All in all, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a fun adventure in crafting and exploration. Its chill atmosphere mixes quite well with the slightly heavier themes. And the crafting is excellent.

Centum is a game for fans of psychological horror and mind-bending puzzles. If you enjoy a challenge that leaves you with more questions than answers, this is for you. The eerie atmosphere and complex puzzles will keep you engaged. Even if the constant confusion can sometimes make you feel lost. Recommended for those who love a mystery and don’t mind the occasional headache.

In the end, I can easily recommend WWE 2K25 to new players and fans. This is a gigantic entry in a venerated franchise that won’t steer you wrong. For more familiar fans, I can’t be so certain. Hopefully, my outsider’s viewpoint is still a useful one.

In spite of all my grievances, these are still two classic RPGs. Suikoden I&II are enormous adventures full of interesting characters to recruit, and epic plots to discover. To be perfectly clear, my final score reflects these games as remasters for a modern audience rather than as games in isolation. I loved the new sprites, and the levels do look better than ever before (even if the aesthetic saddens me). I wish more mechanics had been modernized more than anything else. We’ve come too far to go back to this kind of awful inventory management. But the point remains – this is the best way to play these games on modern hardware. If you simply must experience these games, then Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is the way to do it.

It’s clear that Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection will only appeal to a tiny, very niche audience. It just so happens that I fall into that group. Poor choice of included games, an almost disrespectful lack of multiplayer, and no effort put into modernizing mechanics doesn’t exactly make for an enjoyable, user-friendly experience. Despite all of this, I’ve still had fun with it. It’s not great, but damnit, I kinda, sorta, like it.

Card battle games offer endless replayability, with little chance of things getting stale because the combinations of cards in a particular situation are unpredictable. Knights in Tight Places has solid and very enjoyable core systems and mechanics. The combat is fun and the new art style helps sell the new setting. The story was perfunctory but it got the action where it needed to go. If card battle games are your go-to genre, you’ll enjoy Knights in Tight Spaces. If you’ve never played this kind of game, it’s an easy one to start with, welcoming to new players and very satisfying to veterans.

Split Fiction is a soulful, artfully crafted experience. Mechanically, it is user-friendly, even for those who don’t play games much. It is stunning with its set pieces, character designs, and overall visual appeal that brings these tales to life. Meeting Mio and Zoe, learning their stories, and seeing who they are unfold – all within the scope of narratives they created – is a creative marvel. This all unfolds while under an overarching narrative with its own meta-subtext in a brilliantly clever feat of writing. Split Fiction is an innovative, exciting experience that is well worth every moment.

As it is, this is a great, relaxing, and yes, very fun game. I love the look and the intuitive design. The addition of expeditions is a great idea that works. It’s an easy game to pick up and just start having fun from the first moment to the 50th hour. It might not be perfect but Two Point Museum is another example of why Two Point Studios is the standard for sim games.

No, she wasn’t created with the best intentions. No, today’s character design by committee would never give her the green light these days. But there’s still plenty of room for Lara — cheeky, uncompromising, even distasteful — to play for sport. For now, I’ll stick with cleaning Croft Manor in PowerWash Simulator.

Monster Hunter Wilds builds on Worlds' combat, crafting, and upgrade systems. The new open zones and more complex monster behaviors are impressive and interesting to explore, and as always, hunts can be challenging, rewarding, exhausting, and fun. The lack of new weapons is disappointing, as are the many technical issues and the game's often unpolished feel. The bigger environments and more open-ended gameplay could have been the foundation for something really new and special. Monster Hunter Wilds feels like a lateral move rather than a significant advance.

PGA Tour 2K25 is slick, seamless, and pretty compelling. You’ve got a bunch of ways to play, and an endless amount of mechanical customization to mess with. If you want a particular kind of match, at a very specific difficulty setting, you can make that happen. I was mashing buttons through the post-game interviews, but the actual games are excellent. I’m thrilled they have so many control schemes to choose from, especially since stick controls are so egregious. The courses look awesome, your swings feel precise, and every stroke sounds excellent. If you’re looking for that next great sim golf game, PGA Tour 2K25 should be your first choice.

Warriors: Abyss is an addictive roguelite that successfully blends elements from acclaimed titles, carving out its own place in the genre. Combat is a thrill. Taking on hundreds at a time with an array of huge, diverse attacks leads to a compelling system that can quickly get its hooks in you. However, fights can get a little messy in the latter stages of the game removing some of the deliberate actions which take place in the earlier portions. Despite its dated visuals, this roguelite remains a fun and engaging experience.

