Frostpunk 2 is plagued with classic symptoms of a PC-to-console port. The text was too small. Objects on the screen were difficult to distinguish. The controls were confusing, with major UI elements were sporadically accessible to me until trial and error finally showed me the way. Sure, I wasn’t hunched over a desktop, but I discovered heretofore unknown ways of putting cricks in my neck in order to read the tiny text littered across my screen. Occasionally, I blinked and realized I had been standing directly in front of my TV for several minutes. In a possible record-breaking first, I found myself repeatedly wishing for a PlayStation Portal. I also lost reasonable amounts of progress to in-game crashes. I took it as a chance to fix mistakes I’d made, but didn’t save more frequently, though. Especially in the game’s later hours, the process just took too long. Every settlement was clearly always running in the background, slowing the whole thing down. Still, even this port can’t keep me away. I’m already ready to brave the frost again.

I really tried to note every change in both versions of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. There are so many quality of life improvements, while honoring the original version as much as possible. I’m so proud of Square Enix for including the classic version along with the enhanced version. It’s amazing that the sound novel sections, which have never been in any North American version of Final Fantasy Tactics, are finally officially translated. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a loving remaster of the most beloved strategy JRPG of all time. If you have any love for the genre, it’s a must-play.

Claws of Awaji provides a more satisfying conclusion to Naoe’s narrative than players got in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, though it clearly suggests that Shadows was really her story all along. Awaji is a beautifully designed playground, filled with content. The new enemies and bosses are an appropriate challenge for the high-level players that the DLC demands. It’s a bit disappointing that Yasuke gets no new weapons and that the basic mission design remains relatively unchanged. It’s also a shame that Awaji Island and its enemies are gated from all but endgame players. However, for anyone frustrated by Shadows’ inconclusive finale, Claws of Awaji will bring some much-needed closure in DLC that rewards committed players.

Baby Steps has a simple premise, but a lot of depth. You’re pushed to be patient and persistent by the mechanics. In fact, the whole game is built around punishing you for being foolish or hasty. Every character is begging you to relax, take in the scenery, and have a good time. If you listen, you just might enjoy yourself. But make no mistake, this game can be crazy frustrating. Tiny mistakes can lead to gigantic consequences, after all. If you’re patient enough to master the deranged control scheme, you’ll be shocked by what you can accomplish in Baby Steps.

Shape of Dreams does many things very well. It counters the roguelike problem of early game frustration by giving players lots of powerful and impressive tools right from the start. The flow of combat and the variety of builds have a lot of depth. The bite-sized battles are perfectly paced, though probably more satisfying for a group than a solo player. Shape of Dreams definitely has that compulsive, “just one more run” element at its core, and it’s a great scaffold for more content down the line.

EA Sports FC 26 is the epitome of marginal gains. Every aspect of play has been tweaked and refined to improve your time on the pitch. Small details, shaped by community feedback, address long-standing concerns that have followed the series for years. Splitting gameplay into different modes is a smart choice, giving players the freedom to choose the style that best fits them. However, the inability to play Authentic online is a major drawback for those who prefer that experience. And while on-pitch gameplay feels sharper than ever, the surrounding modes remain too familiar to past iterations, weighed down further by aggressive monetization through FUT’s premium season pass. EA Sports FC 26 takes meaningful steps forward on the pitch, but it still needs bolder changes off it to truly move the series ahead.

Silent Hill f is the entry fans have been waiting for since 2004’s The Room. The shift from small-town America to rural Japan gives the game a distinct identity, allowing the developers to craft a unique experience that still captures the spirit of the series. Ryukishi07’s storytelling shines, with your journal steadily filling with information and mature themes explored in subtle yet impactful ways. While combat has seen improvements over its predecessors, it still pales in comparison to the game’s atmosphere and puzzle design. After two long decades, and a remake of a genre classic, Silent Hill is finally back.

If you’re looking for a fast, frantic roguelite Donkey Kong experience, Emerald Rush is perfect for you. The core gameplay loop is focused and rewarding, with new systems turning old levels into fresh experiences. The progression system is simple yet effective. And the mechanics of the base game are given new life in the DLC. On the other hand, the whole thing feels pretty insubstantial. After a couple of hours, you feel like you’ve seen it all, more or less. While there’s a lot of potential meat on the bone, it’s all wrapped up in perfecting your runs. If you’re not in love with that arcade, roguelite style, there’s really nothing for you. Though it’s definitely not for everyone, you might end up having a lot of fun with Donkey Kong Bananza’s DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC.

