Bugginess and strange character design choices keep Oblivion Remastered from being excellent. Tipping the scales from “good” territory into “great” are the levelling and gameplay improvements. It resembles a remake. Even with new memory leak issues, Oblivion remains a timeless masterpiece, and this remaster ensures its legacy will live on. Oblivion was born nineteen years ago, but for all these years, it has ruled our dreams.

Deltarune is a subversive epic that defies conventions and keeps the laughs coming every minute of its lengthy runtime. The most staggering aspect of it is that this isn't even its final form. Purchasing Deltarune chapters 1-4 is a ticket for the eventual chapters 5-7, which will expand the scope of the story and surely take things in an unpredictable direction if the conclusion of chapter 4 is anything to go by. Undertale wasn't without its faults and neither is Deltarune, but once the story, gags, and characters unfold, it's the kind of game that lingers, leaving a powerful and unforgettable experience. It's the kind of lasting impression that supersedes flaws.

One of Sonic’s better games is wonderfully remastered in the shape of Sonic X Shadow Generations, and although there is some exhilarating gameplay here if the time is taken to master the stages, 3D portions still have that familiar inconsistency at times, while Shadow’s story is more of the same but improves on the controls. A huge wealth of unlockables make this the ideal game for series fans, but it is a shame the 3DS levels weren’t included to form a meatier compilation.

Some may baulk at the idea of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour being a paid download, but given the sheer amount of care and attention poured into every tiny aspect of this delightful product, it really feels worthy of the entry price. Nintendo has crafted not just a virtual tour of the entire Switch 2 console and all current accessories, it’s delved into the past for mesmerising titbits of historical goodness, put together a wealth of oft-hilarious quizzes, and packed in breathtaking demos to show off the tech involved, all on top of a wide selection of awe-inspiring mini-games that will keep you coming back for more. Only a lack of online leaderboards for the mini-games really holds this back from greater heights.

An already amazing game made even better, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is superb in this upgraded format. Technically much more sound and with fun little extras, this is the definitive edition and a killer addition to the Switch 2 library. It's a shame that, ultimately, Zelda Notes is separate from the game, but it does add some great extra content for those willing to download and sync up.

Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! combines the classic pastimes of horse racing and solitaire into an easy to pick-up-and-play puzzle game, with humorous dialogue and hours of enjoyable content…so long as it's played in short bursts.

Selfloss is a game that really should have been better. It feels like Cocoon or Unravel or one of those other elevated indie titles that critics love to throw laurels at. It dares to explore complex emotional themes within a richly imagined world. Its artistic direction and narrative ambition are great, and this feels close to offering a genuinely worthwhile experience. However, it never gets there. Even with all it gets right, this is a genuine struggle to get through. It is a poorly designed, glitchy mess that is equal parts brilliant and boring. Those willing to overlook its flaws will find a journey that is memorable and emotionally resonant. Unfortunately, it is a lot more likely that journey is going to get cut short and this is the sort of experience a lot of people will quit on before the credits roll.

With an intriguing story, classic horror and mystery tropes that align with the style and concepts behind its inspiration, in particular HP Lovecraft, The Horror at Highrook is a compelling and enjoyable investigation digital board game. It is not always obvious how to proceed, but a little determination proves rewarding and entertaining as you uncover the truth behind the cast of characters and the mansion they are investigating. It is a one-shot experience, though, so don’t let the board game aesthetic fool you.

Some of the power-ups are fun, like spawning small fighters or missiles, but the core loop of Galactic Glitch is simply far too repetitious, the upgrades are too slow, the meta-progression is glacial, and any driving factor to continue is non-existent. The idea could have been fine, but everything previously mentioned needed major overhauls and pretty much could be summed up by "needing cooler stuff faster" at every stage of the game.

Doom: The Dark Ages is an excellent shooter, absolutely no doubt about it. This might not be the revolutionary new-kid-on-the-block title that some of its predecessors over the years have been, but it does everything anyone could want from a shooter exceptionally well. The exploration sections that punctuate the action might not always hit the mark, but it isn't long before there are more things to kill and more ways to kill them. It also helps that visually and aesthetically things look wonderful. The grittiness of the combat is matched by the unique medieval-style setting of the story. For fans revisiting the series it will be a familiar treat, and for those jumping in for the first time, the prequel story presents an awesome platform from which to dive into this world.

For what it is, AEW: Fight Forever is a simple, fun brawler. If you like simplicity and prefer your wrestling without the bells and whistles, pick this up. What lets it down is the lack of presentation and features. WWE does not own the monopoly on these things, and it’s a shame that after such a long wait, a lot is missing. The dedication to additions is commendable and bodes well for the future. Until then, this reviewer isn’t quite "All Out", but is definitely holding onto the turnbuckle.

