With a captivating political plot, an excellent combat system, and beautiful HD-2D visuals, Triangle Strategy has all the hallmarks of being a hit with newcomers and veterans of the tactical RPG genre.

Despite these challenges, the core experience remains strong, and the remaster successfully preserves the essence of the originals. However, addressing these issues would have elevated the collection from a solid nostalgia trip to a truly definitive edition.

While the price may be a hard ask for some, I highly recommend giving Scott Pilgrim EX, especially if you’re a fan of Scott Pilgrim or the beat-em-up genre. I can only hope that, considering the way the game ends, we get a follow-up at a later date. Whether if its with DLC, a sequel, a new anime, a new film, or even a new comic, I will be there no matter what to see how Scott Pilgrim’s “precious little life” continues.

Old School Rally is a great arcade-style racing game that has a pleasing PlayStation 1-era aesthetic and fun, addicting gameplay that's easy to pick up and play. The game pays homage to the sport of rally with several unlicensed cars that strongly resemble their real-life counterparts, so players aren't missing out on car variety. Although it's not innovative, Old School Rally is a joy to play for racing game fans.

FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is a triumphant return for the series. It maintains the gameplay core and narrative of the original game, while adding exciting new features like a new over-the-shoulder perspective and new mechanics. There are some major issues, such as with pacing, the lackluster side stories, and the abundance of technical glitches. Still, the Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is a great time, regardless if you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series. Though, you may want to wait till some of the issues are fixed.

If you’re a fan of classic Final Fantasy games or classic turn-based RPGs, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an easy recommendation. This is an excellent game with a fantastic soundtrack, a well-rounded cast, and an engaging combat system. Fans who already played the original game will fail to find any substantial new content to discover, but the world of Luxendarc has never looked better. While I wish that more effort had been put into bringing this remaster up to 2025 standards, it’s still Bravely Default on a modern platform—and it’s hard to complain about that.

People of Note is a delightful experience from beginning to end. The story captures the vibe of 2000s Disney Channel musicals alongside some charming characters and nods to pop culture. Further, the gameplay combines the rhythm and RPG genres excellently, and throws in some extra strategy for you to master while you're having fun exploring. While there are some glitches and issues with the musical sequences, these aren't enough to completely detract from just how great this game is.

Although it arrived rather late, the Nintendo Switch 2 port of Dynasty Warriors: Origins provides a solid experience for those who have yet to try out the title and want a convenient way to play on the go. Though I have some minor gripes, none of them came close to completely soiling the experience.

Borderlands 4 is a fantastic return to form for the divisive franchise. The narrative is a great change of pace from previous entries, immediately separating itself with a far darker tone, higher stakes, and a great cast of both new and familiar characters. Furthermore, the gameplay represents a significant evolution from what one'd expect from the franchise, offering new customization options, features, and a balance of fun both solo and with a friend. While there are some issues, such as bugs and the game's monotonous traversal, I look forward to seeing how Gearbox continues to develop the franchise in the future.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is an auditory and visual masterpiece. The clash of machine and nature may be an old trope, but it results in a beautiful aesthetic and soundscape. As for the gameplay, the puzzle solving is passable, but the lack of replayability may turn some away.

Lumines Arise is a radiant revival that perfectly captures the rhythm and emotion the series is known for. The experience is simultaneously soothing and challenging, offering a unique game that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate. While the VR mode leaves a bit to be desired, Lumines Arise is an absolute joy that should be experienced without hesitation.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening was released three years ago and was a hit for fans. The release of the Switch 2 has shown that older experiences are better on it. However, a new price tag and the inability to upgrade the Switch 1 version of the game will turn returning fans away.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is an excellent entry point into the series, and for Nintendo fans, it honestly doesn’t get any better than the Nintendo Switch 2 version. SEGA was able to craft an excellent port here that leaves the original Switch version behind, for better or worse if you’re a physical collector. Not only does the game run at 60 FPS without issues, but Sonic X Shadow Generations takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and delivers great visuals worthy of a remaster. This port bodes well for future Sonic titles on the platform, and I do hope SEGA optimizes Sonic Frontiers to make that another solid game to play on Switch 2.

to a T is an extremely charming adventure from beginning to end. The story, visuals, sound design, and music is filled with so much heart and evokes the sort of cartoons you'd see on Nick Jr. or Disney Junior. While there are some issues here and there, namely with the repetition of the gameplay loop, the camera, and a few major glitches, if you're looking for an affordable family/child friendly game, then to a T is the title for you.

