Rogue Prince of Persia is an incredible roguelike that captures the identity of the franchise while perfectly adapting it to the roguelike formula. The slick, smooth traversal combined with varied combat creates an addictive system, making each run to save your beloved country a blast. A perfect title for handheld gameplay, the Switch 2 handles the frenetic action well, even though some load times are slightly longer than on other consoles. Regardless, this is an essential title on any system, and the Switch 2 version delivers a portable experience that rivals home consoles.

Unbeatable is an ambitious rhythm game that has a few major flaws. The main one is the camera during rhythm gameplay sometimes ruins what is otherwise a flawless system. The second problem is that the story mode struggles with pacing and features very little rhythm gameplay. And the third major problem is that a lot of the dialogue is going to be a major turn-off for many. Playing Arcade Mode a bit before starting Story Mode will fix some of these issues. And I love that Unbeatable has an extensive Story Mode. But I can’t recommend the game to everyone as it is. Still, Unbeatable’s probably a must-play for most rhythm game fans. I’m really rooting for it.

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 is the best version of the first game in the series. There are some changes that aren’t for the better, but overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game. If you’ve never played any of the Yakuza games, this new remaster is arguably the best place to start.

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 0: Director’s Cut is the best version of the game that brought the series into the mainstream. There are some changes that aren’t for the better, but overall, this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game.

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a faithful reimagining of a classic, recast as a 90s-style 2D action game. While it captures iconic moments and adapts them naturally to the genre, Bitmap Bureau also introduces original segments that add to the narrative. The team adjusts the gameplay to suit each scenario, creating an experience that effectively mirrors its cinematic counterpart. Although the runtime is short and the movement feels a little too close to games of that era, the range of options available provides plenty of incentive to revisit the game. The result is a strong package and a heartfelt ode to a bygone era.

Elden Ring Nightreign has a solid core of fans, and The Forsaken Hollows is a welcome reward — albeit one that sets them back $15 — for their continued engagement. It might bring a few players back, at least for a while. The new map and Nightlords are quality FromSoft challenges, and the new day bosses are a relief for weary players, but the new classes are nothing truly special. The Forsaken Hollows brings a degree of freshness to the by-now familiar Nightreign, but it’s hard not to think the content could have been rolled out over the past six months for free.

Death Howl is not a comfort game. It’s a quiet descent, a journey stitched together from grief. It demands patience, attention, and a willingness to inhabit sadness without rushing to cure it. But for those who embrace its darkness, it offers one of the most hauntingly poetic experiences in modern pixel-art gaming.

If you approach it with an open mind, ready to embrace its surreal presentation and atmospheric pacing, you’ll find something profoundly satisfying here. It’s a testament to how video games can transcend genre conventions and deliver something that’s both technically impressive and emotionally moving. For fans of skating games, artful indie titles, or simply those who appreciate when music and gameplay merge into a harmonious whole, Skate Story is an experience worth savoring.

Simogo Legacy Collection is a wonderful package that gathers several unique titles essential for fans of the studio. Although the games vary in quality, Year Walk and Device 6 stand out as innovative experiences that echo the creativity seen in Simogo’s later releases. While there are multiple control options, many of them feel awkward and can impact the overall experience. However, when played as intended on a handheld with touch controls, everything works seamlessly. Add in the extras and you’re left with a superb selection from a truly special developer.

I haven’t been a big fan of Aspyr’s recent remasters of the early Tomb Raider games, either. I’m tired of looking behind, anyway. What I’d like to see next is a brand-new title in the Tomb Raider franchise – one with an approach as fresh as Tomb Raider’s was in 2013, but with the Lara I know and love. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow captures the spirit of the franchise and implements it into the VR realm. While smaller in scale, the tight, intricate design makes use of the platform to create an exhilarating stealth adventure. The interactivity anchors you in the world; however, small bugs can quickly break the immersion. While the franchise has stepped away from its origins, it’s found new life in VR.

I don’t play Octopath games for the plot. This is more true than ever before with Octopath Traveler 0. This story spends several long hours being a gigantic bummer. It’s bad enough to mess up the pacing and sap my enthusiasm. On the other hand, the mechanical systems at work are as intricate and rewarding as they’ve ever been. I love tuning up my gigantic party, tweaking their skillsets, and unleashing them on the world at large. If it’s a little too easy at first, that’s okay. The music and the visuals are as excellent as I hoped for, and there’s a whole town to rebuild as well. Like the previous games, there’s a lot to love about Octopath 0. It all comes down to what you’re looking for.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, like previous editions, appeals to a wide range of aviation enthusiasts. It can be as forgiving or as exacting as the player wants, though the PS5 version might not yet support the range of flight peripherals that PC gamers enjoy. On a vanilla PS5, the graphics lag behind the PC version as well. Still, the core experience — the deep hangar of aircraft, the ability to fly anywhere in the world — is endlessly engaging. The PS5’s closed system means that the already extensive available add-ons and dedicated legion of PC armchair pilots can’t join you in the sky. Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the PS5 is the same, full-featured experience PC and Xbox gamers have been enjoying for the past year.

Once you strip away the needless open-world padding, there's an excellent game underneath. The world is engrossing and beautiful, the boss fights are clever, and the new controls are seamlessly integrated into the rest of the game. There are some breathtaking sights to see, and Samus is sporting some awesome new armour. All the superior design choices make the baffling ones stand out even more, however. I can't comprehend why this game was made open-world. The backtracking you have to do is downright offensive. Otherwise, this is a fantastic entry in the Metroid Prime series.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is one of the best beat ’em ups to date. The inclusion of a secondary character elevates the combat, letting you juggle enemies and rack up massive combos with ease. Each hero feels distinctive, with bespoke movement and attacks that make experimenting with different team combinations a thrill. While the campaign is short, it encourages replaying levels to complete challenges and unlock extra content. Paired with its stunning presentation, the game stands as one of the genre’s finest modern examples.

Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remaster is a collection of two very low-budget action JRPGs that I really enjoyed. Anyone looking for something in the vein of Nier should definitely consider playing it. The changes in this remaster are almost entirely cosmetic, though, and probably won’t justify a double dip for anyone with the original games. The price is very low, though, and there’s a lot of content to be found. Hopefully, developer Anima Project gets enough attention to develop games on a grand scale in the future.

Omega Force sticks to the formula with Pirate Warriors 4, and that’s not a bad thing if you’re a fan of the musou format. Fans of the genre, and even of One Piece itself, will find a lot to like here. There’s a ton of content and a somewhat noticeable visual upgrade, and if that’s what you’re after, this entry certainly delivers. However, if you prefer action-heavy experiences with a more multi-layered approach to combat, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Missions and set pieces are clearly designed with long-time fans in mind, often relying on prior knowledge of the franchise. While that’s great for dedicated followers, newcomers may quickly feel lost in the story. As a package, it’s brimming with content, but fundamental issues with the formula mean you might ultimately want to let this ship sail by.

If you can temper your expectations and have an impressive tolerance for jank and lack of polish, Of Ash and Steel might have something to offer. The world is sort of interesting, even if the stuff you need to do in it is rarely as fun as it should be. The main character goes through the game sort of annoyed and bewildered. So did I.

Back in 1997, Outlaws did a great job of turning classic Western tropes into a video game. Still, it’s hard to ignore that the gameplay and design are stilted and simplistic compared to modern shooters. Fans of the original will certainly appreciate the happy jolt of recognition, and there’s a bit of value in new gamers walking through the time machine to a much simpler period in technology. All that aside, Outlaws’ fun doesn’t last very long, even remastered.

In essence, Bonaparte: A Mechanized Revolution great game. It has so much potential on its face. For instance, it has some great additions in the idea of the colossi, the rival factions, and the inclusion of historical events through an alternate lens. Yet, it despite some charm and a reasonably fun gameplay loop, it just doesn’t reach the depth it needs to in order to truly make a revolutionary impact in the genre. For those looking for a quick game to play when they want some decent tactical gameplay and big robots, this might be the game for you. Yet, any gamer looking for a truly in-depth tactical strategy game may be left wanting more than Bonaparte has to offer.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a glorious blast from the past that takes no prisoners. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy memorizing level layouts, this is the game for you. And if you don’t, give it a try anyway. It’s merciless, but incredibly engaging.

If you approach the game with the right mindset, you can have a lot of fun. It’s just too bad that you have to make that decision rather than having the game do it for you.

Kirby Air Riders is a robust racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the product of beloved game developer Masahiro Sakurai of Smash Bros. fame. While I do hope Nintendo has plans to add to the overall package with at least some new Air Ride and Top Ride tracks, there is still a wealth of content here for fans to enjoy. If you're a racing fan or looking for something fresh to play with friends, Kirby Air Riders should be a strong consideration for your Switch 2 library.

I loved Demonschool. The tactical JRPG combat system will likely be the make-or-break component for most players. The lack of emphasis on stats is a bold choice that sometimes makes Demonschool feel more like a puzzle game than a strategy JRPG. The battle system won’t be for everyone. But the story, aesthetics, and vibes make Demonschool a real treat for longtime Shin Megami Tensei fans.

Overall, Bounty Star provides players with an arcade-like experience involving customizable mechs, which is surprisingly not an oversaturated niche yet. The solid combat and customization options highlight an overall polished product that is accompanied by an overall insightful narrative and smooth gameplay on console. For any mech fans, Bounty Star is worth checking out and is also currently a part of Xbox Game Pass at the time of this review.

With Treyarch at the helm and eight studios collaborating on development, Activision clearly spared no expense on Black Ops 7. The all-hands-on-deck approach shows, with production values soaring. Despite a few technical hiccups, this is one of the most content-rich Call of Duty games ever released…Treyarch has crafted something special: a sprawling, ambitious, and endlessly replayable shooter that caters to nearly every corner of the Call of Duty fandom. It’s not flawless, and some may scoff at the lack of innovation, but it stands as a staggering achievement in both scale and ambition. Massive and occasionally messy, it’s nonetheless a thrilling ride. Black Ops 7 delivers everything fans could hope for and then some.

Forestrike is a wonderful idea that just needs some refinement in its meta-progression. Encounters are an absolute thrill, blending combat and puzzle elements to make each fight feel intense and rewarding. While you earn plenty of bonuses throughout a run, permanent upgrades are few and far between, which slows the overall pace. As a result, you’re left with a satisfying but occasionally stagnant loop that leans more on player skill than long-term growth.

Where Winds Meet is over-ambitious, messy, opaque, and inconsistent. It has too many gears that don’t mesh, a lot that’s poorly explained, and it refuses to give the player a moment of unproductive time, even at the cost of coherence and comprehensibility. For all that, Where Winds Meet is a lot of fun. It often looks incredible and the world is certainly filled with content, whether for a single player or in a group. Even without touching the cash shop, Where Winds Meet provides a huge amount of free game play. Right now, Where Winds Meet is a little shy of greatness, but with some technical improvements and time it could get there.