Overall, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a title any action fan won’t want to miss. It offers a real challenge with its combat and gameplay mechanics, bringing new features to the iconic game while still retaining that challenge it’s beloved for. This enhanced, definitive version of Ninja Gaiden II offers gorgeous visuals, a flashy combat system, and a great story featuring many fun characters. With Ninja Gaiden 4 due out later this year, there’s never been a better time to jump in and experience the world of Ninja Gaiden for the very first time.

If you’re a fan of role-playing games of all shapes and sizes, Avowed will not be the experience you are looking for. As much as it pains me to say it, if you’re looking for a game that has great characters, story, and gameplay, you may be better off looking at Obsidian’s previous titles such as Fallout: New Vegas.

At the end of the day, though, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a tropical vacation worth taking. It’s the ultimate Sanrio celebration packed with all kinds of fun for people of all ages. Sunblink has provided countless free updates since the game launched in 2023, and I’m interested to see how the team evolves these with the game out now on PC and Switch. Even if it’s Winter, now’s the perfect time to jump in and kick off your island adventure.

Admittedly, there are a couple rough creases here that need some addressing, with the lightning issue and some systems definitely needing a bit more polish, but overall, this is the best chance you’ll get if you want to get into the Atelier series of games. If you’re a fan of the open world genre, this will definitely appeal to you that much more.

Dynasty Warriors has always focused on Shu, Wu, Wei, and Jin, but the "Other" factions have always been my favorite. For two decades, I have waited for the chance to join the campaign alongside Zhang Jiao, Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao, and Lu Bu. Visions of Four Heroes finally gives these characters their own stories, and the "what if" scenarios actually deliver. Omega Force also threw in three new companions, the Bow and Rope Dart as new weapons, and a Training Ground mode that should have been in the base game from the start. At $34.99, this is worth it. If you already love Origins, just buy it.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is not perfect, but as a huge fan of the Marvel universe, I was certainly not disappointed by the finished product. The use of fan-service and both obscure and iconic characters in the narrative is so well done, the gameplay mechanics are extremely fun to play around with, and the art style is a treat to look at. While there are problems with the game's difficulty spikes, limited replayability, short runtime, and lacking soundtrack, the strengths of the overall experience far outweigh its weaknesses.

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.

I loved my time with Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog. It nails every note it’s going for and then some. There is so much to love, from the characters to the story to the visuals and music. It tells a sci-fi story reminiscent of adventure games and anime of the past anyone can enjoy. While short, I’m already playing it again and getting new scenarios I missed. I’m already looking forward to seeing what other players experience, and I can’t wait to see it thrive. Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is a promising start to a successful series—one that I can’t wait to see more of.

After 26 years, Fatal Fury is finally back—and City of the Wolves hits! It makes a bold return with deep story content, solid offline/online modes, and ambitious mechanics. While I'm not a fan of how SNK implemented the Smart Style control scheme, and the online experience has some issues, this is undoubtedly SNK’s strongest modern fighter yet!

REANIMAL is a beautiful horror journey that uses subtlety to its advantage. The lack of dialogue and cutscenes is traded for worldbuilding, while the gameplay highlights more thrilling chases rather than action-packed combat. Both are used to great effect, even in spite of some major issues with exploration and a few glitches here and there. If you're a fan of the horror genre, Little Nightmares, or have a friend to play with, though, REANIMAL is a must-buy.

Persona 3 Reload finally hits the Nintendo Switch 2, but what should've been a celebration quickly turns into a major letdown. The frame pacing and constant stutters make every step through Tatsumi Port Island a chore, no matter how enjoyable the game itself can be. Maybe ATLUS will patch the frame rate issues in the future, but even then, the lack of support for 60 FPS might be enough to detract some players regardless.

If a game is willing to explore such complex and difficult topics, it needs to be prepared to tackle those topics head-on and say something. Instead, the game just sort of ends without any resolution or final thoughts, and leaves the player wondering what the whole point of this was. I think there are some people out there who will connect with Jenny’s story more than I did and be able to overlook the monotonous gameplay, but in the end, Consume Me just left me feeling numb to the experience as a whole.

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.

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.