Herdling is a game that takes its time and allows you to do the same. It is a quiet adventure, carried by atmosphere, empathy, and the joy of togetherness. Those who embark on it will experience an emotional journey that is both calming and touching. It is the kind of game that not only has an effect in the moment, but also lingers afterwards, like a gentle dream that remains in your memory even after you wake up.

POPUCOM surprised me by giving a well-crafted cooperative adventure that has just enough curveballs to keep you on your toes. Anyone looking for their next co-op adventure would be hard pressed to find a better option, especially at only $20.

This would be one of the best examples of a remaster done right if it weren't the severe technical issues plaguing this release. Nevertheless, Oblivion still holds up as an amazingly engaging role-playing experience all these years later. I simply can't get enough.

There is nothing like this game out there. The roguelite elements are accompanied by components from the deckbuilder and tower defense genres in a combination that really shouldn’t work as well as it does. The story, while slightly formulaic, is filled with charm and great designs that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. If you aren’t engaged by the narrative, you will certainly be hooked by the gameplay with its exciting encounters and great opportunity for experimentation with different strategies while working towards unlocking more factions, units, and spell cards.

Invincible VS is a fantastic experience, regardless of whether you're a fan of the fighting game genre and the original series. While the limited roster and bare bones story mode are disappointing, the satisfying gameplay, rich mechanical systems, numerous single-player and multiplayer options, and brilliant netcode will hook you right from the start. I can't wait to see what this game's future brings.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is some of the most fun you can have on the system—just be prepared to probably spend more than you’d like, whether you’re a newcomer or returning player.

The story can be predictable, but the emotions aren’t hollow. It’s a sincere exploration of memories and the turbulent feelings associated with them. Playing Opus: Prism Peak reminded me of what makes photography so important.

This is all to say that Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis is a great rhythm game that I keep coming back to, and its story is really interesting due to its two main characters and how the internet-centric aesthetic brings everything together. The psychological elements make the denpa subgenre more understandable to players who might not be too familiar with it, as I’ve discovered while playing through the game. If you’ve played rhythm games before and need something new to play, it’s hard to go wrong with Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis. The game respects your time too, so there’s also that for those not wanting a massive time sink in their backlogs.

Disgaea 7 Complete is a jam-packed version of Disgaea 7 with all previously released DLC, new story content, new features, and gameplay tweaks that make it the definitive edition of the strategy RPG. Although Disgaea 7 Complete doesn't revamp the game in a major way, it offers a lot of fun and engaging content with a easy pick-up-and-play combat system that will make the hours fly by before you know it. There are dozens of hours to be spent in Disgaea 7 Complete, all of which looks crisp and optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.

Demon Tides manages to balance both style and substance extremely well. While there are some minor issues with the presentation, controls, and exploration, the expressive character designs, charming narrative, fantastic soundtrack, and gameplay that emphasizes player choice above all else are enough to offset these issues. This is a great, must-play 3D platformer, regardless of your interest in the genre.

King of Meat might not redefine the action-platformer genre, but it carves out its own quirky niche with style, laughter, and a surprising amount of heart beneath all that carnage. With strong co-op play, a creative dungeon editor, and a wicked sense of humor, Glowmade’s game delivers a fun, messy spectacle that’s perfect for those who don’t mind getting their hands (and screens) a little bloody.