Pikmin 2 is a great game, ergo Pikmin 2 on Wii with fancy new controls is still a great game. What it isn't though, is a new game. Repackaged and rehashed to make a quick buck, New Play Control: Pikmin 2 is a great game if you never played the original but a criminal rip-off if you did. The improvements are hugely welcome, but I would advise you to approach with caution if you expect anything new, because you aren't going to be getting it.

Whether or not players are familiar with the works of Fujiko F. Fujio, Picross S: Doraemon & F Characters Edition provides hours of fun. As expected, the puzzles range from easy to challenging, and the game itself runs smoothly and without any issues. It is highly recommended to puzzle lovers who wish to relax with some fantastic brainteasers.

It is a pleasure to experience Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, with every single entry holding up as well as it did when first released. For a pure gaming experience, this would be pushing perfection. What keeps it in a category below is the question of purchase for long-term fans. New content? Certainly. Best way to play? Possibly. Enough to warrant the price point? Potentially not until every Metal Gear is given the collection treatment.

Does Mario Kart World bring something new to the series? A resounding yes. A reinvigorated setup with connected tracks within a bustling, vibrant, next-generation Super Mario Bros world. Mario Kart World is vibrant, playful, and truly feels alive. A compelling solo mode, knockout competition, and strong online play make it an essential Nintendo Switch 2 title.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is absolutely fine. If there is any nostalgia for the original cabinet this is a port that will ensure that love will be rekindled. For those not holding that sentiment, though, this will seem a barebones, standard hack-and-slash. With its price tag, unless a Turtles completionist, you'd be better off picking up many of the other related titles for now.

It is clear that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has been crafted with passion and love of the long-running series. The breathtaking scenery, emotion-filled cutscenes and new elements focusing on being an earth dancer takes the beloved adventure-filled world in an exciting new direction that holds hope for more innovation in future titles.

Saviorless is an enjoyable enough platformer with a premise that sets itself apart from the many other options available in the Switch eShop. There will certainly be a large player base who will miss the idea of combat, but for those looking for a more low-key experience, this will not only pass the time, but also leave them thinking long after completion. The perfect accompaniment as the nights draw in.

Old Skies features an imaginative time travelling narrative that becomes more gripping as each chapter is worked through, although the lack of choice and sections that should be playable in latter stages feel like missteps. It is a welcoming game for anyone unfamiliar with the genre, and the New York setting and periods travelled to are appealing and make for fascinating scenarios. Coupled with excellent voice work, Old Skies delivers a satisfying personalised story, albeit in a universe that is difficult to comprehend.

Don’t let the low-budget visuals fool you. It might look like one of the million other similar indies out there, yet Etaine: Magic Survivor is a piece of software crafted with care, and not a low-effort cash grab that uses sexy anime imagery to make some easy money. Slowly turning your heroine into a walking Armageddon that fills the screen with all sorts of things that inflict pain and watching enemies go down by the hundreds is cool, and the game’s excellent pick-up-and-play design makes it perfect for a quick break…that can easily turn into an hour. Sadly, there are plenty of balance issues, making some of the tougher challenges on offer (and they are aplenty) quite annoying.

Drug Dealer Simulator successfully simulates the dealing of drugs and taps into some of the excitement and fun that particular criminal activity can provide, but its flaws dampen the experience considerably enough to hurt it overall. It’s not a bad first shot at making drug dealing compelling and fun, but it feels like a sequel could potentially fix all the issues and make the experience something great… In fact, there is a sequel that's been out a year already on PC. With that in mind, it’s even harder to wholly recommend Drug Dealer Simulator. It doesn’t lose points for already having a better-looking sequel, but it does mean waiting for a console port of the sequel or playing it now on PC might be a better bet.

Qomp 2's premise is novel but it is mercifully short. It becomes too annoying to play and there is no replay value. The puzzles and exploration are only made challenging because of the way the ball does its own thing, and once the correct path or sequences are apparent, there is not much else here - yet it is also the entire backbone that Qomp 2 relies on, ultimately becoming a shallow experience.

While The Meating clings to its NES roots, those roots ultimately feel more like dead weight than a solid foundation. It succeeds in capturing the look and feel of those classic NES titles, but at the same time it struggles to innovate or offer a compelling reason for players to invest their time. In the crowded landscape of retro-inspired indies, The Meating fails to distinguish itself. The end result is something that feels more antiquated than nostalgic, and like most meat that has been left out too long it is probably best to steer clear and look for something a bit fresher.

Loretta is certainly an ambitious title that offers a unique narrative experience without a lot of close comparisons on the Switch. The atmospheric presentation is great and the dark, unsettling story provides a compelling reason to check out Loretta even with all the other issues. However, some technical issues, underwhelming gameplay mechanics, and a slightly uneven story prevent this from fully realising its potential. Fans of psychological thrillers and narrative-driven adventures should probably give it a chance. It offers a glimpse into a haunting world worth exploring as long expectations are tampered a bit at the door.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered isn’t a reinvention. It’s just a time capsule with a fresh coat of vibrant high-quality paint. Under the hood? It is pretty much the same beloved sandbox RPG of the early 2000s, with few of its issues fixed for this new update. Fans are advised to go straight for the purchase as long as they have a capable system. The rest are advised to wait for a price drop, some bug fixes, or preferably both.

