From the stunning, emotion-filled prologue to when the credits roll, Visions of Mana is a spectacular journey that is more than just a visual delight. Understanding the magic system and switching mana elements once obtained is not hard for newcomers to the series to understand. The captivating story is elevated with the memorable soundtrack, and all the characters were likeable. It has its flaws, especially post-game, but overall it is a great introduction to the legendary series and without doubt will lead newer fans to explore older titles, and hope for a new one in the future.

Capcom has delivered another terrific collection of fighting games with all the bells and whistles, packed with music, promotional art and development images that every fan of these still-great arcade titles will appreciate. Care has been given to ensure gameplay options are there for all types of players, with solid training and online modes that will introduce a new generation to some of Marvel and Capcom's best collaborative work.

Although not without its faults in due part to the trial-and-error situations that require exhausting all options in conversations, Emio - The Smiling Man is a game that will keep fans glued to the end, topped off with a very appealing art style and fair 10+ hour storyline that doesn't overstay its welcome. There isn't much else to see and do once the full story is done, but it is one worth experiencing.

Does a blend of boxing workouts and Hatsune Miku work well? Oddly, it does. There's a joyful, energetic tracklist to prop up the workouts and a sweet medley of routines to try. Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku can certainly make players sweat. There is a good variation of songs to choose from, though the game could have benefited from a larger selection in line with the Project Diva series. If you're into the Vocaloid pop and crave an intense workout, this take on Fitness Boxing may well be worth a go!

The remastered version of Monster Hunter Stories definitely opens up the world of the original game to new players. It does seem a bit odd why this was released after Monster Hunter Stories 2 given the plot similarity, however it was probably the second's success that enabled this remaster to happen. It is absolutely worth a place in the Nintendo Switch library because of the sheer amount of fun had collecting monsties and helping NPCs out with their wide-ranging problems. Not everyone will care about the extras, but the fully voiced dialogue adds to the immersion level. Let's hope the Switch successor leads to a third Monster Hunter Stories title, this time with significantly changed story and new areas to explore.

Fundamentally, Earth Defence Force 6 is 'more of the same' as 5, with an improved story and some very slight changes. The darker story is much more welcome, and the new enemies and weapons give players more variety. Gameplay wise it is going to be nearly the same as the last main entry, with the pretty cool narrative style of the opening levels. It's not going to blow anyone away, but it's very much in the vein of fun that will suck the hours away.

Minds Beneath Us is a truly interesting and cerebral adventure told with heart and, at times, prosaic writing. It is full of intimate character moments that make the people feel alive and fully rounded. It can be a little slow at times and sometimes quick time events come from nowhere but it's so satisfying and the story has some very well executed moments that really let it shine. If narrative adventure sounds like a delightful time then this game is the one, in a word; Recommended.

This is a lengthy action platformer geared towards kids that will get mileage out of those that previously enjoyed Goemon titles back in the day. There are many similarities between Konami's sidelined franchise and BAKERU, but Good-Feel's latest release suffers from repetitive gameplay and a poor frame rate that hinders enjoyment. There is a strong appeal to the Japanese themes and setting, along with a cartoon style, child-friendly story and low difficulty that means all age groups can appreciate it. Just don't expect something quite reaching the qualities of Nintendo's top platformers.

It's hard to imagine anything else Paper Trail could offer. It's a tidy little cosy puzzle package with enough oomph to satisfy puzzle game veterans and newbies alike. The charming story and visuals make it stand out and the level of love and care for the title is evident in the gameplay feel, making this a game to recommend.

Sexy low-poly girl beats zombies in a mall for about an hour, and the biggest challenge, besides the unpolished controls, will be to stay awake, as you'll pretty get what this can give in less than 10 minutes, and then be required to keep on with the monotonous gameplay just to reach the finishing line. Hot Blood is not recommended at all. Not even to lovers of low-budget, silly titles.