The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince is a short and wholesome 2D puzzle-platforming adventure game that puts players in the shoes of a wolf-turned-princess that wants to right the wrongs for a prince she accidentally blinded. This title's gameplay is simplistic, but it makes way for a beautiful storybook aesthetic and story that will uplift anyone's spirit.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a worthy sequel to the original Daemon X Machina, as it improves on its predecessor in nearly every regard. From a turbulent and action-packed main story to a comprehensive weapon and gear system, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion ensures players feel the weight of their Arsenals. Although online content could be better, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion still offers streamlined ways to play with friends on top of the main dozens of hours of content that are already packed in.

TAMASHIKA isn't an experience for everyone. The visuals are often too abrasive, and the lack of any story or unlockables means that you're paying for a game without any progression to speak of. However, the gameplay is so delightfully fun, the little hints of secrets are intriguing, and the soundtrack helped me reach the flow state that it expected of me. Overall, this may not be an experience you are drawn to, but if you're a fan of movement shooters, then TAMASHIKA may click with you more than you think.

DRAGON BALL GEKISHIN SQUADRA is a fun and addictive free-to-play 4v4 team battle game that combines the rich history of Dragon Ball with MOBA elements. Players can take advantage of a respectable roster of characters from across the Dragon Ball universe to battle it out online, and there are also plenty of features that let friends play each other with a variety of options and features at their disposal. Despite some of the roster omissions at launch, there's a solid foundation for a game that could keep Dragon Ball fans entertained for years to come.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is still as grand an adventure as it was 25 years ago, mostly. The 'Reimagined' moniker bleeds down to the refined art style, remixed combat mechanics, and streamlined main quest. All of these, plus ample amounts of Quality of Life updates, make for a fun and modern experience that stands tall even next to recent installments. However, all of the bells and whistles look a lot less shiny when you realize that they came at a cost, with content being cut. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is an excellent remake that's held back from being truly great by rejecting its past and shedding its "flaws".

From start to finish, Etrange Overlord only takes about 20 to 25 hours or so to complete, but you

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is a great racing game that takes advantage of the Switch 2 hardware to deliver a compelling, immersive, and satisfying experience with smooth gameplay. With a roster of more than 40 car models with 50 tracks across France and Japan, racing game fans have a lot to play with in this content-rich story mode. Although there are a few graphical issues and some missing fan-favorite cars, the game is a great foundation for developer Eden Games to build on.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage comes to Nintendo Switch 2 holds up well with 60 FPS gameplay in handheld and docked mode, with the visuals holding up just as much with only a few minor visual imperfections. The inclusion of cross-play and rollback netcode also ensures that gamers on Switch 2 aren't left behind, either.

Marisa of Liartop Mountain is an intriguing RPG that combines traditional elements of the genre, such as a leveling system and turn-based combat, with those of tabletop games. The game's intriguing story and premise of Reimu searching for Marisa keeps players engaged from chapter to chapter, and there's a strong sense of risk and freedom due to a dice-rolling mechanic and wealth of decisions to make. Despite the lack of voice acting for fan-favorite Touhou Project characters, the cozy narration and music make up for it.

Pirate Warriors 4 is a great One Piece game and an excellent Musou game. The PS5 version, albeit lacking new content, introduces new visual enhancements that make for the best way to play this adventure. Returning players may find less incentive to set sail on this journey again, but new One Piece fans beginning the voyage should be delighted with the extensive content available in the Legendary Edition.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive version of the 2024 action RPG with new story and side content, improved gameplay and features, and amazing performance on Nintendo Switch 2. The lack of an upgrade path from Ys X: Nordics and the need to replay story content limits some of the game's potential, but Ys and action RPG fans are in for a treat nonetheless.

I can’t recommend Warframe enough to gamers who need a third-person shooter to play and grind for awesome loot. It’s a must-play game for gamers who gravitate toward looter shooters especially, but Nintendo fans who enjoy Splatoon can certainly have a great time too. As a plus, Warframe also supports gyro aiming, so if you’d enjoy that feature, it’s here and works really well, too.

Magical Princess' story and characters may not be particularly memorable, but the surprising amount of depth makes the game a shockingly great time. Featuring tons of replayability and a reasonable price tag, Magical Princess an easy recommendation for fans of life simulation titles.

