While there are definitely elements of Saints Row that really annoyed me, I still generally had a good time with the game. It is great to have a game that is a complete package on launch with no microtransactions or exploitative monetization. If you consider yourself a Saints Row fan you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy in the newest entry, even if some of its elements are weaker than others.

Paleo Pines is a slow burn, and the game holds itself slightly back with characters that don’t have to keep you engaged…Still, players who enjoy relaxed farming sims and dinosaurs will gradually want to discover and create a harmonious environment alongside these beings.

If you played the game on any other console, the Wii version of the game ported to the Switch isn’t the way to go when Xbox Game Pass has the game available on the Series X|S. While the story still hits, the gameplay is beyond dated and ultimately the motion elements remove any feeling of combos and replace them with constant wrist flicks and frantic waving.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask is set in a beautiful world rich with culture but suffers from some severe technical problems that hinder the experience. Interesting characters and new Pokémon make it worth checking out, but some minor technical updates would have made it significantly more enjoyable.

Thorn’s quest to save Leaf is exceptionally well-written, and the world of Dewr is one of the more enjoyable video game worlds I’ve explored in some time. Despite some minor quibbles with the combat and some of the world-building, No Place for Bravery is still an excellent game that players looking for a challenge are sure to enjoy.

Gigantic: Rampage Edition is a valiant effort, and it is always great to see fans of a series or game get to revisit it. However, there’s fear that what it offers is far too little to entice many players who aren’t fans.

Once your squad finds its rhythm, Pigeon Simulator becomes a hilarious, chaotic ride that keeps you coming back for more; hopefully with friends.

Trinity Trigger had so much promise. It had great talent associated with it. It looked like it could be a fun and grand adventure. But everything just fell flat on its face. From the story to just about every gameplay mechanic felt more tedious than enjoyable. More mechanics that felt added to try to make it more fun or be more involved instead got in the way of any enjoyment I felt like I could’ve had during my playthrough. Even if you could look past all of its faults, the dumb-as-rocks companion AI will find a way to ruin that for you. The only saving Trinity Trigger I could think of is if you play the entire game and all the extra content in co-op, what feels like its intended playstyle. And even then, I’d wait to get this game until online co-op is added sometime in the future.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is the perfect way to relive one of the best Star Wars video game franchises. These games may be old, but that doesn’t stop new and old players alike from jumping into a galaxy far, far away for the time of their lives.

It’s interesting and unique enough of a concept with some gameplay elements that keep it from being just a straightforward game or a straight-up simulator. It’s polished in some regards but rather empty in others—fun for a while, but ultimately, not the most captivating thing on the market.

This game is made for Star Trek fans through and through. From the well-crafted story elements to the small random easter egg events, there is something for those with various entry points into the fandom.

Steel Seed defines humanity, even if it spells it out. There’s little nuance, and the twists about its story aren’t at all surprising.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension is a solid add-on, albeit costly, for fans of the core game looking for more, but it isn’t a must-play due to the repetition, grind, and price.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 does feel so much more complete than the first two iterations of the series, but it still has a little more room to grow…Even when I was frustrated at some of those things, the tracks, karts, and characters kept me coming back for more. It’s definitely worth checking out for fans of racing games and Nickelodeon shows and characters.

If you’re patient and enjoy this game genre, you can certainly get a lot of fun out of Surgeon Simulator 2. With loads of unlockables, challenges, and basically unlimited levels, its concept is strong, its wit is impressive, and its style is very enjoyable. But if you’re looking for a tight and unstressful experience, either give the potentially less finicky PC version a try or skip this one altogether. However, it is free with Game Pass, so it’s certainly worth giving a shot for yourself if you subscribe to the service.

Romancelvania is a sharp combination of two disparate genres, but it falls short in some of its execution. Worthwhile for folks who enjoy a witty story-driven romance, especially where sexy monsters are involved, but not necessarily worth it for the average Metroidvania-goer.

With a sea of new, genre-defining games constantly coming in, God of War: Sons of Sparta gets lost in the tide.

My Hero Academia All’s Justice fails to capture the cinematic splendor of the finale of All For One and One For All’s showdown. Bland fights, poorly optimized character movement, and repeated battles take what could’ve been the chance to create a playable form of what fans of the series have wanted.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed what Foreclosed had to offer, and a circular narrative is always a good way to get on my good side. The game effortlessly makes you feel like you’re in a comic book, and it feels immersive. But while there are some outstanding elements to the game, I just want more of it—more story, more action, more mechanics. Furthermore, I want to see Antab Studio use these same elements to build a longer game with more complexity.

Scars Above has its ups and downs but offers fun gameplay with interesting mechanics in an alien world that is equal parts beautiful and dangerous. There’s a good mystery to be solved, even if it’s a bit too straightforward. And while there are a few snags regarding the script, I very much appreciate the scientific approach with Kate.

FBC Firebreak delivers an experience that is, at best, competent and, at worst, tedious. Given the glut of options in the multiplayer FPS market and the $40 price tag this game carries, it is hard to suggest it to anyone.

Forspoken isn't without its hiccups—hit-or-miss side quests...and repetitive activities. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time with Forspoken's focal storyline. The graphics, voice acting, and musical score are phenomenal, and the cat content is a lovely addition.

Watching your cat cafe slowly expand and customizing its decoration is very rewarding. The experience is only hindered by its mechanics’ more clunky elements and lack of meaningful endgame content. However, the game is a perfect jumping-on point for newcomers to the genre.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered does what it set out to do—allow a classic JRPG to be playable on modern hardware. However, even then, this remaster falls short.

Aztech Forgotten Gods is a really great time, even with its stumbles. It’s a beautiful world with a character you can see yourself in, especially if you’ve lost a loved one. Additionally, the design of the gods is a sight to behold. Truthfully, I can’t wait to see what other stories Lienzo tells next.

I wouldn’t say that Battlefield 2042 is the worst iteration in this series because it does add some new gameplay and brings back elements like complete loadout customization from previous iterations. But as of right now, a lot of the gameplay is skewed, and the weapons, attachments, and vehicles don’t really feel like they work as they should. As a triple-A game, I expect better.

Easy to pick up and hard to master, God of Rock has to be one of the most engaging games to come out so far this year.

I really wanted to love Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. I already am a fan of its setting, desperately want AA video games to rise in prominence again, and love slow burns that are focused on character dialogue and interactions. However, there is just too much getting in the way of Swansong’s success. There is no way of knowing exactly what happened, but the final product is one that I can’t even recommend picking up on sale.