SteamWorld Heist II is impressively epic and offers gamers a lot of bang for their buck. It's a bigger, better, and more varied strategy game than its predecessor. While the story is mostly fluff to support the deep combat systems and character building, most people won't notice because they'll be too focused on the heat of a battle which unfolds like a tense story in its own right.

Despite some shortcomings with the supporting cast and some slightly buggy AA technical hiccups, RoboCop: Rogue City is the ultimate RoboCop experience. Fans will get a lot of bang for their buck here since it is a shockingly lengthy game, clocking in over thirty hours. It is very authentic to the films and captures their essence, but lacks the courage to introduce fresh ideas. The developers have been very active in patching some of the glitches, so it stands to become a better experience as time goes on. Hopefully, they will implement a new game plus one day too.

Beyond Good & Evil's characters and story still have something to offer in the current age, and its small world is a refreshing change to the huge, open expanses seen in every other adventure today. Although it lacks quality in a multitude of areas, including combat, stealth sections, and camera controls, Jade's adventure attempts to tell a compelling narrative that will have players eager to reach its conclusion. It seems quite clear after playing that Beyond Good & Evil was supposed to be something much more than what it is, and it remains to be seen where things go from here, but this adventure harks back to a fun era in video games and holds up just about well enough that it deserves a playthrough today - just maybe have a guide at the ready to figure a few things out.

After Us stands as a thought-provoking testament to human responsibility, but it leaves untouched the broader canvas of nature's relentless force. Recognizing both sides of this environmental equation would have offered a more comprehensive perspective on the intricate dance between humanity and the natural world, underscoring the urgent need for responsible stewardship of our planet. The gameplay is serviceable and the game's length won't leave anyone asking for more, but the real showstopper is its gorgeous visuals and ambiance.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess proves that Capcom's golden period is long lasting. This unique title not only provides a fun and engaging experience, it does so with such ease it's kind of mesmerising. A fun gameplay loop, polished presentation and entertaining story make this a game to remember, as with other works from the same director! If action and strategy combined sounds like a good time then Kunitsu-Gami is a no-brainer; get it now and throw down some sick dance moves in the name of Yoshiro!

Picross S+ is yet another great title that holds up the quality of standard developer Jupiter is known for. It is a bit sad that the base game does not come with any Color Picross puzzles, but overall, these can be unlocked with DLC purchases and even the base game by itself provides hours of fun!

With the fantastic theming, all the options and fantastically challenging puzzles, Picross S Namco Legendary Edition is a must-have for puzzle fans and Namco fans alike. A great way to relax while still keeping those little brain cells occupied for a bit, this title is a great little addition to play for relaxing or while travelling.

Overall, there is plenty to devour in the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition package - a history trip through Nintendo's original hits in bite-sized, repayable chunks. As a speed-running package, it very much ticks all those boxes. The lack of remixed content and visual tweaks does hinder its potential, however. There is opportunity there, though, for Nintendo to expand the package if they decide to going forward. All in all, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a nostalgic treat for competitive players that's well worth a go or two or three!

For fans of this type of game and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themselves, Splintered Fate does the job admirably and doesn't skimp on development of the characters, providing a faithful love letter to the franchise. Stay calm, take it step by step, and have a quick bash whenever the mood takes you to ensure a fun and long-lasting experience. Bossa Nova!

Luigi's Mansion 2 HD still has the feeling of a portable game that was tailored to the system it was built for, but for the most part, things have been ported over extremely well. The mission-based structure that pulls players out of the game on a frequent basis, constant interruptions from E. Gadd, and a lack of saving until stages are completed detract from what is otherwise a light-hearted and fun little adventure rife with plenty of secrets to discover and puzzles galore, albeit one that isn't on par with the first and third entries in the series. The improved visuals and controls are a boon that make Luigi's Mansion 2 a better game than it was before, but with a lack of much else that's new, the high price tag is a big ask.