It has a slow start, but soon after, it picks up. The world can feel hollow and monotonous, but it can also be a delight to explore. The visual identity starts to fade away, but it’s able to give love to the game it’s based on. When the difficulty spikes, it can be annoying, but also extremely rewarding. I died a lot, I got lost a lot, I got stuck a lot, but I also couldn’t stop playing. Shadow Labyrinth may be rough around the edges, but it is also one of the most interesting Metroidvanias I have played in a while—one I know I will keep playing for quite a while.

Shuten Order is a well-written game that incorporates gameplay elements from multiple genres, including visual novels and adventure games, across multiple routes. The narrative, led by Danganronpa creator and writer Kazutaka Kodaka, is engaging from the very start. Shuten Order's immersive art style and Japanese voice-overs also make it a game that will be hard to put down once you get started.

Nioh 3 offers some of the best action and boss fights in the series. However, it is held back by some open world pitfalls that make the experience feel a bit bloated. Regardless, it is a great and ambitious heck of a ride.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is one of the funniest games Nintendo has shipped in years, and the most expressive Mii sandbox Nintendo has ever produced. I had so much fun and struggled so much to put the game down whenever I had free time. At the same time, it’s also a sequel that often feels held back by its own publisher, considering the 3DS-era cuts, the locked-down sharing model, and systems that don’t quite honor what they ask of you. Living the Dream could have been even better, and it’s a bit frustrating to think about where Nintendo could have elevated this game further. Still, none of those flaws changes what this is. Even with everything Nintendo holds back from it, this is the most fun I’ve had with a Switch first-party game in a long time, and there’s nothing else on the system that scratches quite the same itch.

World Heroes Perfect was an absolute blast to play, with its fast-paced action and beautiful art style. I had so much fun learning the ins and outs of the game in its training mode, and I also felt really challenged in the arcade mode. While I wasn’t able to try out the online, including rollback code is a nice touch and is going to make fights smooth, which I will be excited to try out. However, the game also slightly staggered in its presentation, with the menu feeling slightly sluggish to control and having a style that contrasts hard against the incredible hand-drawn work from the original title, and the lack of customization with the frames. While not perfect, this was a fun time and has me interested in checking out more SNK games so I can make new memories to go alongside the ones I still hold onto from long ago.

Battlefield 6 is a return to form for the series with refined first-person shooter gunplay, fan-favorite multiplayer modes and weapons, tried-and-true progression systems, and a single-player campaign that reminds players what Battlefield is all about. Although visibility for closed weapon modes is less than desirable at launch, Battlefield 6 gives players many options for the game modes they want to play.

MIO: Memories in Orbit leaves a strong first impression and continues to deliver quality content throughout, despite a few questionable design choices here and there. Some clever level design, a fantastic soundtrack, and a gorgeous art style make the entire experience worthwhile.

Once Upon a KATAMARI is a strong return to the series that every fan should experience. Everything that made the originals great is still here, along with a few new additions. Not all of them land perfectly, but none take away from the fun. While it’s on the shorter side, the game’s replayability and incredible soundtrack keep me coming back for more.

Giant Squid, make something different next time. I can only hope that the next game from this incredibly talented team will be something no one expects, as I do not think the team can top this formula after Sword of the Sea. This incredibly talented team has proven it can perfect a formula. Now show us what else you can do.

Whether it’s beating up yakuza on the streets, managing a cabaret club, or helping Kamurocho and Sotenbori’s citizens out of a bind, Yakuza Kiwami 2 offers so much content that will keep you engaged. On Switch 2, the portability factor simply cannot be understated, now that we’ve gotten to a point where the limitations players faced with the original Switch aren’t as prevalent. If you’re a Nintendo fan wanting to get into the Yakuza series, there’s no better time to do it than now.

Killing Floor 3 is an impressively fun time that may very well be the best zombie game since Left 4 Dead 2. With great gunplay, unique classes, and the impressive M.E.A.T. 2 system, this is a game you can count on being a great time. However, the lack of randomization and story elements prevents it from reaching the heights it could in the genre. Still, Killing Floor 3 is an easy recommendation, as the core experience is just that good.

