Motorslice has the heart and soul of a classic adventure title, but it lacks modern sensibilities that sometimes hinder the experience. Platforming across its well-crafted linear levels is wonderful, but open areas are not as well-tailored. The controls can also be frustrating, with P not always feeling as responsive as you’d expect. Combat is serviceable, featuring a parry system with a harsh timing window, and it’s in these mechanics that the game channels its Shadow of the Colossus-inspired boss encounters most effectively. Although some genuinely strong ideas shine through, the rough edges make them hard to fully appreciate.

World Heroes Perfect is a classic fighter that’s often overlooked when tracing the genre’s long history. Its distinctive roster carves out a niche, letting players create strange, fantasy match‑ups. SNK strengthens the package with a solid netcode, giving the game a real chance to reach a new audience. While it lacks the expansive modes and options of modern fighters, this release gives long‑time fans and newcomers a chance to appreciate its quirks and its role in the genre’s evolution.

Despite a few shortcomings, Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes is an engrossing journey. Fans and newcomers to the franchise can enjoy the gifts this game offers. Feeling small and powerless is an experience that makes one appreciate life in the adult world. It also gives a new appreciation of how children feel about the world. This game’s VR heightens all these feelings found in the Little Nightmares universe. If you like games of suspense and mystery with a tinge of scary, check this one out.

Invincible VS is bloody brilliant. Accessible yet packed with depth, Quarter Up has crafted a fighter that welcomes newcomers while offering the nuance that will excite the fighting game community. While more modes and options for solo players would certainly round out the package, this is an incredible fighter worthy of its heroic name.

I like Kiln’s cheeky humor and colorful style. I’m frankly amazed the game is more than just a wacky premise. The pottery-making sim aspect isn’t half bad. Unfortunately, Kiln feels constrained by a lack of alternative modes and maps, with systems and mechanics that could be deeper. In its present state Kiln is engaging for a while, but the fun doesn’t last long enough.

Aphelion is a cinematic adventure that tells a dramatic tale about two astronauts’ passion and commitment to one another and the mission. Although its gameplay is conventional and follows in the footsteps of its inspirations, the design amplifies the sense of isolation, heightening the tension of each moment. A touching and grounded story, the game leaves a lasting impression, proving that even among the stars, it’s the human connection that resonates most.

I was pleasantly surprised with Gecko Gods. Navigating this lost civilization as a gecko was a joy. The pitter-patter of feet as they scaled around the world is just adorable. There were a few hiccups along the way. Climbing along a ceiling could lead to unfavourable outcomes and sometimes visuals would clip into each other. The relaxing pace of the game should appeal to most gamers who enjoy a cozier gaming experience. Gecko Gods is a visual treat and the soundtrack is an excellent accompaniment. If you’re looking for a relaxed Legend of Zelda-type adventure, I highly recommend Gecko Gods.

Saros is a masterpiece. Not only does Housemarque successfully build on the foundations of Returnal, but it refines them to create a more accessible experience without losing its core principles. The combat system encourages aggression, making each encounter a tense and enthralling battle where risk-taking is rewarded. While the story is much more present than its predecessor, it never interrupts the action, complementing the deep and complex systems. With more options to personalise your adventure, this is not just a Game of the Year contender, but one of the defining games of its generation.

Less grim than Frostpunk, All Will Fall transposes a smiliar gather-build-manage loop from the frozen wastes to the endless ocean. Fans of the genre will enjoy All Will Fall’s challenging physics-based construction puzzles, resource management problems and keeping the workers alive and productive. For the game’s reasonable price point, there’s plenty of content available, not to mention Steam Workshop support and custom scenarios. A bit of visual repetition and control quibbles aside, All Will Fall is overall a strong entry in the colony building sim genre.

The game is an ambitious debut that wins you over with its personality and cultural depth rather than its mechanical polish. It’s a mostly positive romp that feels like a rough diamond. The Bottom Line: If you enjoy vibe-heavy games like Cuisineer or Hades (but with a much slower, cozy pace), you’ll likely love the atmosphere of Town of Zoz. However, if you have low tolerance for technical jank or slow-starting tutorials, you might want to wait for the first major patch. Town of Zoz needs a little bit of polish to address some crashes, combat system and UI clunkiness. But the core story of community and healing through food is something special.

Ultimately, Lucky Tower Ultimate is a great example of focused game design. The developers at Studio Seufz clearly knew exactly what they wanted to achieve, and they hit their mark with surgical precision. It is a solid, well-crafted experience that celebrates the chaos of the roguelite genre without succumbing to its gloomiest tropes. While the finicky controls and steep difficulty may alienate those seeking a more streamlined experience, I found a treasure of wit, challenge, and a bit of slapstick brutality. It might not be for everyone, but if the premise of a “tough-as-nails comedy” appeals to you, you will likely find Lucky Tower Ultimate to be exactly what you’re looking for.

