Painkiller has a strong base that any shooting game needs. Its weapons are a blast to use and get weird enough to make it satisfying to rip through constant droves of demons. But even that core conceit runs dry over time as the well of ideas simply can’t support limited maps, basic objectives, and not enough variety to keep the flame burning. It’s possible as new content rolls out with DLC, Painkiller may evolve into something greater but right now it can be enjoyed by a group of friends over a weekend or two, hoping to one day leave its limbo of what-ifs.

Two Point Museum, from developer Two Point Studios and publisher Sega, brings a fun and wickedly addictive museum simulator that runs deep with its gameplay. While it’s certainly not as complicated as most simulators of its type, it’s still well thought-through and executed in nearly every aspect of its gameplay.

The base Xillia content is notable for its incredible combat and emotional story, and the additional quality of life content makes the game more palatable than ever before. If you’re wanting to relive Tales of Xillia or are down to experience it for the first time, Tales of Xillia Remastered will give you the nostalgia and emotional depth you need.

Bounty Star from developer DINOGOD and publisher Annapurna Interactive is a lot of different things. It’s a narrative-driven game that features a heavy amount of customization and crafting. All of which goes through mech fighting, which might be the weakest part of the entire package.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings gorgeous graphics, wonderful RPG gameplay, and a fantastically retooled front and back-end system. It captures the majesty of the original releases, while putting its own stamp of modern gaming on every aspect of each adventure.

With its automation, friendlier UI, and fleshed out playstyles outside of expansion, it’s a grand strategy game that is innately fun, endlessly engaging, and worth the decade’s wait.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection from developer and publisher Digital Eclipse exceeds expectations. While the collection doesn’t bring all gaming gems to the surface, it brings enough good arcade and console translations with new features and improved controls that make it an easy sell. To boot, the documentary about the series’ history is well done and also worth the price of admission.

Space Chef from developer Blue Goo Games and publisher Kwalee Ltd is an enjoyable, user-led cozy game that requires your exploratory efforts to make it a fun experience. While not perfect, it offers a deep and rich gameplay experience that is different than the usual cozy game.

Plants vs Zombies Replanted, from developer PopCap and publisher Electronic Arts, is still fun as hell to run through, and doubly so with co-op, mini-games, puzzles, and a new game+ built into it. It’s the complete package. My biggest issue is price point, as the main game from 2009 is a hard sell for me at $20.

Once Upon a Jester feels curated to be improvisational, much like the theater performances in the game. Bonte Avond obviously had a plan, they mapped out a game with art and writing and programming. But in a way, it feels almost guerilla-style. They are throwing players into their tour bus and taking us all along for the ride, performing to an eager group who just want to be a part of the fun. While short and maybe a bit silly, Once Upon a Jester succeeds because it strives to be different, personable and, ultimately, fun.

Once Upon a KATAMARI is a Katamari game at its best, rolling, rolling, and rolling through time collecting items and constructing new planets. The 10+ year wait has been worth it, as it introduces just enough novelty all the while preserving the best bits of the series. Its uniqueness aside, it’s the most approachable Katamari yet.

Godbreakers makes the most of its fluid, flashy combat. Killing gods and stealing their powers and doing that with friends is an undeniable thrill. While solo players may also find appropriate challenge, there is a distinct feeling that had Godbreakers given us a few more worlds to explore and a few more unique paths of progression, it would have broken past deluge of roguelikes gnawing for attention.

Persona 3 Reload is not a carbon-copied remaster of Persona 3 Portable or even Persona 3. It’s a refreshed perspective of Persona 3 that removes a good bunch of pain from older RPGs while retaining the charm and character of the original. It feels like many thoughtful decisions were made to better the game’s flow without compromising on its core experience or watering it down. Framerate quibbles of the Switch 2 version aside, owners of 2023’s Persona 3 Portable might feel like there aren’t enough changes to warrant a replay. But, if you haven’t yet experienced its source material, Persona 3 Reload is without a doubt the best version of the game to play.

NASCAR ‘25 is a game that fans of the sport will honestly enjoy. It fills a void that has been left open for years and allows them to be able to finally ‘scratch that itch’. It’s not something that will blow other racing games out of the water, but if iRacing Studios is going to try and possibly turn this into a yearly franchise, then this is the perfect foundation to start building upon.