If you like psychological horror, thrillers, mysteries, and the atmosphere of ghost stories, you’ll enjoy Urban Myth Dissolution Center. If you prefer your games to have actual gameplay beyond gathering and assembling information, you probably won’t. But please give this title a shot just for the sheer experience of playing it. It’s an unsettling gem.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 1 is everything you’d want from a DON’T NOD game: realistic characters, a gripping journey, and a sci-fi-infused adventure. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it delivers a well-rounded, intriguing story. The first part lays the foundation for multiple compelling narrative threads. With its rich character drama and lingering mysteries, Tape 2’s release on April 15th can’t come soon enough.

Current issues aside, the PC version of Spider-Man 2 is just as thrilling and engrossing as laid out in our PS5 review. The story and characters grab you emotionally. The production values are top-notch across the board. If you are looking to play the ultimate version of Spider-Man 2, this is the version to play.

Does Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reinvent the wheel? Certainly not. But it doesn’t have to. Ryu Ga Gotoku firmly remains in their wheelhouse with this follow-up to last year’s Infinite Wealth. They’ve absolutely done enough to warrant your swift return to Honolulu. Naval combat is a blast; hand-to-hand encounters are still satisfying in that old-school beat-em-up sort of way, and the setting is a pleasure to explore. If there was ever a game I didn’t know I needed, this is it.

Thanks to its legacy of the excellent Pillars of Eternity games, Avowed is built on a strong foundation. That comes through in every aspect of the game, from its deep lore to its exceptional world-building, characters, and writing. Smartly avoiding the pitfalls of an empty open world, it gives the players densely interesting zones to explore, weighty choices to make, and engaging companions to rely on. Avowed takes the Pillars of Eternity universe on an assured and thoroughly enjoyable journey from CRPG to the action genre.

Junkyard Jam is a pretty short DLC, all things told. On the other hand, it’s priced appropriately. A new heavy hitter and a much better third section is totally worth the asking cost. And the expanded artifact selection is a nice bonus as well. And yet, Casey Jones himself is a mixed bag of sorts. He’s powerful, but said power comes with some drawbacks. You can get through a standard run well enough, but he’s a real liability in the endgame. On balance though, Casey Jones & The Junkyard Jam is a perfect excuse to play more Splintered Fate. If you’ve been looking for a reason to jump back in, this DLC is a good one.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. isn’t a revolutionary overhaul, but it refines an already exceptional fighter with sharper visuals, rollback netcode, and improved combat. While these enhancements make for a smoother and more competitive experience, especially online, some players may be disappointed by the lack of new game modes. That said, this remains one of the finest 3D fighters ever made, standing as both a tribute to its legacy and a reminder of what awaits the series’ future. At its budget price, it’s an easy recommendation for both newcomers and veterans.

All in all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a great extension of the first Trails Through Daybreak. Just don’t try playing it first and you should have a great time.

Graphical caveats aside, Sniper Elite: Resistance is fun to play not only because of the various game modes but how you can approach missions. The developers also devoted significant effort to ballistics and weapons handling. Veteran players will feel right at home. New players will be delighted with the variety of missions. Both will be delighted with the options of how they can play them.

Set in a wonderfully creative, surprisingly sensitive portrayal of a time period as human as any other, The Stone of Madness is a real gem in the mind of those who play it. At some point, I even stopped noticing Alfredo’s stupid hat.

As a whole, this is an excellent and worthy continuation of one of the most important series in gaming. The care and attention paid by the good people of Firaxis have produced a game with a rock solid foundation. The new era transitions are transformative, and change the game as much as moving from a grid to a hex board. The most important takeaway is that the rules of this Civilization are strong, and probably the best starting point for any installment. But the real thing to track will be the additions. As the game gets better, will the balance be maintained? Will the style? Will this new Civilization game be able to stand apart from the series? That remains to be seen, but if you’ve always wanted a meticulously constructed entry in the Civilization franchise, your day has dawned.

Arken Age delivers an incredibly immersive adventure through its exceptional tactile gameplay. Every aspect of the game is built around this core philosophy, quickly grounding you in its world. With a diverse arsenal and unparalleled freedom of traversal, it offers the kind of complete experience VR gamers have long been craving. While it may not prioritize storytelling, it remains an essential title for VR enthusiasts.

Eternal Strands draws inspiration from various titles, blending their elements to forge a new adventure. While Yellow Brick Games succeeds in crafting a strong physics system that complements the protagonist’s powers, the experience is hindered by weak combat and early mission design. Though the characterization shines, enhanced by solid voice acting, the story struggles to immerse, likely due to its disjointed delivery. Ultimately, the game is brimming with strong ideas, but none are executed well enough to leave a lasting impression.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II aims to tell an epic story filled with engaging characters in a beautifully made world, and at the same time be a hardcore medieval life simulator. There were definitely times when these two ambitions felt at odds, especially when my impatient self just wanted to get to the next story beat or finish a quest. At the same time, I almost never stopped enjoying the detailed environments, engaging in combat or meeting new people. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is more ambitious, more polished and more narratively complex than the first game. It's an impressive achievement that moves the unique franchise significantly forward.