Without a doubt, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is one of the biggest highlights of 2026. I could go on and on about just how much fun I've had replaying the games, and I'm still reeling from the fact that we finally have these games on a modern platform.

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.

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.

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.

Ruffy and the Riverside is a 3D platformer from Zockrates Lab. It is inspired by platformers of the late 90s and early 2000s and wears that inspiration on its sleeve. It wears that inspiration well, though, and offers not only a game that fits on the shelf with its inspirations but one that is able to stand out as well. A short but fun time that is a must-play for any fan of the genre, or anyone that grew up with it.

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.

The Horror at Highrook is a look at eldritch horror through the lens of a TTRPG. While the game can have a lot of text, the management style of gameplay sets it apart from other horror titles and will ensure you lose hours of time before it's done.

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.

Gears of War makes its PlayStation debut with a new remaster of the first game in the series, Gears of War: Reloaded. I'll admit, there is something surreal about seeing Marcus Fenix and Cole Train chainsawing through locusts on a Sony console. However, once the novelty of playing a Gears game on PlayStation wears off, it quickly becomes apparent that you are playing a nearly two-decade-old game with very few visual updates or new upgrades. I was left wanting much more, especially considering this is the second remaster we've seen for Gears of War.

I may not be a Dynasty Warriors aficionado, but I’m confident enough to say that Origins may just be what the hardcore fans were waiting for. It also serves as a friendly beginner’s point if you’re getting into the series from playing all of its spinoffs. While it may have some minor issues, they’re all addressable with a patch, and I hope that Omega Force can take all the positives from this game and provide the much-needed boost in recognition that the series deserves.

Overall, Everhood 2 is just okay. If more visual options are added in an update, alongside fixes for the input delay, then this will absolutely be a worthwhile game if you’re a fan of rhythm games, the original Everhood, or you’re feeling like broadening your indie RPG horizons. At the end of the day though, going back to the question posed at the beginning of this review, Everhood 2 doesn’t do enough with either its style or its substance to truly distinguish itself from similar titles.

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.

I’m impressed with what RGG Studio created here, since Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii experiments with ideas I never thought would be considered for a Like a Dragon game, most notably pirate ships and sea exploration. A 60-year-old Majima still has a lot of tricks up his sleeves, and this game does well to respect his character, too. If this is the send-off to Honolulu before the next Like a Dragon game eventually comes, then this was a great one at that.

If you’re a fan of retro RPGs, you may find some enjoyment in Lunar Remastered Collection, thanks to the great story, characters, and visuals. However, if these issues seem too daunting, especially if you’re a newcomer to the genre, you may be better off trying another game instead.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a game that understands its own identity and hones in on that. The returning bosses are a treat for older FromSoft players, and the new mechanics are fun yet challenging to wrap your head around. With future content planned, I see myself returning to Nightreign with each new boss drop for years to come.

Considering how long ROUTINE took to make and how this is Lunar Software’s first game, the overall game is an absolute marvel. It isn’t perfect, but I was enamored from beginning to end with its beautiful aesthetic, terrifying setpieces, and unnerving narrative. I can’t wait to see how Lunar Software progresses its craft with its next game.

In creating a game that won’t appeal to everyone, Sakurai has created an experience that never fails to be entertaining if you choose to challenge yourself with something beyond your comfort zone. Personally, I loved Kirby Air Riders and immensely respect the courage it took to make a game like this. While I’ll always wish that there was more content, as a completed game, Air Riders stands as a contender for my favorite Nintendo game released this year and my favorite of the major racing games that have launched recently.

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.

LEGO Voyagers is a creative co-op adventure that is fun for all ages. The visuals and atmosphere are a real treat, and the gameplay has a lot to offer. A relatively short runtime leaves much to be desired, but this is still a good co-op game that is worth your time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The battles may feel slow at times, and the leveling system can take some time to learn. However, SaGa Frontier 2 manages to reward you no matter your skill level. This is a gem that I hope any RPG fan will check out, as it truly is worth your time. The world of SaGa is ever-expanding, and I’m just glad to have yet another entry available on modern platforms.

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.

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.