Battlefield 6 has an expert grasp on what makes the series’ beloved multiplayer so treasured by players. Those scarce few who come to this title for the campaign alone will be left deserted in the wake of a quick, passable single-player experience that is meant to be digested before the full course. The all-out-war across fantastic maps and an emphasis on class play where players turn the battlefield into rubble is instantly memorable, providing a worthy follow-up to players’ best memories of Battlefield.

BALL x PIT conceptually has a simple hook. And because of that, its core gameplay will inherently be repetitive at some point depending on the player. But its chunky fantasy world has personality and its soundtrack is, honestly, phenomenal. They add to the charm of a game that houses a surprising amount of depth and content for what the back of the box might allude to. Sure, it’s about ball-breaking. But to not enjoy this would be nuts.

Dotemu, Guard Crush, and Supamonks have knocked it out of the park with Absolum. Its combat is satisfyingly stylish, encapsulating traditional side-scrolling beat ‘em up combat with the variability of endlessly fun roguelike gameplay. Punishing difficulty aside, it’s worth taking the time to explore the depths of its world and creatively defeat enemies in more ways than one. Absolum pushes the envelope of beat ‘em up game design to new heights, worthy of your consideration as we enter this holiday season.

The Galaxy games are still ever so fun. I have to set aside my concerns knowing that new players will get so many good hours out of these games. I was thrilled to play them again, if it’s any consolation. You should be relieved that Nintendo has brought Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 to the Switch 2 without too many frills. It plays just like it did on the Wii and Wii U, albeit prettier and slightly more defined than I remember. It behooves any Switch 2 owner to acquire these masterpieces, especially those who weren’t around to play them in their original states.

Little Nightmares III is an eerie return to this beloved, haunted universe, captained by a developer with plenty of experience in scares. Though much of this third entry may strike a familiar chord with players, the opportunity to engage in harrowing chases and solve grotesque puzzles together makes for a tantalizing offering that you shouldn’t be frightened of.

Despite another year of development, EA FC 26 remains plagued by bugs. The main menu continues to give me issues. At times, I’m unable to navigate it at all because it simply bugs out. Considering how often this issue has been raised across multiple installments, it’s frustrating to see so little progress.

Road to Empress, from developer New One Studio, is a high-quality FMV experience that might fall a bit short on bending the story through player choices, but is nonetheless entertaining from beginning to end with the amount of interactivity it does deliver within a high-quality production wrapper.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds does what any arcade racer should and provides the player with an absurd sense of speed. Pushing players to constantly maintain ludicrious velocity on a number of exciting, smartly designed courses will fuel countless hours of competitive adrenaline-fueled play. While the lack of single-player modes and an exciting roster may deter some, tight controls and a fun world-shifting mechanic are enough to make this a heavy-hitter in the genre.

Dying Light: The Beast shows that Techland has learned from what players didn’t enjoy from Dying Light 2 Stay Human. While this new entry isn’t exactly a return to the series’ roots, it relishes in the trademark speed of running across rooftops and avoiding the undead. Hefty combat that becomes more horrific and tense at night provides enough variety to keep players moving in its scaled back but more inviting world. Sometimes a more cohesive vision is better and Dying Light: The Beast is certainly stronger for its more constrained scope.

PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC from developer Now Production Co. and publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment is a nice revision of an old 3D platformer. It maintains the essence of early 3D platforming that made it stand out back in the day, while adding and improving modern amenities that make it feel more present than ever. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s fun to play.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the best iteration of Final Fantasy Tactics yet. Its phenomenally creative job system, engaging gameplay, and gripping storytelling make it top of the list for anyone wanting a good strategic RPG. Best yet, it perfectly encapsulates what TRPGs should be, even with its handful of quirks.

Silent Hill f from developer NeoBards Entertainment and publisher Konami is a fresh take on the series. It features an unsettling story that honors the Silent Hill franchise, while bringing a fair amount of deep gameplay and fun fighting that will keep the experience fresh.

Ghost of Yōtei is a phenomenal achievement in open-world design, being every bit the spectacle that players should expect from Sucker Punch’s prior efforts. Though it shares the fundamentals of Ghost of Tsushima‘s combat and navigational loops, Atsu’s open-ended journey allows players a gorgeous, profound sense of freedom. This is a world where players are invited to soak up every detail and bask in the natural, vibrant beauty of Japan, becoming lost in each new story.

