There is something about Hob that I really enjoy. I’m not quite sure if it’s the cartoonish art style, clever puzzles, or an amalgamation of the two, but my overall experience was quite pleasant.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise rarely had a miss with games back in the ’80s and ’90s and this compilation exemplifies that. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is a love letter to fans of that era that can be equally appreciated by old and new generations of Turtles fans alike.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a great platformer filled with charming levels, fun combat, and a lot of challenges to complete.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is a love letter to Majima's loyal fanbase, who've been in awe of his character since his original appearances. RGG has done a marvelous job capturing the old-school Pirate era with naval combat that feels arcade-like and simplistic to have fun with and sea exploration to get lost in for a few hours. Despite some reused stuff from Infinite Wealth, there's enough unique nuance to be found here from its plethora of well-written substories and the Madlantis Pirate Coliseum. Although the main story falls victim to some pacing setbacks, Majima's incredibly charismatic character, along with his merry band of Goro Pirates, keep you hooked until the end of this whimsical adventure and proves to you how he's truly special when compared to the likes of Kiryu Kazuma or Ichiban Kasuga.

Some of its best moments can only be appreciated by those willing to put in the extra time, which is both a rewarding and unfortunate reality, as not everyone will be able to experience the best the game offers with a single playthrough. But if you have the patience to persevere through some minor shortcomings and a couple of playthroughs, your understanding and appreciation for this game will no doubt mature from a freshly sprouted sapling to a towering conifer.

Fans have been waiting for a follow-up with the tone of Until Dawn and it has finally arrived with The Quarry. The very likable cast and the enthralling story will keep players entertained in what is one of the most fully fleshed-out games of this genre to date, but the only question remaining is will you survive the night?

Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is the most polished football game on the market. Full stop.

The Outer Worlds 2 is an almost perfect sequel, building on the brilliance of its predecessor and addressing all the issues fans had with the original. The scope and scale of this sequel is the biggest win for fans, as there's oodles of content. But above all, the game delivers on the promise of a more emergent, nuanced RPG experience, complete with all the charm, deep worldbuilding, and sublime writing the series is known for. The downside is that combat, stealth, and various other action-focused pillars of gameplay don't deliver as they should. But, if you can get past this, you'll come to find that The Outer Worlds 2 is a contender for best space-based RPG of all time.

For anyone who has the patience, Fire Pro Wrestling World is a game that will appease any pro wrestling fan.

Call of Duty: Warzone turned out to be one of my favorite battle royale games thanks to its smooth gameplay and new gulag feature.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution is a great companion to the Trading Card Game and is essential for anyone who enjoys the franchise.

ECHO is a game with a singular gameplay mechanic that it delivers on with precision.

I would absolutely recommend Resident Evil 3 and would not be surprised if a sizable portion of the fandom ends up preferring this remake.

Bandai Namco really hit a home run with this latest entry in the Katamari Damacy series. It's calming, cozy, and whimsical—in other words, everything you expect from a Katamari game. The time travel theme works well, and the ability to customize your appearance based on your gameplay performance really sells it. Once Upon A KATAMARI is now my favorite entry in the series, setting new standards and introducing mechanics that I hope will become franchise staples. This is a perfect introduction to the series for newcomers, while also making veterans very happy.

Semblance is a unique platformer whose minimalistic environment is the perfect background to the satisfyingly challenging puzzles that must be solved in order to save the adorable little squish's world.

I was one of the biggest Kirby Air Ride fans back in the day, so the fact that we're getting a sequel to the divisive cult classic is a dream come true. Kirby Air Riders is everything I could have ever wanted and more. It's a project filled with love, passion, and a celebration of all things Kirby. From the robust character roster, surprising depth of customization options, and an impressive amount of content to see, do, and unlock, Kirby Air Riders is easily my favorite racing game of the year. It's a triumph from start to finish, and I can't wait to spend countless hours in City Trial and beyond.