Bigger can indeed be better. Planet Coaster 2 successfully iterates on the first instalment by adding interesting new concepts and gameplay systems that enhance the experience. Anyone who enjoys a management sim, tycoon, or just wants a fun park builder will find this to be a perfect match. Highly recommended. Get splashed!

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is clearly inspired by many sources - the character modifications of Final Fantasy VIII’s Junction system, Persona's combat user interface and camera work, and the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice parry and dodge mechanics - but the way Sandfall Interactive uses these inspirations together with the story, the characters, and the music is unique. No microtransactions, no subscription pass, no major features trapped behind future patches; Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a single-player complete experience, with a New Game Plus to keep players coming back. Meanwhile, its exceptional music, writing, voice acting and visuals make it as aesthetically pleasing as it is mechanically satisfying and interesting. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a Game of the Year frontrunner.

Not only just a great sequel, Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer is one of the best point-and-click adventures available out there - a classic of the genre without a single shred of doubt. The few flaws at hand, chief among them how this doesn’t spend as much quality time with its secondary characters as it could, aren’t enough to ruin this pleasantly dark (yet also funny) and engrossing whodunit/cosmic horror thriller. It has plenty of great detective-style puzzle solving, lots of entertaining dialogue, and is wrapped in some of the finest pixel art.

The Apollo Justice trilogy is a fantastic set of visual novel games that do a great job at involving you with the narrative and making you feel smart while doing it. The immediate replay value is virtually nonexistent and it’s a shame it doesn’t do more to clean up its more outdated elements, but that’s not the biggest issue when their already high value is accentuated in HD. They’re a great entry point for visual novel or Ace Attorney newbies, and veterans revisiting these games can do so with these undeniably definitive versions.

It is unfortunate that the last Atelier on Nintendo Switch before Switch 2 launches has so many issues. There is great strength in the Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land character personalities, stories and design, yet the world is either environmentally rich or totally empty with little in it to see and do. By the time the credits roll, Yumia is loved enough to replay for the story's sake, as well as enjoy the New Game Plus extra bosses to fight and clear everything 100% for completionists. Nonetheless, it is not an Atelier game that fully showcases why the series is so beloved. Perhaps if there is a sequel it will solve all the bugs that so heavily affect gameplay.

A visually impressive port of a previously released action-adventure game. Anyone who is already a fan will enjoy returning to this with its extra polish. While the graphics are often commendable, there are instances where the art appears outdated or inconsistent. Fans of Zelda-style games may find this title appealing, as it offers a grand sense of adventure and exploration. Although it has its flaws, Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition provides a satisfying experience for those seeking a more casual action-adventure game.

The Exit 8 is a simple game that manages to capture the feeling of paranoia and the uncanny valley in a way very few titles can. This is a short escape room adventure that will have the player combing every corner looking for anything out of the ordinary, and while it might sound painful, it's a quite incredible experience.

It could be argued that the jittery models of this port suit the silly theme throughout the story. Regardless, Gas Station Simulator can tend to keep your attention for a few hours. Whether it is making sure the shelves are stocked for an approaching party bus or that there is enough fuel for those just passing through, this is property management done comedically well. Definitely give it a go if looking for a humorous simulator.

Rose & Camellia Collection is a game that embraces its absurdity and delivers a unique experience to the Switch. It is definitely charming overall and enjoyable enough while it lasts. However, the creativity in concept doesn’t necessary translate to creativity in gameplay, and too many fights play out in pretty much the same way. Add in some imprecise controls and limited content and it winds up being a less enjoyable experience than it could have been. For players seeking a quirky, short-lived adventure filled with aristocratic slap battles, this collection may provide a few hours of entertainment. The $20 price tag does seem a bit steep for what it is, though, so it might be best to wait for these aristocrats to put on an estate sale.

Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II is even less of a visual novel than its predecessors and leans in more heavily with the adventure game mechanics like inventory and key item collecting. It is also more streamlined than before and the story is not as compelling as it was the first time. The lack of urgency diminishes the stakes and the puzzles are far too easy to feel any sense of dread or mystery. At worst, Death Mark II can feel boring. Its best aspects lie in its audio and visual departments, whereas the story and gameplay are merely serviceable.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker is a pristine piece of DLC. Forgoing the inclination to merely take on more of the same, Sabotage Studio diversifies what made the base game great and continues delivering a masterful understanding of RPGs.

Returning to Croc: Legend of the Gobbos after so many years is a joy. The music and setting are as vibrant and fun to engage with as ever, and the characters that inhabit the islands are just as cute. This remaster is the definitive way to play Croc's first adventure and a worthy contender for best PS5 platformer. Nostalgia plays a hand in this enjoyment, however, so if a platformer with old mechanics sounds like a hard sell, give it a pass.