All in all, I had fun with Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta. If you can look past the dated visuals and annoying map mechanics, it’s a slick action-JRPG with something interesting to say about memory. But it’s far from flawless.

Tides of Tomorrow has a clever multiplayer mechanic that literally and metaphorically demonstrates how our actions, and those of others, send ripples into the world. It has a strong narrative hook and interesting characters, but it can't quite stick the landing when it comes to gameplay, controls, and polish. I'm looking forward to seeing the story link system further developed in a more refined experience.

Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch is a fun homage to the world of Kevin Smith. Packed with jokes that capture the spirit of the stoner duo, it blends elements of the View Askewniverse into an enjoyable beat ’em up. With its surprisingly deep combat, the game keeps you engaged throughout its short runtime. Even though bugs and the conventional level design prevent it from feeling essential, fans of Smith will still find plenty to love.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss takes an ambitious swing but it just doesn’t fully connect. It nails the atmosphere and tone but struggles where it matters most. The investigation systems are deep, yet buried under a clunky complex UI that often turns discovery into frustration. There’s a compelling game here but maybe it’s for a very specific type of player. In the end, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss feels like a strong concept held back by execution.

REPLACED lives in a beautifully imagined dark and detailed world that’s immediately engaging. Characters and a narrative that are surprisingly nuanced and layered set the stage for action combat that relies pretty heavily on quick reflexes, stealth, and acrobatics. Some questionably telegraphed platforming and frustrating stealth sometimes get in the way, but on the whole REPLACED is a unique and thoroughly engaging sci-fi action game.

Opus: Prism Peak is SIGONO’s largest project yet, and the game delivers heavily on what it sets out to accomplish. Whether the game’s narrative resonates with you personally or not, it has a lot to offer in and out of the gaming space. The title’s narrative is at the forefront, supported strongly by its art style, gameplay mechanics, and everything in between. Prism Peak is an easy recommendation for anyone with an interest in narrative-focused games and will leave a lasting impression on me. Since beating the game, I’ve already gone back to fill out the rest of my notebook and collect the other endings.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a weird but strangely addictive title that continues to surprise each time you dip in. The level of customisation helps create a truly unique experience, where the Miis, clothing, and more are shaped entirely by your choices, letting you fine-tune every detail to reflect your own quirky vision. This leads to an array of wacky stories and situations that keep you coming back for more. Although there’s a lack of traditional gameplay and not much to keep you playing for longer than short bursts, it’s a successful evolution of its predecessor and a relaxing, cosy experience that’s easy to return to.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire’s combination of classic cartoon animation and hardboiled detective noir is original and expertly blended. Paired with familiar first-person shooter mechanics, it sounds high-concept, but the execution makes it feel perfectly natural. The combat mechanics, movement, and narrative are dialed in. The pacing is a little slow, especially in the first few hours, but Mouse: P.I. for Hire doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the overall energy and clever, fun concept carry it along.

KuloNiku is a lovely slice of cozy gaming. With pleasing visuals, flexible gameplay, charming characters, and solid storytelling. It’ll have you addicted and sweating over your virtual stoves for hours on end. Definitely one to pick up and add to your cozy collection.

While the DLC gives you another reason to revisit one of the best games of last year, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the base game. The developers designed the levels well, but they don’t offer as many paths and secrets as the main campaign. Although boss battles exceed expectations, the worlds don’t maintain consistent theming across all enemies, which detracts from the idea of visiting these distinct worlds. Regardless, priced at only $9.99, the Villains DLC delivers on its novelty concept and lets you delve back into a classic title.

Pragmata is a refreshing, refined adventure that tells a personal, grounded tale in an otherworldly setting. With traditional sensibilities, the game shows confidence in its mechanics, placing them at the forefront rather than smothering the experience with unnecessary content. Stepping back to the golden age of shooters, it manages to carve out a niche that feels both nostalgic and distinctly its own.

Gunboat God is an addictive, bullet-hell adventure. Thanks to its unique premise, approach to manoeuvring, and striking art direction, it instantly sets itself apart from the competition. Tight controls make each scenario a thrill, keeping you enthralled throughout. While it can take some time to get to grips with its rhythm, once it clicks, it’s exhilarating.

Minos reminded me of playing one of those wooden ball-in-a-labyrinth toys, where you tilt the maze just so to guide the ball to the end. In this case, gravity is replaced by scores of devious traps, and the goal is to stop the progress of enemies before they can defeat the Minotaur. Minos brings a lot of interesting ideas to the tower defense genre. If you have patience for increasingly challenging puzzles and a bit of jank, Minos can be a lot of fun.

