Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a bold and captivating puzzle game that stands out for its dedication to truly challenging the player. Not everything works; the story is pretentious and hard to care about, with the constant stream of puzzles to work on. It doesn’t help that the big reveal is pretty mundane, not particularly engaging, and veers toward cliché. What makes Lorelei and the Laser Eyes so cool is its distinctive audio-visual style, the open-ended nature of its puzzles, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the sheer boldness of some of its more obtuse puzzle designs that demand admiration.

For those looking for the tightest combat system that encourages the player to use every tool in their toolkit, Akuma Rise is a fantastic title. For those looking for more than turn-based combat, it is better to go elsewhere. While Akuma Rise encourages world exploration, it just feels cheap and hollow beyond the mechanical aspects. The story is unengaging, and the women in the party are quickly reduced to little more than love interests. Their interactions beyond the honeymoon dialogue are constantly marked by bickering and jealousy. It removes what initially makes them likeable and haves them fit a tight, boring mould seen far too often in the genre. Great traditional combat saves what is otherwise an eye-rolling experience - but it really does carry it well, as it sadly has to.

Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse stands out in the market in more ways than one. It has a beautiful art style that is not just a pretty artistic choice, but it is breathed throughout the entire game. It dares to be really dark, and most importantly, has some extremely solid hack and slash gameplay to go with the rogue-lite elements. However, "lite" is sadly the best way to describe the rogue elements. This, mixed with the steep difficulty increase after the tutorial, makes this a title that is difficult to recommend to the vast majority of gamers. However, for hardcore fans of the genre, there is probably nothing better to spend the money on this season, despite harsh competition!

InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories has one rule and one rule alone: stress is illegal. Because of the liberating approach to life this management sim has…it turns out there’s not much managing to do. You’re not running a store, you’re vibing in it, restocking shelves just because it feels good to do so, while also helping the insane number of one customer find a can of [insert favourite Asian food]. There’s zero pressure, zero chaos, and honestly, barely a game. Everyone’s nice, nothing goes wrong, and problems probably took the week off. It’s a super-relaxing and charming vacation in a calm Japanese store. A very good one, but probably not for everyone.

An adaptation of Lovecraft’s popular short story, The Nameless City focuses on exploration and foreboding atmosphere rather than action, while its mundane-yet-otherworldly visuals create effective tension during the hero’s descent into ruins he shouldn’t descend into. There are a few problems that make it a hard sell, however. Some, like a couple of visual flaws, are minor. Others, like the lack of depth when it comes to the gameplay, are a bit harder to stomach. Its brief runtime also leaves ideas underdeveloped despite occasional moments of genuine cosmic horror.

The final part of the original trilogy looks and plays better than its previous two entries, but the cheap difficulty that was introduced sucks the fun out of Ninja Gaiden III. That said, the extra challenging US edition is now more beatable than ever thanks to save states and the rewind feature. By including the original Japanese version, too, there is every chance of getting through Ryu’s third NES adventure without the need to utilise the benefits of this Console Archives release.

Rogue Incursion can be an excellent Nintendo Switch 2 game if it gets a patch or two to address its technical hiccups. Mouse mode is completely broken and unusable, but the gyro-aim is effective and plays into the game's VR roots. Alien: Rogue Incursion - Evolved Edition is a pretty solid horror game despite its hang-ups and lack of originality. For its modest price, you can expect about five hours of thrills, and it’s solid enough to inspire hope for part two whenever that releases. If anything, a semi-episodic model like this, where a game is released in cheaper yet substantial chunks, shows that the approach can work, letting players enjoy a mostly complete experience without waiting years for a sequel.

A calming, creative experience built around the joy of arranging and personalising small spaces, the simple but cute look and relaxing atmosphere of MakeRoom make it easy to lose track of time while experimenting with ideas. It thrives when you let your own imagination free, as it's more focused on offering a gentle, low-pressure escape rather than gamey, structured goals. Sadly, the clunky controls, its somewhat cumbersome interface, and the lack of placement precision can interrupt the flow, making the experience feel less smooth than it could be.

Does Huntdown pass the test of capturing the spirit of the ‘80s, or is it just another neon-coated imposter? It passes - with flying colours, and probably a slow-motion explosion behind it. It has all the necessary ingredients: the excess, the attitude, the willingness to be completely ridiculous while still delivering something genuinely entertaining beyond the wonderful pixel art that dresses it all. It won’t eat up more than a week of your life (and that’s being generous), but some action games are just better as snacks rather than full meals.

For a low-budget indie 3D platformer on the original Nintendo Switch, Crosak impresses with its visuals and style. If it were a real Nintendo 64 platformer, its controls and gameplay would fall short of classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64, but it would still outperform most of the weaker 3D platformers on the system. It's less of a hassle to play than the vanilla release of Yooka-Laylee, but not as polished as Replaylee. It’s way better than Tail of the Sun, and when it comes to caveman 3D platformers, nothing tops Crosak.

Pokémon Champions, at launch, is a solid start to the new Pokémon battling experience on Nintendo Switch. Robust, flexible mechanics for newcomers to enter the battle scene and customisation for more seasoned players. As a free-to-play game, there is a surprising amount on offer - full battle modes and rental Pokémon, with paid content primarily reserved for cosmetics/time savers and storage. Pokémon Champions isn't without its choppy performance in areas and missing content, but it is a strong start that's bound to... evolve over time.