Cuisineer is a charming game in concept but struggles with execution. The art style and relaxing difficulty make it an enjoyable experience at first, but the repetitive combat and lack of engaging management systems ultimately hold it back. If you’re into low-stakes dungeon crawling with a side of cute restaurant management, you might find some enjoyment here, but be prepared for some frustration with its unpolished mechanics.

In a deluge of Soulslikes and 2D Metroidvanias, 2021’s Tails of Iron stood out, thanks to its beautiful art, excellent combat, and engaging premise. All of that’s true for Whiskers of Winter. The sequel is just as visually distinctive and narratively interesting. The game’s combat can be extremely challenging, but this time there are options for dialing back the difficulty, which makes the game slightly more accessible to less hardcore ARPG fans. Tails of Iron 2: Whispers of Winter doesn’t radically reinvent the first game’s art or approach but definitely improves and deepens it. Anyone feeling fatigued with copycat pixel art Soulslikes should give Whiskers of Winter a try.

All in all, Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection is a solid gameplay experience. I just wish the 3D graphics were prettier and the game would stop crashing.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is tough to recommend. This is a deep, difficult strategy RPG with a long campaign, tons of characters, and satisfying mechanics. Unless you’re coming here from the Disgaea series. Then it’s a shallow imitation of a superior franchise with an even more inconsequential storyline. On the other hand, if you’ve never played Disgaea, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter this game at all. If you’ve somehow gotten here with no Disgaea in your history and a love of complex strategy RPGs, The Lost Hero will be an excellent adventure. Otherwise, I’m simply not so sure.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a great one. Its combat, world-building, characters, art direction, and music are still impressive and probably always will be. It remains a game worth playing, both for Final Fantasy fans and any devotee of action RPGs. On the other hand, the port to PC is only a marginal improvement over the PS5 version. There are simply too many technical issues. In its present form, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC is not the ultimate experience of the game that it promises to be.

Connoisseurs of Metroidvanias have a dizzying array from which to choose on both PC and consoles. Add Venture to the Vile to the short list. Its distinctive story and setting, coupled with generally enjoyable combat, puzzles, and exploration make it a pretty strong choice for genre fans looking for their next game.

Tales of Graces f Remastered has a lot to say about what causes cycles of violence and abuse, and it’s not all executed well. The conclusion pulls some punches given how brutal the opening is. And if you dislike inter-party drama and daddy issues, this may not be the game for you. That said, if you’re a JRPG fan and especially a Tales fan, I still recommend it. Just maybe wait for a sale first.

Blade Chimera leans on genre conventions but executes them with precision and flair. While it follows familiar traits, innovative mechanics involving Lux give the game its own identity, allowing the developers to introduce fresh and engaging ideas. Traversing the map is streamlined thanks to warp abilities, while other upgrades provide meaningful character progression throughout the adventure. Although the story is largely forgettable, the stunning pixel art style and creative use of Lux ensure that Blade Chimera remains a memorable experience.

Though I did have a couple of grievances, this game was a lot of fun. My stress levels went way down once I stopped trying to 100% every stage. The boss fights are all clever, the controls allow for precise maneuvers, and the visuals are nice and crisp. It took me a little time to get used to the controls, and I kept feeling slower than I would have liked. But the level design is excellent, the soundtrack is choice, and the difficulty never felt unfair. If you haven't played this classic Wii game, now's the time. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a terrific platformer that holds up perfectly today.

By not numbering this latest game, the developers are signaling a rebirth of the series. In many ways that’s true. The action-RPG mechanics and narrative-heavy design bring the franchise in line with other ARPGs. At the same time, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is still a Musou game at heart. The immense battles fans of the genre love are still there. There’s less of a repetitive feeling this time around, and the game should be successful in courting new players coming from other ARPGs.

All in all, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is as fun as it is difficult. If you can put up with the dated graphics and endure the grueling boss fights, you’ll have a good time. Even if you can’t, go listen to the soundtrack.

Overall, W.A.N.D. Project on paper sounds like a survival-type gamer’s dream, but unfortunately, it is just missing some of that special sauce to keep it in the rotation long term. There are definitely some aspects the game could build upon, but at this point it still does feel a bit like an Early Access title. That said, the spellcrafting system is a welcome addition to the genre, and I’d like to continue tinkering around with potential spells.

