feelings. The developers have breathed so much depth and life into this series that previously focused on combat over narrative substance. There’s still plenty of violent combo-focused action, but the option for exploration and puzzle-solving balances out the mechanics and adds a bit of curve to the otherwise linear storyline.

While graphics are only one component of a game, these improvements’ impacts on the experience of playing Witcher 3 are pretty large. It is still the same thrilling combat, engaging stories, and darkly detailed world as before, but the improvements allow the player to be more immersed in it than ever before. It all comes together to make one of the best games ever made even more enjoyable. 

The charm, character, and challenging gameplay that made it an instant hit last year gives it more than enough appeal to warrant a second go.

The most impressive element of Split Fiction is how well it ties everything together. Its disparate locales and subplots all share a beautiful, unified art style with a story that melds perfectly with its gameplay.

While Resident Evil 4 is a remake, it stays true to the core of the original. The revamped gameplay, additional and expanded plot beats, and optional activities only add more depth and ease of play to an already fantastic game that already knew how to scare its players.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand adventure that, despite minor pacing issues, is incredibly engaging and exciting. There are so many discoveries waiting to be uncovered, and every inch of the game is dripping with love and care. If this is how great part two is, I can't wait to see how Square Enix finishes the trilogy.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder ultimately offers a delightful and innovative refinement of the genre. If you’re looking to explore the stages and find every hidden secret, it may be best to go solo, but even with a friend or three, you’re going to have a good time.

Forza Horizon 5 somehow raised an insurmountable bar to new heights. Playground Games continued to show off their prowess with game development and their striving to make a game that is fun for every type of player in every aspect of gameplay. Regardless of if you’re a racing fan or not, if you have Game Pass, Forza Horizon 5 needs to be the next game you play. You never know, it could be the jumping-off point into a new genre that you never knew you’d click with.

Despite frustrations with the random elements of gameplay, Blue Prince presents an experience that is unique, memorable, and as ever-shifting as the rooms of Mt. Holly. It throws you into a mystery full of mysteries and will ask you to take enough notes to create your own conspiracy board.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth feels like a victory lap while simultaneously paving the way for the future of the franchise.

Street Fighter 6 is accessible for players of any skill level. It's open enough to new players but offers what fighter vets need to stay invested in a new title. Good net code, interesting characters, and new features that make it stick out from previous iterations are the things that ensure longevity in the community.

Forza Horizon 6 is the near-perfect racing sandbox fans have wanted for years.

Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It's a mixture of Atlus' RPG track record crafted into something bold and new.

Psychonauts 2 is absolutely everything it should be. It does not do everything perfectly, but it builds on what fans loved about the first Psychonauts in a way that keeps the spirit of the series alive and well.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a competent new JRPG with which genre fans will likely be pleased. However, it does very little to iterate on the foundation laid by those that came before it. Instead, it’s content to offer its flavor of what has worked before.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute blast. The destruction and creativity that the level design brings are constantly engaging, and the hunt for Banandium gems is always fun.

Animal Well delivers a gorgeous art style paired with unique gameplay and an uncompromising vision.

Narratively, visually, and mechanically, Alan Wake 2 is what horror should be.

Slay the Princess is a straightforward choice-driven visual novel that slowly breaks at the seams revealing a rabbit hole of possibilities that prey on player anxieties and paranoia.

Dead Space and EA Motive pulled off what many had doubted since its announcement. They not only remade Dead Space from the ground up, but they made a superior version of one of the greatest horror games ever made.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is the definitive package that makes a great role-playing game even better. Quality of life changes alongside and all-new storyline makes this a must-have RPG and one of the best releases of the year.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is definitely one of the best games of 2023 and certainly a top-tier console exclusive for PS5.

Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon features compelling storytelling, complex characters, and rich thematic depth. Despite minor flaws and oversights, the remake is a must-play for fans of dark fantasy and narrative-driven visual novels.

Balatro’s genius is exposed when you take the simple individual components of a run and combine them in the perfect mixture to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. And then you start trying to see how far you can push it, or what other combinations can help you reach e-notation. And then you’re there. You’re a Balatro fan.

Monster Hunter Wilds starts with big hunts and breathtaking action scenes. By the end of the story and beyond, you’ll be hunting even larger monsters with impossibly larger attacks, harvesting materials from their bodies to make stronger weapons and tougher armor.