The self-driving addition to ANNA is an absolute blessing from the devs. The updated visuals continue to ensure Forza Horizon is the best-looking racing game around. While there is a lot of “more of the same” feeling with Forza Horizon 6, that’s not entirely a bad thing, especially with such an incredible environment that is Japan to race in. [Hands-On Impressions]

GRIDBeat! is a tense puzzler that intertwines gameplay, music, and visuals to create a unique experience. Although the gameplay can become hypnotic and addictive, the visuals are a little basic and similar to other hacking-themed titles. As the adventure progresses, the difficulty swells, requiring precision and quick reactions. While this may deter newcomers, fans of puzzlers will adore the challenge.

People of Note is uniquely brilliant. This music-themed adventure is a true homage to the industry, boasting an incredible visual style and a stellar soundtrack. Whether solving environmental puzzles or taking on foes, every moment feels engaging, creating a well-paced journey across multiple regions, each brimming with personality. While some of the dialogue can be a little grating and its range of genres may not resonate with everyone, it captures the spirit of a playable musical and deserves a standing ovation.

Skytail doesn’t reinvent VR gesture-based gameplay, or add anything new. However, what it does well is combat. Often, I would find myself sucked into playing it much longer than I planned. The game is fun to play and gives you a bit of a workout to boot. If that mix appeals to you, Skytail is worth your time and money.

Darwin’s Paradox is an incredibly well-designed cinematic platformer that keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Each segment feels distinct thanks to its varied scenarios and the inventive ways it plays with its core mechanics. While those mechanics don’t evolve dramatically, the way they’re explored is consistently delightful, creating memorable moments throughout. There’s some trial and error, but generous checkpoints prevent it from becoming frustrating. It’s a joy to play, with strong pacing that keeps things engaging, though it is a little too short, and the collectables don’t add much in terms of replayability. Even so, this debut from ZDT Studio is fantastic and sets a strong foundation for what could become a standout name in cinematic platformers.

The Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection instantly becomes the best way to play these games due to the quality of life improvements, cost, and ease. Despite not being the most popular subset of Mega Man games, the level of care put into the collection makes it easy to enjoy. For Mega Man fans or Battle Network fans, this is an easy recommendation. It’s surprisingly uncommon that collections improve an experience while keeping faithful to the originals, but this one does just that.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a great choice for a Switch 2 port. It runs smooth, looks dang decent, and boots up clean. Whether it’s your first time in the valley or not, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach landed on a lot of “Best of” lists in 2025 for good reason. With jaw-dropping visuals and mechanics improved over the first game, it’s almost certainly Kojima’s best work to date. Nixxes PC port is a masterpiece of technical wizardry and makes Death Stranding 2: On the Beach worth replaying or experiencing for the first time.

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a mixed bag. It was great to see a continuation of the world and characters from Nosgoth. The story is beautifully told and realized. The gameplay was really fun once I adapted to it. The different characters keep things feeling fresh. But the game is very linear, and there are no skill trees or RPG mechanics. There’s no way for the player to experiment with the game’s mechanics, and there’s not a lot of reason to keep playing once the story’s done. There are some of us who like nice, linear old-school action platform progression, though. The game also demands a lot of the player and has a lack of polish that works against those demands. I’m still so happy Legacy of Kain: Ascendance was made, though, and I really hope this leads to more games in the series.

Gamers who have already invested hundreds of hours in another hack-and-slash RPG might not be tempted to make a lateral move to Dragonkin: The Banished. Then again, its depth of systems and generally excellent combat might be a satisfying alternative.

Tales of Berseria Remastered preserves a title that was never that great to begin with. The potential of its darker tone and strong character focus loses impact through tedium, and the gameplay portion feels dated with its uber-linear exploration and repetitive combat. A bad game? Certainly not. A worthy upgrade? Far from it. This rerelease improves performance and visuals slightly while adding minor conveniences and DLC, yet it falls short of a meaningful upgrade. Ultimately, it’s best suited for newcomers, and its price feels hard to justify for anyone else.

All in all, Tombwater is one of my favorite Soulslikes, if not one of my favorite games, period. I’m not usually a fan of Zelda-likes, but I could barely put this one down. And only part of that was because I kept getting lost and wandering into a new miniboss arena.

I was a fan of Grime’s take on the Metroidvania/Soulslike formula. Grime 2 adds depth, polish, and variety to combat mechanics while making the experience a bit more accessible. Grime 2 literally begins with a question about how artists balance the new against what they’ve already done. Definitely a closely-related sequel and not a dramatic reinvention, there are a few frustrating platforming mechanics and a narrative that is only slightly less impenetrable. Grime 2 definitely deserves to break more fully into the mainstream this time around.

Life is Strange: Reunion is a fitting conclusion to Max’s decade-long story. Bringing Chloe back is a great decision; she’s witty, brash, and the perfect counterbalance to Max’s caring, tender nature. Together, they merge to create a memorable duo that lingers long after the credits roll. Although the game plays it safe, not evolving beyond its tried-and-tested formula, it still delivers a memorable tale of one of the greatest video game couples in the medium.

All in all, Homura: The Crimson Warriors is an interesting historical fantasy with a dash of romance. I recommend it to fans of Japanese history and bittersweet plotty romance.

