Unpacking is disarmingly deep and surprisingly emotional. The journey opens by asking you to line up action figures and stuffed animals, and by the time it's over, you’re marking major milestones and surviving life’s most difficult decisions. The fact that it accomplishes this without a line of text or speech is really impressive. Just when you think you can predict which item’s next, you’re hit in the gut with a relic of unexpected meaning and charm. With a wonderfully consistent pixel aesthetic and a soundtrack that breezes by in the background, this is a gem that anyone with an affinity for interior design or inventive storytelling shouldn’t miss.

Though it’s a little shorter compared to its predecessors, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is a collection worthy of your time. The HD treatment on Dream Drop Distance is excellent. Birth by Sleep 0.2 - A Fragmentary Passage is a gorgeous prologue to Kingdom Hearts III, and while Kingdom Hearts X (key) Back Cover is the weakest link in the collection, it lets fans efficiently catch up on that chapter of the story. While it may just be an appetizer, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is a fine example of why we’re still excited for the future of the franchise.

Battlefield V is another solid entry for the long-running series. War Stories and fortifications miss the mark, but the risky changes to spotting, squad synergy, and limited resources have added depth and shaken up the flow of matches for the better. The limited number of maps is unfortunate, but free content updates provide some hope for the future. Battlefield V deftly delivers on its promise of large-scale team-focused warfare, and we’re only just getting started.

In multiple ways, Dawntrail is all about setting up events that will play out across future chapters. The narrative is certainly the most divisive element at the moment, so there’s a lot riding on where the writers go after the revelations and developments in the final act. The battle content is certainly heading in the right direction, but there’s still a question of whether or not the devs can sustain this momentum. There’s reason to be hopeful with what’s been established in Dawntrail, but what comes next will be crucial to Final Fantasy XIV’s outlook for the future.

While players looking to check off all the boxes have their work cut out for them, a more casual approach to New Pokémon Snap really allows you to take things at your own pace, going down the rabbit holes you enjoy and ignoring the ones you don’t. Vague direction and limits on how many photos you can turn in at a time can get in the way, but overall, it’s a warm, peaceful trip as you discover these creatures in the wild and search out all the different ways they interact.

Live A Live is a delightful little RPG that’s thankfully gotten the second chance it deserves. Its new visuals look great and the rearranged soundtrack brings each time frame to life. However, its multi-scenario story is what makes it truly stand out. Though the quality varies between chapters, they're all interesting in their own ways and it’s worth seeing through to the very end.

SteamWorld Dig 2 doesn’t quite break new ground, but the process of digging your way through its spaces square by square as you gather resources and upgrade your character distinguishes itself from other Metroid-style games. Tight controls, pleasant backdrops, and a stronger sense of space make it worth unearthing this gem however you can.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony isn’t easy to summarize, at least not in a way that manages to capture its full scope. It's outlandish, and an example of how deeply engaging such outlandishness can be when wielded effectively. So much of what we consume is content to play into what the audience wants, but V3 takes a different path. It often challenges instead of appeals, and though not all of its points are equally strong, the constant push against player expectations makes it a far more intriguing journey.

Overall though, Omega Force has really outdone themselves with Three Hopes in terms of capturing the essence of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It nails so much of what makes Three Houses one of the best entries in the series, while simultaneously introducing improvements to go beyond the original’s scope. It would almost be the perfect follow-up if not for the limitations of combat, which falls a bit short of the mark, despite a sincere endeavor to capture a sense of those grand turn-based battles. In spite of these drawbacks, Three Hopes marks another high point for the musou genre, and stands as one of the team’s better collaborative projects in recent memory.

Tokyo RPG Factory has done a fine job of capturing the spirit of classic JRPGs with I am Setsuna. It feels like returning home after a long journey. Its superb soundtrack and solid gameplay bring nostalgic feelings of joy and comfort. Even though a lack of balance holds back the creativity of its combat, it never extinguishes the emotional tone and engaging story of the game. It may not be the next classic, but it does an excellent job of honoring its heritage.

A wonderful trip beneath the waves, abounding in small surprises and impressing with the sheer density of life in certain scenes. Whether you’re riding a manta ray or zipping along a speedy current like a highway, it makes the natural world fun while adding its own intriguing mysteries to uncover.

Katana Zero is a great action platformer with tight and precise combat that makes you think through every move you make. The way it frames its gameplay is interesting with an engaging story and flashy visuals. Though it could use some more variety, Katana Zero is an enjoyable venture into this dark world.

Death Stranding is an easy, easy game to complain about or even be angry at, but it's also a lot more fascinating than many other, more conservative works.