Neon White nails the “one more try” mentality. With complex and fast levels, great enemy variety, and easy readability, it feels like a fantastic intro to speedrunning. My biggest gripe? I want more! Not that there isn’t enough, but I just can’t get enough of the Neons and the gripping nature of this game.

Where Cocoon shines is in its creativity. Bosses, level design, and use of puzzles, all through its use of orbs, are extremely fun. Plus, every section ends without overstaying its welcome.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a strong technical showcase for the Switch 2, and a promising indicator for more third-party titles in the future.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a massive undertaking that hits some extremely high points while only presenting a few issues like the performance struggles at times due to the Switch’s limitations. I fell in love with the cast almost immediately, and I can’t wait to see their stories progress in future DLC. This is a game that is going to sit with me for years and is a very serious Game of the Year contender.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a game that every Switch owner needs to get their hands on, especially if they’ve been a longtime Mario and Nintendo fan. Pairing the base game with the new Bowser’s Fury expansion creates a phenomenal blend of 2D platforming from a 3D perspective. It allows the player to further explore these mechanics in a more open-world environment while portraying Bowser in a new light.

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.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! is one of the most creative and zany gaming experiences out there. It grabs at you constantly, surprising the player with every narrative beat and new character.

Tekken 8 offers great gameplay through precise controls, gorgeous visuals, and audio that energizes the player.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways elevates an already great game with a substantial new story. Its new gameplay additions are excellent while its story is gripping and full of exciting moments.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is an amazing port of one of the best narrative journies video games have ever produced. With only a 40-dollar price tag, it is a great opportunity to jump in on a modern classic, whether you have never played it before or simply wish to experience the journey one more time.

Destiny 2: The Final Shape delivers on its promise to give an emotional and exhilarating ending to a 10-year saga. There is still more to come as the story wraps up loose ends, but the direction in which this finale is heading is truly great.

It's Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.

Island 4 and all that comes with it make an amazing game even better. This DLC is perfect for those who want to see Cuphead at its best. There is no fat; there is no fluff. There are only the best parts of Cuphead but much, much more refined.

For anyone who's started the series from Resident Evil 7 onwards, Resident Evil Requiem may easily be one of the best in the series. For everyone else, the bar is high to be considered one of the greats, but it definitely does a heck of a job jumping for it.

NORCO is a game I could not stop thinking about. Even long after completing my first playthrough, I find myself thinking about Kay, Catherine, the AI security robot Millions, Private Investigator Leblanc, and the multitude of ordinary citizens I encountered that profoundly impacted me throughout my time in NORCO. It’s been a while since a game has managed to cause so much emotional damage in such a short period of time, and I cannot recommend NORCO highly enough.

But the remake more than makes up for it with all the new changes and upgrades. While far from perfect, the game still stands out as one of the best remakes. It’s a title Persona fans will be proud of.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is magnificently crafted, oozing with detail, love, and care. What it does amazingly is give you all the tools you need to figure out this mystery within the hotel.

The game is stunningly beautiful, incredibly smooth to play, and brilliantly written. A truly vibrant and dynamic universe you will never want to leave.

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is an incredible package that brings back a classic to new audiences in stellar fashion.

Horizon Forbidden West builds upon Zero Dawn by adding new enemies, traversal options, combat, and a massive new map to explore. With the absolutely stunning cinematics, gorgeous ecosystems, and compelling story, there’s so much to love about Horizon Forbidden West.

Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake is way more than just a fresh coat of paint, creating a truly memorable experience for newcomers and returning adventurers alike.

Metroid Dread is not only an excellent game and return of a beloved franchise, it’s emblematic of everything that defined the genre in the first place in a way that many modern Metroidvanias simply aren’t. Its exploration, upgrading, and re-exploration are never spoonfed to you and feel constantly like great accomplishments with great difficulty scaling and thrilling new mechanics and atmosphere.

God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is not only a can’t-miss DLC, but it tells an even more personal story. What Sony Santa Monica has done is beyond impressive, forcing Kratos to confront his past in ways never expected... Even if you don’t like roguelikes, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this DLC for what still may be one of the greatest action series ever made.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an amazing remake of an excellent game. While it isn’t perfect, it provides a highly entertaining experience in almost every way.

Mouthwashing is a must-play horror experience and has cemented Wrong Organ as a team to continue to watch moving forward.