The story is gripping from the very beginning and keeps hold throughout the entire game. When it comes to the new battle system, I felt that Tales of Bersaria proved to be easily accessible to newcomers as well as offer extra benefits to those who’d like to master it.

I Am Dead avoids the pitfalls of modern video game storytelling to deliver a touching narrative experience with simplistic, but approachable puzzle elements.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the latest in the Zelda spin-off series that puts hack-and-slash combat at the forefront. This is easily the best iteration of Hyrule Warriors, feeling the most feature-complete and enjoyable. Combat is fast-paced, and the performance is spectacular thanks to the new, improved hardware found in the Switch 2. If you've been disappointed by previous Musou-style games in the past, this one won't change your mind. But if you're a Zelda fan looking for a fix until the next mainline entry comes along, Age of Imprisonment is a worthy adventure worth undertaking.

Trials Rising is the easily the best entry in the popular 2.5D racing series and will keep you occupied for months to come.

Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection might satisfy some of the hardcore Ys loving fans of Falcom, but I feel like this game will do more for any gamer who is intimidated by the developer’s other series and bigger titles. It’s a shame that I waited so long to get into the Zwei series, but I’m grateful for a chance to play such a fun and amusing action RPG in a time where serious story premises seem to be all we get.

The game has a decent amount of modes that ultimately all work together in helping the player learn and progress through the game. So if you’ve been itching for a cheap shoot’em up game on the handheld-console hybrid, maybe do yourself a favor and check out this one.

Dead Pets is a messy, loud, yet deeply sincere indie experience that wears its heart on its ripped denim jacket. What initially feels like a quirky mashup of life-sim choice-driven chaos and rhythm-driven rebellion slowly reveals itself as an empathetic, often uncomfortable reflection on adulthood, identity, and the pressures uniquely placed on women. Through Gordy’s self-destruction, absurdist mini-games, and riot grrrl-fueled soundtrack, Dead Pets tackles feminism, mental health, and societal expectations with surprising nuance and bite. It doesn’t always stick to every gameplay note in my eyes, but emotionally, Dead Pets lands hard—proving that even on the worst days, there’s still music to play and jam to, friends to lean on, and another morning to stumble into headstrong after being a drunken mess.

LEGO Voyagers is quite easily my favorite LEGO game ever. It's a super short, but endlessly sweet co-op journey that will tug at your heartstrings by the end and stick with you long after the credits roll. It's a story about growing up that resonated with me deeply, and I really must urge you to check it out with whichever type of co-op buddy you please. The barrier to entry is low and perfect for playing with a partner, sibling, friend, kiddo, or even a parent. I wish it was slightly longer so it had some more time to flesh out some ideas, but what's here is truly special, more than worthwhile, and never wastes a second of your time.

Halo Wars 2 is still a highly recommendable title — in fact, likely one of the best RTS games that can be found on the current generation. However, accessibility on consoles came with a price to both controls and gameplay in both campaign and multiplayer modes.

Road 96‘s mesmerizing landscapes, unique characters and chilled soundtrack will allow players to kick back and enjoy some really good storytelling in a world that feels strangely familiar to many.

Observation is not a perfect game. I found it unwieldy to play and, at times, was often grasping at straws for what to do next. If you can get past that, this is a gripping tale with a foreboding and mysterious aura that drives the narrative forward at every turn. Like Stories Untold before it, Observation is game that I think you really need to play to appreciate how masterful No Code is at setting a tone and building a compelling world for players to explore.

Kunio-Kun diehards will probably love this game. It’s an excellent matchup of beautiful aesthetics, great music, and satisfying combat. So go find the Misako to your Kyoko, hit your local dojo, and get ready to save your boyfriends.

Alan Wake is very much a product of its time. While its story elements hold up well, much of the gameplay feels dated when compared to the games of today. This engaging narrative will only take it so far, as cumbersome controls and repetitive, paint-by-numbers gameplay mean at times, players may be left a little bit bored or frustrated.