Tears Revolude is a frustrating title to play through. It has a lot of potential, but it is wasted due to a lack of polish. The combat system is solid, and there are some nice options to optimise characters; however, there are never any challenges that make good use of them. The skeletons of the characters’ personalities are neat with a lot of sweet backstory, but they are never fleshed out, and the laughable expressions further add to the feeling of soullessness. This is what happens when great people are given too little time to deliver a title on schedule, no matter the end result. For the first few hours, Tears Revolude promises a great JRPG experience, but it never delivers.

Aether & Iron is a very promising title that tells a highly compelling story of power and class, and is crowned with one of the most clever SRPG battle systems on the market. However, it is full of disruptive glitches and bugs that rear their heads far too frequently, which prevent the mind from fully engaging with the wonderful story. Signs indicate that the developers are quick to fix issues as they arise, so there is reason to believe they will get fixed over time. However, at the moment of writing, the flaws are too numerous to overlook. This makes it difficult to fully recommend the game to a wider audience than hardcore SRPG and aetherpunk dystopia fans. For those that love these aspects, though, there are few titles on the market that will scratch that itch as well as Aether & Iron.

A revival of a classic comes to Switch 2 looking slightly worse for wear, although the hit to visual quality is a sacrifice worth having to ensure a smooth docked and portable experience for Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage. The new solo mode is on the grindy side and unfortunately doesn’t add any story scenes that would appeal to offline players, but it serves as a solid alternative to the arcade, and unlocking cosmetics along the way keeps reasons to persist with it high. The focus is on the online portion, which has great long-term potential with rollback and crossplay at the core.

Off has always been a strange, atmospheric, and undeniably influential RPG - one that’s ultimately more compelling for its ideas than for its gameplay. This remaster is easily the best way to experience it, thanks to its various QoL improvements, even if the new soundtrack may prove divisive among long-time fans. Combat and pacing issues prevent it from standing shoulder to shoulder with the genre’s greats, but its bizarre world, cryptic storytelling, and historical importance still make it a fascinating curiosity for lovers of unconventional indies. You may not end up liking it that much, but it’s the kind of game that’s worth experiencing at least once.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Aiko's Choice are exceptional strategy games held back by some unusual design choices. They're both still solid without any RPG mechanics, but being able to exploit the quick-save in a way that trivialises the experience was a mistake. It would have been nice to have bespoke checkpoints, though that might have impacted the large-scale, open-ended maps. The foundation for engrossing tactical planning and execution is top-notch, yet the story and character motivations end up being the most gripping aspect of the entire package between Blades of the Shogun and Aiko's Choice.

No Sleep for Kaname Date may not offer the gravitas of the two series entries it’s set between, but it confidently provides more of the same enjoyable gameplay and entertaining cast of characters. Far from just being a Greatest Hits album, it also introduces some classic escape room gameplay sections that are thoroughly enjoyable and successfully broaden the scope of the series despite this entry’s shorter length. All told, this is a great prospect for established fans, but probably not the best place to start for newcomers.

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit should have been more than a Mega Man knock-off with fewer features. It aims unbearably low and is content to dangle member berries to past episodes of a YouTube series that has become past due. A true successor to The Angry Video Game Nerd: I & II Deluxe should have been bolder and mixed genres or even gone full 3D. The only claim to fame 8-bit will ever have is that it's functionally a lost episode to the series due to the original footage used for the FMVs.

For an indie game, the boss fights are really, really good. It's fun having the boss go "movie mode" on the player when they catch them in an attack, and the parrying feels really enjoyable. The fighting to get there, though, is average at best, and the platforming borders on horrendous for how often buttons don't prompt on a teleport-jump, or the dash falls slightly short, leading to unnecessary frustration. At the current price point, Homura Hime is a bit tough to recommend, but will be worth it on a sale.

Japanese Drift Master is an enjoyable single‑player experience with a few rough edges. Fans of Japanese car culture and drifting‑focused gameplay will find plenty to enjoy. It may not reach the heights of Need for Speed or Midnight Club, but JDM delivers a stylish and entertaining ride nonetheless.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a tedious and garden-variety metroidvania that brings nothing interesting to show to the class. This prequel stretches over 20 hours, filled with unnecessary padding and the least interesting iteration of Kratos yet, relying on trite game design and utterly soulless execution. Young Kratos, stripped of his signature rage, is an utter dullard preaching honour amidst joyless obedience. There’s no fury, no peril, just persistent boredom, proving that some origins are best left as a mystery.

The Legacy of Kain series has sadly been one whose gameplay shortcomings have always kept it down, never truly escaping the confines of the world of cult classics. The same happened with the culmination of the franchise, which once again offered a story worth paying attention to…while everything else occasionally felt like an afterthought. Bad? Not even close. It was a thoroughly enjoyable action-adventure - just one that never quite reached its towering potential. That said, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered does a fine job at giving it a striking visual upgrade, as well as some much-needed tweaks and refinements, making it the best way to experience the finale(?) of Kain and Raziel’s dark saga.