When the credits finally rolled, I found myself wanting not just to play the game again, but with the desire to play through more entries in the franchise. I’ve officially fallen in love with the Metroid franchise, and regardless of what the future brings, whether it’s a new 2D game or a new entry in the Prime series, I will be there no matter what. Regardless of whether you’re a fan or on the fence about the new additions to the Prime formula, or if you’ve never played a Metroid game before, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an absolute must-play.

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.

The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is a fun strategy game at its core, despite lacking some features or elements that really make it stand out. Either route you pick will be a fun time, but I did prefer one over the other. While combat was fun, it was rarely a challenge, and I wanted it to do more. That being said, The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is a solid strategy game that I believe both veterans and newcomers to the genre will enjoy.

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.

If you have a Switch 2 and have been looking for a great-looking action-adventure game to keep you occupied until the next mainline Legend of Zelda game, then Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a must-buy. After playing it for myself, I’m now even more excited for the upcoming sequel, Kena: Scars of Kosmora.

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.

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.

The Midnight Walk is an astounding achievement of artistic vision that triumphantly tells both a heart-warming and terrifying story of perseverance and finding light in the darkest of times. It is an impressive labor of love that hopefully will find the audience it deserves and be at the top of game of the year lists come Winter.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a basic remaster that's just enough to bring the game to Nintendo Switch for new players. With its intricate and creative level design, fun soundtrack, and solid replayability, this is an excellent platformer that fits right in with many others on Nintendo Switch. However, if you aim to experience the game in co-op, a frustrating bug makes the experience nothing like the original game, leaving Donkey Kong Country Returns HD in desperate need of a patch.

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.

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.

Eclipsium is an intriguing horror game that relies on surreal and horror imagery to convey a story open to the player's interpretation. This abstract form of storytelling may not be for everyone, but if it piques your curiosity, it might be worth picking up.

Million Depth is another great example of the malleability of roguelike and roguelite games. Instead of following the same cliches as other titles in the genre, it chooses to follow the paths laid by visual novels and real-time strategy games to great success. The story is compelling thanks to a charming cast of characters and three different timelines to dive into, and the gameplay is addictive because of the abundance of unique mechanics to unravel. While there are some issues with story progression, if you're a fan of roguelike games, then Million Depth is a must-buy for you.

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.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties isn’t a bad game, and at it’s core, it’s Yakuza 3, but it could be so much better. I certainly recommend newcomers play through the first Kiwami titles and the rest of the series before coming to Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties on a sale, especially after experiencing Yakuza 3 to understand what the purest essence of that game is. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties does a lot of good to improve on what Yakuza 3 couldn’t, but it’s not at the high standard I expect from one of Japan’s most beloved developers. For better or worse, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is the beginning of a new chapter for RGG Studio, and it’s up to them to recoup some of the good will that fans lost.

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.

Despite what PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC lacks, it’s still a really fun and solid game that’s well worth the $29.99 launch price. There’s a lot of fun content to play through that has the charm that late 90s and early 2000s platformers were known for. I just think PAC-MAN is meant for much more now, and Bandai Namco has the opportunity to strike and create a really memorable platformer with PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC as a foundation or example for the future. That’s after a potential PAC-MAN WORLD 3 remake, of course.

Koira is a magical adventure that I adored from beginning to end. While the game’s bugs did detract somewhat from the overall experience, if you’re looking for a cozy experience that you can beat within a few hours, then this is the game for you. If you need more convincing, you can also pet the dog, which is always a plus. I can’t wait to see what other games Studio Tolima has planned because this is a fantastic start.

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.

Cronos: The New Dawn is filled to the brim with potential, that ultimately falls short in how it executes all of its concepts. While there is a great story foundation and some interesting mechanics, the lackluster conclusion to the narrative, combined with irritating combat, frequent glitches, poor pacing of traversal, and repetitive gameplay scenarios make for a product that fails to capture the quality of other entries in the genre.

South of Midnight is a fantastic representation of the deep south and its folklore. It has great visuals, engaging characters, a charming story, and music that will leave your jaw on the floor. While there are certainly flaws with the repetition of the combat, the frustrating platforming, and the lack of development of certain characters, these issues pale in the face of just how well Compulsion Games managed to execute this great work of art.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a shockingly great time. Fans of hardcore action RPGs won't want to miss out on this one. Every aspect of the game has been made with clear passion on display.