DreadOut 2 does not offer much replay value. It is a very rough and sloppy horror game, but it is an endearing one with some culture behind it that makes it memorable and kind of admirable. At the very least, Linda is quite sexy and the developers capitalise on this with longing and low camera angles of her. It is as if the developers were proud of her character model and to their credit, she is the best-looking asset in the game. It is unfortunate the same level of care was not put into the rest of DreadOut 2, because with a bit more time and some refinement, this could have been a cult classic. Unfortunately, it fails as a guilty pleasure and is more frustrating than anything.

The dark fantasy prequel to Doom is a bold, beautiful and occasionally bloated evolution of the series. In the process of daring to change core mechanics and replace old toys with new, it will disappoint many, and the story, which is mostly pretty darn good and full of cool moments, would surely benefit by removing some of the excess fat. The good news is that while Doom: The Dark Ages fumbles and falls every now and then, combat remains as riveting as it has always been, and when things finally click it will make you feel like a brutal god of war.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 a lot of fun, with tons and tons of Easter eggs to prior games, all variations of humour, and loads of weapons and characters. There is very little negative to point at. The raw variety of characters, from the bold and aggressive to the fun and silly, to the dark and serious somehow all fits together. All of the upgrades to acquire for weapons, items and soldiers leads to a great experience of wanting to play one more level shooting up some aliens.

It’s nice that something that would otherwise “die” did not, so the developer behind Captain Blood should be applauded - but that doesn’t mean that the game itself is an easy recommendation. It’s a pirate-themed hack ‘n’ slasher that, aside from the HD textures, is stuck two decades into the past. In other words, it’s an entertaining ride, but a bit too repetitive and, most of all, forgettable, so it’s hard to recommend it to anyone but its target audience and their nostalgia for the era this belongs to. Even they are advised to wait, however, because there are currently a couple of very annoying bugs.

Outcast: A New Beginning is a very enjoyable but flawed experience. It has a lot to like and a generic story to ignore. Its highest highs are when Slade is mobile and can freely explore at the player's pace. Hopefully the technical shortcomings can be ironed out to make the experience smoother, because Slade is a fun character to play as...even if he looks like an awkward dad.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin features a deceptively complex combat system with nigh endless monster customisation options. Players can craft powerful monsters by acquiring genes through gameplay, and this system encourages players to continuously battle and collect monster eggs. The story is standard for a JRPG but is elevated by elements from the Monster Hunter universe and high-quality cutscenes. The voice acting and writing is well done, except for the character of Navirou who is a constant irritant. Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers deep gameplay for those that enjoy complex character building. The PlayStation 4 conversion is dazzling, and anyone who already played it on Nintendo Switch should consider this updated port for its improved fidelity.

It is hard to find reasons to recommend Dead Dragons when the game itself could not be finished due to an unusual issue. All the unfortunate trifling elements contribute to the sentiment that it is not the usual fun Kemco style of RPGs. There are not even enjoyable secret passages to explore to offset the numerous issues. Perhaps this is one title that should not have been ported to Nintendo Switch.

Deadcraft offers a stimulating farming and harvesting mechanic that keeps the gameplay engaging, despite the easier difficulty level. It targets those who prefer a darker, more punk-nihilistic aesthetic compared to the lighter, cuter style of series like Rune Factory. It runs very well on Nintendo Switch, and while the visuals may not be as polished as a AAA title, Deadcraft makes up for it with its unique style and creative gameplay.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is lucky to have seen the light of day. The trade-off is one of the rockiest launches since Cyberpunk 2077. The game is already a very specific acquired taste, but compounded with the hopelessly unplayable state, it cannot be recommended...yet. Maybe one day after the developers' home is free from the global strife, they can take the time to salvage what could be a pretty cool game. Until then, stay safe, stalkers.

For what is the debut creation of a small indie studio, Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is quite the impressive feat, and the team behind it should be proud of what has been accomplished here. A very good video game, however, this is not. Combat and generally the controls are good, the developer worked really hard to provide tons of world building, the whole thing looks pretty, and everything works as intended…but it’s just not that exciting. Almost everything on offer here sits exactly in the middle of the fun factor spectrum. It’s an okay game that lasts about 40 hours.

The general quality of Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is surprisingly good. Between the facial animations, likeable protagonist, and general humour, the game hits a lot of key points that are rare nowadays. What really drags things down is that some segments become very hard to advance due to not clicking on the correct object or mixing items the right way. Further, while the day-to-day story is quite entertaining, the larger plot simply takes far too long to develop, which may leave players to check out before it takes off.