Baby Steps is not a game for a broad audience. But it’s not just rage bait trying to frustrate players while providing amusement to passive observers. There are lessons to be learned and accomplishments to be felt. It tiptoes on the knife’s edge of punishment and profundity, victimizing or enthralling, depending on the player. That fine line opens the path for both a brilliant anti-game or a fist through your screen, your mileage simply may vary.

Wizordum has all the trappings of an early 90s first-person shooter, expertly looking and playing the part well. But Emberheart Games has gone the extra mile to incorporate modern flair, creating more than just homage.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, from developer Brownies, is a fabulous roguelike action game that brings more to the table than not. It features solid presentation and story, a great backend system that brings a heavy amount of strategy and fun, while hiccupping only with its enemy repetition.

DK Island and Emerald Rush is a dichotomous, albeit controversial, DLC addition to the already fantastic Donkey Kong Bananza. The former is a love letter to DK’s past; it’s a letter that is best appreciated by those who want that trip down memory lane. The latter, though, is a highly replayable and ever-so-engaging roguelite mode that takes things up several notches to truly test your mastery of Bananza’s mechanics. You shouldn’t consider this DLC unless you’ve completed Bananza or intend to do so.

LEGO Voyagers‘ child-like sense of play is the perfect mold for not only the LEGO format but an inviting cooperative experience that players of all ages can enjoy. Despite the thin runtime and a lack of intense challenge, the gorgeous world Light Brick Studios constructed isn’t any less fun. LEGO Voyagers is brimming with charm, like a proud parent watching their child pick up a controller and laugh with giddy excitement.

Bubsy In: The Purrfect Collection from Limited Run Games and Atari is a solid trip down memory lane that features good add-ons and a worthy refurbished 3D version of Bubsy 3D. Now, that said, the collection might be tough for modern gamers to get into because of its difficulty and stiff controls, as the titles certainly belong in the ‘90s from whence they came. Ultimately, it’s a good collection for Bubsy fans and video game history enthusiasts.

‘NHL 26’ is a revamp and refresh. However, to me, it’s an incredibly hard game to justify buying from last year’s installment. In the game’s defense, I will argue this against those online who say ‘this is just a glorified roster update’ because I can tell there have been several little improvements to make things a better playing experience. ‘NHL 26’ is still a good game for me. Plus, I can see possible ways that modes like ‘Be A Pro’ can go in the future, especially with the updates to ‘Franchise Mode’ in ‘NHL 25’. I do feel like we are a goalie that’s been left out to dry in the third period late.

Dragon Ball Genkishin Squadra, from developer Ganbarion and Bandai Namco Games, is a surprisingly solid MOBA game. It takes the Dragon Ball universe and merges it beautifully within the MOBA genre without losing the essence of the IP.

Cronos: The New Dawn, from developer Bloober Team, is representative and respectful of the traditional survival horror genre. It brings gameplay elements that any gamer should expect from a survival horror experience, while testing out minor methods to improve an old formula. At the end of the day, the game is beautifully unsettling, gorgeous to take in, and does enough to make it worth your time. Is it reinventing the genre? Not really, but it’s still quite fun.

It won’t be the next Forza or the next great sim, but it doesn’t need to be at the end of the day. It’s a charming little arcade racer that, even for all its quirks it takes you on a journey. Back to the days of eating too much pizza in the arcade at a birthday party. Going wild cause mom let you have all the quarters in the ashtray of her 1998 Ford Explorer and running to the cabinets to play whatever arcade games are there. In a world of sim racing rigs, VR headsets, and top-dollar racing equipment, it’s nice to have something that gets racing and rally back to its basics. So go order some greasy pizza and maybe an ice cream, and rip around the course to be the new World Rally Champ.

Adventure of Samsara from developer llex Games and publisher Atari is a tough Metroidvania that slowly turns into one of the most unexpected and enjoyable experiences of 2025.

Lost Soul Aside, from developer UltiZeroGames, lacks a good, cohesive narrative that should be driving the solid gameplay and action. As it stands, the game does a great job with its action gameplay design, features interesting and compelling enemies, and contains a solid backend progression system.

