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.

There’s a lot to love in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect game to snuggle under a blanket with a hot tea, a welcome addition to the incoming fall and beyond.

Even if roguelites or rhythm games don’t typically grab you, Fresh Tracks expertly mixes both into a form that almost doesn’t feel like either.

Whether it’s the game’s not-too-subtle commentary about climate change or Nava’s explanation of the Wraith, Sword of the Sea is trying and succeeding at making an impact. No singular thing can change the world, but it can plant a seed, and with this title, I hope everyone feels hopeful for a time to rebuild.

Age of Wonders 4: Archon Prophecy shows that Triumph Studios and Paradox Interactive still have creativity when it comes to expanding the long-running world of this 4X strategy game.

There is enough depth to Madden 26 that makes it an experience worth the update. It still is not as strong as the CFB franchise, but it is making strides in the right direction.

Tiny Bookshop is a charming space to slow down, savor the moment, and make it your own. Quiet moments give way to meaningful choices, and small actions bloom into the joy of watching a story find its reader.

While not without its faults, No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is an engaging game in many ways. While new gameplay elements could’ve helped the experience, the game still retains the series’ stellar humor and bizarre creative nature.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, despite not being perfect, offers an excellent narrative and gameplay experience. It features several story and gameplay elements that Demon Slayer fans will especially appreciate.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an incredibly engaging game, offering excellent gameplay elements. It sports great references that series fans will appreciate, and an overall phenomenal experience, making it one of the best games of its genre.

There is something magical in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game, but it’s sometimes hard to find it… Still, I keep thinking that while a Hobbit hole means comfort, Tolkien’s favorite characters also deserve a bit more depth than just resting on genre fundamentals.

If you enjoyed the previous game, you’ll love Grounded 2, it’s a big leap ahead for the series. [Early Access Score = 85]

Dragon Ball Z Kakarot DAIMA Part 1 delivers enough fun and enjoyment that fans interested in returning to Kakarot will find plenty to experience for the handful of hours it lasts.

Wildgate is the kind of chaos that only comes from tight design. It’s messy in all the right ways, and if you’ve got the crew, the headset, and the time to learn its rhythm, there’s nothing quite like it.

Killing Floor 3 delivers satisfying co-op carnage and smart upgrades, but leans on familiar ground while setting the stage for stronger updates ahead. Those seeking innovation or narrative complexity will find more engaging options elsewhere. But for players who enjoy wave-based co-op shooters… it delivers precisely what it promises.

That choice, to ride how you want, to shape your experience not just through specs but through connection, is the heart of Wheel World. It’s a title that take you by surprise offering more than expected through its flexibility and reverence.

WUCHANG's emphasis on being creative with builds to find the best one for you, with its key to exploring Shu's vast lands to collect the best items, is what makes WUCHANG a soulslike that shows there is much more to be done in this genre.

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.

HUNTER x HUNTER NEN x IMPACT struggles to find the fun. While its core gameplay concepts feel like a great framework for intense battles, the lack of balancing sucks the joy out of its 3v3 fights.

Shadow Labyrinth is a great idea. However, poorly defined hitboxes, inconsistent mechanics, and over-inflated difficulty bog down what could have been a great experience.

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is most satisfying in spurts. The gunfighting is satisfying, with enough challenge to it so as not to feel like you’re just an unstoppable machine marching through waves of enemies. But there is too much dead air between fights, making the slow movement annoying after a while.

Patapon 1 and 2 Replay remasters and presents the first two games in a satisfying package. For fans of the original games, there aren’t many surprises, but newcomers will find a cute and fun, albeit repetitive, experience.

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.

Ultimately, I can see what DEADCAM is trying to accomplish with this early access. It lays out a great horror foundation through its setting and presentation, but playing the game falls short of the bar this groundwork initially creates. However, if you are a die-hard horror fan looking for something new, the low price point and potential for improvements and more stories as the game continues its development may be worth it to you. [Early Access Review]

Minami Lane is well-crafted and full of charm. Its mechanics are all perfectly balanced, and the visual display is a total joy. While the experience may be brief, it’s well worth the trip down Minami Lane.

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.

The combat flows quickly, the story grabs you and doesn’t let go, and the social systems remain engaging and fun. While the gacha systems will be enough to turn people off, so far, I’m having a blast with Persona5: The Phantom X and will keep coming back for more.

Despite some flaws, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is one of the most unique Atlus JRPGs in the Devil Summoner series. It might not have the polish of modern SMT titles, but it makes up for that with originality, rich humor, charm, and atmosphere.