DreadOut distinguishes itself within the horror genre by drawing inspiration from Indonesian folklore, creating a unique and intriguing atmosphere. Regretfully, it is painful to play due to the harrowing roughness of the final product. Despite its current flaws, it possesses potential for improvement. A critical update is necessary to rectify game-breaking glitches, crashes, and graphical bugs. Given the prolonged period of unresolved issues on the PC platform, the likelihood of these fixes being applied to any console versions is remote.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit is a surprisingly effective and well-made entry in a franchise that is overblown and played out. The adventure gameplay crossed with survival horror is exactly what this series needed. Bolstered with impressive pixel art and animation, it stands out from average indie horror titles by setting the bar high with its craftsmanship. The plot and time travel rules won't always make sense and come at the expense of the writer trying to tell a story. Looking past these flaws is still an impressive and butt-clenching horror title that is dense with thrills and chills.

Max Mustard is a joyous platformer that wears its inspiration on its sleeve. It makes great use of the PS VR2 hardware by involving players in the action not just through direct control of Max, but through interactions with the environment. The popping colours, happy vibes and cool art style all help it feel really polished and exciting from start to end. With punchy boss fights and a great sense of scale, there really isn't anything this doesn't do really well. A thorough recommendation for PS VR2 owners!

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered is far from a definitive remaster. It was always a subpar FPS on Nintendo 64, and try as it might, Nightdive Studios could only polish an average shooter so far. The developer's efforts were also questionable since the multiplayer mode was cut, and some of the new visuals look horribly out of place. At the very least, Turok 3 is (mostly) preserved along with its predecessors, and fans can rest easy knowing that they have the entire trilogy at their fingertips.

Madison VR is a real thrilling port of this horror title and is an example of just how immersive the genre can be when played in this medium. The original gameplay is expertly translated into the VR space and indeed arguably amplified by it. From a sound and atmosphere perspective, this is a premium experience – even if at times other games on the Meta Quest have offered a bit more of the tactile interactable objects. Some of those quality of life and accessibility features could use improvements and may put some people off. However, it’s so easy to get lost in this world and taken over by the creepy atmosphere that overlooking some of the missing features is relatively easy to do.

Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy is a fantastic adventure game and a great remake. What Microids has created here is a great tribute to Sokal's original work, producing something far more lavish and accomplished that manages to carry the charm and emotion that the storytelling deserves. A real good 'un!

Lunar Remastered Collection is a meticulously curated compilation that preserves the integrity of the original PlayStation versions while introducing subtle enhancements. Gameplay remains largely unaltered, with the most significant quality-of-life addition being adjustable battle speed controls, so some modern players may need to curve their expectations. This feature streamlines combat, expediting minor encounters and grinding sessions. Lunar Remastered Collection showcases two exemplary JRPGs from the genre’s peak era and offers a compelling, accessible package at an attractive price, making it an essential experience for enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic yet refined presentation of these influential titles.

Star Wars Outlaws is a fantastic and thrilling entry in the series. It uproots a lot of the established Star Wars game tropes and benefits hugely from ditching the Jedi. Kay Vess' first outing is a worthy adventure that not only cements her character as a sarcastic rogue but as a contender for the top spot on the scum and villainy podium. Pair this with beautiful visuals and sound design and this is a Star Wars game fans need to pick up.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster offers a streamlined experience with an easier gameplay balance, improved controls and some regretful censored content. While some of these changes may disappoint series veterans, the core appeal remains intact. The overhauled visuals and simplified gameplay mechanics make it more accessible to a wider audience, including younger and casual players.

There is nothing overtly wrong with Farmagia, yet somehow it doesn't captivate interest as much as other Marvelous farming titles. It has an intriguing story, a lot of tasks to focus on for progression in terms of attaining skills and expanding the farm, and a variety of characters to lead the party. However, unlike other agriculture themed series, the repetitive nature of farming creatures and romping in dungeons grows old fast. It feels like it is missing a spark, but if there is a sequel, hopefully it will find the excitement that all the other Marvelous farming titles possess that is absent here.

Elrentaros Wanderings had so much potential. After one inevitable wall and annoyance too many, the flaws will be too great to ignore any longer and will result in most just abandoning the adventure. From the utterly simplistic town, complete with non-moving NPCs, to various soft locks based on the general lack of a progression system, to simple design choices like the lack of save slots, this feels more like an alpha version or a tech demo, not something that its peers are just far better than.

Once the one that would show the industry how things should be done, Civilization VII is an unpolished, pale imitation of what a Civilization instalment should be. There are a myriad of problems with this, but the biggest one is that the wonderful feeling of freedom for which the series was always known for is now completely gone, as players are forced to go down very specific paths in every single match. Unless there’s a very, very big sale, it would be best to stay away from this bundle of disappointment.

Among metroidvania titles available, Rusty Rabbit holds its own, though it falls short of its contemporaries due to the disruptive flow of cutscenes and narration. Its controls could be more fluent and responsive, but the dense atmosphere and writing carry the weight of the experience, making it memorable and interesting enough to stand out from the crowd in a saturated genre.

