TomorrowHead Studio's debut is technically impressive in its use of UE5's lighting. Will: Follow The Light's execution may be bumpier in other areas, while the story might not linger in the memory for long, but it still makes for a stunning and unforgettable trip to the north in all its desolate beauty.

Very much 'Vibes the Video Game', but what a vibe it is. Mixtape expertly captures the joys of youth, where creative flights of fancy turn the mundane into surreal and snappy acts of teenage rebellion. Through its eclectic soundtrack and handmade aesthetic, it's a loving ode to an analogue past you can still reach out and feel.

A fun puzzler wrapped in music culture and its own well-observed lore, where repetition creeps in, but strong writing, wonderful art, and a curated atmosphere keep Wax Heads spinning.

A game that weaves in Yoko Taro and Fumito Ueda influences, and still feels unique, only the occasional camera friction can dampen Motorslice's brilliance.

A little more forgiving but still just as hostile and relentless, Saros is a worthy companion piece to Returnal and another terrific first-party showcase for PS5. It successfully builds on Housemarque's unique talent for beautiful bullet patterns, creepy tentacles and pulse-pounding action that makes you feel in danger while being the danger at the same time.

An ambitious, visually striking cosmic detective adventure that blends smart scanning mechanics with rewarding puzzles. While it rarely threatens, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is soaked in immersive detail that even rises above its bugs.

A bit uneven, but when it’s in motion, swinging, flipping, doing its weird alien thing, it’s hard not to like ChainStaff.

Crimson Desert can feel messy and overstuffed, but it’s also a fascinating, visually impressive, sprawling, and often brilliant sandbox that rewards patience and curiosity in equal measure.

This pixel art throwback nails pick-up-and-play fun, but Basketball Claissics' rough edges, shallow modes, and inconsistent mechanics leave me wanting just a bit more.

Ember Lab's visually enchanting debut showcases its animation expertise that translates well to Switch 2, even if its Pixar comparisons are superficial at best, wrapped in a competent but safe 3D action-adventure title.

A relentlessly nostalgic, often rewarding showcase of '90s games, Marvel MaXimum Collection relies on its arcade classics and hidden gems to paper over the cracks made by its duo of Spider-Man & Venom releases.

A racing reboot dripping in anime style, with unrelenting (but adjustable) speed and an exhilarating system between speed and combat on the race track. Even with an unevenly paced campaign, Screamer nonetheless succeeds in reigniting action-packed racers I thought had burnt out decades ago.

An inventive revival that elevates a forgotten series with deep combat and personality, but uneven pacing, thin content, and inconsistent visuals hold Rushing Beat X back.

While it's flawed and limited, Project Songbird is also a personal, distinctive, and engaging horror game that bends familiar ideas to its tune.

It's hundreds of classic Boulder Dash caves feeding my nostalgia with new levels and a level editor. Though the new visuals occasionally clutter the precise, satisfying puzzle gameplay, the classic caves remain simple and satisfying.

Offroading, massive hordes, and synth-driven tension create a unique Carpenter-inspired experience, even if the grind can feel punishing.

A colourful, accessible spin-off that distils the heart of Monster Hunter into a breezy JRPG. Beneath the anime charm lies surprising depth, even if repetition and grind occasionally dull the hunt.

A hand-painted, emotionally rich puzzle-platformer blending cinematic storytelling, inventive puzzles, and a meaningful companion dynamic, Planet of Lana 2 expands on everything loved about the original but no more.

Blending brutal third-person action with intimate first-person horror, resetting the series with stunning visuals, smarter enemies, and bold narrative ambition, Resident Evil Requiem may be familiar, but it's executed with confidence, polish, and genuine dread.

A stylish, tightly focused horror game with bold ideas and striking art direction, Crisol: Theater of Idols may not push every theme far enough, but its cohesion, world design, and confidence impress.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is the best remake so far in Sega's crime epic. As the entry that excelled at showing a different side to Kiryu, it's been greatly expanded with new, meaningful actions and activities. Even if some of it is familiar and repackaged, it's still full of heart.

More time capsule than must-play, Fighting Force Collection preserves a messy, excessive era of PlayStation history, where fun mattered more than polish. A collection that hits harder if you were gaming in the '90s.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is a high bar not just for remaking but for reimagining a beloved gaming classic. It feels just as great to play on Switch 2 without compromises, even if this port doesn't fix some of its existing flaws.

This beautifully realised adventure earns every step you take through its hand-drawn world, and makes Metroidvania feel accessible.

Big Hops is one of the most original non-Nintendo 3D platformers you'll play that makes the most of its tongue and veggie-based mechanics, leaping just short of greatness to the genre's highest bar.

A clever retro-inspired adventure with deep, endlessly absorbing combat and a superb story. Octopath Traveler 0's music and charm shine through, even if some poor side-missions and a basic village builder hold it back.

A remaster that toys with nostalgia, adds visual polish, and rekindles my love of puzzles, but small technical issues plague Syberia Remaster.

A stylish, slow-burning detective game that rewards patience, observation, and a love of clever storytelling, but it rarely reinvents the genre.