A decent game.

FIFA 20's excellent Volta mode, engaging changes to Ultimate Team, and potentially cool features to Career Mode don't make up for subpar soccer gameplay.

Sets a new standard for what remakes should include, and I hope future ones can follow in these footsteps with projects that are just as passionate. While it can’t escape a few of the original title’s annoyances, it is still an engaging and enjoyable experience for 2D-platformer and series fans, and will most likely garner the franchise some new fans, who will come into contact with the series for the first time with this game like I did.

While Redie is really fun, you always feel like you’ve played it before if you’ve ever played Hotline Miami.

Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth does what it came to do: criticize the injustice of winter existing at all. The game makes you reflect on existential dread, dedications to your partner, chores, and the adorableness of life as a whole. Some controls and mechanics could have been explained better, but this is a great, snowy, cozy game that adds some variety to a genre that's oversaturated with farm life.

There's a fantastic game somewhere in Civ 7 that I'll easily spend 1,000+ hours with. Even in its current state, I can see myself playing this for years to come, though nowhere near as much as I did with Civ 6. There are too many frustrating issues that need addressing. At least that's what I keep telling myself, only to come back to boot up another game. Firaxis made a gigantic gamble with the changes to Leaders and Ages, and somehow, it paid off. If they can improve the game's flaws with future updates, we'll have another iconic entry in the legendary 4X strategy series.

A solid addition to the long-running MMORPG.

If you are looking for another run ‘n gun boss rush game for Nintendo Switch, Mechstermination Force is definitely a great option and cements Hörberg Productions as one of the most consistently great Nindie developers. As the indie scene on Nintendo Switch gets more and more crowded, it is important to know which titles are worth your time.

Kero Blaster does feel much smaller and less monumental than Daisuke’s previous game Cave Story, but is a well crafted title nonetheless. While there sometimes are a few control problems with the DualShock 4, and the game is too short, the nuance in the level design, story, and soundtrack make Kero Blaster worth playing for 2D platfomer and Pixel fans. Cave Story this is not, but Kero Blaster is crafted just as well, and proves how talented of a developer Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya is.

Nazi Zombies [is] easily my favorite part and the best argument to buy Call of Duty: WWII.

Digimon fans starving for a game with a proper budget can finally have their fill. Digimon Story: Time Stranger is everything that those who grew up alongside Taichi and Agumon once dreamed a game could be. The story, though it sometimes stumbles with its time-travel theme and clunky script, has a glorious conclusion, and there's nothing better than filling your roster with 400+ Digimon. However, those who are just looking for a new turn-based JRPG might not find much here to hold their attention, especially since the first hours feel unappealing for anyone who doesn't care about Digimon.

If you want to experience a Mafia title, there is no better choice than Mafia: Definitive Edition.

The possibilities are endless, and all the options are available at your fingertips all the time.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a fantastic game that has some of the best bosses of any Soulslike ever created. It's a game that will test patience and demand the utmost attention from the player, or else they'll meet the game over screen time and time again. This Soulslike is absolutely brutal, and yet, it remains fair throughout its 40-hour runtime. While the levels begin to blend in with one another aesthetically and the overwhelming amount of loot can become exhausting, The First Berserker: Khazan is a welcomed addition to the subgenre and I can't wait to see what developer Neople has planned next for this new IP.

The presentation and atmosphere on offer are fantastic, but Othercide's gameplay sadly cannot match. So much potential that's regrettably not well utilised.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a unique concoction of the classic Borderlands formula mixed with a Dungeons & Dragons experience all in one package. The relatively small core voice cast and charming story will keep you captivated as you take down hordes of enemies with your guns and magic in the very worthy spin-off Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.

You could see it as a mix of old-school adventure games with unforgettable storytelling, top-notch acting, and cutting-edge graphics, and as such it’s definitely a very successful experiment. While Detroit: Become Human is the quintessential Quantic Dream game, the additional variety and the spectacular level of craftsmanship it involves may make it intriguing even for those who used not to be part of the studio’s usual target audience.