Nothing about Katanaut screams originality, but the game’s particular combination of familiar elements comes together in an addictive package. There are a few minor annoyances, but nothing rises to the level of real frustration. Fans of side-scrolling Metroidvanias, retro-themed action games, and roguelites should have a great time with Katanaut.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a fun roguelite with a gorgeous presentation, especially for its price tag. It looks great and feels great to play. However, the incredibly lengthy cutscenes you have to sit through between runs lest they disappear forever can feel really annoying. The writing is good, but the pacing is off.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast-paced, energetic racer that captures the speed and spirit of the Blue Blur. Each course delivers unexpected twists thanks to the impressive CrossWorld mechanic, which lets you speed through iconic areas from the franchise’s history. The tight and responsive controls with the Gadget system make each race a thrill as you always know that there’s a chance to reach the podium. While a few more modes would have better catered to solo players, the game makes up for it with a wealth of multiplayer options. And with the mustachioed rival locked to the Switch, this stands as the best kart racer available on other consoles.

The Bubsy series gets by on Looney Tunes style visuals, and 90s ‘tude charm. And even those aspects won’t be for everyone. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection is a package of three below-average 2D mascot platformers, and one very early 3D platformer. They’re not good games, and they haven’t aged well. But Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection is an incredibly loving and complete package of everything Bubsy. Anyone with nostalgic love for this series will be over the moon. I just don’t think Bubsy’s gonna make any new fans any time soon.

NHL 26 is not a game that reinvents the wheel, nor does it shed the criticisms leveled at its annual predecessors. However, it represents a decent step forward in key areas. The refinements to puck physics and skating mechanics are substantial, delivering a more authentic and rewarding on-ice experience. While lingering issues, such as inconsistent goaltending AI and repetitive commentary, prevent it from achieving what hockey fans dream of. Be A Pro is certainly more enjoyable, but still requires a ton of work to feel authentic. NHL 26 doesn’t come close to reaching the heights of the series, but it isn’t terrible by any means.

Overall, Adventure of Samsara is a solid 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game with Metroidvania roots. Its strengths lie in its deliberate combat, immaculate vibes, and unique camera perspective. It’s held back from greatness due to its challenging nature and decisions, which may hinder it from gaining mainstream attraction, not limited to its release timing. For anyone with an interest in Metroidvania titles, Adventure of Samsara is worth a look, whether in the immediate or distant future.

There's no question that Borderlands 4 is an ambitious improvement over the last installment. Its visually impressive open world is full of enjoyable content to discover, the narrative is more serious without being dull, and the series' wicked humor is intact via side quests. In fact, the risks Gearbox has taken pay off so well it made me wish they'd taken more chances with combat. All the vault hunters are fun to play, making multiple playthroughs or co-op rewarding. Borderlands 4 doesn't revolutionize the franchise, but it absolutely evolves it and sets up an exciting future for the series.

All in all, Artis Impact is a fascinating work of art from a solo developer. I just wish the combat was more balanced and the English translation were better.

Star Wars Outlaws is a great port and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 library. While it sticks to the tried-and-tested Ubisoft formula, it still delivers plenty of memorable moments in a beautiful open world. Other versions may run at a higher frame rate and feature sharper textures, but this iteration works incredibly well on the hybrid console – enough that its shortcomings are easy to overlook. If you passed on the first opportunity to delve into the seedy underbelly of the franchise, then this is the perfect opportunity to live out your scoundrel fantasy in a galaxy far, far away.

Hollow Knight: Silksong manages to live up to the daunting expectations surrounding the sequel. It carries the spirit of the original while introducing fresh mechanics that shape a remarkable adventure, one worthy of standing alongside its predecessor. The challenge is steep, but the true reward comes from mastering enemy patterns and finding ways to overcome them. Every element coalesces into an experience that exemplifies what’s possible when developers take the time to fully realize their vision.