Mario Wonder was excellent. So I'm always open to more playtime in that world. But I'm not as excited about multiplayer content. So this colorful carnival of party games isn't for me. But I see the vision. The games themselves are all fun, and the conceit itself is crammed with collectibles to hoover up. I just wish the single-player section had more than a handful of boss stages. It's great that there are seven of them, but the pattern gets pretty familiar by the end. But if you've been itching to take your Mario Wonder skills on the road, then this is almost perfect. We're still wandering the walled garden of friend codes, but this is a low hurdle to leap. Meetup in Bellabel Park has a ton of party game potential that you won't want to miss.

I really enjoyed Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers. The core beat ‘em up combat is fantastic, and the goofy story gives the game a unique flavor. I never thought we would see another game in the series, and the devs obviously have great love for the source material. Unfortunately, Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers is lacking in features, which puts it behind all the modern genre greats. But I easily recommend the game to anyone who’s a fan of beat ‘em ups, or in the mood for something nostalgic.

When it comes to racing games, Screamer asserts that realism is overrated. It’s an adrenaline-fueled blast from the past that feels current, too. Although it can be a bit repetitive and over-exacting at times, there’s a lot of depth to Screamer’s narrative premise and racing mechanics. Screamer is definitely worth a look for racing fans a bit tired of another lap around the traditional tracks.

Damon and Baby is an interesting experiment from one of the greatest developers in the fighting genre. While the game’s DNA contains strong ideas, they never evolve into anything that leaves a lasting impact. Combat is fun, but lacks the speed and style of its peers, and while combining this with adventuring is novel, it struggles to deliver something that competes in either sub-genre. The result is an experience that feels competent but ultimately underwhelming. A bold shift in direction, but one that struggles to justify itself.

Icarus is a truly beautiful experience. The environments – with all their glamor and dangers – are immersive and engaging. Its method of teaching the game may be too thin for those with no survival game experience, but if you stick with it, play the first few missions, and give Icarus a chance, it becomes something more. It’s a quiet period of respite. It’s survival on your terms. Solitude and freedom. Icarus, and especially its Open World mode, can become a cozy game with a few extra challenges if you let it. With an unfortunately lacking tutorial and mildly unfriendly UI, Icarus is surprisingly a great way to unwind after a long day. I’m not much of a survival gamer, but Icarus is quickly becoming a second home.

MLB The Show 26 feels lazy. San Diego Studio knows it has no competition and has decided to coast on its previous successes. The on-field action is addictive, but everything else almost feels like a slap in the face at this point. They desperately need to update the visuals, fix the bugs, and put some actual effort into the presentation and career modes. Until then, The Show will remain spinning its wheels in the dirt, hoping the fans won’t notice that the engine is starting to smoke.

I really enjoyed the original Greedfall’s blend of magic and 1600’s technology. While the combat is a little more flexible this time around, the narrative plays too many of the same beats, and its pacing fails to find a groove. Greedfall was a cult favorite of sorts. Greedfall: The Dying World does some interesting things with classes and combat, but lacks some of the charm and inventive spirit of the original game.

It’s too bad the game has these rough edges because conceptually there is a fun spy versus spy mechanic here. Veterans of the first game may not find the same level of frustration. It is vital that you do the tutorials before starting the campaign. The campaign should remain locked until players complete the tutorials. Unseen Diplomacy 2 is available on Steam and Meta. There is no mixed-reality mode. For all you spy types out there, if you have a high patience level, this game may provide you with the wanted tension and thrills.

Although I love anime, and I love games, I often find the two somewhat diminished when combined. Etrange Overlord is an excellent story, with clever dialogue and wonderful voice acting coming together to keep you hooked for more or less the whole runtime. And yet, the actual gameplay falls a bit short. The combat is fun, though it ramps up a little slowly. There’s not much to the gameplay loop beyond the numerous battles, a few of which are a real drag. This game is a real blast to watch, and alright to play. Even so, any anime fans out there will surely find something to latch onto with this one.

Project Songbird is a haunting journey through the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist. Each act offers fresh ideas, creating a wonderfully paced adventure brimming with creativity and innovation. The art direction, sound, and impeccable voice acting elevate the experience, helping Dakota’s tale resonate. Although the combat and stealth segments lack the intensity that enshrouds other aspects, adding frustration rather than fear, this thrilling psychological exploration remains a memorable and imaginative horror experience.

Crimson Desert is a remarkable achievement in open world design, with an inexhaustible number of things to see, do, and fight. It's a miracle that it never collapses under its own weight. It isn't perfect. By both accident and design, there are times when clarity and user-friendliness temporarily disappear, and the game's rough edges and opaque mechanics overshadow the fun. A lot of games over-promise and under-deliver. Crimson Desert is not one of them.

