Ultimately, Monster Energy Supercross 25 is a competent but unspectacular entry in the series. The improved visuals and deeper career mode are welcome additions, but the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The steep learning curve and inconsistent online experience may deter some players, while seasoned veterans may find the lack of groundbreaking innovation disappointing.

Rusty Rabbit is a game packed with potential, thanks to its intriguing premise, promising gameplay loop, and distinct art direction. Unfortunately, it struggles to capitalize on these strengths. The combat lacks impact, the gameplay loop quickly becomes formulaic, and the visuals feel dated, all of which contribute to an experience that, while occasionally enjoyable, ultimately feels uninspired and forgettable. There are glimpses of here and there, but the game never does quite enough to stand out from the crowd.

Age of Mythology: Retold-Immortal Pillars stylishly fulfills its mission of bringing back Chinese units to the game, much the way Tale of the Dragon did with the original. But that’s where the similarity ends. With a new story, heroes, gods, units and mechanics, Immortal Pillars adds its own flavors to the original recipe. The campaign is relatively short but fans of the game will enjoy throwing these units down against those from the Greeks, Norse, Egyptians and Atlanteans civilizations.

South of Midnight pares a refreshingly different narrative and setting with artistic visuals that bring to life folklore from the American Deep South. It’s captivating, and there’s almost nothing like it. Unfortunately, South of Midnight is saddled with frustrating, unpolished combat and action sequences that become repetitive long before the game’s midpoint. Even with its glaring faults, South of Midnight is mostly worth playing just for the orc-free story and uniquely American characters.

With remasters, the question is always whether owners of one version should pony up for the newest iteration. Any PC gamer who doesn’t already own The Last of Us Part II on console should definitely pick this up. It still overshadows most narrative action adventure games released in the past few years. If you already have the remaster on PS5, the new content is coming your way. The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC is a fantastic way to experience both the original game and some very worthwhile extras.

The PS VR2 upgrade of Hitman: World of Assassination is an essential purchase. Each mission is packed with possibilities, allowing you to experiment with the array of tools to execute your mission. The implementation of VR elements helps to anchor you in the world and successfully positions you in the dress shoes of Agent 47. Even though there are some awkward interactions and texture pop-in, the wealth of content and immersive tactile gameplay more than make up for these shortcomings to deliver a deeply engaging and satisfying VR stealth experience.

Overall, Battlefield Waltz is a pretty good time. Don’t expect something revolutionary, but do expect some fun romance. And the visuals are very nice.

Koira is a heartfelt and inspiring journey that explores the deep emotional bonds between people and animals, bonds that are dynamic and fulfilling for both. With expressive art and music, some interesting puzzles, and a bit of tension and excitement, Koira is less one dimensional than it might appear. As a game, it’s probably a one-and-done experience, but it leaves behind a warm glow and a bit of renewed appreciation for empathy, connection, and communication.

In the absence of other and more impressive Soulslikes, AI Limit could definitely step in and fill a void. It gets the basics right and even iterates in some enjoyable ways. Fans of sci-fi anime and those bored with gothic fantasy will appreciate AI Limit’s setting and theme. While the combat is nothing special, it’s still undeniably fun, if awfully familiar. In a genre absolutely brimming with better choices, it’s hard to recommend AI Limit, but players coming to it with reasonable expectations will have a good time.

Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is a really solid psychological horror experience. It has a captivating story, a haunting atmosphere, and clever puzzles that make it stand out from other horror games. While the gunplay feels a bit off and the camera work is really odd, the game’s occasional strengths really make up for some of these issues. It’s not the best horror game you’ll ever play, but it’s an interesting experience.

Ultimately, MLB The Show 25 delivers another solid simulation baseball experience, building upon the strong foundation established by its predecessors. Does it capture the magic of being on the diamond? I think so. The improved fielding/running/hitting systems make the core gameplay loop feel fantastic. Franchise mode has seen a couple of much-appreciated additions. And Diamond Dynasty is fun again with the season system behind it. The team at San Diego Studio continues to show dedication and passion for capturing the essence of baseball. This year’s offering, while not perfect, demonstrates their commitment to evolving and improving the franchise.

Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity and Never 7 – The End of Infinity Double Pack should get a much better score than I’m going to give it. Unfortunately, narrative-heavy visual novels can’t afford to be unedited. I sincerely hope the developers return to these remasters and fix the translation errors. Until then, my criticisms stand.

A few weeks ago I went hands-on with a few, curated hours of Atomfall. I felt then the same as I feel now after playing the full game. The world is beautiful and thoroughly convincing, the characters are interesting but the combat lacks polish and finesse. I probably missed a lot of secrets or mishandled some leads, but given the game’s mechanics I’m not enthusiastic about filling in the gaps. Atomfall is one of those rare games that excited and disappointed me in equal measure.

Derivative though it most certainly is, The First Berserker: Khazan is still incredibly fun to play because combat is so satisfying. The gothic anime visuals look great, and the game manages to sneak a few new and smart mechanics into the formula. The First Berserker: Khazan may be a familiar experience, but it’s probably a must-play for fans of hardcore action games and Soulslikes.

Reignbreaker is a solid action roguelite that will feel familiar to fans of Hades. Its fast-paced combat is enjoyable, and the variety of power-ups encourages experimentation with different builds. While the art direction is creative, other aspects of the game adhere closely to genre conventions, rarely breaking away from its inspirations. Though undeniably well-crafted, it may struggle to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded genre.

The fantasy of living out an alternative life — or a parallel one, for that matter — in digital form has always driven games like The Sims and now, InZOI. I’ve only spent a few hours in a pre-early access version but I’m extremely impressed. InZOI Studios has iterated on a classic genre in a way that feels contemporary and potentially more immersive than the earlier games could ever have been. [Early Access Impressions]

Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not revolutionize the formula that has both served and undermined the franchise for a very long time. It does shake things up a bit by bringing back the twin protagonist mechanic in a new way and making some tentative progress with mission design, stealth, and combat. Shadows’ world and attention to Japanese history and culture are genuinely impressive. Naoe is not the ultimate assassin and Yesuke is not the most refined ARPG hero. However, their different strengths add creativity to combat and narrative complexity. I don’t think Assassin’s Creed Shadows will disappoint many fans, nor pull in the uninitiated in great numbers. It’s a solid AC game with just enough new ideas to make it stand apart from the recent titles.

I've had a difficult relationship with Xenoblade games in the past. They're enormous, unwieldy beasts that are weighed down with endless mechanical systems and floaty, disconnected combat. Somehow, all of this is applicable to Chronicles X, and I still love it. The combat feels more grounded, the mechanics more approachable, and the plot is more accessible. Plus, the custom outfits. Those really changed the game for me. Also, being able to pilot a team of mechs is a major bonus. Xenoblade games are still not for everyone. This is an imposing, enormous RPG series in every way. But against all odds, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is somehow the one for me.

Wanderstop perfectly executes its intention: to pull players away from the fast-paced nature of life and immerse them in simple, meditative tasks. Its story unfolds in a relatable way, leaving you pondering its themes long after the credits roll. While the narrative shines, the gameplay, which focuses on farming-style tasks, feels more tedious than engaging. It succeeds in creating a peaceful atmosphere, but it never truly captivated me. Fans of cozy, narrative-driven experiences will likely find a lot to love, but those seeking more dynamic gameplay may not be as enthralled.

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.