One of the most disappointing mixed bags of 2025, there are so many cool ideas and mechanics in Greco-Roman-flavoured metroidvania Somber Echoes, but the way they were implemented kind of ruins what could be something truly fantastic. An intriguing story that’s badly told, neat platforming mechanics that are needlessly strict, exploration that makes you want to find it all and at the same time has you thinking if it’s worth the trouble, and, finally, combat that is great...but only when everything works the way it is supposed to. Fans of the genre should keep an eye on it, but be prepared for something that is annoying and fun in almost equal measures.

Nailing all the key aspects of what draws players into the genre, each hour or so run is fast and fun. Amazingly, the characters play wildly different, from zipping all over the board to blanketing it with bombs. While StarVaders is missing that rare chance of a single card or move that instantly becomes overpowered, the power curve is typically satisfying. The only thing holding things back are the frequent freezes and crashes, along with Steam Deck problems of buttons freezing. Thankfully, the save system is forgiving, so these are only minor annoyances.

It might be from a different decade, but the vibrant colours and toe-tapping soundtrack alongside unforgettable characters make Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana a perfect fit on PlayStation 5 in the 2020s. It feels like it has come a full circle from its PS Vita origins, providing new fans the opportunity to play the incredible tale of Adol and Dana's adventure and returning fans to once more enjoy the thrill of what is like the best Ys game to date.

The standout features of Reynatis are its combat mechanics and soundtrack. Overcoming the initial disappointment caused by the subpar visuals and repetitive level design will be challenging for many players. However, those who persevere and allow the game's strengths to emerge will find themselves immersed in the intense action and captivating spectacle.

There are many quality games out there made with RPG Maker software, but almost all of them were created on a PC using a professional tier version. It is possible to make something in RPG Maker With on a console, but anyone looking to create their epic magnum opus will be discouraged by the lack of art assets and the sheer density of complexities that go into making anything, which is made harder on a controller. Gamers who only want to play the RPGs might be better off playing any other indie RPG in the eShop. The user generated content will be amusing at best. The RPG Maker With scene might be more interesting on PC, but on consoles, this is a teaching tool for kids to learn about game design.

The initial bright and breezy atmosphere of 7 Days of Rose unravels into a darker psychological dive that is unexpected but cleverly executed. The plot twists surrounding rich girl Rose's seemingly ideal life that innocent bystander Michael peels back the layers of, combined with spectacularly beautiful scenes in this holiday tale, make for a visual novel that is hard to put down on Nintendo Switch.

Haunted House's task-based exploration and emphasis on stealth offer promising foundations for a compelling gameplay loop. However, challenges with enemy interactions, inconsistent stealth cues, and the occasional lack of reliable hiding options detracts from the overall experience. Refining these aspects could elevate gameplay to its full potential. Its premise may not faithfully represent the Atari 2600 Haunted House apart from the scenes of eyes in the darkness, but overall Haunted House does manage to be a compelling experience on its own.

The atmosphere, characters and general style are all high points, but Ravenswatch's major issue comes from how repetitious the gameplay loop is and that rarely anything new or cool pops up. The base structure is there to have been a really cool roguelite, but as it's far more strict in its roguelike nature, it's tough to recommend in any large capacity, lacking in too many things to encourage frequent plays.

Pathologic 2 is extremely unpleasant and crushing to play, but that is seemingly the entire point. The thought and effort poured into the balance of all the economies to make every action carry immense weight took courage from the developer. Haruspex are healers with a single purpose and live to save lives, but living does not come so easily in Pathologic 2. Those who are fascinated by the prospect of an immersive survival game where the fun is trying to make the best out of a losing situation will find this worth their time. Just keep an eye on your blood pressure while playing.

Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is frustrating because it is so close to being great and is only undermined by its utterly perplexing choices put into the boosters. The meta of resisting the boosters is too distracting for the experience, and succumbing turns these games into walking sims with some visual novel elements. The new UI elements have an air of "mobile game" about them, but thankfully the in-game visuals still look hot, and the QOL feature to speed up combat is a worthwhile addition. Baten Kaitos I & II are not the best from Monolith Soft, but they are both still way better than Xenosaga: Episode II and are roughly on the same level as Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Even without the boosters, there are better retro JPRGs out there, but few of them will look as nice as these.

As a side or minigame, Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos might be kind of fun…for about an hour, but as a nearly full price game, something like this is tough to swallow. The whole thing can be beaten in a few hours, and the gameplay is entirely derivative, bland and lacking much in the way of anything interesting. Idea Factory should stick more with the ecchi games or themes, as that's what they're best at.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a good game. It is not pushing new ground for the series except in the multiplayer functionality. What Rebellion has made is a solid title that expands carefully on the concepts of the previous game without rocking the boat. An explosive and gut-exploding dose of sniper fun. If this doesn't explode your testicles, nothing will!

