Octopath Traveler 0 introduces a new town building system to its endless turn-based battles, but doesn't innovate much outside of that. Combat feels fun and powerful, but with this being the fourth game in the series, it could use a touch up. In the end, Octopath Traveler 0 is an incredibly enjoyable JRPG, but one that feels like it's just spinning its wheels at this point. Town building is fun, but ultimately shallow.

Death Howl is a complex, yet easy-to-get-into deck builder that utilizes a slick, stylish mix of Soulslike gameplay systems and card-based combat. The world and story are breathtaking, with outstanding pixel art and ominous, subtle sound design. Combat feels excellent, but if RNG and dying a lot in games isn't your idea of a good time, it may not win you over in that regard.

Cloudheim is, by all accounts, a good game, but it is marred by uncertainty about its direction. A sort of jack of all trades but master of none issue. It is very important to remember this game is still in its early days and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, in a few months, I think many of the issues I have with this game will either be solved or be on the way to being solved. Right now, though, Cloudheim struggles with its identity a little too much. If you can craft such a fun world to move about in, why punish me by giving me manual labor to do when I finally go home? The combat, when it works, is ludicrously fun. Using mobs like bowling balls and pins has never been better. The progression systems are a bit overwhelming, and there are probably a few too many in the game as a whole. Becoming a Nordic legend to save the world sounds amazing until you have to stop everything and deal with your overabundance of items in your inventory. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]

Sleep Awake is absolutely stunning visually and feels like walking through an art installation full of heavy themes and commentary. Combined with the impeccable soundscape crafted by Nine Inch Nails' Robin Finck and some of the best world-building I've ever experienced in a sub-10-hour video game, it's a title that will stick with me for a long time. Some occasional subpar stealth sections and an obtuse puzzle or two are the only blemishes on an otherwise incredible journey that had me riveted from start to finish, with a story and main character that were incredible to witness. I want more of this world and premise. I want a book. I want a movie. I'm not sure that I'll be able to sleep till I get it.

She’s Leaving has a great and unique concept with a solid story, which may be enough for players looking for their next survival-horror fix. However, you shouldn’t go into it hoping for amazing gameplay, since it’s pretty barebones across the board. While engaging with real-life practices of forensics is intriguing, especially if you’re into true crime, everything else revolves around cookie-cutter mechanics to an exhausting extent. The majority of a playthrough consists of finding and using keys, unlocking safes, and running away from a stalker that becomes less scary and more of a nuisance the longer you play. While She’s Leaving isn’t the best option out there for survival-horror enthusiasts, it has enough good stuff, such as interesting forensic mechanics, story, and voice acting, that make it worthwhile for a quick playthrough over a weekend. It’s also important to consider its low price of only $16.99.

Escape From Tarkov has changed significantly on its road to release, but there's little doubt over this being the best that Tarkov has always been. The story mode adds depth and meaning to the game in ways that were sorely missing before, making its standout environment and gameplay actually matter. It may not be the prettiest or the most approachable game, but Escape From Tarkov looks set to remain the premier post-apocalyptic first-person shooter in the market for the foreseeable future.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic beat 'em up that understands what makes arcade games like X-Men so iconic. It's a touching love letter to both the source material and genre that's a blast to play from start to finish, whether you're playing alone or with friends. Part of the fun is not just experiencing the beat 'em up action, but also falling in love with specific heroes and various combinations to find a playstyle that matches your personal preferences. In an era that has more options than ever for co-op gaming, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is well worth your time and money, whether you're looking to spend a weekend together gaming or keep coming back to see everything the game offers.

Total Chaos is an exciting survival-horror game that follows a man descending into madness within his own mind. The story and combat are the standouts here, as both are engaging enough to keep the player on the edge of their seats, pushing them further into the depths of the game's world to learn more about the protagonist and take down deadlier foes. Discovering the lore of Fort Oasis, the game's main location, and how its hidden meanings connect to the main character's mental state and sickness shares a strong resemblance to Silent Hill 2, and it's fascinating to uncover. The biggest negative is the game's core survival mechanics and how it often feels too punishing because of its lack of resources, to the point that some players might be forced to go back to an earlier save depending on their situation. The extreme lengths it takes to make the player feel hopeless may be too much for the casual player, so it's definitely not a game that could be recommended to everyone.