Madison is a great VR horror game. With a constant biting tension and excellent puzzle design, utilising the camera mechanic throughout, players should be thrilled. It is highly recommended for the install base of PS VR2 owners who are into horror content. Bring a spare pair of underwear and strap in for some very cool spooks.

Scion is an example of the early ages of arcade space shooters that’s been lost within the genre. The Arcade Archives 2 release of the game is a pixel perfect recreation, bringing an authentic arcade feel to the home. Quality of life changes make the brutal campaign that bit more achievable and less of a slog!

Clever writing, daring choices to keep the franchise fresh, and more time-tested comedy make it easy to see how Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth3: V Generation could easily be the peak of the franchise. However, repetitive dungeons and random game crashes harm this port so much that it's hard to recommend to everyone. For fans of the franchise, this is a must-buy, but make sure to save frequently, or else you might have to repeat hours of gameplay due to an unfortunate crash.

Cool Boarders is a finnicky racer that limits its own appeal by lacking in multiplayer options. A large degree of skill is required to get the most out of it, but the small selection of stages with just the challenge of beating your own top records means there is only so much satisfaction that can be extracted before it is quickly moved on with. Nostalgia will play a big part in whether Cool Boarders sticks the landing.

Battlantis may not be the most memorable of the slew of '80s arcade hits, but it does well to honour its Space Invaders influence with something that feels both fresh and familiar. Hamster has produced an experience that feels very much like the arcade cabs of old, with a sprinkling of modern quality of life changes. Fixed-shooter fans will certainly find a home with the Arcade Archives 2 re-release of Battlantis!

The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest on Nintendo Switch is a meticulously built yet curiously lifeless micro-metroidvania, where, despite the controls being super-sharp and its pixel art vibrant, the adventure feels boxed in. Repetitive rooms, shallow exploration, and a brief runtime make it resemble a neat demo instead of the real deal. As for its constant meta commentary, it’s very amusing for about 30 minutes, but ultimately drains the world of its potential to immerse.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a very specific type of RPG that can be overwhelming in large parts, but rewards in spades if able to quickly adapt to its sweeping approach and quest-based structure. Locking down story missions to character levels can drastically halt momentum and be an issue for those looking to get caught up in the story, but its strengths lie in the exploration-based format across a beautiful world. It is one enhanced by resolution and framerate boosts on the TV, but the massive hit to handheld play with disturbingly bad visual upscaling is a cause for concern that is hoped can be addressed.

Who knew that arranging gems and collecting cards could be so cool! Anthem#9 is a stylish hybrid of puzzle mechanics and deckbuilding that manages to stand out in an oversaturated market. Combat is highly tactical and fast paced, and it’s super satisfying when abilities are chained together to cancel enemy attacks and trigger long combo streaks. It suffers a tiny bit in terms of balance and a lot more in replay value, yet its slick presentation and rewarding gameplay make it a fun, challenging experience overall.

On paper, the Tokyo Scramble concept isn’t bad. A survival horror game with post-apocalyptic vibes and dinosaurs? Sounds like a wild ride. There are moments of creativity and clever design, but these are overshadowed by monster maze monotony. Tokyo Scramble feels half baked. It's clunky and the story pay-off for patience is not worth the investment. Exercise your own patience, Jurassic Park it for now and wait for the game to go on sale.

Yakuza 3’s most ardent fans will find much to be disappointed about with this highly anticipated remake of a game that deserved better. It is difficult to ignore the wealth of cut content, and the Dark Ties side story fails to make up for it. Yakuza Kiwami 3 is still Yakuza, though, and for anyone that hasn’t played the game since the PS3 days – or at all – it will more than satisfy. There are few series that so successfully manage to mesh the serious with the outrageous, but Yakuza pulls it off every time. While much has been lost, plenty has been improved, making for a far smoother version of Yakuza 3 with incredibly fun combat. If Switch 2 is your only means of experiencing the game, don’t pass it up.

The Nintendo Switch 2 features go a long way to make the Subnautica games more playable and better looking, but the core foundation is still built on a grind of repetitive tasks.

Book of Korvald is a dark fantasy 2D action-RPG (with a little bit of metroidvania thrown in) that mixes Norse mythology, themes of Lovecraftian fantasy, and as the cherry on top, some thicc erotica, in a storyline that’s surprisingly good, complemented by a distinct, grim art direction and atmosphere. Clearly made with love, the moment you pick up the controller it also becomes clear that this could be so much better with some extra care, especially as this is a port of something that was around for some time. Try it out only if found at a very good price, or keep an eye out for the PC version if you want to try the complete NSFW (and then some) variant.

Arcade Archives 2: Bomb Bee on Switch 2 offers a tidy, well‑presented look at one of Namco’s earliest arcade experiments. The Arcade Archives 2 framework adds enough flexibility to make short sessions more enjoyable, and the sharper scaling and reduced latency help the simple paddle‑based design feel responsive. It remains a brief, straightforward game, yet this version treats it with care and gives it the structure it always needed.

A stark reminder of how tough games used to be, Ninja Gaiden II may be a challenge, but its distinct stages and unique storytelling help it to stand out, making it a platformer worth persevering through. That now becomes all the more possible with the save and rewind features of this Console Archives edition. If it hasn't been played before, it's very likely The Dark Sword of Chaos will pleasantly surprise, excelling as one of the very best NES games.