Striking out as a Rider with your favorite Monstie buddies is more satisfying than ever before. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection holds the main series traditions close to its heart while building on top of the already solid base of its predecessors. Egg Hunting, quelling unnatural events, monster raising, and roaming vast maps are still here, while being enhanced by some fresh, new ingredients, which fit snugly between the Environmentalist themes and Monster rearing gameplay.Through and through, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is a richly detailed and gorgeous experience that any fan of Monster-Raising RPGs is sure to enjoy.

Ghost of Yōtei is a great evolution by the foundation that Sucker Punch built with Ghost of Tsushima. While the story feels like a retread of every other revenge story of the past few years, complete with the same frustrating pitfalls, the characters, new gameplay mechanics, and extra content make for a game that will hook you from beginning to end. I can't wait to see how Sucker Punch continues to expand the game and the franchise in new and exciting ways.

Dark Auction is a clever game with a great message, a beautiful artstyle and aesthetic, and a memorable cast of characters. The game does falters at times with its portrayal of memories, since the images and artwork that were used clash with the Kohske’s established artstyle. Whether on purpose or unintentionally, this design choice can break immersion when it really matters, especially with an ADV title depends on consistency. I still thoroughly enjoy Dark Auction for what it brings, and for an ADV, it nails its story, character artwork, soundtrack, and general vibe quite well.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage upgrades Virtua Fighter 5's single-player offers with the fun and rewarding World Stage mode and implements cross-play to keep players engaged in one large player pool. Despite some matchmaking issues, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage brings a compelling suite of online features, including Ranked matches, to keep players engaged with another avenue of fighting game content.

THPS 3 + 4 is the best way to play Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and a great way to experience Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. Those looking for a 100% faithful remake of these titles will be disappointed with some of the changes and omissions, especially fans of THPS 4. However, if you just want to revisit these titles and remember why you fell in love with this series in the first place, jumped on with the previous remakes, or are someone completely new to the series, THPS 3 + 4 is the best skateboarding game you can buy on modern consoles. Here’s hoping we can see some full-scale remakes of THUG and THUG 2 somewhere in the near future.

No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a great game that bridges the gap between the first game and its sequel, nirvanA Initiative, while delivering a compelling story and new gameplay via the newly introduced Escape sections. The game doesn't take any risks with its narrative and features, but it offers a lot of content that AI fans will certainly appreciate.

The Drifter is a messy first attempt at the point-and-click genre from Powerhoof. The story can be frustrating at times, which can extend to the puzzles that leave you confused when returning after a long break. However, the story comes together beautifully, making the mess seem intentional and worth your time.

Peak is a chaotic, fun time with friends that will have you cheering with joy one moment upon reaching the top, and screaming in agony the next after falling back down. While it's possible to play solo, this is clearly a co-op–designed experience that needs to be played with friends to get the most out of it. A few bugs and crashes still take away from the experience, but Peak is a game that's worth your time in a very busy 2025.

Viewfinder is a brilliantly creative puzzle game that constantly forces you to think outside the box through level design that never fails to impress, and a gameplay loop that is fun from start to finish. However, the lackluster narrative, irritating dialogue, and major softlocking glitch prevent it from being truly great.

A love letter to the world of Frank Herbert, Dune: Awakening has some of the most immersive survival gameplay in recent years as well as an intriguing entry in the Dune lore. However, the game expects a lot from the player and has a very slow grind to get to the best parts of the game. As it stands, Dune: Awakening is a strong foundation for Funcom to build off of and I can't wait to see where the game goes next.

Full Metal Schoolgirl is a chaotic and fun game that puts its gameplay, anime tropes, and aesthetic above other qualities, for better or worse. The story isn't spectacular or particularly memorable, but it does make fun of black companies and detrimental work culture, so that's a plus. If you're a fan of Lollipop Chainsaw, Earth Defense Force, and other action games of a similar vein, then Full Metal Schoolgirl can be a great time.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a good revival of a series that delivers as much content as possible to its fans. However, this can be a detriment as parts feel unfocused or too disparate to work together. Regardless, the charming nature of the title shines above all else, and with so much here, there is something for everyone to fall in love with.