1348 Ex Voto joins games like A Plague’s Tale and Kingdom Come: Deliverance in giving players a slice of medieval life. Unlike those titles, 1348 Ex Voto is a short time commitment with a relatively simple story and unique character dynamics. If the world weren’t quite so barren and the combat were less frustrating, 1348 Ex Voto’s attractive environments could be the foundation for a special little game.

Replay isn’t the attraction in Dead in Antares. The mystery and characters are the headliners. The strategy layer is just interesting enough to stay engaging. The graphics and sound have progressed, but the basic skeleton of the game remains the same. Dead in Antares is a worthy cap to the end of the Dead In trilogy.

Ultimately, Collector’s Cove is a competent but hollow entry into the life-sim genre. It is missing that indefinable “key ingredient”—the soul and density—that makes its predecessors so enduring. While it may provide a pleasant weekend of distraction for genre enthusiasts, it currently lacks the longevity and polish to swim alongside the big fish of the cozy gaming world. As it stands, the cove is a nice place to visit, but there isn’t quite enough there to make you want to stay.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a fun, over-the-top co-operative shooter. The use of Saber’s Horde Engine creates thrilling moments where you face off against hundreds of bloodthirsty zombies at once. Although the game bears Carpenter’s name, it doesn’t fully capture his signature style and instead blends in with the many zombie shooters currently available. If you’re looking to scratch that Left 4 Dead itch, this will suffice; however, it ultimately blends into the horde it’s trying to outgun.

Is Tales of Berseria Remastered worth a double dip? Absolutely not. There’s no reason to get it if you already own the regular game (unless you have completionist OCD). Bandai Namco needs to be careful they don’t lose any good will with their fans, when so many other companies are offering free PS5 upgrades to PS4 games. But Remastered is now the best version of Berseria because of its few changes. It’s an excellent action JRPG. If you don’t already own it, Tales of Berseria Remastered has a phenomenal story, and fun combat. So get it if you haven’t already.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is a remarkable piece of interactive horror history. The nuanced storytelling and atmosphere immerse you in its strange, haunting world, while the Camera Obscura offers a unique mechanic that adds tension to every encounter. However, although the remake remains close to the source material, it doesn’t provide the significant upgrade that other modern revivals of iconic titles have delivered. Much of the original era’s DNA remains, with some clunky controls and awkward animations hindering the experience. Regardless, this is still a remake of a classic. Despite its flaws, fans and newcomers can immerse themselves in a pillar of the survival horror genre, one that continues to haunt with its eerie village and tragic story.

My five or so hours with Chapter 5 was an enjoyable experience. There were only a couple sequences throughout the game that gave me some real challenges, including the previously mentioned chase sequence that was incredibly frustrating. The game crashed on me once. My oldest son played through the entire chapter too, and it crashed on him once as well (in a different area). However, in my time with Chapter 5, the game was updated four or so times, so clearly the developers are actively ironing out any reported issues and bugs. Chapter 5 is an excellent continuation of the Poppy Playtime saga. Even though it’s likely a year away, I’m eager to see how things play out in the next chapter.

Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is a bit short, and some of its side characters feel underdeveloped. Even so, Quillo Entertainment Limited has crafted a game filled with heart. That passion shines through in every frame, showcasing an impressive level of artistry that’s only slightly held back by budgetary constraints. In the end, Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is a gentle, gorgeous experience that will warm your heart while lingering in your thoughts thanks to its surprising emotional depth.

Back to the Dawn ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the story and aesthetics, especially the music. It works wonderfully as a choose your own adventure-style adventure game. Time management, puzzle solving, and minigames are all fantastic. But the CRPG elements felt tacked-on. Back to the Dawn was probably initially envisioned as a CRPG, but grew into something different. With a bit more polish, focus, and elegance, it could be a really fantastic experience. If everything I’ve shared sounds good to you, then definitely don’t hesitate to give Back to the Dawn a few playthroughs.

WWE 2K26 is a massive effort from the team at Visual Concepts. They’ve spent the past 12+ months refining everything about WWE 2K25 to make an even better wrestling game. Every mode has been improved upon. The games roster is absolutely massive, with over 400+ playable characters. The biggest issue for these WWE 2K games is the significant learning curve and demand for perfect timing. It can be very intimidating for new players. The new Ringside Pass has presented a significant roadblock for enjoying the game, forcing players to grind it out just to unlock many different Superstars. Despite the issues, there is still a ton to appreciate about WWE 2K26.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a remarkable game that builds on and develops the foundations of the original. Similar to its predecessor, it tells an emotive, personal story that instantly immerses you. The scope expands as you journey farther afield. Gameplay improvements elevate the adventure, introducing greater puzzle variety and tense cinematic sequences that complement one another perfectly. Though relatively short, it’s a stunning journey that will resonate long after the credits roll.

Despite all of these complaints, I had fun with Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered. Does it feel exactly the same as the original? Of course not. But it’s a fun trip back to Nosgoth, even if a few puzzles sent me scrambling for a guide.