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.

Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure is a deckbuilder that I absolutely loved early on. The presentation is fantastic, and the Slay The Spire-esque gameplay is top-tier. Unfortunately, the more I played, the more I'd encounter substantial performance issues and an overall feeling of imbalance. Give this one some more time to be optimized, and it'll be one of the best titles in the genre. Until then, it's still a good time, but hasn't yet reached its full potential.

Of Ash and Steel is a truly fascinating world and experience that absolutely has merit. The sheer amount of content the game contains (there's even an 'Arena Master' mode outside of the main story that allows you to enjoy more combat challenges) is remarkable for an indie studio that's just now getting its feet wet. It checks a whole lot of boxes for what a love letter to classic 2000s open-world RPGs should contain, and the care and attention to these details is abundantly clear. That said, it does try to differentiate itself in ways that it doesn't need to, such as the lack of navigation UI elements and skill requirements. It also needs a bit more polish on other fronts, such as its dialogue mechanics, and the cutscenes can feel a bit awkward to watch at times. With a bit more time in the "forge" as it were (or just constructive update patches), this game could truly be one to remember.

Constance is a fantastic game that I would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of the genre. It draws heavy inspiration from Hollow Knight, which is clear as day, but brings fresh ideas to the table that make it feel like a unique experience. The story, where players bounce between the real world and a world inside the protagonist's declining mental state, is a sad tale that sends a powerful message about depression and anxiety. Constance tackles subject matter that we don’t typically see enough of in the gaming industry, at least with this much depth, and it’s refreshing to see them explored here. The mix of a heartfelt story, addictive gameplay, and incredible platforming makes Constance easy to recommend.

Mechanically, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a good game, and I'd even risk calling it one of the best multiplayer shooters to come out this year in that regard. The problem is that mechanics are tools, and the game they are subordinate to is a poor artisan. Between the uninspired futuristic aesthetics and the nonsensical campaign, it's upsetting to see that this is what Call of Duty could come up with after the strongest release in over a decade. All the fun of Zombies is not enough to spare Black Ops 7 from being the worst game in the franchise, and the only saving grace is that it might serve as a cautionary tale about complacency when managing popular franchises.

Demonschool has a quirky charm. I initially enjoyed its battle system, but I grew bored with it before long. Even though I had to push myself to finish it, I walked away with a satisfying experience. The characters, the witty and snappy script, and the story development kept me hooked. It's not a groundbreaking game, but for those who enjoy over-the-top humor, puzzle-like gameplay, and demonic themes, it might be a good pick.

Mimmox's creative mission to share enjoyable and relaxing games that help players unwind rather than wind them up is off to a good start with Umami. It's a whimsical and thoroughly wholesome puzzle experience that didn't push any buttons of frustration or confusion whatsoever. It gives you that gentle, consistent dose of dopamine with no need to go overboard visually or contextually. Critiques are truly minimal in this case, mainly just about how Umami could have been expanded just a bit further in terms of gameplay without sacrificing its pacing or overall tone of sensory relaxation. I genuinely look forward to seeing more from this studio.

Dispatch is absolute cinema, literally and figuratively. AdHoc has truly crafted a delightful experience with its workplace-comedy superhero narrative, one that features a strong cast of well-written and eccentric characters, making you eager to meet them again like long-distance BFFs. The gameplay can be slightly tricky to grasp, but ultimately becomes a hyper-engaging burst of time-based unit management. Each character is so lovable at heart that you won't even need a lengthy backstory for context. And with a writing direction that strongly emphasizes character relationships and banter with one another, it is one of the most cathartic video game experiences that I had this year, making me grateful for every minute I spent with Robert and his crew, as well as making me want to support AdHoc in any way possible in a plea for making another season on these whimsy goofballs.