Atelier Ryza is an amazing trilogy within Gust’s Atelier series. Even still, this repackaging isn’t something you should rush to get unless you’re a fan or newcomer, as the new content, much like previous DX versions of Atelier games, doesn’t bring much that’s new to the table. There are just some nice extras that I wouldn’t consider integral to the overall experience.

Whether or not you will enjoy this game depends on how familiar you are with the games featured in the collection. If you’re like me and you grew up hearing about X-Men: The Arcade Game or Maximum Carnage, then this is the experience for you. However, if your response to the game’s announcement was sheer bafflement at the identity of the 6 games within, then you likely aren’t the intended audience for this experience. In the end, despite my frustrations with the experience, I can’t wait to go back and watch Magneto welcome me to die once again.

The first few hours of Slime Rancher 2 are a delightful experience, and it’s super relaxing to traverse the environments, capture slimes, and build your conservatory. It’s a great game to play if you’ve had a stressful day and you’re looking to unwind. However, after a while, you will likely find the slimes that you prefer using, discover the majority of the locations, and unlock the last remaining upgrades. In the end, it requires you to find your own meaning and discover a grand ambition that drives your pursuit. Just like the original, I couldn’t find it. But I definitely enjoyed my experience more than last time.

Rayman is an important game. It helped build the house that would bring us Assassin’s Creed; he joined the likes of Mario and Sonic in becoming an iconic face of gaming, and it puts into perspective how much Ubisoft has changed. With his 30th anniversary done and dusted, I hope that new eyes and appreciation will bring the limelight back to our limbless boy. Who knows, maybe the next time we’ll see him will be in Rayman 4?

Directive 8020 is a step in the right direction for The Dark Pictures, giving its choices more weight, its cast stronger performances, and its horror more room to breathe. While the later episodes drag and a few clichés and visual issues hold it back, the journey aboard the Cassiopeia is still worthwhile.

With many new additions and full voice-over, this is the best version of Noctuary. If you're into something of a unique genre-mix with fast fights and visual novel storytelling, this might be for you.

Dead Take is a unique glimpse into the indie horror genre through the lens of an actor desperate to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of the film industry. Its use of atmosphere and film craft drives home a narrative that is both captivating and compelling. However, the combination of poorly lit environments and heavy shadows can make certain puzzles feel cheap, and the lack of clear direction may be too much for some players to overcome.

Tetris: The Grand Master 4 -Absolute Eye- is a great way to play Tetris. It helped me rediscover a love for Tetris I once had and for the first time I'm trying different control schemes and modes. Sadly the game is still in a buggy state and needs some work. The dev team is listening and communicating with the player, and I do have faith these issues will get fixed even if it might take a while. Even after all that I can still recommend it and this will be the version I continue to play.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World Director's Cut is a good time for new fans, but those who have already played the original may debate on whether or not they want to return. With quality gameplay, an excellent soundtrack by David Wise, and pretty visuals, Nikoderiko is a platformer worth your time despite its lackluster narrative.

The game delivers what dedicated otome fans want: beautiful character art, a quality voice cast, a moody historical setting, and branching routes steeped in Japanese legend. It doesn’t reinvent the genre or push any boundaries, nor does it try to captivate non-otome fans. The Switch port is functional but unambitious, and on Switch 2, the Vita DNA is plainly visible in the UI.

I enjoyed my time with The Disney Afternoon Collection. It’s a solid collection of games with modern quality-of-life additions, and it’s a look back to simpler times in the gaming industry. The time attack and boss rush modes are great, as are the art and music galleries—seriously, listen to the DuckTales soundtrack. Even if I spent most of my time with DuckTales, I can still recommend most of the games. The lag and slowdown are still annoying issues, but ones that never made me stop playing, and post-launch updates can fix such issues. I can recommend The Disney Afternoon Collection to anyone, even a little nostalgic for these games. If you come away with a favorite from this collection, it will likely be DuckTales.