The flashy, “loud” and repetitive visuals hinder battlefield readability, while standard, unremarkable shmup gameplay fails in helping Shinorubi stand out in any way. Floaty controls, forgettable bosses, and weak scoring systems leave behind an experience that is dull. Bad? No. Just painfully average.

The industry owes a lot to Space Invaders, and it may not be any small stretch to say it could be a very different place if it wasn't for its existence. For that reason alone it is worth investing in this huge piece of video game history, where an appreciation can be developed for what Tomohiro Nishikado's shoot 'em up has achieved. There is no avoiding the simplicity and likelihood that it won't hold the attention for too long given the choice on offer nowadays, but the brief time spent with it delivers tension and reward in equal measure, especially when factoring in online leaderboard competition.

Mario Tennis Fever continues the series blend of fun, colourful and party-like tennis with a fresh entry on Nintendo Switch 2. Whilst there are glimpses of creativity and nods to past fan-favourites, the solo campaign feels over far too soon. There’s potential for Fever to have been a lengthy five setter, but the game doesn't quite reach those levels, unfortunately. DLC, if a future option, could well help. As a multiplayer romp, though, Mario Tennis Fever serves a good time overall for some hearty tennis action!

The Plucky Squire is a great little adventure game. It has a fun, if slightly cliché, story but executes it in a very unique way. Gameplay is always chill, the writing and art style are charming, and it's a really solid package. It stumbles a little on the clarity and iffy stealth, but it's not enough to detract from the charming animation work and fun puzzles. A fun pickup for fans of older-style Legend of Zelda titles and crafty-looking games.

The nicest thing that can be said about Steel Worker is that it is, in fact, a video game. Not a bad game by any means, but one that meets the broadest definition of a video game and delivers exactly what it promises. In a way, it brought some innovation to Lemmings-style gameplay, but could generously be described as a proof of concept.

There are several high points of Code Vein II, ranging from graphics, different environments, and the character creator. The major complaints that detract from higher praise are bad pacing issues and a story that often takes a back seat. Combat is faster and more fun than the first game, and the much more open world is a needed change from the endless alleys of before. Despite a lot of positive points, though, there is a sense that the entire thing doesn't mesh together to make a better experience.

A slick, approachable blend of classic Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move gameplay and rhythm mechanics, QQQbeats!!! is tons of fun, and said fun is elevated by a very good soundtrack and charming presentation. Its simplicity makes it a title that’s easy to pick up and play, yet it’s surprisingly hard to master, so be prepared to lose 10 (or more) consecutive matches against a teenager from abroad. The somewhat low mechanical variety and limited number of modes curb its long-term appeal, however, so approach cautiously.

Arcade Archives: Karate Blazers offers the retro-loving community a ‘90s beat ’em up that does the unthinkable: it’s even more generic and repetitive than the rest of its ilk. A charmless imitation of Final Fight, while functional and initially enjoyable, its overly long and repetitive levels quickly drain what little fun there is to be had here. Aside from the four-player co-op appeal, it remains an unoriginal, merely “okay” arcade relic mainly suited to devoted old-school collectors - and even they can find better pieces of software to spend their money on.

This is an impressive port of a game that absolutely scratches that itch for a portable action-adventure game. Tomb Raider may warrant complaints for its poor writing, dated mechanics, and not evoking the feeling of being an entry in the 30-year-old series, but if all of that can be set aside - which is probably easier for those that have no attachment to the games prior to this one than longtime fans - then you've got a solid third-person shooter with plenty of enjoyable combat, platforming, and puzzle segments in your pocket.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is a gloriously loud, bolter-filled RTS that offers a small but awesome taste of that unique flavour of grimdark. Space Marines shout, Chaos cackles, everyone distrusts everyone, and war (as well as badass battle attire) is the only constant. Its story is serviceable but still tasty (and clearly made for fans), while combat delivers constant, satisfying spectacle, keeping the whole thing engaging decades later. Sadly, while the Anniversary Edition offers the base game along with all three expansions, it brings few if any modern comforts to the table, once again leaving you in the hands of modders.

Heading Out is one of those games that will either grip you from the outset or show all of its hand in the first hour, never to be looked at again. If invested in the character and the story, a really interesting tale will be laid out with lots of opportunity to review and revise the outcomes. If it’s a fully realised driving experience that is being wished for however, this may get left on the side of the road.

In anime-styled puzzle horror adventure High School Dirty Secrets, a student wakes trapped in a dark school where a killer and plenty of girly panties can be found, and while said school has a very good, oppressive atmosphere, the almost goofy use of fanservice, the repetitive walking-simulator gameplay and the not-that-well-handled story make this fail both as a scary ride, as well as an engrossing quest filled with mystery and riddles.

Nioh 3 modifies the series formula, producing mixed results. The game features a more varied action combat system for fights and challenges. As far as action goes, it still features some of the best mechanics in the genre, even if it's on the easier side, and regular enemies are exploitable. Storytelling and worldbuilding lack depth, but the headliner has always been getting lost and fighting for survival in these types of games. At worst, this is just another decent soulslike action RPG that doesn't break the mould. The big open world is welcome, but it does not deliver on its full potential due to uninspired level design.