A year or so later, Helldivers II remains an entertaining romp of online co-op fun. It flexes its muscles with wacky lines, a large number of ridiculous military objectives, and various ways to strategize and be entertained.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, from developer Hyde, brings together a strong essence that makes the series so much fun. A good set of modes, overdramatic characters, and easy-to-use mechanics make this experience entertaining and accessible, even for the non-golf fan. While it’s not perfect, it’s a solid release in the series.

Heading Out is a wholly unique game that defies expectations. More narrative-driven adventure than vehicle-driven roguelike, expect a fascinating black-and-white style and progressive story beats but little else in the way of meaningful longevity.

Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids brings a wonderful combination of action and real-time strategy with its gameplay. The difficulty can be a bit much at times, but the challenge will more than likely keep gamers coming back for more.

Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is a fun action platformer that brings an entertaining story, familiar characters, and good gameplay to the table. It does have some faults, but it’s a cool and stylish Cobra adventure.

Triangle Strategy from developer Artdink is a marvel of a tactical RPG experience. While it is heavy on story that is driven by complex and solid branching choices that affect outcomes, and fantastic acting, it still brings some amazing tactical gameplay with new twists and turns.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance‘s unparalleled art style is an intoxicating gateway into this incredibly engaging action game steeped in classic roots but offering undeniably modern touches. Lizardcube’s peak combat and level design are equally at the forefront, providing a masterfully crafted interpretation of a classic that will now be a triumph in its own right.

Midnight Murder Club from developer Velan Studios is a cool idea that will have hardcore online gamers frothing at the mouth to show their stuff. While the entry point for novice players might be difficult, and the lack of longevity beyond modes is a tough sell, what you get with the price point you pay is enticing.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater respects its source material in ways that other games should follow suit. The story is retained, each emotional gutpunch hits home just as hard (if not harder), and the core stealth gameplay that you and I grew to love in our adolescence is preserved. While it’s hard to ignore that this MGS lacks Kojima and the segmented maps are archaic, it’s just as hard to ignore that this iteration of MGS3 is the faithful modernization you and I deserve.

Heretic + Hexen brings back a revival of 30+ year old marvels that progressed the first-person shooter genre in the 90s and set the path for future FPS games. The additions of new online modes, direct access to mods, and new content make this even sweeter. But the games do look like they’re from the 90s, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Discounty from developer Crinkle Cut Games is an addictive and ever-expanding cozy game experience. It has enough quests, activities, and grocery store madness to keep you occupied while you take a break from Stardew.

Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate is a smaller, more intimate expansion compared to the usual Bungie annual release. It contains a smaller story that is more focused on new avenues to explore in the universe, while also featuring some hit/miss gameplay mechanics that work more than they don’t. It’s the right direction for the franchise and a spark of hope that better things are to come from a decade of world-building.

Madden NFL 26 from developer EA Tiburon is on the right track thanks to some nearly perfect controls that make for a more immersive experience. On the mode side, there is still some work that needs to be done to improve some aspects of Superstar, as well as balancing out MUT a bit more.

The best RPGs impart lasting emotions on the player over the duration of the playthrough. In between its turn-based battles, light character building, and dark symbolism, OFF imprints guilt, horror, and confusion on the player in ways few games successfully pull off. OFF is an RPG that everyone should experience blindly, especially those who appreciate a haunting journey with blips of the bizarre. This remaster is not just a should-play of 2025, but a must-play of the decade. If you want OFF’s rainbow, you must have the rain.

Ultimately, Yield! Fall of Rome from developer Billionworlds is a simple and entertaining experience that brings enough complication to make it a good strategy game.

Earthion is a perfect encapsulation of the timelessness of the SEGA Genesis. Ancient and Yuzo Koshiro have set the gold standard on how to breathe life into a shoot-em-up while innovating its reach to be fun for all players. Despite it being a Genesis title emulated on PC, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves retro games with just the right amount of challenge.