That being said, Chrono Gear: Warden of Time will be an easy game for experienced action game players. Chrono Gear: Warden of Time doesn’t innovate or bring anything new to the table either, but I don’t think it has to in order to be a fun game. It’s clear that GalaxyTrail and the other talent involved wanted to make a game that celebrates hololive and everything that makes it appealing. They’ve certainly achieved that in Chrono Gear: Warden of Time and made me laugh in joy more than a few times, too.

The Hungry Lamb is not a long visual novel, and I was able to finish it in close to 10 hours. The game has some issues, but it’s still a satisfying read worth experiencing. If you aren’t sensitive to the subject matter, you will be greeted with a compelling narrative about survival and redemption. The art is a treat, even if I wish there were more. It’s not perfect; the story has some serious pacing issues, and it made me take a couple of breaks. With all that, I’m glad I finished The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty and can still recommend it, faults and all.

Arknights: Endfield is undeniably a visual masterclass with an easy to learn but fun to master combat system and world to explore. However, it struggles with pacing by throwing tutorial after tutorial at you with its overly complicated base-building and factory mechanics.

Rise of the Ronin is far from a perfect game, but it proves that Team Ninja still knows how to craft a thrilling action experience. If you’re looking for an engaging story or beautiful graphics, you won’t find those here. However, if you need an action RPG to keep you occupied for the next few weeks, Rise of the Ronin should do the trick.

While Tides of Tomorrow hits a few rough patches with its stiff controls and some questionable music selection and voice work, the weight of its decisions left a lasting impact on me long after the credits rolled. Its Story-Link system turns the narrative into a fascinating social experiment, forcing you to confront the legacy you leave for other players.

Shinonome Abyss: The Maiden Exorcist is a diamond in the rough. It's full of clever ideas and dripping with plenty of spooky atmosphere, but it's hard to say that it ever truly achieves excellence. Despite that, players who like mystery dungeon RPGs will likely have fun here.

Freedom Wars Remastered doesn't bring many surprises to the table, but it's great to see a Vita cult classic find its way to current platforms. While it is beginning to show its age, this still holds up as an enjoyable title to play in 2025.

Despelote is a great autobiographical narrative that will likely strike a chord with you if you grew up watching events such as the World Cup. While the repetitive gameplay and strange controls are frustrating, the presentation, story premise, and charming moments are more than enough to immerse you in a specific and unique era in history. Plus, with the short runtime and small price, if you like short and sweet games and have a passion for football/soccer, then this is a must-buy.

Gloomy Eyes isn’t about innovation; it’s about immersion. Its strength lies in mood, not mechanics. The story of Gloomy and Nena unfolds like a gothic bedtime tale, carried by expressive narration and a striking audiovisual style. Gameplay remains simple, occasionally clunky due to camera issues, unclear level design, and technical blemishes, but it holds together just enough to support the narrative journey. This is a game for a very particular audience. If you love Tim Burton’s blend of macabre and romantic, if you enjoy dark fairy tales where atmosphere outweighs challenge, Gloomy Eyes is worth experiencing. It may not shine as brightly in gameplay, but in the dim light of its eternal night, it casts a charm all its own.

BrokenLore: Unfollow is a short and sweet horror title all about the ills of social media and parasocial relationships. While it doesn't exactly introduce any bold new ideas and the frequency of jumpscares are a bit infuriating, the great portrayal of a theme that has been done to death, unique concepts in the narrative and gameplay, fun exploration, and replayability make it a great time for any fans of the horror genre.

Don’t get me wrong. This sequel truly experiments a lot, with many elements you’d not usually see in a typical SRPG. Still, perhaps because I was looking for an exciting story with twists and turns, and what I got was a Sunday morning cartoon full of villains I’m unable to take seriously, then it’s very hard for me to recommend this game to the average person.

Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes quickly pulled me in with its storytelling, tough choices, and RTS gameplay, making every run tense and rewarding. It has a few stumbles, especially with some repetition, slowdown, and a final boss that felt more luck-based than skill-based, but overall, this is still a really solid journey worth taking.