Scott Pilgrim EX takes a beloved formula and boldly restructures it. The blend of interconnected exploration, refined brawling, and engaging RPG mechanics creates an experience that honors its roots while feeling distinctly modern.

Overall, Esoteric Ebb does a great job of applying aspects of its influences into its own splendid package. The experience is one that is full of surprises and delightful in its own way. While not for everyone, the game is sure to be memorable for those who enjoy the genre as well as those who simply put in the time to complete a playthrough. With so many variables available even at a surface level, each player’s first playthrough should be unique enough. If you are a CRPG fan at heart, Esoteric Ebb is a no-brainer to give it a shot. If you’re not, there’s still likely something for you if anything about the game resonates with you at all.

You spend a lot of time in Pokopia just messing around, but it adds up to something satisfying. Making habitats, befriending Pokémon, exploring, and cleaning up the environment all feel like little tasks at first. But they slowly turn into something more significant. It’s a smooth process that feels perfectly natural. It really sneaks up on you. I wish the map and the inventory were more robust, to be sure. And maybe I felt adrift once in a while. But that core loop was so delightful, I didn’t mind all that much. If you’re looking for a Pokémon experience that feels a little different than the usual fare, Pokémon Pokopia might be perfect for you.

City Hunter isn’t a particularly strong game. While its gorgeous opening presentation immediately grabs attention and builds excitement, the gameplay quickly becomes a series of bland, maze-like 2D shooting levels. There was great attention to detail in remastering City Hunter, and this port is obviously the best way to play it. It’s just a shame that there’s not a lot to the original City Hunter game. Regardless, I really hope that City Hunter is the beginning of many more PC Engine ports in the future.

Ys X: Proud Nordics feels like a greedy, poorly timed release. But it’s a vastly improved version of an already excellent game. Ys X: Nordics was one of the lesser Ys games, but the changes in Proud Nordics have now put it in the upper echelon of Ys games. There’s tons of new content, and the entire game has been carefully tweaked and rebalanced. If Ys X: Proud Nordics is a cash grab, it isn’t a lazy one. Ys X: Proud Nordics is one of the best action JRPGs ever, and a must-play for Ys fans.

WiZmans World Re;Try does a lot of things right. It’s aesthetically gorgeous. It has simple, tried-and-true turn-based combat, with monster catching and fusing mechanics. It has a weird world and story. But it’s also a grind-heavy linear dungeon crawl that gets monotonous way too quickly. Going through dungeons feels like a chore. And bosses are unbalanced compared to the ease of combat and lack of experience points that precede them. WiZmans World Re;Try needs to be rebalanced, but it’s already a retry.

Fans of the Reigns franchise are likely to enjoy this Witcher iteration. It retains the staples of the series while developing elements that successfully blend both worlds. However, if you’re new and looking for a deep, immersive, ‘choose your own adventure’ experience, this isn’t it. While the scenarios are interesting and there are plenty of branching paths, the experience often feels disjointed, as decisions lack real impact. Though the short runs can be addictive, the basic gameplay may ultimately leave you swiping left on this one.

Resident Evil Requiem amalgamates its two entities into a cohesive, demonic monster, resulting in one of the series’ most complete entries to date. From its tense, immersive exploration that highlights vulnerability to its visceral combat that revels in brutality, it delivers a nightmare that feels both refined and feral. A masterpiece in horror, and an early Game of the Year contender.

At a runtime of just around forty-five minutes, Dear me, I was… respects your time while demanding your full emotional attention. It is “show, don’t tell” in a nutshell. It might not offer hundreds of hours of replayability, but the beauty of its silent world and the introspective journey it prompts are well worth it. For anybody looking to cleanse their palate with a deeply artistic, evocative, and conceptually daring title. I can safely say Dear Me, I was… is a highly recommended play. Or maybe you just want to witness an artistic flex on your console. It serves as a beautiful reminder of why we engage with this medium in the first place. To feel, to reflect, and to experience something truly unique through the power of interactive art.

There’s not a lot to unpack here. The story is pretty simple, the dialogue gets kind of corny, and the premise is equally stripped down. But this game shines so bright once you actually start playing. You’ve got a host of amazing moves to master. The controls are perfectly fluid and responsive. Plus, the level design is the perfect vessel for mastering said moves. Chaining together skills feels amazing, while traversing the world is speedy and satisfying. Demon Tides is a pure 3D platformer, with little in the way of fat or gristle. All that means is you’ve got nothing between you and all that unfiltered action. Better yet, there’s so much to experience once you start. If you’re looking for the next amazing 3D platformer, Demon Tides should be at the very top of your list.

All in all, D1AL-ogue is a short, free puzzle game that’s more than worth spending a few hours on.