Dark Auction falls into a rare spot that the plot and writing is actually pretty interesting but the story is still tough to recommend. The characters feel real, and the tension and mystery is very good, but it goes nowhere fast. There are certainly some other problems such as the auction puzzle parts being a big letdown, and the main mystery not being as big as it first seems, but mostly it is just that more needs to happen. The overall plot meanders, and it really grinds down what should have been a brisk and interesting story that could have been told in half the time or less.

Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary Edition is not everything that fans could have hoped for. What should have been a wonderful celebration of a classic series turns out to be a middling package marred by a lack of control options and default controls that don’t offer the best experience. Getting rid of the classic game progression system and failing to include a proper leaderboard system really limit the potential of what could be otherwise one of the most comprehensive collection of caves for a decent introduction to the franchise for newcomers. Thankfully, the classic Boulder Dash formula remains as addictive as ever and is executed competently here.

This is a series that has far more iterations and versions that anyone could possibly imagine. While a huge contributor to the 'grand strategy' genre, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8, even remade and expanded, is too dense with too little payoff to highly recommend to anyone except series fans. General strategy gamers will be put off by the death-by-menu gameplay and lack of interesting things happening for what amounts to playing small hands of poker and shuffling Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

Within about two hours one can see almost everything Super Box Delivery: Beyond the Horizon has to offer, which is a shame as, even with its severe lack of content, it manages to be quite the tasty snack - one that could easily turn into a big meal with a little more time in the oven. A wasted opportunity, really.

A fairly by-the-book platformer where gameplay never goes to any great heights or depths. Certain small aspects regarding platforming and combat can occasionally become annoying, but these negatives aside, the art and general charm of the game is quiet compelling. The story hints at some dark sci-fi plots, and exploration is satisfying, if sometimes annoyingly difficult. The characters are especially attractive with their highly animated visual novel portraits, which gives a sense of life this genre often doesn't have. Overall, though, Kotama and Academy Citadel feels like it needed more cohesion to really come together.

Despite its occasionally tedious mechanics and uneven pacing, Atlas Wept succeeds where it matters most: in its heart. Its melancholic tone, thoughtful themes, and simple-yet-endearing cast linger long after the credits roll, elevating it above its mechanical shortcomings. Fans of narrative-driven indie RPGs, especially those drawn to EarthBound/Mother-inspired experiences, will find much to admire here. It stumbles in terms of gameplay, but its emotional resonance ensures it will be remembered fondly.

Some gamers enjoy experiences that gamify mundane work activities. The fun is how accurately it can capture the experience of the profession. The Mortuary Assistant: Definitive Edition not only cheapens the effort put into making cadavers presentable for funerals, but it also turns into a major hassle with Paimon constantly pestering Rebecca, thinking it’s amusing to remind her of her past heroin use. This could have worked if more thought had been put into the embalming process and if the presentation had been more polished.

Syberia Remastered is an uneven revival. Its redesigned environments successfully capture the spirit and atmosphere of the original, but a couple of issues (visual and otherwise) prevent it from becoming the definitive version. For the uninitiated it’s a mostly accessible entry point into a classic story; for long-time fans, it’s an…okay reinterpretation. It's sadly one more reminder that preserving magic is sometimes harder than creating it in the first place.

Charon’s Staircase unfortunately feels like it is caught between strong ideas and weak execution. Its thematic ambition, atmospheric sound design, and willingness to explore uncomfortable subject matter make it stand out, and it feels pretty memorable even if it isn’t great. At the same time, a variety of technical shortcomings, repetitive gameplay, and puzzles that tend to vary between mindlessly boring and frustratingly esoteric hold the overall game back. Horror is a crowded genre and this feels like one most people can skip without missing out on much. For players drawn to slow, narrative-driven psychological horror, there is some value to be found. For most others, the only thing frightening about this is how much money they’ll waste.

It is easy to want to like Simon the Sorcerer Origins at first glance. The artwork is beautiful, and the puzzles are clever and creative. However, Simon sadly comes off as a murder-hobo rather than a charming rogue. Also, while the game's comedy is quite fun in itself, it needs more palate cleansers. As is, this feels like a six-hour-long slapstick show, a genre best served in 30-minute portions.

When Kaku: Ancient Seal is at its best, it shows the potential of a great sandbox adventure. Many of the design choices are spot on. Great examples are the choices to focus more on horizontal progression than vertical, and to fill the world with rewarding respawning items. However, at its worst, it is filled with some of the genre's worst design choices. The main offenders are cruel invisible walls and non-existent enemy progression. In between, Kaku: Ancient Seal is depressingly textbook good. Sure, the game works, but nothing stands out, and the polish to make it memorable is lacking. However, it does leave curiosity about what future titles Bingobell will deliver with more experience under its belt.

In the end, Schildmaid MX is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be—and a little more. It’s a tightly focused, mechanically sound shooter that caters to players who enjoy precision, repetition, and self-imposed challenges. At the same time, its limited presentation, uneven difficulty spikes, and lack of variety prevent it from standing out in an increasingly crowded indie scene. For those seeking a quick-hit arcade experience to play between larger titles, Schildmaid MX offers moments of genuine satisfaction. Just don’t expect it to linger in your memory long after the final stage is cleared.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Mega Dimension offers a challenge for experienced trainers wanting to push those battle skills to the limits. Beyond level 100 critters for the first time? Check. It's tough and requires a fair bit of grind to get through the new Mega Evolution battles. Returning faces from the Pokédex and new forms are a joy to catch, too. Mega Dimension is ideal for battle enthusiasts and competitionists, but can fast become repetitive with little payoff to really keep pushing through once the favourites have been caught.