If you can get past Everspace’s few flaws, a game that merges the best parts of roguelikes and space shooters exposes itself. The game manages to stand on its own as a unique entity within both the above genres, so Everspace should have no problem finding an audience in the sea of modern roguelikes and space shooters.

A Way Out has some ambitious, fantastic ideas at its core, but it’s unfortunately surrounded by tiresome gameplay mechanics and a story that is just a bit too straightforward.

I still think that every Jackbox compilation is a treat, especially now that the studio has perfected the visuals and presentation for their games—but they run the risk of turning their annual treat into a chore.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a surprisingly deep pseudo-prequel to one of this generation's greatest games. A compelling story, fluid combat, and an interesting world will do more than enough to tide fans over until Breath of the Wild 2.

Borderlands 3 comes with great growth in gameplay, but a safe story that had the opportunity for so much more.

To put it simply, Gran and his skyfaring crew are tasked to save the world from an evil long-haired man named Beezelbub who plans on restarting the entire universe. I put it simply because it’s entirely forgettable.

Dauntless has plenty of room for growth, but it’s already one of my favorite free-to-play games. I initially overlooked Dauntless as another Monster Hunter clone and I was wildly wrong for thinking that. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or just looking for an alternative while you wait for Iceborne, you can’t go wrong with Dauntless. As the West’s first foray into the monster hunting genre, Phoenix Labs’ Dauntless is an absolute triumph.

Simply put Bridge Constructor Portal is a great puzzle game. It’s fair but challenging, it includes a ton of levels, and best of all it feels like a part of the world of Aperture Science, while at the same time feeling like it’s own separate entry in the franchise.

Given its development problems, the fact that System Shock is a functional, stable game is a mini-miracle, but by sticking so rigidly to the original's ancient design it will appeal more to series fans than newcomers.

It’s a game that will have you striving to get through the levels to unlock more hacks and cores, but the endless mode is where it really lets you go to town on everything you’ve unlocked. If you were a fan of the original, you’ll be right at home in Superhot: Mind Control Delete.

Dune: Awakening has impressed me at every turn. Stunning cinematics showcase an immersive story inspired by Dune's award-winning lore and set the scene for a thrilling adventure, focused on exploration, survival, base-building, and politics. In a time full of unfinished, bug-ridden game launches, Dune: Awakening is setting the bar higher for what the release of video games should be. My experience with early access was easily one of the best gaming experiences I've had in a long time, and I firmly believe Dune: Awakening has a very bright future ahead of it. Delivering a game this polished, with such an incredible amount of content right out of the gate, especially as an MMO, is a little bit mind-blowing. With complex and flexible skill-trees that encourage unique playstyles, and survival mechanics that might just be my favorite of all time, Dune: Awakening is worth every penny, and could very well be the new gold standard for MMOs.

At the end of the day, a bad Metroid Prime game is still a good game and one that I'll happily play any day of the week. As frustrating as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can be, it's still worth playing and a solid way for Nintendo to end 2025. Is it a must-own Nintendo Switch 2 game? That's something I'm honestly not sure about. On the one hand, I can see it being a great way to introduce people to the Metroid genre in a way that's more accessible than, say, Metroid Dread. On the other hand, Metroid Prime Remastered is right there. Ultimately, Metroid Prime 4 is a game that's worth playing, but it could be so much better.

Despite its flaws, I can’t deny that I had a great time walking in the shoes of Kiryu. I enjoyed the story, the exciting combat, and the thrilling action. While I may have finished the main story, I’ll be going back for more side content to see what I may have missed along the way. While the combat may not demand a high investment from its players, there’s no denying that the deeper you dig, the more you get. This is a game that rewards its players for high levels of engagement but doesn’t punish the casual player just along for the ride. Whether you’re a true blue fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s a lot to enjoy about Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

NBA 2K23 at its core is the same great experience that players enjoy each and every year, while also still mired by the unpleasant microtransactions for your MyPlayer. This year's return of the Jordan Challenge, however, takes the game to new heights that it has not felt for a number of years now thanks to the level of authenticity found in the presentation and gameplay surrounding the GOAT Michael Jordan.