Fans going into Contra: Operation Galuga will be very bored and repulsed by the hideous mobile-like graphics. Anyone else who just wants to mindlessly run and gun while taking it easy, might have a few hours of amusement. The lack of polished controls and excessive load times on Nintendo Switch don't do this one any favours, either. This is a very mediocre shooter that plays it too safe and feels soulless.

For a kid's game, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is certainly going to capture the imaginations of its target audience. Fans of the original Ufouria are likely in their late 30s to early 40s and will likely find this to be a very safe and by-the-numbers languid platformer. Anyone who enjoys the likes of Kirby will feel right at home with this surreal and charming Metroidvania, but those that have grown tired of the genre will be better off looking elsewhere for thrills.

Bzzzt is a solid bite-sized action platformer that is elevated thanks to its incredible pixel art and music. The generic story won't be the reason why anyone plays it and might make the game forgettable, but the gameplay and challenge leave a lingering impression. For its price, there is no going wrong with it, and fans of the genre will be engaged by its tight mechanics.

Like the previous games, Haydee 3 is an old-school tough, highly atmospheric, enjoyably perplexing metroidvania-style action-adventure (yes, one with a super-curvy protagonist), but it doesn’t really feel like a new product that builds on previously laid foundations. In other words, it’s more like an expansion, than a continuation. Do keep an eye at it, but better wait for decent price. You can always (re)play the previous games while waiting for that to happen…

Bringing back classic handheld entries into one convenient bundle, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection enhances each game with new modification options, fresh translations for many, and online play for one title in particular. Some of the selection feels like more of a historical novelty than solid games in their own right, and a lack of proper tutorials in any of them make that barrier of entry somewhat prohibitive, but new players willing to persevere will find a robust group of titles waiting for them.

The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered is a solid JRPG, but its story leaves something to be desired. There is almost nothing to emotionally latch onto. However, it offers a satisfying gameplay loop for those who enjoy grinding out weapon skills and spells, and exploring vast regions. If you're looking for a more engaging narrative and deeper gameplay systems, however, Emerald SaGa might be a better choice. While both games share similar turn-based combat, Emerald SaGa boasts a richer story and more robust mechanics.

Die by the Blade falls short in delivering a truly engaging experience in the current state it is in. The developers have made a statement promising to put right its issues and include further single player modes to improve the package offering. It is an admirable position, but also a concerning trend in the industry today. Without a doubt, it is an interesting concept to bring back and modernise, but here it feels more like a missed opportunity than a modern successor to its classic inspiration. Perhaps one for the Cyberpunk 2077 or No Man's Sky treatment?

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a reboot, and like all reboots, it will always leave behind some of those fans that so cherish the originals. That said, for all the fans it might annoy, this new title has released to a very positive response to what has, at times over the decades, been a harsh jury of critics in the gaming press, which says a lot. It's easy to see why. While keeping to the core roots of the much-loved Dynasty Warriors 2 to 5, it forges a new path that takes advantage of the power of modern PCs and gameplay that taps into some of the trends of modern gaming. No, the main character here is not going to win any awards, and future games have definitely left a lot of scope to build on, but if Origins is now the template going forward for Dynasty Warriors, it is easy to get excited about the future of the series.

The anticipated unexpected plot twists combined with highly appealing graphics make Battlefield Waltz a sturdy winner on the Switch. The ease of rewinding scenes and observing which game choices have been selected add to its charm, although enjoyment is marred by how hard it can be to get onto the six routes, as well as even getting a good ending in any of them. This is the sole part that didn't age so well, but hopefully RNG is kinder to the majority of players.

There's literally nothing special about S.Prysm Destroyer. It is average to a fault. A mediocre shooter where you simply move to the right and shoot at robotic things that want to hurt you. It's overly simple, repetitive, and in the case of the Switch port, annoying due to its user-unfriendly control scheme.

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a dramatically improved iteration in almost all aspects. The only area where it disappoints is the sloppily applied AI filtering effect for the once-beautiful watercolour backgrounds. The wealth of new features, restored story content, and refined gameplay has finally made this classic PlayStation RPG all that it can be and more. The medieval German flavour and political intrigue with fantasy elements will make this a hit with fans of Game of Thrones, and gamers that felt disappointed by it when it came out will have renewed appreciation thanks to the gameplay enhancements.

Graphically impressive and different from the norm, Lila's Sky Ark is a charming title to look at. The music balances with the presentation splendidly. When it comes to game mechanics, however, there tends to be a lot lacking. With only the ability to hurl stonework and other quirky items, major boss fights almost feel silly. The main story remains a mystery if not actively exploring and may cause some players to feel lost or question the purpose of gameplay. This may be a benefit for those seeking a more thought-provoking game, yet it takes too much time to get there.