Open-world sequels are a risky venture. Sometimes a winning formula can’t be transplanted into open spaces without consequences. But Titanic Scion manages the shift. Your time in this massive world is focused on that critical combat/custom/upgrade gameplay loop, so you never feel lost or shiftless. I could do with fewer load times, and the routine gear scrutiny does mess with the pacing. But once you’re actually out in the world, mixing it up, the game flows quite beautifully. I can’t get enough of that core loop, at least once it gets going. If you’re looking for an enormous mecha RPG with tons of customization and a captivating story, then Titanic Scion is exactly what you need.

I really enjoyed Shuten Order. The narrative kept me excited to find out the identity of The Founder’s killer. I really enjoyed the structure of every investigation being a different style of visual novel. But the game suffers from many of the issues that plague the visual novel genre. The writing is long-winded, and can be lazy at times. There are lots of bad anime tropes that are going to turn away anyone who isn’t already a visual novel fan. But if you love the genre, Shuten Order is one of my favorite new visual novels in quite a while.

Hirogami is a pleasant adventure with innovative ideas that don’t quite land. The ability to transform into different creatures is engaging, especially in later levels where switching between forms is essential to progress. Unfortunately, the lackluster encounters, basic level design, and the need to revisit earlier stages to move forward create frustration. While Hirogami brims with creativity, it never quite comes together into a truly memorable experience.

Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots lands in the rough. At first glance, it seems to capture the spirit of the originals, but closer inspection reveals what it’s missing. Dated visuals, inconsistent performance, and grating dialogue build frustration. While the game offers plenty of modes and chaotic multiplayer options, the lack of gameplay innovation makes these features feel stale. You might enjoy a quick round, but it doesn’t do enough to keep you hooked for the full 18.

I really enjoyed Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening. But a lot of that love has to do with the excellent presentation. The game struggles with some odd controls, and archaic level design. It’s not built as tightly as a lot of modern platformers. But it has lots of content, and a variety of gameplay in its main story. The game’s real strength is its anime presentation. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening perfectly captures the visual and auditory aesthetic of its Space Cobra source material. If you’re a fan of Space Adventure Cobra, or looking for more 2D action platform games, then Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening is worth your time. Maybe just wait until it’s on sale.

Metal Eden is free of mission creep, focusing on refined movement, breakneck speed and punchy combat. It does those things well, embedded in an interesting fiction and shiny cyberpunk environments. A few objectives and systems aren’t always clear, and the game’s linear design and rigid mission structure could use some breathing room, as it starts to feel a bit repetitive. All in all, Metal Eden is a fun, fast and furious sci-fi shooter and will definitely appeal to fans of the genre.

Cronos: The New Dawn has great horror elements. It has a strong story about the dangers of a pandemic. The world is visually gorgeous and interesting to explore. The problem with the game is its gameplay often gets in the way of its horror. The player aims, shoots, slowly lumbers around, searches for keys, and reads notes. It’s survival horror 101. Very basic gameplay. Cronos: The New Dawn works great as a visual horror feast. It plays mechanically solid, but can get also get so frustrating that it breaks its horror experience. All in all, Cronos: The New Dawn’s strengths, but it above the average survival horror game. Any fans of the genre looking for more should definitely give it a try. The game matches the quality of Bloober Team’s pre-Silent Hill 2 efforts, but, unfortunately, they’re still going to be looking to create a masterpiece amongst their original IPs.

While acknowledging the 11-year-long commitment that finally brought the game to release, there are simply too many serious problems to ignore. Lost Soul Aside’s sometimes excellent action is undercut by flat characters, cliche story, terrible writing and rough mechanics.

Outside of its fairly derivative, sometimes repetitive, and not quite finely-tuned combat, Hell is Us has a unique identity. Its emphatic insistence on patient and meticulous puzzle solving and careful exploration creates a satisfying experience, even if its obtuse execution can frustrate on occasion. The game’s narrative, characters, and setting feel darkly surreal. Its ultimate message about humanity caught in endlessly repeating tragic loops has some weight. For gamers willing to take on its challenges and solve its mysteries, Hell is Us has a lot to offer.

Robot at Midnight is only a handful of hours long. There isn’t a ton of replay value thanks to its limited systems, weapons, and enemies. The combat and bosses are undeniably fun, but I kept wishing the mechanics had a little more depth, and the world had more detail. At around $20, the balance between content and price might be, unfortunately, up for debate for many gamers.