Blaster Master Zero does everything right in terms of rebooting an old franchise. The game retains all the quirks and cues fans of the series adore and presents them in a way that a new generation of gamers can enjoy. The pacing and difficulty is set just right to keep gamers entertained for hours. In short, this is now the definitive way to play a game from my childhood that I’ve held so close to heart.

That aside, Sonic Origins is the best collection of Sonic games around. As ever, the games are accessible and easy to play, and the beautifully animated cutscenes breathe some new life into it.

I trust DICE, I think they’re a great developer, and I have no doubt that six months from now when all of the promised content for Battlefield 5 has finally made its way into the game that this will be one of the best multiplayer shooters on the market. But at this moment, it simply feels like more of what we’ve already seen before with some slight tweaks that only series veterans will truly appreciate.

It isn’t without its problems; the lack of almost any UI or detail on the map can be annoying, and the gameplay can be stiff and frustrating at times. Fortunately, the other parts of the game create such a undeniably enjoyable atmosphere that I even found myself relaxed and smiling in some of the more frustrating parts of the game as I made my way through this foreign world that I can’t wait to hop back into and explore again.

This is a strategy game title I see myself consistently returning to.

A great collection of arcade games tied together in a neat package for modern audiences. Though not every game brings something necessarily new or unique, there is definitely something in here for every beat ’em up fan.

It’s clear that Remedy has had a clear vision for Control for a very long time.

The endearing love story and vibrant art style of Haven can't save it from being a derivative and forgettable RPG adventure.

Drawing on decades of inspiration, Beyond Galaxyland is a heartfelt love-letter to the JRPG genre. Although the game can't quite escape its predecessors' long shadow, it shines more brightly than many of its peers. The synthesis of gameplay elements from Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy to Paper Mario and Pokémon makes this a must-play for genre enthusiasts, and worthy of consideration by other gamers. Increased difficulty in New Game Plus adds to Beyond Galaxyland's replayability, while an interesting story helps it stand out from among other JRPGs.

People of Note is a game that’s positively bursting with love for classic RPGs, music theory and culture, and the people who like both. It’s got an earnest, interesting story with diverse, likable characters, and smartly-designed, cleverly-implemented combat and stat-building systems. Compared to some similar RPGs, it’s a little on the leaner side, and the relatively minor presence of rhythm mechanics is disappointing. Still, overall, it’s a rock-solid, highly-enjoyable experience, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes good, ol’ fashioned turn-based combat and musical references. Also, if and when they release an official soundtrack, I will play it on loop until my speakers wear out. Especially the Irish battle music, that track is straight fire.

While Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream isn't the full-blown life simulator some people may have been hoping for, fans of the original will feel right at home. Despite lacking any concrete depth, I'm still impressed by the wacky scenarios, conversations, and relationships that blossom. It's been a smash hit in the Valentine household, and that won't change for quite some time. I never thought we'd see another Tomodachi Life game, and I'm so happy that we did.

I hate to sound like I didn’t enjoy my time with the game. There’s a lot to love about Dark Arisen, but it’s hard for me to ignore some of its more glaring issues. If you’re an action RPG fan who has been looking to sink their teeth into a meaty game before the end of the year, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is definitely worth checking out.

With slick gameplay mechanics and buttery smooth controls, My Friend Pedro will keep you coming back time and time again in the pursuit of that perfect run.

WarioWare Gold manages to be one of the most consistently enjoyable and funny 3DS games in recent memory.

While Tropico 6 remains the same in many ways from the other games within the series, it also consistently remains true to the complex and political nature that comes with ruling a nation, albeit with a few more features added to either improve or destroy the island depending on the player’s choices.