The whole vibe of the game is fun. From the colorful Voxel graphics to the character and world design to the sound – including the voices, sound effects, and music. The weapon sounds very much mimic the sizzle and sparky sounds of Star Wars light sabers. Clone Drone in the Hyperdome is a fun, quick-to-pick-up and-play style of game. If you are looking for a colorful diversion and a combat game that is family-friendly, this could be your game.

Alien: Rogue Incursion is a faithful adaptation of the iconic series, capturing the panic-inducing dread and relentless action synonymous with the movies. Each step through the dark, metallic corridors is nerve-wracking, thanks to a suspenseful score and the meticulous attention to detail. While more action-heavy than Alien: Isolation, the game’s weighty, tactile weapons enhance the immersion, delivering a visceral and satisfying experience. The balance of tension and combat makes Rogue Incursion an essential addition to any VR library.

Its niche setting and multitude of combat options make Flint: Treasure of Oblivion best suited for methodical turn-based fans and pirate enthusiasts. This is a game you’ll either be frustrated by or fall in love at the helm of this classic pirate tale.

Behemoth delivers on one of the most unique gaming experiences I’ve ever had the privilege to play. Thanks to VR and thanks to Skydance, you can now savor the fantasy of facing a multistory in height colossus and feeling like a badass when you defeat one. This game would be a masterpiece, with tighter game controls and fewer penalizing checkpoints. Instead, it ends up being very good.

Quibbles aside, this is an outstanding piece of work by Camouflaj. Making a VR Batman game comparable to the flat versions is no small feat. You get all the elements of an Arkham game. There’s exploration, combat, detective work, stealth, and puzzle solving. While it may not have the scale of a flat Arkham game, it has an engaging story with unexpected twists as you try to track down who is the Rat King. What is also heartening is Camouflaj will continue to update the game with free content such as additional Challenge Maps. If you’ve yet to experience VR and are a big Batman fan, you’ll never get a better or more affordable opportunity to try it out with a Quest 3S/Batman bundle. Or really feel like Batman.

To all the Soul Reaver fans out there, I apologize. Perhaps there’s some essential flavor that nostalgia adds to the soup, but I’m sadly missing it. For me, coming into these games cold was a dreadful shock. The big stretches of empty space are pretty painful. Fighting enemies is easier than I expected, but still not terribly engaging. The puzzles are stretched out over the same bizarre layouts, which makes them more frustrating. The visuals are a major improvement over the old games, however. I like the narrative’s premise well enough, but it was hard to get into the swing of things. Again, mostly due to the archaic gameplay. If you’re a fan of the old games, then Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered will be a breath of fresh air. On the other hand, new players will likely have a very difficult time with these games.

The bottom line? The Great Circle is an excellent time. The voice acting is great, the action is breezy and fast, and the whole game is quite beautiful. Plus the story has some serious hooks. Indiana Jones is all about globetrotting adventures, punching nazis, and solving gigantic mysteries. This game captures that vibe with ease. I had conflicting thoughts about the pacing at times, but maybe non-reviewers won’t feel that so intensely. Everyone might hate the giant fights, however. I also had some issues with backtracking during side quests, but they weren’t dealbreakers. Whether you’re a diehard Indy devotee or a sucker for grand adventures, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an excellent choice.

Luma Island offers something for everyone with a love for relaxing and inviting games. Grinding aside, the farming, crafting, and exploration aspects are all equally viable experiences. There are some minor frustrations and a few shallow moments, but on the whole Luma Island offers an endlessly appealing escape from the real world.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened! captures the absurdity of the original and perfectly translates it to the virtual realm. Tooting your way through songs, whether accurately or disgracefully delivers endless laughs and a delightful sense of chaos. While the song selection is vast, there is a lack of contemporary tracks on offer. Although great in short bursts, the game can get repetitive during longer sessions. Regardless, the game shines in a communal setting, where the ridiculousness of playing (or spectating) guarantees laugh-out-loud moments. Weird, wonderful, and utterly unique, it’s a hilarious addition to any gathering.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers upgraded visuals, a bigger hanger full of aircraft types, and more detail all around. For some, the high system requirements and always-on need for a fast internet connection might be a deal breaker. Prior investment in a lot of third-party add-ons for the last edition might also warrant some caution. Caveats aside, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers a wide array of structured activities, plenty of guidance and, you know, the whole world to explore. It’s a great point of entry for armchair pilots and pretty satisfying for all but the most hardcore flight enthusiasts.

I kind of wish that Mirthwood’s combat was either way better or entirely optional. Alas, it is neither. Aside from that, though, Mirthwood is an entertaining and engaging mashup of cozy farming and RPG adventuring. It’s easy to spend a lot of relaxing time puttering around, chatting up the townsfolk or combing the world for treasure.