A Game About Digging a Hole is exactly what it claims to be, and nothing more. On Nintendo Switch, it works best as a low-effort, high-satisfaction time waster—something to fill small gaps in your day with meaningless progress and quiet amusement. It won’t be for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its absurd simplicity, there’s something oddly compelling about staring into the void and deciding to dig a bit deeper.

The Bug Butcher is a fun, finely-polished, Pang-inspired shooter that modernises the classic formula with sharp controls, frantic pacing and charming presentation. Its short campaign and limited modes hold it back, making it a title that’s great for short bursts but not for extended play. Think of it as a small snack between the bigger meals. A snack made out of vibrantly colourful alien insects, that is. If the price is right, it’s a solid recommendation for arcade afficionados and not only.

Whether it is to try to appeal to a broader audience or to bolster a game whose level design doesn’t match up to the original trilogy, the focus on elements that are unusual for the series leaves Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in the awkward position of being an enjoyable adventure that doesn’t stack up as a top Metroid game. There are the makings of a solid title featuring classic Prime traits, and for that reason alone Beyond can be worth experiencing, but longtime fans may need to brace themselves…and then wash away the taste by replaying Metroid Prime Remastered while praying for the same treatment for Prime 2 and 3.

The premature conclusion to Lapin is disappointing, as the combination of an appealing art style, fluid gameplay, and rabbits with unique skills who solve puzzles made it a near excellent title for PlayStation 5. One can only hope the game-freezing error gets fixed in later updates, allowing discovery of what happens in the end rather than the lettuce lovers remaining in limbo for eternity.

RPG maniacs who missed out on Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered due to the language barrier can finally check it out. International is the same remaster with identical QOL features, but now with additional language options to make it easier than ever for any Western gamer to enjoy this grossly overlooked, open-ended PlayStation 2 RPG.

Picross S: Capcom Classics Edition delivers what is promised: puzzles full of classic Capcom games and characters, with beautiful artwork and a soundtrack to set the scene. Thanks to the different modes, hours of gameplay await both experienced and new players. Train your brain and relive the classic Capcom era!

Dragon Ruins II neatly builds on the first game’s foundation, delivering a more varied, engaging, and refined dungeon-crawling experience. For fans of simple but addictive RPG loops, it’s one of Kemco’s stronger efforts in recent years — a sequel that respects its roots while confidently raising the bar for possible sequels.

While The Drifter mostly succeeds as an immersive interactive novel, the experience, although solid and well paced, never quite evolves into something more than a moody two-evening adventure. What’s really a shame with Powerhoof’s creation is that while it’s a finely crafted point-and-click with great art direction and dark atmosphere, its shift from noir character drama and tense thriller to sprawling sci-fi conspiracy pulp is ultimately a disservice to the emotional potential of its arresting opening chapters.

Playing Hitman: Absolution on Switch is a great way to replay it or give it a second chance. The gyro aiming improves the playability dramatically and may get veteran naysayers to accept the game on its own terms. It's a flawed and sometimes dumb experience with situations that make no sense, but still manages to be one of the better third-person action-adventure games, and a lot of it has to do with the gritty signature Hitman ambiance, presentation, and 47's impossibly cool dialogue and wit. He's a fun character, and getting any chance to be him is worth a few instances of sloppy design.

The move to a 3D presentation came out well for R-Type Delta, and it looks great all these years later in this revamped format. An excellent soundtrack makes every stage more exciting, and the variety of spacecraft to choose from keeps playthroughs fresh. Like most shoot ‘em ups, this is a tough game, but it is one that sits right up there in the genre. That said, more features, unlockables and screen filters could have really elevated R-Type Delta: HD Boosted.

A good third-person shooter but a bad Tomb Raider game; that’s what Crystal Dynamics’ reboot for Lara Croft boils down to. When you ignore the inconsistencies between the story and gameplay, as well as the annoying characters and poor writing, Lara’s survival adventure on Yamatai is a worthwhile distraction that plays smoothly and has plenty to do. The great price that others could learn from means this is well within impulse-buy territory too.

Some of the things Football Manager 26 implements are a step forward for the franchise, such as the shift to allow tactical tweaks for every moment of the match, and the match engine is also noticeably improved. However, FM26 does not feel like an upgrade on 2024’s edition and that is down to a combination of the removed features and UI decisions. Too much information is hidden away, and the gameplay loop becomes about going from one fixture to the next and ticking them off, as opposed to before, when it became impossible not to get sucked into the drama of the world. This franchise has a fantastically loyal fanbase and they are good at seeing the bigger picture. Nobody can question the work ethic of the team at Sports Interactive and they deserve the time and space to ensure FM26 can become the first step in another successful evolution for the series.

