Triangle Strategy stumbles just enough in those areas to note it, but excels when it comes to tactical combat. It feels right at home on the Switch, as a perfect blend of strategy and RPG to keep coming back to, with just enough reasons to keep exploring post-credits and alternate routes. It may not be a deft landing, but Triangle Strategy is ultimately the tactical RPG I was hoping it would be, holding its own in an increasingly competitive field.

The foundation is there, and I have no doubt that this would have been a stronger game that would have spread via word of mouth to action enthusiasts far and wide if it didn't have the freemium elements.

If you’re looking for a serviceable racer to play on the side that’s full of old school unlocks it’s a fine option; provided you can get past a few hurdles.

I spent more time plumbing the world for ingredients and rewards than I did with the Ryza games, and that means one thing: it really nailed the recipe.

Gran Turismo 7 isn't the second coming of racing games, and it doesn't need to be.

I’m a bit embarrassed I missed out on Little Orpheus when it hit Apple Arcade a year and a half ago. However, because of that blunder, my first excursion through the game was a memorable one because I played it on a screen and a piece of hardware that could truly do those visuals justice.

There is enough here that I’d give a Monark follow-up a shot. One that fills out its stories a bit more, amps up the horror, and flattens out the grind. There are some novel ideas here, and if you’re looking for something outside the RPG status quo and with a darker vibe, Monark could fit the bill. Just go in knowing that it can get arduous, and you’ll need to overlook those faults to find what Monark does that’s really different.

As an experience, it's one of the most wondrous and open-ended games I've played in years.

It didn’t succeed in completely killing my enthusiasm for a new game in a forgotten series. No. It just made me want a deeper, more polished experience, and that’s not the worst thing for a game to do.

It’s not so much a deconstruction of the dating sim, but rather a warped version of it. Dialtown applies its unhinged writing to the genre, and it works exceedingly well. There were many times when I’d elbow my husband to look at whatever the heck was on my screen at that moment. I tried to explain the concept of the game to him and he responded with “please stop.” That’s a win in my books.

Sol Cresta isn't just a revival of a classic franchise, it's a fully-fledged shmup that stands on its own two feet.

Guerilla Games has a great handle on the open world genre at this point, and knows how to cater to people who do like certain broader comfort food elements without going overboard.

Given its strict adherence to an ’80s gaming mentality, Team Berzerk’s tough, visceral platform adventure might not be for everyone. But, for those who crave sadomasochistic challenges, doomsday storytelling, and absolute lashings of the red stuff, Infernax offers up a cathartic dose of 8-bit heathenism. Just run through a few FromSoft titles beforehand… You’ll need to warm up, after all.

The King of Fighters XV represents SNK’s strongest efforts to reignite the flames of its most prestigious franchise. With fantastic fighting action, a compelling roster, splendid visuals, and revamped online options, KoF XV is a treat for both series veterans and the fighting game community at large, though newcomers may still find themselves dizzied by its myriad mechanics and steep learning curve.

I wouldn’t argue that Power to the People is well executed in everything it does. It’s aesthetically pleasing, has that horn-heavy soundtrack that almost every city-builder uses to lull you into a trance, and there wasn’t any part of the formula that I didn’t feel was locked solid. I recommend it if you know what you’re getting into. If you want a title about managing a power grid, have at it. If you’re hoping for a wrinkle in that formula, you’re probably not going to find it.

It’s a razor-thin wire to walk in making this feel rewarding. Too far on one side, and it’s masochistic; too far on the other, and it’s not enough of a challenge. Somehow, Sloclap strikes dead center. Sifu is a challenge worth taking on and overcoming. It’s a story of vengeance with a little heart at the end, and though it might not land perfectly, it’s got a lot of style and action to back it up.

From the perspective of someone who always respected but couldn’t penetrate the series, OlliOlli World feels just perfect. I was engrossed for long periods of time and absolutely ate through the title. I’m ready to move on, rather than push for completion, but I think that’s part of the beauty. There’s something for everyone, whether or not you’ve got a competitive edge or just want to reach for Gnarvana.

Dying Light 2 is safe in some respects, and bold in others: like its propensity to lean into some arcadey notions.

You need to buy into the theme to an extent to deal with some of the shortcomings.

Inti Creates can just keep making games throughout my lifetime.

Given that these are single-player experiences first, it makes sense that there wouldn't be a focus on bringing in multiplayer.

If we take our eyes off what the P.E.N.I.S. is suggesting for a minute, Sucker for Love is a wholly enjoyable experience. The writing is hilarious and clever; especially a treat for anyone who has a Necronomicon on their shelf. Its approach to the genre is completely irreverent, and it pulls it off so well it’s flattering. It’s certainly not the longest visual novel you will find, but it’s worth forfeiting your sanity to summon. Just beware of the bugs that crawl beneath its skin.

For what it’s worth, I enjoyed my time with Windjammers 2. It sucked me in for hours as I slaved over a hot arcade stick. The single-player is very challenging, but it can only hold up the overall product for so long. It’s also not as transcendental as something like Streets of Rage 4 was in its revival of an old formula. It is as it says on the box; a sequel. It might as well have come out in 1996 for all it adds. But it’s also $20, which I think is the right price if a sequel is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also made with a scoop of love for the original title, which comes across in its faithfulness and appearance.

While it doesn't execute fully with its foundation, it does take more risks than I expected, to the point where it's going to be worth a look for some folks.

I was a bit skeptical about Nobody Saves the World pulling off everything it tried to do, but it won me over very quickly.

Firegirl: Hack ’n Splash Rescue is still a work in progress. All of the right elements are here, but they’re not coalescing into what should be the optimal firefighting experience. I truly believe there is a great game buried somewhere within the lines of code that brings it all together. We just got to hold onto hope that Dejima Games will be able to find it.

Unless there are some inherent issues with certain types of machines, God of War is an easy recommendation if you're looking to get in for the first time on PC.

Christmas Massacre is a seasonal treat. It might not have all the fine atmosphere and interesting design as something like Bloodwash, but it’s quick entertainment. It’s a bit of joy to inject into your holidays. And really, even when you’re battling with hit detection, it’s fun to be the slasher. Going around and killing ‘80s teen stereotypes while dressed as Santa is a great way to prepare you for spending time with the family. Just don’t expect anything more than a stocking stuffer. Painting the walls with the festive color of red can be a really good time when everything clicks, but this isn’t Puppet Combo at their finest. It’s quick and messy, like a crime scene. But if you’re already a fan, the tag has your name on it.