VR is obviously at its best when it creates an experience that is unique to the medium. By this definition, Bounce Arcade is a definite success. It has an original concept that’s well executed and lots of fun. Often in VR, novelty is a game’s only selling point. I don’t think that’s true with Bounce Arcade, and hopefully the game will continue to be supported by new tables and additional modes or incentives to keep playing.

None of the glitches are game breaking, but they do detract from the experience. How much they do will be up to individual tolerance levels. Kinetic Games have promised to address current issues with future patches. One thing is that working is cross-platform play. PS5 and PC players can do coop play. It is a testament to the game experience that players will get past the PSVR 2 issues and still go ghost hunting with Phasmophobia. If you love ghost busting and can tamper your expectations with the game’s polish, you are in for a great time.

Whether it was the boss design, the life count, or a handful of glitches, I kept hitting roadblocks during my playthrough. As much as I might enjoy certain characters or gameplay elements, I still struggled with this one. I had fun slogging my way to the last stage, sure. But the thought of playing enough to unlock everything fills me with terrible dread. G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra might be for franchise fans more than anyone interested in another beat ’em up.

All in all, Ys X: Nordics is a fun action-RPG romp with vikings, frantic combat, and a truly entertaining silent protagonist. If you can figure out the parry system, it might even be a good game. I’m still docking it points for making me swear at my Switch so loud I scared my cat.

Fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R franchise expect uncompromising action and are largely immune to the series’ rough edges. For them, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 delivers, adding a vast open world filled with danger and discovery. The release day patch fixed many big issues, but the game still needs serious additional polish. Some casual shooter fans might be put off by S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2’s difficulty and opacity, but players who have patiently waited for S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 will be pleased.

Augmented Empire is a solid game that is worthy of exposure to a larger audience than when it was first released. If turn based strategy games with great production values and an intriguing story and characters sounds enticing, then you should definitely check out Augmented Empires.

Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. The modern mechanics and slick visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or as difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it’s still an optional mechanic. Beyond all my gripes about it, playing this game was still a relaxing, compelling experience. I love level grinding, scouring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but in a sweeping, grand fashion perfectly suited for Dragon Quest. Whether or not you’ve played the original, you’ll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

Every inch of Rogue Flight gleams with style. An obvious passion project like this is filled with delightful little details. Playing Rogue Flight is a joy. I’m an easy mark, the second I see something with wings loaded into a tube, I’m already in. And the sky isn’t crowded with a lot of options. Rogue Flight zooms past expectations into a cool, scrappy game.

For my money, Lego Horizon Adventures is the best Lego game I’ve played. It does a great job of retelling Aloy’s story, all the while never losing sight of what makes Lego games great. At times, it’s hilarious, and other times, it’s heartwarming. Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous. It’s also chock-full of content for players to discover, rewarding those who take the time to search every nook and cranny of its diverse set of levels. I do feel it plays things a little too safe at times. But for fans of the Lego games, it has everything one could want from a new entry into the franchise.

Tetris Forever is a fitting monument to a legendary franchise. With over 90 minutes of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this virtual museum beautifully captures the unique journey of Tetris—from Alexey Pajitnov’s workstation in the USSR to the hearts of millions around the world. Although some classic iterations are absent, the selection of key titles and diverse versions provides a solid representation of the series’ evolution. The experience is enriched by Tetris Time Warp, which celebrates the game’s legacy through its innovative, era-shifting mechanic. As a whole, Tetris Forever tells a captivating story about one of gaming’s most iconic titles.

Overall, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers needs a little more time to cook. The concept of being a cop and working your way up the ladder dealing justice is a great one. Better implementation would take Police Simulator: Patrol Officers to the next level, plus a little more spit and polish because it seems like it was not ready to hit the streets yet. All those bugs and jank are a pretty big offense.

Metro Awakening VR is an ambitious effort. Aside from the mura issue, which is PSVR 2 specific, the only other blemish is a restart bug. Whenever I died and the game restarted, it would often crash. Hopefully, this is a bug that can be quickly fixed with a patch. Aside from the PSVR 2 mura issue, this is a top-notch game that should not only appeal to VR Gamers but fans of the Metro series. The game has 12 chapters and each chapter should take you about an hour to play. That is if the mutants and spiders don’t creep you out and force you to rip off your headset.

Metal Slug Tactics injects fresh energy into the tactics genre with its dynamic, fast-paced systems. While the game introduces a range of compelling mechanics, their lack of clear explanations can hinder your strategic choices during missions. However, the thrill of initiating sync attacks encourages a more aggressive playstyle, making battles feel exhilarating. Leikir Studio has successfully reimagined a classic franchise for a new genre, and despite some issues with system clarity, the addictive gameplay loop offers a fun and innovative twist on tactical strategy.