Though a short game, there has been so much thought put into Death’s Door. Even Crow’s smallest of movements are so cute and bird-like. I wish there was more because ten hours just isn’t enough! The humor is splendid, and the mysteries waiting to be uncovered are so tantalizing.

With Sea of Stars Sabotage has crafted a unique and engaging game that any fan of the genre will enjoy playing. Its polish and innovation make it not only a Game of the Year contender but also makes it deserving of being added to the pantheon of indie games’ greatest right up there with the likes of Celeste and Hades.

With an exciting new region, new mechanics, and themes adding a bevy of new strategies to the game, this new expansion looks to really shake up the meta in an exciting way.

Pikmin 4 brings back a storied franchise in a way that will appeal to players both old and new. The significant amount of freedom allows players to craft their own journey with so much to be discovered. New modern tools help assist players by making the experience more streamlined without ever feeling like hand-holding.

In a world full of games trying to stand out, Final Fantasy XVI has no problem rising above the rest. Wonderfully fun combat and beautiful presentation help make the excellent story even more impactful in an adventure well worth the price of admission. This is one that will surely sit with players for many years to come and will surely be one for the history books.

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.

While Mini Motorways isn’t going to present you with an incredible story or massively varied mechanics, the experience is one you’ll want to keep coming back to. There are seemingly countless options to choose from, and the new Challenge City update takes it to the next level. If you are looking for a game that can be played for 5 minutes or 5 hours, Mini Motorways is absolutely worth every second of your time.

Tinykin encapsulates all that is great and not-so-great about classic platformer collecathons. It’s charming, it’s witty, and it’s full of adorable creatures. Plus, the level design is superb, with each of the 6 areas feeling unique not in just design but in storytelling and exploitability. There is a lot offered here in such a small, low-stress package.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a fantastic game, no doubt about it. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the massive library of songs and characters gives players countless hours of content to enjoy.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a captivating spy story that deftly grapples with the tension between loyalty and betrayal that will please fans of spy films and the world that CD Projeckt Red has already built in the base game.

Combining great gameplay that is easy to learn but challenging to master, with visuals that look great and music that always nails the tone, Lumines Arise suffers from only a few minor hiccups.

It makes numerous improvements in how it onboards new players, adds layers to its core combat loop that are difficult to imagine going without now, and does so while staying true to what makes the series so special.

Cross Blitz delivers a fun and unique card game experience. While there are a few struggles with the difficulty curve, the overall presentation and gameplay are fun and varied, offering lots of replayability. [Early Access Score = 70]

Even with its few distracting flaws, almost anyone will find something worthwhile in Hi-Fi Rush. Its seamless integration of rhythm into exploration and combat is met with a harmonious and interesting soundtrack. Colorful, engaging, and funny, anybody will be able to pick up this title easily.

Halo: Infinite delivers an amazing entry into the franchise. While it doesn’t manage to take the top spot on my personal list of favorite Halo games(Remember Reach!) it is easily in my top three. And with Xbox looking to keep players engaged with Xbox Game Pass I can only imagine that we will be getting more stories with the Chief as he continues his fight against the Banished. If 343 Industries can keep what comes next to the same level of fun and polish they have established here, I will gladly pick up my trusty Battle Rifle anytime they have a new mission for me.

While not without flaws, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a fantastic remaster of an impeccable game. It adds several quality-of-life choices and new content that’s worth it alone for returning fans and makes it easily accessible to new players.

Absolum delivers a truly special roguelite experience. By reining in some of the random elements, it’s able to create a smooth-running story that allows those with less than infinite time an experience they can enjoy.

Overall, Every dog lover at The Stonebot just showed how great man’s best friend truly is. There is love and care in almost every aspect of this game that will make The Last Friend stick with me for a long, long time.

I understand visual novels aren’t for everyone, but it’s hard to find a reason not to suggest The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles to even the most ardent visual novel skeptics. With an excellent story, fun characters, and an amazing soundtrack, it really is an excellent game well worth the time spent playing. It does feel a bit derivative of other games in the series, and whether that is good or not depends on how much one enjoys the other games. Still, if you have not had a chance to enjoy the world of Ace Attorney before, I highly recommend picking up The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for the Nintendo Switch and giving this legal gem a try.

Unicorn Overlord is an homage to classic tactical role-playing games with a well-crafted story, interesting combat, and a fascinating world to explore. Vanillaware delivers a comfortable and familiar game that is unique enough to warrant spending countless hours playing.