I’m hoping that Bandai Namco and Tamsoft continue to update Bleach Rebirth of Souls and make the online modes more engaging. I’m also curious to see the four DLC characters from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War bring to the table as well, but I’m not counting on any new TYBW-related story content coming to this game. If anything, a sequel with this content and more improvements could be the right move.

I hope Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana can help open the floodgates for more Ys Memoire-like remasters or even remakes. Specifically, a remaster or remake of Ys V: Lost Kefin, Kingdom of Sand, which happens right after Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. Only time will tell if this is coming or not, but I’d hope this release can bring us one step closer to that possibility.

Once you get past the bug regarding saving your photos, Lushfoil Photography Sim can be a wonderful time. Exploring the locations and looking for the objective photospots was the best part I had. I feel that I have a new appreciation for photography overall, and I’m already starting to notice things in environments I might not have previously. So, you can throw on some music and start looking for your next photo shoot. After all, you may decide that the only way to express yourself is with a camera.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is charming for both fans of the characters and newcomers alike. While a mobile-style system and frustrating narrative progression roadblocks exist, these are mostly eased by the story itself and the plethora of content that can keep kids and adults entertained alike.

CARIMARA is a creepy horror mystery based on Normandy folklore. The atmosphere encapsulates an eerie yet beautiful tone, which is mesmerising to play. However, the experience is very short, and the central mystery falls flat because some of the answers are unsatisfying.

Solitary in the Library is an indie horror game with immense passion behind it. Its impressive psychological elements and fully dubbed Japanese voiceover are excellent, offering an atmosphere that will keep you captivated til the end. Some animations and narrative elements could be improved, but in the end, this experimental horror game is worth your time.

Battle Train has a fun cast of characters, a solid story, and a lot of love put into it. The core gameplay is strong, but the lack of build variety leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully, some future updates will add some more deck themes down the line, because I would gladly return to Battle Train if they play their cards right.

While the lack of dialogue and storytelling style might be a turn-off for some, I found that it was part of its charm, and even now, I want to go back and play more. Yes, Kunitsu-Gami is a 2024 game that was absent from the Switch during its initial launch, but it is more than worthy of being a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title – it has found its home here.

For fans, this remaster is a welcome return. It respects the original without rewriting it, and gives players a reason to look back on it fondly. For newcomers, it offers a chance for those who may have missed Tales of Xillia at its initial launch to experience it in the best possible light. No surprises are waiting in its familiar paths, but perhaps that is the point. Tales of Xillia Remastered is less about discovery and more about remembering how the journey used to feel.

Super Technos World is a collection of 12 games from the arcade and SNES era of gaming. While the actual emulation and settings of the games elevates this as a collection, the choice of games feel lacking. Along with inconsistent translations that turns this from a must-buy into a mixed bag.

WiZmans World Re;Try is a really good remaster of the 2010 Jaleco-developed RPG with quality of life changes and features for modern consoles and PC. The game's turn-based combat system and intriguing story are clear highlights, but the lack of voice acting and auto saves make the remaster feel just a cut below being great. Despite that, RPG fans will have a really fun time, thanks to the balance between fun turn-based gameplay and tough challenges with its daunting boss fights.

Even with most of these issues, I still had fun with the game. It’s charming and super addicting to just start a new run the second you fail. Without a doubt, a highlight of 2025 that I will continue to enjoy for quite a while.

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a good follow-up to the original Onimusha and improves on it in almost every way and this remaster is the definitive way to play it. The combat feels great, the upscaled pre-rendered background are gorgeous and the colorful cast of characters helps propel the story above the first game in the series. Some half-baked systems and mechanics hold it back from being truly great, but I still recommend this to those who love the original release and to those who may have never played the series before.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a fantastic entry in the broader Ninja Turtles universe. The story, despite its simplicity, does a great job of paying tribute to the history of the franchise. Plus the gameplay is extremely fun and filled with great opportunities for experimentation. While the glitches, forgettable soundtrack, small cast of playable characters, and lack of any unique qualities that separate it from other entries in the genre, it's still a great game if you're a fan of the iconic heroes in a half-shell.