Empire of the Ants is an excellent game. This is one of those games that seemingly come out of nowhere but will likely be a beloved favourite for many gamers for years to come. While a lot of these gameplay aspects have been seen before in other games, the way they’re included here, through the eyes of an ant, can be quite unique. The visuals are outstanding and the music is brilliant. There are some challenges with controls and the camera, especially in confined spaces or when your ant is upside-down. And unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity to experience the multiplayer aspects. Fortunately, the single-player experience is overall so well done that I’d consider the multiplayer mode a nice bonus more than anything. If you’re looking for a unique gaming real-time strategy experience, then you really can’t go wrong with Empire of the Ants.

This game suffers when subjected to a reviewer’s brutal pacing. Maybe if I hadn’t been racing towards the finish line, the endless tiny loading screens wouldn’t have bothered me as much. I was also forced to discard a lot of the side content. It’s not super compelling stuff, but the act of completing it can be pretty relaxing. Searching for Sprite Bulbs scratches that completionist itch in a big way. Plus, the game is beautiful and the battles are a lot of fun. I still wish the puzzles weren’t so frustrating for me. But again, they benefit from more patience than I could spare. My momentum while playing felt wobbly and uneven, but this is still a well-crafted game. Perhaps your time (if you can offer more of it than me) will be well-spent playing Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

Slitterhead takes an innovative concept and places it at the forefront of the adventure. The possession mechanic leads to a frantic combat system that encourages you to quickly switch between characters to fight formidable foes. This bleeds throughout acting as a method of traversal and stealth. Although a little clunky and lacking polish, the game manages to deliver a truly unique experience that will resonate with fans of action and horror.

By almost every metric, Horizon Zero Dawn is a classic action RPG. For anyone who missed it, the Remastered edition is definitely the version to pick up. For those who already own it, the upgrade to Remastered is a reasonable $10 and at least on PS5, PS4 cloud saves work just fine. If the new and improved visuals inspire folks to play the game, or play it again, that’s a win for everyone.

I’ve loved and played Planet Coaster for years, and I really wanted the sequel to be the ultimate coaster-building experience. The potential is there. The water features are great, and the new coasters are exciting. Many of the tweaks and changes add new flexibility and sophistication to the building process. At the same time, the game’s lack of final technical polish and its time-consuming, heavy learning-curve, convoluted UI added an element of frustration to what should have been a familiar but unassailably better experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 removes whatever imaginary stench Modern Warfare III left behind by revitalizing the franchise with a standout campaign, engaging multiplayer, and a nostalgic yet innovative Zombies experience. The seamless launch with minimal issues speaks to the 4-year development cycle, resulting in one of the most polished COD entries at launch in recent memory. The campaign’s rich narrative, enjoyable mechanics, and sheer variety adds depth and excitement to the single-player experience. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and fresh gameplay, ensuring that both new and returning players feel right at home. With its return to classic round-based Zombies, Black Ops 6 successfully appeals to long-time fans while offering enough new content to keep everyone invested all year round. Overall, this installment not only meets but exceeds expectations.

As a lifelong Family Feud fan, I loved The Jackbox Survey Scramble. It was fun to play, and a treat to be a part of the surveys. I do wish that answers didn’t need to be kept at one word. And Bounce isn’t as strong as the other three games. I also wish there was a way to play online with random players. There are a lot of minor issues with The Jackbox Survey Scramble, but the core gameplay is extremely fun and simple. These problems really didn’t get in the way of the great experience I had, which is why it still scores well. And the price of The Jackbox Survey Scramble is only $12.99 CAD, so probably $9.99 USD. That’s a very low cost for a party game that’ll I’ll be playing for a long time. The Jackbox Survey Scramble is a must-own for Family Feud fans.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure tackles the difficult task of continuing the story of a beloved character and successfully executes it in a way that respects the series’ legacy while pushing the franchise forward. With strong writing and a cast of compelling characters, this science-fiction murder mystery will keep you engaged with every twist and turn. While closely connected to its predecessors and a finale that may be divisive, this extension of Max’s story showcases Deck Nine’s expertise as one of the industry’s leaders in narrative-driven games.

While it looks and plays differently than past Dragon Age games, Dragon Age: The Veilguard doesn't abandon either its rich trove of lore or ability to tell engaging stories. Dragon Age: The Veilguard has memorable characters and action-focused combat that contains more than enough depth to see it through to the end. Polished and confident, Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like a return to form for the developer. Dragon Age: The Veilguard gives us a beautiful world to experience, interesting companions to explore it with, and action that grows increasingly more nuanced throughout.