Fallen City Brawl won me over on vibes and thematic. Its gameplay, while frenetic and fun, needs more depth to exceed the current gold standard utilized by recent additions to the modern beat-em-up genre. It’s great for a quick afternoon playthrough, especially when played with friends.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure from developer Sunblink isn’t going to replace Animal Crossing anytime soon. However, it’s a worthy cozy game that offers simple gameplay that is driven by quests, solid exploration, and a good crafting system, which will keep players coming back for more. It’s a good game, especially for a younger gaming audience. It’s a good way to waste time for older gamers.

Wildgate from developer Moonshot Games and publisher Dreamhaven is a fun PvP multiplayer shooter that may seem a bit vanilla now, but it has room to grow. As it stands, you’ll get a lot more PvP co-op gaming out of this than anything else.

Shadow Labyrinth should have been so much more. I wanted my first impression of the game to linger. But the longer I engaged, the more my mind wandered to better Metroidvanias. Ones that either delivered pitch-perfect combat and exploration, or ones that tried something new. Shadow Labyrinth attempts to make a weird, novel Pac-Man experience but squanders the opportunity on sluggish pacing, exhausting checkpointing, and a map that severely needed a few bites taken out of it. Maybe Puck should just stick to ghost hunting.

Dead Take works as a message, as a personal anecdote, as a performance showcase. It may not present a wholly unexpected take on the first-person horror genre nor dazzle with complex puzzles. But this dissection of power and the ones who wield it feels especially timely in our constantly-changing world that seems to reward ambition through viciousness. As an eerie, moody look at Hollywood, players may grow uncomfortable at Dead Take‘s honesty but remain enraptured by the phenomenal talent of its acting and direction until its final, stark moments.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a pitch-perfect action game that revitalizes the long-dormant Ninja Gaiden franchise, smartly calling back to its 2D roots. For a series that was known for brutal difficulty before it became a household trend, it’s wonderful to see a developer like The Game Kitchen use their own expertise to translate decades-old concepts so expertly in the modern day. Blistering speed and challenging, satisfying combat are the hallmarks of any great action game and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound does not disappoint.

Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game from developer Weta Workshop and publisher Private Division isn’t going to redefine the way a Tolkien license is presented in games, nor is it going to add more depth to the cosy life simulator genre. It’s a simple gameplay experience that brings easy quests, limited yet fun exploration, and an addictive ingredient and meal crafting component.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact has several good ideas, but very little follow through in catering to diehard fighting game players, new players unfamiliar with the tag-fighter subgenre, or even folks unfamiliar with the franchise. It’s fun yet fluid fighter, don’t get me wrong; only time will tell if it reaches a more fulfilling state in the future.

s.p.l.i.t. from developer Mike Klubnika brings mind-bending logic problems delivered through a unique command-line backdrop. While the command-line adventure doesn’t last long, it does enough to warrant a hard look for gamers in search of a good challenge.

Edens Zero from Konami does a wonderful job of representing the source material it was born from. It comes with a meaningful and engaging story with great characters that are well-developed, while presenting an easy-to-jump-into gameplay design that is fun to dive into without much fuss. The hiccups lie with the lack of frequent enemy encounters and the choice of how you can play the game.

Golden Tee Arcade Classics, from developer Digital Eclipse and publisher Atari, is a great trip down memory lane, but it feels and acts like it’s still in the 90s. The collection does enough to bring simple fun with uncomplicated physics and frustrating elements that modern golfing games bring to the table nowadays. The additional games included help to make the collection a bit more fun, as well as feel like it offers more than just golf.

Maestro is quite approachable for a rhythm title – something I often have trouble saying given rhythm games’ steep difficulty curves, disparate input methods, and pricy entry points thanks to needing custom hardware. On the Quest 3, all you need is your hands (or controllers, if you choose) to immerse yourself in a novel rhythm game setting. The Complete Edition comes with the full musical experience that will keep you playing for hours!

Fretless is not the type of game to lock you in for hours on end, or change your life, but it shines in its environment and sound design. It’s a passion project turned into a downright fun experience.

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business won’t disappoint fans of the 2023 shooter simply wanting more pulpy shootouts in a dystopian Detroit. And perhaps as a standalone experience and not a true sequel, Unfinished Business is passable. But a lack of fresh ideas and a safe setting lack the humanity found within the cold confines of RoboCop’s hardened steel.

Arashi Gaiden is a great bite-sized turn-based action game set within the confines of a puzzle game. While it might be more difficult than others may expect, it will prove satisfying for those who enjoy solving puzzles with flair.

