Star Fox feels like it’s on the cusp of relevance again with this masterfully done remake of an iconic classic. The same and familiar action from the original is wonderfully realized for the Switch 2 and adds more nuance, fleshed out cutscenes, and all the wonderfully weird secrets fans can expect to uncover.

If you have little ones in the family who have some experience with games and a handle on how to use a controller, I think Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is a no-brainer. It does a fantastic job of introducing new mechanics to a less experienced audience and doesn’t create any high-pressure situations that could lead to frustration. While I was never on the edge of my seat with excitement or intensity playing this game, I knew I didn’t need to be. Instead, I was taken by the charming nature of the characters, the storytelling, and the overall gameplay, which kept me engaged even if it wasn’t the most complex thing I’ve played in recent memory.

Phonopolis really is like nothing I’ve seen before. If you think back to the days of Pixar and Toy Story, Jurassic Park, and early stop-motion films, the wonder and amazement the public had over those accomplishments should be seen here as well. The pure creativity and craft at work is the real draw. The gameplay isn’t anything too unique and isn’t all that complex most of the time, but it is still a good time. I came for the presentation and artistry, and stayed for what they brought to the table. Phonopolis is a perfect, shorter, and charming adventure I can easily recommend.

Voidling Bound could be a real sleeper hit for me. I know the gaming lineup in 2027 is extremely stacked right now, but I think this is a fantastic game to jump into for some light challenge, unique sci-fi ideas, and incredible variety. The game controls well, has well-designed and well-realized planets, and features Voidling creatures that are always fun to play. Voidling Bound offers plenty of opportunities to explore fresh RPG mechanics, which I had a fantastic time learning and mastering.

Rune Dice is another roguelike with sneaky-good mechanics under its unassuming hood. The simple nature of tossing dice and increasing their value is surprisingly satisfying. The game offers a whole lot of variety through the dozens of heroes and dice you’ll unlock, adding to a satisfying gameplay loop. Runs never last too long, and the difficulty curve is nearly perfect. Rune Dice brings something new to the roguelike table and looks and plays great on both the go and on a big screen.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a remarkable achievement for Square Enix. As far as ports go, a lot of under-the-hood wizardry is required to get a game of this magnitude to run on the hardware and even more experience to get it to run well. There are clear visual compromises, but be aware of the visual drawbacks before considering where to play this game. And don’t get me wrong, this game is still pretty stunning, and it plays well.

IO Interactive’s 007 First Light is easily the best Bond game we’ve seen. Rare’s GoldenEye 007 was momentous when it launched, and it’s stuck around the zeitgeist because it was a portal into Ian Fleming’s world of shaken martinis and spy thrills we’d never seen before. What 007 First Light feels like is a playable, limited spy series that transports the player into a gripping and memorable espionage story.

It may not be the deepest and most complex deck builder and RPG out there, but Echo Generation 2 has a ton to offer. The game's story is a fantastic sci-fi epic that lands nearly all of its themes and ideas, and the core gameplay loop is a lot of fun.

Mina the Hollower proves that time, effort, and attention to some of the smallest details goes a long way. Mina is a great new hero that controls incredibly well in a difficult but rewarding 2D adventure.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is everything a Batman fan would want. It honours the character, his rogue gallery, allies, and world with success. Whatever your favourite iteration of the Caped Crusader is, you can play as them. As a LEGO game, it is easily the most advanced and impressive we've seen yet. I haven't had this much fun with a LEGO game in a long, long time, and here I am, over the moon, elated by how coherent and fleshed-out Legacy of the Dark Knight is.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book varies from its predecessors by focusing on a sense of discovery. Each chapter in Mr. E's book is filled with wondrous creatures, and every encounter with them as Yoshi provides something new to learn and experience. The more I played, the less I cared about the absence of lives or health; I was far more invested in doing my best to learn about the remarkably cute creatures in front of me. And that's what makes this adorable adventure charming: the familiar mechanics paired with relaxed platforming for everyone.

ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a fantastic, dark, but also funny sci-fi spy story that hooks you and doesn’t let go. It gives you a lot of room to solve situations and build your own Sick Crew, for better or for worse. The new action sequences keep you on your toes and every narrative turn locks you in for the ride. ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies proves ZA/UM can still create meaningful, deep experiences.

Ever the safe driver when it comes to gaming, Playground Games rev their engines on yet another Forza Horizon experience that is both safe and still committed to racing ahead at the pace of good game development. Like the country that it visits on this road trip, Forza Horizon 6 is structured, ordered, and nearly accident free.

The Caribou Trail is a game that should be taught in schools. It teaches the facts of a battle that is too often not well known to most of us Canadians, solely because a group of us took part in it before they were Canadian. And it manages to tell this story in a way that is both happy and optimistic as well as fearful and sad.

Call of the Elder Gods delivers a worldwide adventure with a tinge of mystery, crafting an experience which exceeds its predecessor. Aside from some pacing issues, the puzzles, the characters, and the story are elegantly pieced together. I came away satisfied by all accounts. The attention to detail, the excellent puzzles, and strong performances elevate this Lovecraftian adventure.