Tormented Souls 2 is a fun, albeit thematically predictable, sequel to a game that served as a delightfully nostalgic surprise to longtime horror fans. It's abundantly clear that Dual Effect has put their heart into this ongoing love letter to classic survival horror, utilizing elements that few other horror indies have dared to touch in favor of modern playstyles and concepts. Charmingly familiar tank control gameplay, ambitious puzzle mechanics that can still feel a bit too heavy-handed for the average player, and thematic horror elements that do work well for the most part. Like its predecessor, Tormented Souls 2 still struggles with storytelling and character elements that just don't quite hit the mark. While it doesn't go as deep as I would like, above all else, it still serves its grandest purpose with all the passion you could ask for.

EA Sports UFC 5 looks and feels great on the Frostbite engine, but under that new coat of paint is the same old gameplay we've had for the last 3 years.

Remnant's story conclusion ends with more of a whimper than a bang. The core gameplay remains solid, but the new additions fail to impress.

Tacoma‘s three-hour span was a delightful experience, and I can see myself booting it up once or twice more to comb through the space station.

Some of the most tense-filled experiences I’ve endured in quite some time.

MotoGP 25 is a great entry point into the series for any new players and makes a great alternative to four-wheel racing games. Returning players who have a lot of experience in the series may find the incremental changes aren't dramatic enough, but the arrival of additional new race types and the full junior seasons is nothing to frown at. In terms of gameplay and visuals, MotoGP 25 does pull a gap on its predecessors even if it doesn't lap them entirely. Though it's not without its faults, MotoGP 25 is easily the definitive motorcycle racing title out there today and brings with it the high levels of authenticity that we have come to expect from its developer.

Death Squared is an incredibly fun puzzle game for Nintendo Switch.

NBA 2K20 feels like the smallest leap that the series has made in years, even if the core gameplay still remains enjoyable.

Have a Nice Death is an absolutely fantastic time. Whilst the anima system and some lacking curses are enough of a nuisance to be noticeable, they don’t overshadow the rest of the game’s excellent qualities. Not only is it one of the best looking games I've ever played, but its roguelike loop provides a perfect base of simplicity that acts as a foundation for crunchy, fast-paced fights. The game both indulges the power fantasy of acting out the unstoppable will of Death itself whilst providing a suitably tough experience that forces strategy and rewards learning about each opponent.

Per Aspera is a haunting sci-fi simulation in which you play as a lone AI tasked with terraforming Mars for human colonization.

While it may not stand up to the likes of last year’s Breath of the Wild (or many other Zelda titles for that matter), Hyrule Warriors is still an enjoyable, fast-paced, and frenetic way to play this remixed take on one of Nintendo’s oldest franchises, Musou-style.

I had high expectations for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition and, even with my grievances, I can see why it is so beloved all these years later. It imbues the heart and character of the Scott Pilgrim IP with plenty of content for both new and returning players to enjoy. The big difference this time is that Scott Pilgrim is here to stay thanks to the “Power of Love.”

UFC 4 brings some great new ideas to created fighters, online play, and clinch gameplay, but can't live up to its full potential with the end product.

Bad Apple Wars explores the afterlife in a way that is sure to grab the interest of visual novel fans, especially those who are already fans of Angel Beats!. However, the inconsistencies in character routes and a few dull events involving Rinka’s pathetic attitude holds the game back from being a great otome. There is plenty to love of Bad Apple Wars, but to me it doesn’t stand out when compared to some of the better otome visual novels available.

Life Is Strange: Before the Storm's Episode 1: Awake focus on themes of depression, loss, and the inability to fit in, which it does an excellent job at presenting throughout this first episode. Sadly, the episode's main focus on Chloe and Rachel's friendship can feel a little forced early on, but inevitably lands on plausible after learning about the mental state of each of the characters.