Shujinkou from developer Rice Games is a surprisingly entertaining JRPG that features a design that harkens back to early elements of the genre, while mixing in a learning experience to further its beautiful complication.

Everdeep Aurora is more than a cozy digging metroidvania. It’s a glimpse of what simplistic platforming can and should be, thoughtfully interwoven into a gameplay loop where discovery is the win condition. Its presentation might lack directness, but I would prefer a world where I can enjoy what I’ve dug up rather than being pointed to the next objective where I can surmise the outcome.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 offers that much-needed shot of nostalgia, from a time where all any of us wanted to do was feel cool. Tony Hawk represented counter culture and Pro Skater was emblematic of that iconic time. While some reshuffling may dampen the experience for purists, the wealth of content found in 3 + 4 proves that Tony Hawk is a timeless champion and this remake is a thrilling reminder of how a legacy is made.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die from developer Stormteller Games is a wonderful game on the Nintendo Switch 2, if you can get used to the Switch 2’s controls that come with it. Beyond that minor hiccup, the game still brings the same addictive gameplay experience and presentation as the bigger consoles. Having the game on the go is a huge plus as well.

Final Fantasy XVI from Square Enix still brings a wonderful story, well-defined characters, and a fantastic adventure on the Xbox Series X. It might not deliver the same graphical ‘wow’ that the other releases do, but it’s still a worthy game to take on for 50+ hours.

Ruffy and the Riverside finds quirky and joyful ways to meld past and present gaming ideologies. This is a mascot platformer collectathon at heart, feeling like a Nintendo 64 game but not being too bogged down by nostalgia and reverence. While its best ideas may sometimes feel underutilized, Ruffy and the Riverside is inventive enough to constantly push the player towards one new thrill after the next.

FBC: Firebreak is unlike anything Remedy Entertainment has made. While a team-based shooter would not be on everyone’s wishlist from the storied developer, it makes the best of Control‘s unique universe. Bizarre mission objectives and a friendly approach offer enough diversity to draw players in. But a troublesome onboarding process may negatively color the crucial first few hours for players. Should a community form around FBC: Firebreak, there’s a lot to enjoy and hopefully Remedy will continue to support the game in the coming months.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, from developers SneakyBox and Relic Entertainment, feels too much like the Anniversary Edition released a few years back. While new gamers of the series might enjoy what this title has to offer, as it does bring some solid action that mimics the chaotic nature of the Warhammer world, seasoned fans of the series may not get enough out of this release to justify another purchase.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a new journey with a tonal shift compared to its predecessor, as the narrative is smaller in scope and far more personal. On the gameplay side of the tracks, the new game tightens a lot of loose ends from the first game, expands the world of Death Stranding through new environments and gameplay improvements, and exceeds all expectations with how a game should look on PlayStation 5. This is a solid contender for Game of the Year.

ATLUS has outdone itself with RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. Middling story and wonky camera angles aside, it hits the sweet spot of monster taming and action combat without compromising on the complexities that make JRPGs captivating. Here’s to hoping that ATLUS reinvents and reinvigorates the RAIDOU series, as it’s a breath of fresh air for this Persona fan!

Dune: Awakening, from developer and publisher Funcom, presents a massive world that feels and acts like what you would expect from a journey to Arrakis. The gameplay is led by extensive crafting, action, and exploration. While the controls can get finicky at times, as well as the slow pace of gameplay, especially at the beginning, the game represents everything that Dune fans will appreciate.

I’ve spent several hours playing Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S and I just love it. Barring the unnecessary complexities of its Skill Battles and attempting to learn its nuances, the additional modes and Versus setup makes for satisfying, frenetic, and highly replayable puzzle gameplay. It’s an excellent game to take on the road and play with friends.

On its own, Yakuza 0 is a great, albeit dated, entry in the overarching Yakuza franchise. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut might not feature enough content that Yakuza fans may enjoy, but it’s an excellent port for a Nintendo Switch 2 owner and an even better entry into the Yakuza series for those who have not yet played a game from Ryu Ga Gotoku.