It is easy to fall in love at first glance with Lego Party. It is a game that many have unknowingly been waiting for, and its presentation and first impression are on a whole different level. It feels like a perfect match for anyone seeking an exceptional digital party game. However, once the honeymoon phase is over, all the flaws start to appear, and they become too much. Poor controls, extremely small boards, and a mix of mini-games that feel disjointed make this a challenging title to recommend. It has some wonderful ideas and a solid foundation to build upon, but it falls short in executing the details.

If craving a punishing retro-style brawler, Slave Zero X has what it takes to test your patience - in more ways than one. While it nails the tone and equal parts stylish and grotesque aesthetic of ‘90s anime action, behind its cool look, strong atmosphere and neat ideas lies a failed attempt at channelling the spirit of a Devil May Cry or Bayonetta; one so weighed down by frustration, imbalance and sloppy execution that its brilliance struggles to shine through.

The story doesn’t deliver a whole lot of entertainment outside of a couple of characters, and it ends up a shame that more curveballs aren’t thrown in that regard, but Tears of the Kingdom fans will get some satisfaction from events that play out in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Flashy moves and superficial depth don’t really change the simplicity of gameplay, but it is still fun, coming alive in co-op and catering greatly to franchise regulars that appreciate mindlessly wailing on hundreds of foes using characters from their favourite Hyrulean races.

With some truly interesting ideas and story at times, it is even more of a shame that it's the “game” part of Unknown 9: Awakening that drags down the whole experience. Worth a playthrough certainly, but also lacking in some fundamental areas for the era that has ensured this will probably be the last we see of Haroona and the hooligans.

An amazing adventure story remastered in a slightly odd way, Syberia Remastered is not the definitive Syberia experience in its current form. The bugs and issues are overwhelming, but will hopefully be quickly patched up so it can function as intended. The new artwork and environments are excellent, managing to recapture the original art style and atmosphere of Syberia overall, but there are too many negative points to ignore. The core story will keep players invested, but perhaps Microids will need to go back to the drawing board on some of the ideas seen in this title before approaching Syberia 2.

When in full flow, Star Overdrive gives a great sense of speed and fun from its hoverboard dynamic. It's unfortunate, then, that any reason for the exploration is missing, with similar bland puzzling and the same rinse and repeat scavenging mechanic. With the exception of some fun boss battles and hoverboard mechanics, this one doesn't stick the landing.

For long-time fans, Super Robot Wars Y is probably...maybe...hopefully a buffet of nostalgia. The thrill of assembling a dream team of mechs and watching them interact, however briefly, is pretty darn cool if an afficionado of the genre. As a standalone product? It never rises above its crossover gimmick and is far from a solid recommendation for those in love with tactical games. Oh, and the price tag is ridiculous.

Without riding the simulated jet ski model, much of the novelty and magic is lost. Aqua Jet's strongest assets are its audio/visual presentation and the exciting sense of speed when racing on chunky, pixelated waves. Like most arcade games, it doesn't translate to a great home console experience. It's cool to have an option to play Aqua Jet at all, and preserving it is commendable, yet it's not complete without its alluring cabinet. It may look and run better than Wave Race 64, but sometimes that isn't enough for lasting appeal.

Rougelite attempts are divisive by nature, but if you are the kind of player who enjoys this absolutely fine, then you will have a blast here. It also showcases the best parts of Donkey Kong Bananza in small pick-up-and-play chunks. The itching feeling that the location should have been included in the base game rarely goes away, however, especially with very little to do outside of Emerald Rush mode and the rich price tag. One for completionists only.

At the surface, Randomax looks like a quite promising title, and in many regards, it might sound too good to be true. Well, in this case, it is. "Rogue-lite" here is just a fancy word for a basic durability system similar to what can be found in just about any sandbox title, and a simplified reskin of a decade-old genre feature. In addition, the gameplay is flat, and the screen is often cluttered to the point of being inconvenient. It is a somewhat fun romp, yet not that much more.

Munch Mobile won't connect with gamers due to its repetitive gameplay loop of driving and grabbing food/fuel, which lacks the depth, progression, or visual flair. Its steep difficulty, clunky joystick-based controls, and minimalist graphics and audio feel outdated compared to the polished visuals and responsive mechanics of its contemporaries like Spy Hunter or Pole Position. Slapping googly eyes on a car with big cartoon hands popping out the sides is also a poor excuse for an anthropomorphised car.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 Plus is a great remake of a remake that gets everything right and knows exactly what knobs to turn to make the perfect experience for newcomers and veterans alike, letting players do the same thanks to the remake system. While the comedy is spot on and the gameplay loop feels amazing and addictive, some random glitches cause game crashes, and the lack of an auto-save system as its accomplice prevents Re;Birth1 Plus from reaching its full potential as the perfect entry point for newcomers to the franchise. If able to see past these issues, though, this is where to start if looking to get into the vast Neptuniaverse.

Just like with…pretty much every instalment so far, Just Dance 2026 Edition can be described as more of the same - but it’s the good kind of same. It doesn’t reinvent the franchise (and doesn’t really have to) but it keeps the dance floor alive and booming, with the unpredictability of the new Party Mode being this year’s highlight.