The Quiet Place films had a remarkably simple but very effective narrative hook. A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a pitch-perfect, authentic recreation of the movies’ tone and tension. What holds it back is the lack of variety in player input stretched over the game’s running time of eight or so hours. It’s definitely not a great game for fidgety, impatient players. For fans of the films and/or stealth-focused adventure horror games, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead effectively checks a lot of boxes.

Arizona Sunshine Remake is a very welcome remaster in a world stuffed with game remasters. VR technology has improved tremendously in the years since the original game launched. This is especially true on the PlayStation side, where the inside out tracking of the PSVR 2 has replaced the light-based tracking of the PSVR 1. If you have fond memories of Arizona Sunshine, picking up this Remake for $10 is a no-brainer.

Beyond Galaxyland is still among the games that are entertaining and have some charm and mystery which will make players stay. Fans of sci-fi adventures who have an affinity for indie titles should absolutely check out this title. The mixture of an interesting plot, character relations, and a beautifully designed universe makes it a game that is worth exploring even if some portions of the game could use some refinement.

Although it’s pretty bare bones, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered definitely does gamers a service by bringing a cult classic to current consoles. Some of the 2011 original’s action and humor doesn’t quite live up to our fond memories of it. On the whole, Grasshopper Manufacture’s surreal action game remains weird and entertaining.

If you are looking for a sports game to surprise you with depth and clever game design, that’s not what you’ll find here. But if you for whatever reason are interested in what games were like before open worlds and crafting minigames, you will find no time capsule better than Backyard Baseball ‘97. In a way, the ‘97 is the most important part of the title. So hop in your time machine, assemble your team and do yourself a favor and make Pablo your cleanup hitter.

All in all, I can certainly see why Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a remake of a classic. I just wish the monsters were a bit more menacing and the narrative was a little more solid. And that the camera would stop making me sick.

Shadow Generations feels like a sequel. This is a pretty neat trick for an add-on bundled with a remaster. The controls are better, the graphics are crisp, and the level design is great. While the Sonic section looks awesome, it still feels like the original release. Which is normally fine for a remaster. But it pales a bit compared to the new content. On the other hand, both halves have that incredible corny energy that I love. Sonic (and Shadow) are synonymous with edgy nonsense for me, and this game truly delivers on that front. Whether you played the original or not, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a delightful double dose of high-speed fun.

While the story-telling, environments, and narration might intrigue, Metamorphosis VR has too many technical issues to allow one to truly enjoy the experience.

MechWarrior 5: Clans does a good job of balancing story, combat, and the all-important time in between. Customizing the mechs and gearing up the squad are both lots of fun and the battles themselves are appropriately oversized. The narrative is a bit reliant on overly familiar war story tropes and the battles themselves can get slightly repetitive. Overall, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a solid entry in the franchise and a more-than-equal partner to Mercenaries.

Neva offers a unique, spiritual journey through life’s complexities. While the narrative leaves some elements open to interpretation, its grounded aspects make the characters relatable. Though brief, the adventure is full of memorable moments that will captivate you with each step toward its wonderful conclusion. The emotional and thought-provoking journey blends captivating storytelling with immersive gameplay to deliver a truly special experience.

While I wouldn’t call Darksiders II underrated, sales notoriously underperformed in 2012. Since then, lots of players have taken the opportunity to enjoy the game on a variety of platforms in the expanded and excellent Deathfinitive edition. Any fan of recent action RPGs will almost certainly enjoy Darksiders II’s combat and world. It looks great on the PS5 and anyone with the PS4 version gets a free upgrade. It’s definitely worth diving into again, or for the first time in the new version.

Super Mario Party Jamboree marks a significant advancement for the series. With customizable gameplay options, you can tailor your experience by removing elements you don’t enjoy, making it more accessible for everyone. Nintendo has also integrated more online features, allowing you to engage with friends and other players even when they aren’t physically nearby. While some of the additional modes might feel a bit weaker than others, the overall variety provides plenty of ways to enjoy this party.

New World: Aeternum’s mix of swords, magic and gunpowder is blended with a colorful world and accessible but satisfying mechanics. With a good balance between solo, co-op PvE and PvP content, Aeternum has something to offer most players. Nothing’s incredibly original, but neither is anything totally broken or missing. The most glaring faults of the original have been addressed. Whatever you call it — reboot, remix or re-skin — New World: Aeternum is worth checking out.

Max Mustard is the PSVR 2 game I’ve been waiting for. Its clever use of perspective makes navigating Max through the rich, diverse world a delight. Each of the 40 levels introduces fresh ideas, keeping the experience surprising all the way to the end. With numerous nods to classic titles, this ode to the genre is a joy and an essential title for any PSVR 2 owner.

Should you play REYNATIS? Yes. Should you buy it full-price? Probably not. Unless you’re a fan of weird but fun PS2 titles, you should wait for a sale. But when that sale comes, I do recommend you check this game out.