In the end, Mewgenics stands as a confident, content-rich tactical roguelite that rewards curiosity, patience, and perseverance. Its deep combat, endless variety, distinctive visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and unapologetic humor combine into a game that feels uniquely itself. It won’t be for everyone, but for those willing to meet it on its own terms, Mewgenics offers an experience that can last dozens—if not hundreds—of hours without losing its sense of surprise or challenge. If you waited over a decade for Mewgenics, your patience has paid off.

Generally speaking, Styx: Blades of Greed’s move to a more open world is a good choice and plays to the title character’s strengths. Intricate level design and challenging stealth are matched by Styx’s new and returning toys. Apart from some technical misfires and my personal gripes with a few mechanics, Styx: Blades of Greed is not quite an open-armed introduction to the loveable green guy, but it should absolutely please fans of the series.

While it doesn’t have the shock value novelty of the first game, High on Life 2 makes up for it with ambitious level design, polished movement, and a more grounded, coherent narrative. All the fun of the first game’s talking guns and wicked humor remains, entertainingly voiced and paired with engaging combat and interesting environments. There are moments when High on Life 2 feels a little over-caffeinated, and it can be exhausting over long stretches. Overall, though, High on Life 2 demonstrates that the first game’s concepts and mechanics were more than one-off novelties. High on Life 2 keeps a good thing going strong.

One year later, Avowed is still an impressively polished and confidently presented game, at home in the Pillars of Eternity canon and at home in the action RPG genre. The new Anniversary Edition and 12 months of updates, tweaks, and changes have only made Avowed better. To the extent it got lost in the shuffle last year, it absolutely deserves attention from new players and PS5 owners. Players returning to Avowed will find a game that is now even better.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a technical improvement over Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. It still has some problems that should have been flagged during quality assurance testing. The cursor should just be dropped from all sections that aren’t point-and-click. But the narrative is fantastic, and the “Choose Your Own Adventure” chapter structure makes the experience feel more like a game, and less like a novel. The stylistic visuals mask Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse’s low budget, and the music is constantly phenomenal. I’m not sure if the first game has been patched, but Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is enough of an improvement that I might give it another try.

Norse: Oath of Blood delivered more than I expected, which is always a nice surprise. I really enjoyed the story and characters and the mix of history, melodrama, and humor. The combat was challenging and offered lots of tactical flexibility. Base building and activities between combat missions were nicely streamlined and kept the overall momentum going. Like a good movie or TV series, Norse: Oath of Blood balances historical elements with entertainment, then adds engaging combat and varied side content to round out the package.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a well-designed, albeit conventional, Metroidvania. Combat encounters are enthralling, especially as the game progresses and enemies unleash varied attacks that demand specific methods of evasion. New abilities expand your offensive arsenal, adding further layers to each encounter. While the platforming and puzzles benefit from tight, thoughtful design, the art direction is competent but uninspiring. Although a strong outing for Kratos, this entry doesn’t quite reach the mythic heights of the series.

RIDE 6 represents a significant leap forward for the franchise, elevating both its technical performance and overall scope. Milestone has carefully balanced accessibility with authenticity, broadening the game’s appeal without compromising the realism longtime fans expect. It’s an impressive achievement. One further reinforced by the studio’s clear commitment to ongoing support and refinement.

Disciples: Domination does not upend what already works about the series. It moves Empress Avyanna’s narrative in a new direction and adds nuance and depth to all the game’s systems. There are a lot of mechanics at play, from combat to RPG-like elements to diplomacy, and they work together well and add up to a rich experience.

Reanimal takes its cues from primal childhood trauma and the deep-seated fears that most people carry through life. It adds layers of familiar-feeling puzzles and terrifying monsters to a game that looks a lot like a Little Nightmares sibling. With the ability to play the game with another terrified human, Reanimal is all the more scary and memorable.

His past games have demonstrated that Suda51 is probably incapable of making a cookie-cutter action game. Yet underneath its misdirection of wild and crazy, that’s kind of what Romeo is a Dead Man really is. Strip away the disorienting style shifts and patchwork narrative, and you’re left with a fun but limited third-person action game with Soulslike elements. The game succeeds at stylistic surprise but at the expense of polished mechanics and satisfying coherence.

Even though some of the peripheral bits were less polished, the core gameplay in Fever is red hot. Actually playing a match of Tennis in this game is downright excellent. The regular matches are excellent, the tournaments are intense, and the special matches are all awesome. If you’re looking to change things up, the Trial Towers and the score challenges add a stack of fascinating twists to the standard tennis systems. Although I didn’t really vibe with the campaign mode, I still recognize its usefulness. I also wish those motion controls could be used in every other part of the game. If you want a more aggressive, fast-paced tennis game that’s also colorful, cute, and accessible, Mario Tennis Fever is an excellent choice.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is an excellent roguelike adventure that faithfully translates the tactical, frenetic combat of the main series into an immersive side-scrolling experience. Each character feels distinct, with unique abilities that encourage experimentation with the game’s multi-layered systems, resulting in builds that differ from run to run. While the complex narrative doesn’t fully land and some systems aren’t clearly explained, the moment-to-moment action is superb and will quickly get its hooks in you.

