Grounded provides some great survival mechanics and challenging combat in a rather novel environment with an intriguing plotline. The game can be very tough but also very rewarding. However, it can take a while to really get the game going with the analysis mechanic and the lack of explanation revolving around many other ludemes.

Roadwarden is a fascinating take on the RPG genre that has a lot to love. Its setting is deep and well fleshed out, and the interactions players have with it are impactful and fun to navigate. The stories it tells are often somber but handled in an undeniably human and engaging way. While anyone who doesn’t like reading will want to skip it, I cannot recommend it enough to players intrigued by the possibilities of a detailed, text-based RPG.

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is not only a perfect example of what a remaster should be but also the perfect way to play this classic game. Plus, it being available on so many platforms makes it the most approachable way for anyone who wants to experience this nonsensically beautiful mess. While it not a perfect game, I have been reminded why Crisis Core holds a special place in my heart. This is a special story that’s growing in new ways, and being able to experience it all again with almost remake-level updates to almost every aspect of the game while keeping its heart and soul the same is something truly special.

Even after finishing the game and getting the sense that much has already been discovered, there is still so much to explore.

Even with some difficulty when it comes to controls, Planet Zoo: Console Edition is still a must for any tycoon fans… And there are enough layered mechanics to keep even the most hardcore players tinkering for hours on end.

If you’re into the 4X strategy game genre, Nexus 5X delivers precisely what you crave. It boasts rapid gameplay, diverse playstyles, and a sole victor. All while immersing players in the heart of a galactic conflict.

Atelier Mysterious Trilogy offers up a lot of fun, though it might be frustrating at times. I think it’s a nice game to play a bit of at a time, each day, rather than all in one sitting. Not having a hard and fast time limit is definitely a perk. But there are still many little things that frustrated me at times while I immersed myself in the mysterious world of Atelier Mysterious Trilogy.

The gunplay is fantastic, the gameplay loop is satisfying, and the reward progression is consistent. Its live service plans are its biggest question moving forward, but right now, Helldivers 2 is a ton of fun.

Ultimately, much like one of Ryza’s alchemical recipes, there are a lot of great ingredients that went into creating Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. The game may not look perfect, but there’s a lot of heart and fun to be found, and the ability to finetune new weapons, armor, and combat items to your exact needs is unmatched.

Throughout my time with Lost Judgement, I felt torn about how I ultimately felt about the game. There were moments that I really enjoyed, especially the combat, but the handling of sexual assault and some unimaginative mechanics left me frustrated at best. All in all, I would say Lost Judgement is a perfectly okay sequel that fans of the original Judgement are sure to enjoy. It may not be amazing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth playing. If you can handle the negatives, some genuinely great moments in Lost Judgment are worth experiencing.

Powerwash Simulator 2 really has hit at the perfect time once again. Its stress-free gameplay feels so much better to use, especially in ways where you wouldn’t expect improvement.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a spectacular RPG. Its story is massive and expansive, leaping across time frequently. The combat is tight and satisfying, with plenty of freedom for exploration.. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is one of the best RPGs of 2024 and should not be missed.

The Outer Worlds 2 comes together to deliver a fantastic journey. Despite some narrative hiccups, the worlds, organizations and individual players encounter, and sometimes kill, are always engaging and frequently fun.

EA Sports College Football 26 is a step forward in the right direction and builds really well from where CFB 25 left off. There are plenty of quality of life additions from menus and UI to even more sliders and options for players for the various game modes.

The technical issues do detract from the experience somewhat, especially when considering that many of the bugs are more than a decade old at this point, but they are not enough to keep Skyrim: Anniversary Edition from being the definitive way to experience the classic title.

Dreamscaper is a fun rouge-lite that offers hours upon hours of fun and novel gameplay. While the combat is entertaining and offers a variety that’ll never get boring, the way the game focuses on mental health is well-done and powerful because of it.

In its sound, mechanics, visuals, and narrative, Howl captures a dark fairytale and creates a gorgeous folktale without losing its way.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch with what makes the originals great. There is plenty of replay value thanks to online mode and important improvements to the Create-A-Park mode.

NBA 2K26 combines improved visuals with some important tweaks to keep the series feeling fresh.

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.

It is very difficult to imagine a player that wouldn’t enjoy Cult of the Lamb. Its visuals are so beautiful and full of character. Its writing is witty and charming. Its action is simple, but fun and thoroughly engaging. While its weapon selection and combat mechanics may not be as varied or dense as its peers, its unique aspects more than make up for the deficit.

Considering the entire package, Space Marine 2 sets a new high bar for Warhammer 40k games. It showcases the setting with more intricacy and beauty than even its most successful kin. Its gameplay is extremely rewarding and uniquely engaging. It has been a long wait for Space Marine 2, but the emperor is good, and the wait has proven more than worth it.

A Plague Tale: Requiem brings back everything to love about the first game and builds an even more heartrending tale of the things people will do for love.

For Lego’s first party game, Lego Party is a strong entry, with lots of unlockable minifigures, the ability to create your own, and fun, distinct boards to play on.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a unique experience all about learning to accept failure in order to find solutions to new challenges. Accepting the fact that some runs need to end in defeat in order to learn more about how to tackle the encounter can take a while, but once you settle into the groove it feels so rewarding.

Knockout City is, indeed, a knockout. It’s absolutely a blast, and despite some small issues, it’s an entirely creative and sharp concept and execution. I only hope the fun lasts after the initial buzz and free play period dies down.

LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga is a massive achievement for a beloved anthology franchise that needed to change. There are so many new welcome additions that I hope become staples for the future. But there are just as equal parts that felt unnecessary. These 3 years since the LEGO games last release and recent revelations were hopefully taken in as a learning experience.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is chaotic fun for the whole family and is the best of what Mario Party has to offer. Unique minigames, fun maps, and the opportunity for a new experience every time make this an all-time Switch classic that everyone should check out.