This is the kind of expansion pack Paradox grand strategy fans dream of and hopefully, it sets a new benchmark for the future of Crusader Kings.

I’m having so much fun with Sparking Zero. It’s essentially everything I want in a Dragon Ball game. There’s more than enough content to keep you busy at launch, but it’s exciting to think about what Spike Chunsoft will add down the road. For coverage on Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero’s future content, stay tuned to COGconnected.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit is a solid entry in the FNAF franchise. The story is a bit lame, especially the time-travel bit – but it does make for some interesting gameplay. There are plenty of FNAF inspired minigames and lore to be found throughout, which is a nice bonus. The game isn’t overly scary or frustrating, but I did find early on that I needed to turn on the audio/visual assist since I don’t have a surround sound stereo set-up. FNAF diehard fans will enjoy this, as will those who like games with a creepy atmosphere. It definitely needs a patch or two to iron out some issues, but overall it’s a solid game.

It’s time EA Sports pivots towards not just enhancing aesthetics but also developing genuinely impactful gameplay systems that resonate with players across all modes. As it stands, NHL 25 offers a glimpse into the future of gameplay possibilities but remains rooted in familiar flaws that prevent it from achieving its full potential. The hockey community deserves better than a surface-level upgrade; they deserve a game that respects the intricacies of the sport and the dedication of its players.

Undisputed is a faithful and immersive interpretation of boxing. In the ring, you have the freedom to choose your punches and move with poise and precision, creating a realistic and engaging experience. Landing a fierce combination feels exhilarating, capturing the technical intensity that defines the sport. While not every punch connects perfectly, and knockouts may lack some of the desired ferocity, the game’s attention to the nuances of boxing makes it the most impressive iteration since EA’s landmark series.

Remaking Silent Hill 2 may have seemed like an impossible task, but Bloober Team has delivered an impeccable reinterpretation of the classic. With enhanced combat, each encounter becomes more intense, heightening the visceral impact of every strike. The stunning graphical overhaul captures the world’s pervasive decay, while improved lighting magnifies the sense of threat, creating an anxiety-ridden experience. Whether you’re returning or a new resident at Silent Hill, this is a must-play for horror enthusiasts.

All in all, Metaphor: ReFantazio is fun, colorful, meta, and openly questions why we should accept a cruel and unfair world. Whether it's Earth or Euchronia, it argues that everyone deserves to be safe and happy. If that theme and the gameplay of Persona appeals to you, check it out.

The remake of Until Dawn stays true to the essence of the original while delivering a much-needed modernization for today’s gaming standards. The stunning graphical overhaul significantly heightens the realism, making the story more immersive and the horror more palpable. Enhanced camera angles refine the gameplay, adding a smoother experience during key moments. While returning players might find the updates limited in terms of new content, those who are discovering this horror classic for the first time are in for an unforgettable experience.

Vessel of Hatred's campaign, new region, new class, and new cooperative dungeon all significantly extend the base game's appeal and depth. If you don't already enjoy the near-constant, frenetic, often exhilarating, sometimes exhausting combat, Vessel of Hatred isn't going to win you over no matter how impressive it often is. The expansion contains some of the best content the developer has released and should satisfy both casual and hardcore fans of Diablo IV.

I really enjoy Throne and Liberty’s colorful world, detailed environments, and engaging combat. Though the story is pretty uninspired, the game is technically polished and that alone is worthy of praise. But as a primarily solo player, the game isn’t for me in the long run. That’s not really a criticism, because being built for groups isn’t a bug, it’s a feature. That was true back at the dawn of MMORPGs and sometimes it’s still true. I think Throne and Liberty has a lot of promise to succeed at launch and grow beyond it.

There are a lot of roguelite games, crossing over with a dozen other genres. Maybe your rogue capacity is filled to the brim and spilling over. That’s kind of what I was thinking when I sat down to play Rogue Waters. But then it has enough originality to be engaging, and it’s made well enough to be fun! This isn’t the holistic pirate game of my imagination, but sometimes you don’t want to play Red Read Redemption, you want to play a fast run of something that holds your attention and hits hard. Rogue Waters will do that for you. And I hope before we get a Rockstar or Naughty Dog pirate magnum opus, we get a hundred more games with cool ideas like Rogue Waters. There’s room in the world of gaming for someone to take a wild shot, and sometimes that shot hits its target.

I review a lot of games and I’ll admit that diving into another roguelike isn’t always immediately appealing. But Ravenswatch does enough clever things with its mechanics, art, character design, and premise that I was intrigued and engaged. Ravenswatch demonstrates again that in the hands of talented developers, there’s still a lot of untapped potential in the roguelike genre.