If you enjoyed Stellar Blade on the PlayStation 5, then you’re going to enjoy it on the PC. At its core, it’s a fun action-adventure game with a complicated backend system. There are some minor hiccups, but it still delivers a solid action-adventure that should keep you occupied for some time.

The Alters is an isolationist and existential meditation on survival, using compelling mechanics to strip itself of the genre’s most frustrating chokepoints of tedium. But when The Alters becomes less about gathering materials and more about managing yourself, it molds the struggle of one’s self into an often bleak but obtusely hopeful exercise on living with yourself and the choices that have shaped you. The universe may often be in control of our destinies but 11 bit studios provides a fleeting glimpse into a core question of humanity and what it means to be you.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, developed by Capcom, brings good and stylish action to its gameplay, while incorporating strategy elements to slow it down. If you like a tactical side mixed with your action, then you’re going to love what this game offers. It felt a bit imbalanced for my taste, and I wanted more action to take the lead in this gameplay experience.

Cattle Country is all around a functional, enjoyable game. However, it does little to innovate on an already established farming sim formula. If you like games like Stardew Valley, then I would recommend at least trying Cattle Country to see if it scratches that same itch. You won’t find a particularly exciting experience, but you might enjoy a calm, wholesome game.

Capcom’s decision to delay Street Fighter 6 to the Nintendo Switch 2 should be celebrated, as they succeeded in packing a big punch despite the Switch 2’s small package. It runs like a dream and lacks the graphical compromises that many Switch owners may be accustomed to seeing from AAA games. If you’ve been patiently waiting for a next-gen fighting title to take on the go, Street Fighter 6 is the breakout fighting game for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.

Sonic X Shadow Generations on the Nintendo Switch 2 is the version of the game that all Switch owners should own. The lack of upgrade option aside for original Switch owners, Sonic looks better than ever before thanks to its graphical makeover and additional playable campaign featuring the one, and only, Shadow the Hedgehog. With the spotlight on Shadow, players can now play as him in all of his glory while being treated to cinematic sequences that, quite frankly, look cool as hell.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, developed by Stormteller Games, is a far deeper and richer action roguelite experience than expected. It has quick-moving action with a healthy amount of good progression to keep gamers coming back for more. The upgrade system helps enhance the experience and works more often than it doesn’t. Regardless, this game is fun to play and something gamers can get lost in for hours and hours.

Disney Illusion Island from Dlala Studios is a fantastic platformer that features some gorgeous animation, a decent story, and short stints of good gameplay that will keep gamers hooked. While it may not completely satisfy more seasoned gamers, it should entertain those who adore the mouse house.

Dragon is Dead has quite a bit of potential now that it has left its early access period. Its novel approach to character building, loot management, and skill trees makes for a complex and satisfying roguelike experience. On the other hand, some of its endgame combat may prove too frustrating, especially when compounded by the traditional difficulty curve that comes with the roguelike gameplay loop. Its pixel art is gorgeous, though.

Roboquest from developer RyseUp Studios is just as fun on PlayStation 5 as it was on PC. It still has some of its shortcomings, but nothing that will keep you from enjoying the action, evil robots, weapons, and customization.

Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer from developer Clifftop Games brings to life a classic point-and-click construct featuring a difficult mystery, minor puzzle solving, and superb presentation to complete the adventure.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a marvel of a little game that wins at being a “yoyovania.” The yoyo combat and progression are superb, its level design utilizing novel traversal elements without repetitious fluff, and its charm is off the charts. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s worth the payoff if you want a game that is a nostalgia bomb of classic Zelda fused with a yoyo thematic.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a thrilling rush. FromSoftware has taken their masterclass gameplay and constructed an entirely new and exhilarating loop. Despite forgoing familiar elements that made Elden Ring truly special, Nightreign maintains the essence of its wonder, empowering players by fulfilling their dream of an onslaught of challenging, brilliant boss fights, only prohibited by your own skill, ambition, and deadly efficiency.

If you enjoy mathematical problems with comedic setups straight from early 90s computing, then this game is for you.

Palia and its Elderwood Expansion from developer Singularity Six is a budding MMO with all sorts of green flags waving toward a long future. While the main quests may not catch your attention too hard, the customization, exploration, and new free Elderwood expansion will be enough to motivate you to give this a shot. It still has some growing pains, but right now, Palia is a solid game.