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.

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.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a great entry point into the Ys series as it explores a lot of lore of Adol’s childhood and reinforces his inalienable drive as an adventurer. For Ys fans who somehow haven’t played Celceta yet, I certainly recommend Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta since it’s such an important game full of world-building and character development for Adol.

Patapon 1+2 Replay is a nostalgic blast from the past and features many upgrades from the original titles, including difficulty and latency sliders. While the story is light and the timing can be strict, this re-release manages to capture the charm of the originals while updating the games to stand alongside other modern titles, making Patapon 1+2 Replay a must-own for fans of the series.

At the end of the day, despite my issues with REPLACED, I can confidently say that the five-year wait was worth it. If you’re a fan of cyberpunk games or 2.5D action platformers, then you absolutely need to play REPLACED. Even though I’m in no rush to replay the game, I can’t wait to give it another shot after a few post-launch adjustments. While this may not be a masterpiece, Sad Cat Studios has managed to make a seminal title in the genre that is hopefully remembered for a long, long time.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is a near-perfect sequel that follows up the previous game with an intriguing story and premise. While shaking up the story formula, the game retains many of the redeeming qualities of its predecessor and makes improvements in the right areas, including the seamless action-to-turn-based combat system. This is a cant-miss RPG that brings everything Trails fans enjoy about the series.

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.

I encourage Bandai Namco and the development team to make even more optimizations over time. The Switch 2 version can be even better, even if that 60 FPS target doesn’t get hit in the future. The rollout of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO DLC is also vital, and I hope Switch and Switch 2 users won’t be far behind the other consoles in terms of content. Everyone benefits from the hype of new DLC releasing at the same time on all platforms, after all.

I have mixed thoughts on The Real Face of a VTuber. While I didn’t regret playing, I still got annoyed with parts of it. The narrative is one I found enjoyable for about two-thirds of its length, but I wanted it to end by the last one. I enjoy about half the characters but find the rest forgettable or annoying. The VTuber aspect is very well done, and I can’t help but applaud the devs for it. I also can’t help but feel that the actual murder-mystery part isn’t fully utilized. Still, The Real Face of VTuber isn’t a bad time, and one I can see others enjoying more than I did.

The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a fun time, but it’s hard to recommend unless you’re already a big fan of the game and the IPs that are represented here. I loved all the boss fights, but the overall level design and length do hinder it. It also doesn’t help that the rewards for each level aren’t worth it, making the levels feel like a step down from the base game. While I still enjoyed it overall, I can’t blame anyone for waiting for a sale. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC has some great boss fights, and that’s the key takeaway from this experience. Now, if you excuse me, I want to go fight Majima again.

Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV combines one of the best Mario Party games ever with a mediocre collection of updates that feel like gimmicks for the most part. The puzzling decision to split updates across the Switch and Switch 2 content only adds to the overall feeling that this is a channel I can't recommend tuning into unless you're the biggest of Mario Party fans.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a good game that covers recent arcs of the Demon Slayer anime with action-packed elements that CyberConnect2 is known for. Although the combat is repetitive, there's a lot of replay value thanks to the included story modes and Training Paths mode. The Hinokami Chronicles 2 isn't a departure from anything CyberConnect2 has developed in the anime gaming space, but the game's beautiful visuals and great voice acting should keep a lot of fans happy.

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.

No, I'm Not a Human is a psychological horror game that transforms paranoia into gameplay, where deciding who to trust becomes a matter of life and death. Its uncanny visuals, suffocating sound design, and ambiguous interactions are perfect for creating tension that any horror fan will love. While its save system and repetition can frustrate, the game’s paranoia lingers long after you stop playing.

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.

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.

While Wild Hearts has a compelling visual style, aesthetic, and gameplay concepts, the actual execution of those concepts can be frustrating and make for a mediocre title. Further, the Wild Hearts S port for Nintendo Switch 2, despite its impressive visual quality, features numerous glitches and performance/quality problems that make it a hard game to justify, regardless of if you're a fan or newcomer.