Rough edges be damned, however. Such flaws don't prevent Zero Time Dilemma from being utterly enthralling. It's rare that a game's story captivates us so thoroughly that we lose sleep just to see what will happen next. Few other works have subverted expectations, toyed with our emotions, or simply shocked us the way the Zero Escape Series has. Zero Time Dilemma is a fitting end to a story we won't soon forget.

There’s still a lot of good found in Berseria, specifically with the emotional story and unique cast of characters. The extra effort put into revamping exploration and traversing zones to make them more interesting shows promise too. There’s a solid foundation here for Bandai Namco to build upon, and for the first time in years, the Tales series shows flashes of a brighter future given the right ingredients.

The Banner Saga 2 fuels momentum towards the next chapter with rich new territories and captivating mysteries. Gameplay is less frustrating without losing its sense of challenge, pushing you and your people on through tough scenarios at the height of desperation.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit tells an intimate familial story about coping with loss. It speaks to the power of a child’s imagination and resilience in the face of a hopeless situation. The episode may be short, but it leaves us wanting to spend more time with Chris and the world of Life is Strange.

Doom honors its legacy while setting the stage for a new era for the long dormant franchise. Intimately gory encounters and a surprising emphasis on story more than make up for the bland multiplayer.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon captures the essence of the NES Castlevania titles wonderfully. It has great levels, tight gameplay, and extra modes that make it more than worthy of its $10 price tag. It may stick to familiar territory, but it’s a great start for a new legacy.

Star Fox Zero is a wonderful re-imagining of one of the most beloved games in the series, blending elements from its early history in a tasteful manner. The meatier story mode leaves you with a better sense of fulfillment over its predecessors, and while there isn’t an online leaderboard to compare best times or scores, there are other extras to keep you playing. Adapting to the new controls might take more patience than some players are willing to give, but those who stick it out are rewarded with a higher-degree of precision than previously possible. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s safe to say Miyamoto’s latest experiment is a success.

With so many great games available right now, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle but Lies of P is worth making time for. Although it doesn't do anything revolutionary, it's an all-around great game with satisfying and engaging combat, entertaining and challenging bosses, and strong atmosphere. On paper, it may seem like a bizarre concept, but once you hop in, Lies of P makes a strong case for itself with no strings attached.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a strong return to the original identity of the series. The increased emphasis on stealth encourages you to get more invested in your surroundings, while the streamlined equipment options and shortened length ensure Basim doesn’t wear out his welcome. Open combat and the story aren’t anything particularly special, but learning about Baghdad continues the series tradition of celebrating different time periods. With multiple Assassin’s Creed projects in the works, hopefully Ubisoft embraces the intimate focus of Mirage.

Hyper Light Drifter places high value on your efforts and sense of discovery. The impressionistic storytelling, inexplicit clues, and tough challenges, place the emphasis on your journey as a player. Things are never clearly laid out for you, but in the end, it’s both beautiful and satisfying.

At times, it feels like the game isn't able to properly justify its own meandering tendencies. Yet Torna also proves that Xenoblade can often feel like it's pushing ahead, restlessly trying out new mechanics that can be intriguing and fun. While far from flawless, the standalone chapter is one that is worth paying attention to.

Tchia is a strong example of how such personal love and care can shine through every part of a game’s craftsmanship. Its environments, animals, clothing, dances, music, food, and folklore all convey a sense of deep cultural heritage as much as just being a fun video game to explore. Despite having a few rough edges to iron out, Tchia keeps you looking around every corner for the next thing to jump into, whether it’s a dolphin or a skateboard.

Hitman 2 adds enough minor improvements to set it apart from its predecessor. Complex, intricate locations are rewarding to explore, while pulling off the perfect assassination remains one of the highlights of the stealth genre. In the coming weeks, Sean Bean will play the role of an elusive target, and hopefully, Ghost Mode will expand on its promising premise. A few uninspired locations and cliché targets hold back the proceedings, but Hitman 2 hits the mark.

Super Mario 3D World holds up well after all these years with solid platforming, dazzling power-ups, and a fantastic soundtrack, but the camera work holds the experience back. The various quality of life improvements are a nice touch, as is the ability to play with friends, even if the online functionality doesn’t rise above the low expectations typical of Nintendo’s offerings. The addition of Bowser’s Fury is a wonderful treat that teases a potential new direction for 3D Mario with a truly open-world platformer that allows a degree of exploration that surpasses even the impressive worlds of Super Mario Odyssey. By pairing these two very different, yet captivating styles of platformers in one package, Nintendo delivers the best of both worlds.

Gears has had its ups and its downs, and thankfully, Gears 5 does a good job of lifting the series back up. Its improved focus on characters and more open areas really helps to strengthen the campaign, and the multiplayer offers the same over-the-top action you've come to expect. It won’t likely bring in many new converts, but if you’re a fan who’s felt alienated by more recent entries, Gears 5 is a great place to jump back in.