Pepper Grinder is a short little platformer that delivers a satisfying gameplay concept, but it can take time to grasp the full mechanics due to the fast speed and slight unpredictability of where Pepper will move during and after the drilling process. The slower speed option can help alleviate the issues, but those that take the time to master it will be rewarded with a fast-paced adventure with plenty of secrets to discover. Speedrunners will get a lot of purchase out of this one, but it isn't without its problems when dealing with frustrating combat and bosses. Thankfully, the short length balances things out, ensuring Pepper Grinder ends before it gets too tedious.

A lot of Front Mission 2: Remake's shortcomings lie in a mixture of a sloppy transition to becoming a more modern game, including low budget and some of the old design choices from its source material. Many of the best aspects of the original still shine through and the remake's staff did make some legitimate improvements like the options to speed up gameplay aspects of the gamepla. With a bit more time, perhaps a better translation will get patched in and maybe a port for the more powerful consoles will iron out its technical shortcomings. Anyone who desires a demanding and complex strategy mecha game with political intrigue and a plot that predicts the dangers of globalism will get their money's worth with Front Mission 2: Remake.

The focus on online elements positions Megaton Musashi W: Wired as a potential favourite for mobile gamers accustomed to online interaction. While solo and offline play are available, the core experience lies in the extensive online grind alongside other players who prioritise efficiency and rapid mission completion for loot acquisition. The narrative in Megaton Musashi W: Wired may not resonate with all audiences, lacking complexity and English language voice acting. However, it compensates with a focus on bombastic action and over-the-top brawls, reminiscent of the live-action Transformers films. This emphasis on explosive spectacle may hold appeal for players seeking a purely action-oriented experience. Megaton Musashi W: Wired offers a flashy combat experience hampered by a repetitive structure, excessive grinding, and a weak localisation effort. While the frenetic action and customisation may appeal to some, the lack of depth and focus on loot acquisition limit the game's overall appeal.

Cupid Parasite: Sweet and Spicy Darling lures in new fans to the adorable Lynette's love life through balanced backstory telling in this full-length sequel, each route taking a few hours of play depending on reading speed. Returning fans will be ecstatic to see what happens during the happy ever after version of the original tale. The sole difficulty of the game lies in choosing which bachelor story to start with as they are all so interesting. The eye-catching colour palette pairs perfectly with easy-to-use menus and wildly different plot routes. Lynette's married life is not perfect but addresses relatable issues that get solved with humour and make a perfect bedtime read on Nintendo Switch.

Everything that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door entails is everything that is desired in this series - turn-based timed button battles, completely original characters in familiar and new species, witty dialogue, and an emphasis on story and greater lore. This is a unique adventure full of fun and clever gameplay ideas, offering a medium-length RPG that will satisfy Mario fans eager to see more than stomping on koopas and - in the case of the more recent Paper Mario titles - repetitive battle systems and generic characters. If all goes well, fingers crossed that the success of this game can pave the way for a brand-new entry in the same vein as this one - ideally without a paper joke in sight.

Come for the almost Body Horror-esque visual style, stay for the fun and adrenaline pumping shooting action! Angel at Dusk might be a bit too simple for most people, as well as too easy for Bullet Hell veterans and too hard for greenhorns, yet it manages to offer quite the enjoyable ride. It mostly suffers in the replayability department, but if found at a good discount, it's solid recommendation for genre fans and not only.

It's clear from the very first hour into the dark fantasy world of GRAVEN that this retro-flavoured FPS was not a victim of an incompetent developer, but one more example of internal problems that didn't let the team behind it complete its homage to titles like HeXen. The end result remains fun despite its many issues, like its unnecessary long length and unbalanced mechanics. Sadly, it's also very likely that players might stumble upon a game-breaking bug that will ruin hours upon hours of gameplay.

There is no doubt that that the mostly strong level design, amusing character interactions and intriguing story make Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution a solid entry on Nintendo Switch, especially when having both new and returning music that help with the nostalgic feel for returning fans. It is a shame that there are some unbalanced areas in both design and gameplay that could impact enjoyment for some less skilled players, as overall it is a captivating addition to the well-known and beloved Neptunia series.