The Yakuza/ Like a Dragon series has become one of the most beloved video game franchises on the planet. They’re a combination of cinematic crime drama, fun third person brawl combat, deep open world exploration, and insanely wacky sidequests and minigames. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best version of the second game in the series. Cutting the Sotenbori is a major loss, but the new content more than makes up for its omission. Overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game.

The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is a great little Metroidvania, full of wacky antics and charm. Its tight controls and strong design make the journey through perilous areas a thrill, while the catchy themes linger long after the relatively short runtime. Boss battles are varied and there are some genuinely funny moments; however, the mission structure can feel repetitive, and some of the randomness lacks clear context and doesn’t always land. Despite its creativity and polish, it risks being overlooked in an already crowded genre.

If you’re a big VR horror or Lovecraft fan and this game has caught your eye, it’s best to proceed with caution for now. Follow the developers on Discord and keep an eye on player feedback. If sentiment starts to trend more positive, that’s the time to jump in. For Dread Meridian, the most terrifying thing attached to the experience right now may be its negative first impression.

I have mixed feelings about My Hero Academia: All’s Justice. At its core, it has a good 3D arena fighter battle system. Its best feature is its massive dream roster of My Hero Academia characters that all feel unique from one another. But almost every bonus mode and feature feels cheap and undercooked. Everything except the combat seems like an afterthought. But if all you’re looking for is versus battles with tons of My Hero Academia characters, then My Hero Academia: All’s Justice is a dream come true.

Nioh 3 is the most ambitious and densely featured entry in the series, with a vast world to explore and extremely satisfying systems and combat to master. It does for the Nioh franchise what Elden Ring did for the Dark Souls world. Nioh 3 offers a huge amount of content and flexibility. It can be immensely challenging, but there are plenty of ways and an array of tools and approaches to mitigate the difficulty. Nioh has always perched between being niche and mainstream. Nioh 3 should help this excellent series broaden its audience while appealing to long-time fans as well. Lovers of Soulslikes, Team NINJA's games, and well-made action titles in general won't be disappointed.

From its art style to its streamlined mechanics, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined takes a classic and makes it feel fresh. A cast of engaging characters, sparkling voice work, and combat that can be tailor-made, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a substantial game that almost never wastes your time. Ardent fans of the original might be skeptical, but it’s hard to imagine fans of classic JRPGs not enjoying this thoroughly engaging journey.

Cairn accurately captures the thrill and intensity of scaling a mountain. Each tentative step communicates the danger of the climb, forcing you to constantly readjust and take calculated risks to succeed. Aava’s flexibility benefits the gameplay, though it can look awkward in execution. While the game’s visuals and overall design are wonderful, performance issues, such as regular framerate drops and odd bugs, occasionally hinder the experience. Even though there are a few kinks in the equipment, this is a great ascent for those seeking a truly unique adventure.

Obviously, any fans of the Paper Mario series will be right at home here. The mechanics and the art style are both familiar enough to draw you in, but it’s the original touches that keep you engaged. I’m fascinated by the anti-capitalist message, even if the soundtrack left me somewhat miserable. Even if you have no allegiance to the game’s inspiration, there’s still something cool to be uncovered. Escape from Ever After is a pretty great RPG in its own right.

Overall, I really enjoyed Cassette Boy. The combination of Legend of Zelda adventuring with Fez camera rotating was an excellent combo that blended incredibly well. The game has a unique retro visual aesthetic, and gorgeous lo-fi music. Its only issues are minor. Anyone curious about Cassette Boy from the trailer should definitely make the purchase. It’s a short game, but the under $15 price is right. I can’t wait to see what the developers make next!

Code Vein II is a deep, stylish, and highly accessible entry into the “Soulslike” genre that prioritizes player empowerment over brutal punishment. While it lacks the technical polish of the titles that inspired it – most notably Elden Ring – it successfully carves out its own identity through an exceptional character creator, a unique time-traveling narrative, and a “Partner System” that provides a significant safety net for newcomers.

Cozy Caravan is a triumph of vibes over complexity. It is a game designed to really cool down your heart rate. It succeeds pretty well in creating a world that feels kind, warm, and welcoming. While it may lack the mechanical depth to hold the attention of hardcore simulation players and fans for hundreds of hours, it is a perfect example of a palette cleanser game. Cozy Caravan is a delightful road trip that asks nothing of you but to slow down and smell the flowers.

BrokenLore: Unfollow is a creepy exploration of the effects of psychological scars. The atmosphere smothers you, allowing only brief gasps of breath while solving puzzles. At its best when scouring environments, the game falters in its execution of stealth and combat segments. Although it lacks polish, this short, sharp adventure still manages to leave a lasting impression that will echo in the silence long after you step away.