Concessions aside, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for the Switch 2 is impressive. The globe-trotting adventure takes Indy on another mystical quest, and one that’s worthy of the films at that. New characters and locations help this story feel fresh at times, and the exploration and puzzles are equally important in delivering the ultimate fantasy of being the beloved treasure-hunting archaeologist who’s been a staple of cinema for nearly 50 years.

Directive 8020 is the start of a new season for the Dark Pictures anthology, and it’s’s off to a good start. The massive leap from Earth to space effectively gives us a way to experience terror and mostly works. Still, it’s often undone by dreadful stealth sections that quickly scuttle the tension due to overreliance on staying quiet. However, for the things I don’t enjoy, Supermassive Games delivers a great game with a great sense of tension.

Mixtape‘s narrative is beautiful and fleeting; each song is carefully picked, and even though it goes by fast, Mixtape is incredible. The run time didn’t end up being a problem for me, as it feels like an interactive movie with absolutely no bloat or wasted sound. A song can repeat, but the memories you make to it and the people you do it with will never be the same. Mixtape is a celebration of fleeting youth, of the people who help make you who you are, and it is worth every minute.

Patattie Games is the two-person team behind Wax Heads, and I think they’ve created a wonderful experience full of creativity and heart. The game plays like an underdog story and feels inspired by grassroots movements that keep communities together. Living in big cities can be exciting and can open you up to wonderful people and experiences… like a Repeater Records. But it’s often those closest to you that truly make a difference. Wax Heads is a great example of a game that takes its love and care for art and friends and moulds them into something so much more. It’s funny, charming, beautiful, and celebrates what truly makes music and community special and unique.

Mullet MadJack is insane! And I mean that in the best possible way. Its over-the-top approach to almost everything it offers you can feel overwhelming, but there’s no denying just how fun it is to play! Dashing through stages that last mere moments is such a blast that I had a hard time putting down my Switch. It’s a breath of fresh air to play a game that has something to say, but presents it in a style that we rarely see or hear anymore. Mullet MadJack is a wild ride and one that almost every FPS fan should play.

inKONBINI: One Store, Many Stories dwells on the small moments that pass by all too quickly. A shift goes by, a customer leaves, a product runs out, a delivery is made — all of these little things come together to create the now. inKONBINI celebrates this, acting as a reminder to slow down and enjoy life for what it is. You don’t need gunshots, a crazy mystery, or an explosion; sometimes, all you need is to be seen in a conversation. inKONBINI isn’t perfect and doesn’t try to keep you in for hours and hours; it’s a small moment that passes by all too quickly, as so much of life does. It made me want to go back to a time and place I’ve never been to, but now it makes up a small part of me. Just like the impression Makoto leaves on those who pass through that small konbini’s doors, inKONBINI: One Store, Many Stories has left a small imprint on me, one that I’ll happily carry with me.

Invincible VS has a ton of potential to make a splash at tournaments. It’s brutal, frenetic, and fun, and it’s clear Quarter Up made this with love. This is undeniably a sound fighting game, and it really elevates the source material by giving you an outlet for aggression.

Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is the coziest game I’ve played so far this year, and it never outstays its welcome by offering a short, sweet experience. It’s beautifully crafted and evokes complex emotions you’ll feel because of its incredible, likable characters. It’s got gentle puzzles, stunning atmosphere, and it’ll stick with you once you’ve wrapped up. Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is a magical, heartfelt adventure that glows with warmth even in the coldest moments.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a reminder of all the beautiful moments in life, gently pushing you forward even when staying is all you want to do. We’re all made up of a collection of people, places, and memories, each one an imprint on who we are. It’s a beautifully heartbreaking story that moved me as much as 1000xRESIST did, another game that firmly sits in my heart. It’s a constant reminder to take things slow, breathe in every moment, and enjoy life for what it is when it is, before it all moves on.

Housemarque’s Saros feels like a proper evolution of Returnal’s mechanics. It’s bold, it’s exciting, thrilling even. Each time Arjun heads out in search of answers yields clues to the truth behind Carcosa and those burdened by its existence.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is an excellent life sim I can’t put down. Nintendo clearly listened to criticism and feedback since the last Tomodachi Life and offers plenty of variety to keep people coming back. Each day brings its own challenges, thanks to the personalities you’ll cultivate and watch grow on your island, so it’s enlightening to help each Mii find what they want and pursue it. There’s quite a bit to do, too, so be ready to pull out your island design tools. Once you catch the remodel bug, all you want to do is make the perfect destination for your Miis.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire features a gumshoe worth his salt. Every time I'd sit down to play it, I'd have a huge smile on my face, just like it was waking up to watch cartoons on Saturday morning (albeit a lot more violent). This game is an elite boomer shooter with witty writing, wonderful characters, and an affinity for the rubber-band style that's, sadly, been left behind by today's animation houses.

As far as I'm concerned, Capcom's developers hit a stride so few achieve. Pragmata clicks from the beginning, delivering an incredible campaign with stellar mechanics, held together by Hugh and Diana's relationship.