Date Everything! represents the best parts of the indie gaming scene and captures the zeitgeist of Internet culture. Date Everything! has a clear, vehemently anti-AI message among the rising tide of AI-generated content, showing just how much love and care are put into its creation, with a not-so-subtle anti-AI message about corporations trying to replace people with soulless machines. Despite some shortcomings and frustrating technical difficulties I may have during my playthrough, the good heavily outweighs the problems, and Date Everything! is an absolute riot and an emotional rollercoaster. It's sincere, hilarious, and honest, and is probably one of the most enjoyable indie games I've ever played. As a debut game, Sassy Chap Games knocked it out of the park with this sandbox dating sim. If you appreciate the talent behind voice acting, weird dating sims, and most of all supporting indie studios, then Date Everything! is the perfect game for you.

Unfortunately, Croc: The Legend of The Gobbos really never needed to come back. Even in 1997, it was a title plagued by cumbersome controls, generic worlds, and uninspired level design that were left behind by its more prolific contemporaries. While a nice sheen of extra polish and modernized movement does make this the best way to experience Croc in 2025, you still really just... don't need to. Those that loved the game back in the day and know what to expect will be happy, but this is truly just a remaster for the nostalgia-starved. It's clear that the developers have a lot of love for their green, reptilian hero, but it's simply not enough to make Croc a fun 3D platformer for anyone else.

Yomawari: Midnight Shadows has everything a horror game needs, engaging story and characters, creepy town, and scary spirits. Most importantly, it shows a significant improvement over what the previous entry in the series offered. Sadly, the game lacks more explorable areas and also a more extensive variety of enemies, who end up overstaying their welcome in the later parts of the game.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a game that's likely going to split FromSoftware players in a way we haven't seen before. In addition to being a clear departure from what fans expect from the studio, it's also a title that 100% hinges on the team you experience it with. Play with Elden Ring pros, and it can be a blast. Play with average Nightfarers or casual matchmakers, and it can turn into a slog. This leaves the game in a little bit of a No Man's Land, too punishing and brutally tuned for the mass audience the new genre format wants to attract, and perhaps too much of a departure for some of the longtime fanbase. Nightreign can be really fun once you adjust to it, when everything clicks, when you have the perfect team of three, when the RNG is friendly, and when you have a lot of time on your hands to chip away at final bosses with ridiculous amounts of HP. Sadly, the repetitive nature and balancing issues also can make it feel like a series of the world's longest Soulslike runbacks ever—over, and over, and over.

The PlayStation 5 release of Starfield was the game's second chance, one where it could have been shaped by player feedback, kept out of Baldur's Gate 3's shadow, and shown to a whole new audience in a fresh light. That chance has been wasted, as what's here isn't that much different from the 2023 release. Starfield is somehow bloated and yet empty, overly complex and yet lacking. It's a universe of wasted potential, one that struggles to get the player invested in its reams of content. It's not a bad game by any means, but it's definitely lacking in substance, and anyone seeking an experience with the same level of depth and engagement as Bethesda's previous outings will want to look elsewhere.

WRC 8 is an amazing racing sim, but don't expect it to hold your hand.

The Midnight Walk is my favorite game on the PSVR2, and a true proof of concept for the platform if you still need one. Not since my first time playing Journey has a title struck as strong an emotional chord with my very soul. The claymation world is absolutely beautiful yet terrifying, the soundtrack is hauntingly gorgeous, and the gameplay is full of wildly unique and creative ideas that I've never experienced before. Most importantly, the narrative combines an approachable storybook style with very deep themes and symbolism that are sure to tug at your heartstrings by the game's truly amazing conclusion. Each character and story beat has insane levels of charm. It's a title you really should play in VR if you can, despite a couple of very minor design inconveniences. Still, outside of VR, the 4 or 5 hour runtime may feel short, but what's here is amazing and worth experiencing regardless. Pardon me as I Google if the PSVR2 warranty covers tears shed within the headset.

Through intuitive level design and a steady difficulty ramp, Linelight is able to punch far above its weight class.