I honestly didn't know what to expect when first jumping into NASCAR 25. To say that it blew me away is an understatement; NASCAR 25 scratches the Forza Motorsport itch I've been missing for so long, even if it's nowhere near as deep as the iconic Xbox sim-racing franchise. With the game finally coming to PC, there's so much potential here for an online community to thrive. There's a lot I hope to see improved over the years, including a more fleshed-out career mode and improved presentation, but there are some solid bones here that have me excited for the future of the series. NASCAR 25 is one of the best racing and sports games of the year and is well worth your time. Boogity, Boogity, Boogity! Let's go racin', boys!

Windswept is an adorable ode to classic 1990s platformers, mostly for better, but occasionally for worse. The charming design, stellar presentation, and fluid platforming mechanics are top-notch. Assists added to the game are thoughtfully included, especially because the game gets absurdly challenging by the end of the experience. This is a case of a near-flawless first act, but a second act that will leave many setting the controller down and walking away, or abusing assists just to see the game through. I still think it's one worth checking out for retro platformer fans, but I'm a bit bummed that what felt like a certified classic initially doesn't quite stick the landing in the end.

Like Tetris Effect before it, Lumines Arise lives up to the franchise's legacy. It's slick, stylish, and as addictive as ever. Despite my complaints and critiques of the game, especially those level transitions that take you out of the rhythm you've established, I look forward to spending hundreds of hours with Lumines Arise over the next decade or so. There was nothing quite like Lumines back in the day, and even though there are similar titles available today in 2025, there's still only one Lumines. A must-own for any puzzle game fan.

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.

Ubisoft Mainz's good choices started early with Anno 117: Pax Romana. It picked the perfect time period to showcase the prime of Roman city building, and packaged that in a user-friendly way that has more depth than meets the eye. There are some pacing issues with the campaign, and I have questions about the longevity of single-player modes, but that does not take away from the fact that this is an excellent city builder that tells a Roman tale with the grandeur it deserves.

Sanatorium: A Mental Asylum Simulator is a unique, compelling little indie title that examines the dark, sometimes stigmatized world of mental health. It does so in a lovely way that is clearly made by a team with tons of respect and sensitivity. The oddball staff members at the asylum are full of charm, and the patients are just as endearing. It struggles with some unfortunate design choices and some unusual bugs in the menus, but is overall worth a bit of your time.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake successfully blends the old with the new, faultlessly complementing the third game and becoming the definitive way to experience the Erdrick trilogy on modern systems. The new story additions enrich its mythology and characters, while the gameplay novelties will please turn-based RPG fans. There's some unevenness here and there in both games, but nothing that detracts from the heartwarming, majestic experience of cherishing one of the most influential RPGs ever made in Japan.

ARC Raiders is an incredibly challenging extraction shooter that will push you to your limits and frustrate you, but you'll keep coming back for more. With breathtaking visuals, thoughtfully-designed maps, intense PvP, and intelligent, unpredictable AI, ARC Raiders has raised the bar incredibly high for extraction shooters and will likely inspire an entire wave of games that hope to recreate its magic. Its quirky cyberpunk cosmetics give it a personality all its own, and with extensive quests and co-operative gameplay opportunities, ARC Raiders is revolutionizing the genre and pushing it further into the spotlight.

Europa Universalis V is the thrilling next iteration of Paradox's long-running grand strategy series. If you're still playing EU IV and wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, I'm here to tell you that you absolutely need to play this game. It takes everything about the last entry from 2013 and improves on it. If you're a newcomer with an interest in complex, deeply involved grand strategy games, then now is the perfect time to jump in.

Simon The Sorcerer Origins is a game which some will love, and some will drop off of. However, in a time of re-releases with an extra 'episode' of content tacked on to the end, it's nice to get a full-blown new game in an old franchise. I hope the game does well enough to get a sequel/prequel/presequel so that they can take some more risks with the puzzles and potentially add in some help for those of us who didn't grow up with these types of adventures.

If you've played the original Biped, you've played Biped 2, and I truly mean that. This is sadly one of the lowest effort sequels I've ever encountered, down to even the game's Tutorial being a direct copy/paste from the OG. There are numerous examples of blatant and unabashed rip-offs consistently throughout the experience, to the point that it feels like self-plagiarism. If you want to try out the new 4-player co-op, that's about the only different thing worth checking this game out for, especially because there's an actual game-breaking bug near the end as well. As cute as the game can be, you've quite literally done all of this before.

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.