Static Dread: The Lighthouse might wear its influences on its sleeve, but it delivers a unique horror experience that is worth checking out if you like ethical dilemmas and Cthulhu mythology. This very well may be the next hit indie horror game.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a solid return for the series that mostly does right by the original. The core gameplay still holds up, the added modes are fun, but inconsistent visuals, missing dynamic music, and a few technical hiccups keep it from being excellent.

While I initially found the story rich and compelling, I felt like it ended right as things were starting to get interesting. Further, the choice to emphasize an amorphous “dark presence” rather than two equally compelling villains was deeply disappointing. Overall, Regions of Ruin: Runegate is a lackluster experience to such an extent that, when the credits rolled, I felt more confused than anything else.

Clockwork Ambrosia is a decent Metroidvania with a really good gun customization feature. It's an indie project that's been in the works for 15 years now, since the team couldn't work full-time on it. A good game for fans of the genre, but one that won't really surprise you. It's a perfect title to play on the go, but it doesn't play ball with non-Windows systems.

Lost Records: Bloom is a wonderful time that explores the past and present while presenting an intriguing mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Don't Nod somehow managed to capture the energy of the first two Life is Strange titles while giving something new and heartfelt.

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.

9 Years of Shadows is a beatiful game that shines with its atmosphere, but it is held back by some lacking combat, shallow exploration, and tiring backtracking. Still, there is a solid experience here for those willing to look past the flaws.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian brings the beloved series back to its roots. With charming visuals, classic alchemy mechanics, and a cozy yet engaging story, it feels like a love letter to longtime fans—though its safe approach may not surprise everyone.

Super Robot Wars Y didn’t blow me away, but it was able to keep me interested. As an entry point into this almost two-decade-old series, I think this game does just enough to pass. If the next game in the series is able to up the quality and try to engage the player more than I think it would go a long way towards increasing my excitement to try it out. But as it is now, I would say that only the most hardcore of mecha fans will get the most enjoyment out of Super Robot Wars Y.

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.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Order of Giants is another Indiana Jones adventure, at a cost. While the new exploration and puzzles are fun to go through, plus the narrative and central mystery of the titular order of giants is deeply compelling, the overall package lacks any meaningful substance. The DLC lasts only four hours, there are no new shake-ups to combat, and once you complete the quest, you get nothing for your efforts. Considering the $20 price point, it's hard to justify purchasing the DLC unless you're truly desperate for more Indiana Jones action.

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.

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.

I enjoyed my time with Homura Hime, but there were too many stumbles along the way for me to fully recommend it to everyone. The story is not very good, and no characters stand out as particularly interesting or memorable, but the combat saves it by offering a large array of fun combos and skills to slice through demons with. It also overstays its welcome by having you play through old levels without making it worthwhile at all. I really wanted to like this game more than I did, because you can tell there was a lot of heart and thought put into Homura Hime. Sadly, the fantastic combat and great art are let down by some questionable design choices and a lackluster story. I can only recommend Homura Hime to the diehard character action game fans out there who are looking for a decent game to blast through on a weekend.

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.

I loved the game’s characters, and the music and aesthetic of the game is excellent. Once more, Fantasy Maiden Wars – DREAM OF THE STRAY DREAMER – started out strong, and I was having a good time until second half wore out its welcome. The love and passion are evident, but there needs to be more polish and less tedium in combat and the overall game. I wanted to enjoy Fantasy Maiden Wars – DREAM OF THE STRAY DREAMER – more, despite the sigh of relief I let out when the credits rolled.

I feel torn about Bounty Star. It attempts to amalgamate two genres that, on paper, feel like they shouldn’t work, but it strangely does. The problem is that the execution is disappointing as it fails to make the farming elements integral to the experience. I would still recommend Bounty Star to mech-heads as the combat and controls are superb, but it’s hard to ignore what could have been.

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.

The Stone of Madness is one of the most frustrating games I've ever played. Despite its beautiful art style, great characters, compelling narrative, and unique gameplay, the obtuse puzzles, absurd difficulty, lack of accessibility, and numerous technical glitches make this experience absolutely not worth it unless you want to feel as stressed and insane as the game's characters.