Some of the art, like the background scenery and the character portraits, is a sight to behold in Astral Ascent. Unfortunately, this is in stark contrast to how the actual characters look, which is distractingly bad. Anyone wanting a Hades-like experience will be happy. With the typical dopamine hits of new moves and upgrades, the complexities of the spell system distracts from some of the simple fun of its progenitor, so if you are looking for an anime-like platformer, this will fit the bill. Astral Ascent is worth checking out, but is not going to blow anyone away.

Cold VR has done an interesting job in taking the Superhot DNA and twisting it into something different. It's fun, fast and frenetic, and is a good way to spend 30-minute bursts of action in VR, especially for those who really enjoy similar styles of game. For some, the change of pace from Superhot will be pleasing. However, a tacked-on story that never really gets off the ground and a less refined physics system with some inconsistencies in combat, makes it feel decidedly more like a budget version of its main inspiration, except with a price tag that doesn't quite match.

Aside from its main gimmick of confining and leaning on a main human with medium abilities, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a plain strategy RPG. It has no shortage of content and will keep gamers playing for well over 100 hours if they aim to defeat the optional superbosses or endlessly grind characters to god-like strength in hopes of surviving the hardest modes. It can be exhausting and sleep-inducing, but it is a well-made strategy RPG for anyone who has a tolerance for intense sweetness.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a classic turn-based JRPG that has been reinvigorated with deeper gameplay and new ideas that will keep it relevant for years to come. It's faithful where it counts and improves upon the experience, justifying itself with innovations and rebalances that invite veterans and newcomers to see why this franchise keeps enduring.

Good graphics and solid mechanics are held back by the way the player is never given much of a reason to do anything but the current main objective, and the laid-back nature of the game conflicts with the main-character-is-dying dilemma presented as the driving force of the story. The developers at Vile Monarch have put together some great systems and laid the groundwork for a fun simulation game, but fall short of giving players much of a reason or opportunity to actually play in it. There are a lot of good things here, and with more direction and purpose, the team is clearly capable of making something great. Despite the flaws, The Last Alchemist is still a fun casual game that'll feel right at home for those who love a nice stroll through a whimsical landscape or laid-back puzzle solving.

The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a worthwhile horror game, but one that will test one's patience. The randomisation compounded with the cruel and unfair AI throwing outrageously long QTEs will undoubtedly frustrate the most dedicated horror fans. However, it is fun to see Youngho again and to find out what he has been up to, and the scares deliver the chills.

Tales of Graces f Remastered's most compelling feature is its combat system. It's a serviceable JRPG experience, potentially appealing to younger players disinclined towards turn-based systems. While its emphasis on "the power of friendship" may resonate with this demographic, older gamers will find the narrative lame and its character motivations underdeveloped. Although the writing occasionally exhibits weaknesses, the narrative does offer moments of genuine emotional impact.

Nightdive Studios did the best they could with a mediocre game. The Thing was never a good game and the original developers often lamented over the final product. They had much grander ambitions that could have made it a genuine classic. While the remaster's technical execution is commendable, the source material's was questionable. Despite this, the remaster may serve as an impetus for future adaptations of John Carpenter's film. The film's core concept remains a compelling narrative foundation and has potential for more successful interpretations in the right hands.

Yars Rising offers a unique interpretation of the classic Yars' Revenge. While the narrative may be unmemorable and the cutscenes intrusive, the gameplay remains engaging, thanks to its surprising remixes of the original game and how they fit in the structure of a Metroidvania. The stealth mechanics, though simplistic, contribute to the overall experience.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist may not reinvent the Metroidvania genre, but it beautifully nails its thesis. Its tale of dystopian despair unfurls with elegance, carried by characters as striking as they are melancholic, and gameplay that borrows wisely from the genre's titans. Like Lilac herself, Ender Magnolia blooms amid the mist.

The large amount of content in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition may be misleading, as it feels spread thin across the short main game. This suggests that the developers may have originally planned for more levels, but were unable to complete them. The trade-off for a shorter game is a larger amount of bonus content and a high-quality presentation. However, this repetitive level design may cause player fatigue before they are finished exploring all of the extra modes.

The off-colour humour won't be for everyone. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is an unapologetically crass and vulgar action-horror game from another time. It is no surprise as to why it became a cult classic. Its gameplay is still stimulating and the art direction is way ahead of what's available on the market today. The gory imagery and cool designs made it resonate with gamers, and while the remaster is rather plain, New Game Plus, motion controls, and costumes breathe a little more life into it.

Schim isn't without its merits. For players looking for a more casual, low stakes experience, it can be a relaxing time to shut off the mind to, and the art style alone is worth admiring. It's built on a strong conceptual foundation, even if it struggles to make the most of its intriguing premise. Although it doesn't quite hit the mark fully, Schim should be applauded for trying to do something different and unique. There is a certain satisfaction to leaping from shadow to shadow, much like one might imagine as a child looking out from the window and also imagine during a long car journey. Much like those car-imagining journeys, though, the novelty can fade quickly, but at least it doesn't make one feel queasy, like reading a Beano would.