Diablo IV has set the golden standard for what a modern Blizzard game should be. It is not only a fantastic Diablo game but gives us a glimpse that the once-beloved publisher still has that magic that it was most well-known for in years past.

While there is still more to come with “The Witch Queen,” in the form of the new raid launching on March 5th, the content given in the base expansion is simply Destiny at its absolute best. The campaign is by far the best of the series, both in terms of storytelling and gameplay itself, and might be one of my favorite shooter campaigns of all time. The bar has been raised going forward; the only question is whether or not Bungie can keep it up from here.

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

Mario Kart World is an excellent launch title that serves as an evolution for the long-running racing franchise. There are some minor issues like a lackluster Free Roam mode, but overall, it is an incredible package that will provide countless hours of racing fun for everyone.

Nioh 3 is a fantastically crafted game that blends several intricate and engaging elements to produce a great combat experience. While it has some issues that hinder gameplay, it’s still one of the most engaging soulslikes.

Pentiment is a game that will stick with you for a long time after you play it. Its unique blend of thought-provoking discussion, historical accuracy, and challenging a player’s morals all work to push players to consider everything going on in the game and weigh the pros and cons of heavy decisions that must be made with limited information…It takes a very special work of art to make an observer feel as much as Pentiment does, and the game manages to do so consistently throughout its entire runtime.

Bayonetta 3 isn’t perfect, but it’s everything I wanted. Absolute nonsense with sexy demons, some dope ladies, and dynamic combat is what makes Bayonetta 3 absolutely stellar.

Townscaper is the perfect game if you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind while flexing your creative muscles. The mechanics may be limited, but the game itself is absolutely limitless. Townscaper is like a nice warm batch of cookies from grandma, and I can already tell I will be returning quite often to the comforts I found while playing.

Ghost of Yōtei is an incredible sequel that builds upon its predecessor while still finding ways to stand out on its own.

The Mass Effect trilogy is the crown jewel of BioWare’s storied history, and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition gives one of gaming’s best trilogies the caring attention it deserves and delivers it with numerous changes that service the games as a whole very well.

Sea of Stars Throes of the Watchmaker delivers a follow-up adventure to its core game that is worthy of the legacy it inherits.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does what this franchise has always done best. It takes the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact and thrusts Indy into a cataclysmic mystery, ensuring that charismatic man shines. Punch Nazis, celebrate history, explore the world, and then save it. What more could you ask for?

While it doesn’t manage to deliver a flawless experience, with some annoying stages and the mini-map headaches I mentioned, the combat, visuals, and overall feel of the game more than paves over any minor issues I encountered. I can’t remember the last time I had as much fun with this sort of game as I did with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and for fans of 2D action games, it is a must-play. Fans of ninjas continue to feast.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is an excellent installment by all metrics. It sets a new narrative standard for the series and franchise as a whole while providing several enhanced signature elements. As such, it’s a game that can easily be recommended to both new and returning players.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an intricately crafted and highly engaging action RPG. However, it has many frustrating mechanics that could potentially alienate many players. Despite its disappointing narrative, it still provides a highly entertaining experience that Dragon’s Dogma and hardcore action RPG fans will undoubtedly enjoy.

Almost everything about Returnal is working towards making it the premier PS5 exclusive. Stellar graphics, a great story, and amazing gameplay make it a joy to play, but a lack of saving and the constant fear of crashes make it hard to recommend at the present moment. At the end of the day, Returnal is a fantastic game, but whether or not you want to risk wasting hours of your life on potential crashes is really up to you.

Cairn is an excellently crafted and engaging climbing game that will keep players entertained and immersed from start to finish.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is excellent and joyful and has just the right amount of chaos thanks to that Rabbids touch. The dev team has put time and care into the humor as much as the gameplay and I can't name a single time I felt bored or unconnected to the material...This is the perfect gateway to the tactics genre for any age and a true testament to the originality and beauty of collaborations.

OlliOlli World is a BLAST to play. Roll7 did an excellent job changing up their formula while still making this feel like an OlliOlli game. While it isn’t faultless with its difficulty, OlliOlli World is welcoming for just about anyone with any skill level.

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

If this is how The Worldsoul Saga is kicking off, then this new WoW era will be its best yet. And if you’re thinking about returning to Azeroth, there is seriously no better time because The War Within is just that good.