Persona 3 Reload is a great remake, with improved graphics and cutscenes, new gameplay mechanics and fantastic sound. It is disappointing that the game runs only at 30fps on Switch 2, and that there is a quite a bit of stuttering at certain points. However, none of these issues are game breaking, and overall, Persona 3 Reload retells a great story on a modern console. It is definitely worth picking up and playing.

It is reassuring to see a mobile game simply being a fully fledged game, and not a microtransaction-ridden free-to-play mess. Trust Feral to come up with the goods in this handheld Hitman: Absolution port because it has transitioned very well to the touch screen format. It isn’t without problems when played this way, but the range of customisation options is a welcome surprise that means most players can have a good time sneaking around and causing chaos. Try to hook up a gamepad for the best experience, but be prepared to dedicate yourself to each level, as the unfortunate save system demands it.

Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots is the best golfing game on Nintendo Switch, supported by fantastic gameplay that sticks to genre conventions, and a plethora of customisation options and content to experience. Unfortunately, the vast majority of this content is locked behind a poorly-paced single-player experience that forces players to repeat the same holes with the same characters over and over again, all presented with a passable but technically poor presentation.

Part dungeon crawler, part economy sim, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian has a lot going on without being too complicated. The graphics and overworld controls land somewhere between nostalgic for PS2-era JRPGs and perhaps underwhelming for a modern game, but more attention has been placed on characters and enemies, which pop with energy and are given extra life by enthusiastic actors. The story and characters have a charm that reflects the laid-back but never underwhelming gameplay, which offers many different subsystems or metagames players can often choose how much or how little to focus on. Performing alchemy is a minigame itself, as is running the shop, and combining it all means The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian offers hours of content, carried by charming characters who have believable motives, often driven by their own care for each other, and making this a no-brainer for anyone who wants a dense JRPG they can pour hours into on the go.

Action roguelikes are a tough genre to screw up, yet Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree manages to do that. From lacklustre in-run upgrades, to permanent progression that is boring, to perhaps the biggest problem of how utterly dry combat is, it drops the ball in many locations. The better parts, such as the banter and voice acting, are not enough to carry the woefully lacking core gameplay.

The gameplay is very standard Little Nightmares fare, and it plays it very safe. Giving the duo weapons isn't as game changing as it seems and rarely comes into play. Returning fans will notice that this entry is only four chapters long; that's two fewer than the norm for these games. The promise of two additional chapters via a season pass is a mistake since the franchise is very story-based and tends to be condensed. The core experience is very short and most won't feel like they will get their money's worth with such a meagre offering and a vague promise that more content will come sometime next year, but without knowing what it will be. The base package is a little longer than the first game, but not as long or well-paced as the amazing sequel. Marketing material for the season pass promises that future additional chapters won't be necessary, but then, why even bother? It's a bad trap that makes Little Nightmares III feel incomplete.

Game Freak once again attempts to do something different with a series that's fast approaching its 30th anniversary. Pokémon Legends: Z-A puts a refreshed battle system front and centre, offering faster, real-time combat at its core. The change may not be for everyone; especially long-time fans who remain loyal to the classic turn-based formula. It’s a shame that some aspects, like NPC interactions, haven’t evolved to the same degree and there can be some repetition in traversing the Z-A world. Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a well-earned holiday for the series, where there's opportunity to try something new and explore. The adorable critters truly do thrive in Lumiose City and that's ultimately the heart of what drives a Pokémon adventure.

Air Combat 22's biggest claim to fame is its fluidity and timeless visuals. The core mechanics are serviceable, but there isn't enough to keep it engaging past one playthrough. Without the cockpit cabinet and the booming chaos of a '90s arcade screaming in the background, there is less novelty and charm. Playing Arcade Archives: Air Combat 22 on a Nintendo Switch 2 is not the same as it would be on an original unit, but even if it were, the core experience is spread thinly, emphasising that the game was a shallow, cheap thrill.

EA Sports FC 26 makes some big changes to its systems, modes and gameplay. The most obvious of these are quite effective, and even those that aren’t seen are surely felt. The fresh additions to Career Mode are a step in the right direction, while the on-field adjustments and introduction of Authentic and Competitive modes serves to freshen things up just enough for another year. Long-time players will likely still have some recurring gripes, but the best compliment that can be paid to FC 26 is that it’s fun. If this was developer EA Sports’ sole aim, then mission accomplished.

A rough early game and poor first impression hide a true gem filled with clever level designs. It would be a true pity to judge Candy Rangers by its first hour of gameplay, but due to how brutal the first hour is with required hidden collectibles and a steep learning curve, anyone but a full-blooded masochist would not be blamed for putting it down before getting to the good part. However, if there is one message that should be remembered from this review, it is this: the good part is coming soon, and it is truly worth the rough journey there. Give Candy Rangers a try; it is one of the more innovative games in its genre, and once mastered, the foreign controls will become second nature.

By speedrunners, for speedrunners, Bloodthief is a mostly fun, adrenaline-pumping game tailored almost exclusively to those who take pleasure in trying a level a hundred times just so they can decrease their time by about five seconds. It offers a punishing, high-speed experience that demands precision and quick reflexes, packaged in a nice and simple, retro-looking, dark medieval fantasy wrapping. The lack of accessibility for non-speedrunners, combined with the slightly inconsistent mechanics and a somewhat tedious level design, makes it a tough sell to a broader audience.