Though the core gameplay loop is a little too familiar at times, there’s no denying that this is still one of the best recent entries in a now crowded genre.

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.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a great way to get newcomers into the series. It’s fast-paced, fun, and often satisfying to play as Adol and his friends, but the story falters sometimes, making it a weak aspect of this adventure. Returning fans will experience a polished remaster that doesn’t stray far from what was already great. Even with its flaws, Revelations in Celceta is lively, and it’s a blast to play.

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.

Dosa Divas is good old-fashioned gaming comfort food. It'll feel familiar going down, yet also nonsensical and with a zest of culture that won't be for everyone. However what's here is an experience that's tough, fair, and totally filling.

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.

Tamashika is not for everyone, and it is bizarre. I don’t expect it to blow up, since it’s excessively lean at times and lacks direction or guidance. Yet, I think it’s aggressively trying to make a name for itself, but it struggles to really say anything. Loud and chaotic, Tamashika plays nice enough, but it’s hard to discern what it’s trying to prove or to whom. Ultimately, I’m looking forward to returning to see if I can pick up anything that I might’ve missed, but as it is, it’s something you need to invest time into each week.

Crimson Desert is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in years, each moment of frustration giving way to excitement the next. It'll give you as much as you put in, even if that won't be for everyone.

People of Note is a surprisingly fun and adept RPG. With its excellent use of music, endearing cast, flexible battle system, and memorable locations, it's a surprise hit.

Life is Strange: Reunion closes the book on Max and Chloe’s story, but is it handled well? While it’s nice seeing Max and Chloe again, it comes at a cost. The series has lost what makes it unique, and by retreading old territory, Life is Strange fails to evolve. Instead, uneven writing and plot holes combine to make a story that’s hard to care about. Max and Chloe are still the same as they were before, just a little bit older. Deck Nine says this is it for Max and Chloe, and honestly, it’s about time.

Everything in GRIDbeat! is visually stunning. There is layer after layer of grids, enemies, neon-soaked walls and lines, and flashes of light and particles. It’s a visual feast that always looked and felt on point. Add that to the music and gameplay that always work in tandem from the get-go, and you have one of the best modern rhythm games available! GRIDbeat! strikes a solid balance of arcade action and challenge for any type of gamer. Jump in for some solid tunes, stunning visuals, and well-crafted levels, or try to master all it has to offer. Either way, you’re bound to have a blast.

GRIME 2 perfectly embodies what it preaches. Its predecessor was near perfect, and so it would have been easy to stay safe and recreate that with the improvements time has allowed for. Instead, GRIME 2 offers atmosphere and combat that builds on the world and mechanics that made the first game tick. While I can honestly say I’m not a huge fan of the “parry or you’re toast” trend that this game personifies, I am happy that the combat here gives you the opportunity to free yourself with even more skills.

Darwin’s Paradox is cartoonishly great, with enough fun to satisfy anyone looking for an engaging platformer. It sometimes works against itself when exploring or dealing with enemies, but at times it comes together to be pretty coherent and exciting. However, sometimes, the controls fight against you and you even have situations where you have to attempt sections a few times to get past them. Overall, this is a short affair but it’s got some great platforming sections despite some control shortfalls.

Mr. Sleepy Man is a wonderfully weird platformer filled with incredibly fun moments. It won’t overstay its welcome, but it’ll keep you entertained and engaged through the handful of hours it takes to get through credits. For a solo-developer joint, it’s filled with creativity, unencumbered by studio oversight, and wears its heart on its sleeve.

MLB The Show 26 slides into bases it's already covered, beginning to feel like a bat that could crack with even one more hit. While there are new things to love, there are too many strikeouts.

Timberborn is one of the most interesting city builders in years with a charming style, unique lore, and mechanics that are easy to understand but tough to master.

The Mega Man Star Force trilogy is worth the time sink, but I'm curious if it would've been worth the development time to craft a three-game scenario combining the content of the other games definitively.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a fine offering from Nintendo, but it's another Switch 2 title offering an upgrade with not enough substance.

Coming in fast and furious, Milestone

Etrange Overlord is fun and short, a perfect palette cleanser for those who are looking for a shorter experience. As a character, I like Etrange being a self-serving go-getter who knows what she wants and actively seeks it out. It’s unlike any of Sohei Niikawa’s previous games but takes the best aspects of Disgaea and Rhapsody and combines them nearly seamlessly. However, not everything works; combat is pretty basic yet rarely rewarding, but its use of Lanes offers something just different enough to press onward.

If you give Marathon your time, it will reward your patience. I really believe that. I also think the time commitment is a big reason this game won’t be for everyone. And maybe it doesn’t have to be. After all, a game for everyone is a game for no one. This isn’t a casual shooter that’s welcoming to new players. If you’re willing to stick with the game, learn the systems and play with friends, then there’s a good chance you will find a shooter you really enjoy. If you’re looking for something easier to jump into and understand right away, then Marathon is going to be a much tougher sell for you and your friends.

It feels like Nintendo has no idea what to do with Star Fox. Luckily, we have talented indie developers willing to pick up the slack and deliver a solid arcade space fighter in Fur Squadron Phoenix...The game is a colourful, charming, and exciting experience that offers a decent challenge and a rewarding system. Whether you have a history with Star Fox 64 or not, if you’re looking for a short but fun action game, Fur Squadron Phoenix will give you that and more.

As a life simulation game brimming with content, possibilities, and Pokémon, Pokémon Pokopia has what it takes to win over anyone, regardless of whether they have ever been fans of the franchise. With some patience and creativity, the world can be transformed into a beautiful landscape with unlimited customization options. However, the content Pokopia hides rewards those who dive in, something that is naturally reinforced by its history, giving the series, currently celebrating its 30th birthday this year, another, almost essential dimension.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake mostly succeeds as a remake and understands what made the original tick. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the experience; instead, it polishes, enhances, and re‑presents a classic with reverence. The emotional weight of Mio and Mayu’s journey remains intact, now supported by modern visuals, refined mechanics, and richer atmosphere...For longtime fans, this is the definitive way to experience one of survival horror’s most iconic stories. For newcomers, it offers a rare opportunity to step into a world where fear is quiet, sorrowful, and deeply human.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection continues the spin-off series' success with a ton of style, brutal battles, and tons of monster hunts.