Hades II is a benchmark for the genre. The story, characters, writing, and art direction exceed the expectations set by the original Hades. Further, the new gameplay mechanics and the addition of a second area make for a game that can keep you occupied for dozens of hours without ever getting boring. While the ending is extremely disappointing, I can confidently recommend Hades II to everyone, regardless of whether you've played other entries in the genre or not.

At this very moment in time, I am actively thinking about replaying the game once again. I wanted to re-explore Hyrule, meet the new champions again, and go back and do some of the side quests I missed. If you have never even played the game before, I invite you to give it a shot. While the price may be a bit much, I promise you that you will come away with an unforgettable experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild may not be the best game ever made, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a contender.

Team Cherry not only delivers on its much-anticipated follow-up to Hollow Knight but exceeds all expectations by constructing one of the most complete and coherent video games I've played in years. Hollow Knight: Silksong is an absolute triumph.

It is seriously incredible to see what Playground Games put together in Forza Horizon 5, all in one package. I could not imagine a stronger series debut for any game on a platform, as you can easily spend hundreds of hours in this game without getting bored for even a second. While Forza Horizon 5 doesn’t necessarily innovate much from its predecessors, it is absolutely a must-own title on PlayStation 5. It may be the best racing game available on the platform.

Blue Prince is a game that you can easily get yourself engrossed with. What appeared to be a simple game turned out to be one full of surprises around the corner, making it a must-play game for puzzle and roguelike fans alike.

In an industry filled with games that look to grab every dollar possible from you or ones littered with bugs, Hazelight shines bright as a studio focused on the only thing that matters — having fun. Split Fiction is a must-play game of 2025 for that reason alone.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a graphically beautiful game, but despite its glowing reputation, it does little to innovate within the RPG genre. The lack of navigation tools makes exploring its world incredibly frustrating, and the story only starts to get interesting near the very end.

Donkey Kong Bananza is an immaculate return to 3D for DK. Bananza offers creativity seen in very few games in our industry have achieved. Each Layer is expertly crafted, Donkey Kong is endlessly fun to control, and the narrative is surprisingly great. While the general lack of difficulty, especially with bosses, leaves a bit to be desired, Donkey Kong Bananza is one of my favorite Nintendo games of the last decade. Let's just hope this marks a new era of consistent Donkey Kong games.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a dream come true on PC, offering gorgeous visuals, vastly improved frame rates, and more. Square Enix has put together its best PC port yet, despite some room to grow in the future with areas like Ultrawide support. Simply put, this is one of the best RPGs ever created, and it's an instant must-own title for any RPG fan on PC.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an absolute joy to play on Nintendo Switch 2. This fantastic RPG is filled with memorable characters, a fantastic narrative, and an engaging combat system that's almost impossible to put down. The game runs great and looks excellent, with performance consistent at 30 FPS. While some visuals can appear grainy due to heavy DLSS usage, it's a small trade-off for having this wonderful game on the go.

Pokémon Pokopia has shattered pretty much all the expectations I had of this game, and it deserves every praise it can get. This is precisely the type of game that, even if you boot it up for just a few short minutes, I guarantee you there will always be something that can be done, and before you notice, it's been half an hour, and you're still engrossed in it. Whether that time be spent looking for artifacts, decorating your islands, or even meeting new Pokémon, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an unforgettable adventure that I firmly believe sits as one of the greatest games ever created. With an emotional and thrilling narrative, a technically brilliant gameplay system that builds upon its predecessor, and a best-in-class soundtrack, Death Stranding 2 advances the industry forward and innovates. Hideo Kojima and the Kojima Productions team have created something truly remarkable that will be talked about for decades to come.

After I beat Dispatch, I felt a new void in my chest; I wanted to see more of these characters interact. There were countless moments where I felt invested in the story to such an extent that I was almost emotional. There are very few games I’ve played in my life that have pulled that off, and I am thrilled to say that Dispatch joins that list. The game doesn’t just revitalize the genre that Telltale innovated: it is easily one of my new favorite games released this year. In fact, when all is said and done, it may end up as one of my favorite games, period. I cannot wait to see what AdHoc does next, but I will be counting the days until we can see more of Z-Team.

Split Fiction is one of the best games of 2025, and it's a joy to play on Nintendo Switch 2. While there are some compromises with the frame rate and resolution, this is still the same great experience found on PC and consoles. If you're looking for a new and unforgettable co-op experience, look no further.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a worthy follow-up to Capcom's most successful game ever. The revamped gameplay is the best Monster Hunter has ever been, especially with additions like the Focus Mode. Beyond performance issues, Capcom went above and beyond in creating a game I find myself unable to stop playing. With a legitimate story mode and numerous tweaks, there has never been a better time to jump into Monster Hunter for the very first time.

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles is a heartfelt and commendable effort that brings forth one of Square Enix's most beloved games to modern platforms. Special attention to recreating the original experience has paid off, with fantastic quality-of-life features added alongside a refreshing UI. While I wish an orchestrated soundtrack were included in this release, this is easily the best way to experience Final Fantasy Tactics.

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.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. It's the perfect introduction to Trails, with an outstanding cast, engaging gameplay, and a world impossible not to get invested in. The slow-burning narrative, while very enjoyable, can lead to monotonous sections of the game, but this is just a minor gripe considering the massive adventure at hand. New and old fans alike will fall in love with what is assuredly one of the best RPGs of the year.

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.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance looks to revive the long-dormant Shinobi series after an almost fifteen-year hiatus. Developer Lizardcube brings Joe Musashi back into the limelight in one of the most stunning-looking games of the year, which is sure to make longtime fans of the series happy. Although there are a few stumbles along the way and design choices that I wish had been ironed out more, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a great game that will hopefully kickstart this series back to life and work as a building block for future titles to come.

The $70 price tag (or $39.99 price individually) may be a deterrent to some, but it’s hard to argue the sheer brilliance this platformer duology still provides today. Adding this package to my collection was an unequivocal decision. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer hoping to dive in for the first time or a veteran coming back for a playthrough before The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I cannot recommend these two games enough. Even in 2025, these almost two-decade-old classics remain every bit as captivating as they were in 2007 and 2010.

SAROS is a fantastic experience from beginning to end. The narrative delivers a brilliant cosmic horror narrative with a great cast of characters, brilliant performances, a rich and intriguing world, and incredible representation thanks to a great South Asian protagonist. Further, the gameplay is a non-stop thrill ride throughout, that never feels too difficult despite the occasional spike in challenge. While there are some issues with the post-game and build options, this is a must-play for any PlayStation 5 owners and an early game of the year contender.

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.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is bigger and better than ever on Nintendo Switch. The numerous quality-of-life upgrades and additions make the experience even more satisfying, and there simply is nothing like roaming the world of Mira inside your Skell. Jump in, get in that robot, pump up that music, and have a heck of a time doing it.

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.

Street Fighter 6 is an absolute delight on Nintendo Switch 2, acting as a wonderful launch title that has an almost infinite amount of fun to offer. With near-flawless performance despite some frame rate shortcomings in World Tour, this is an easy recommendation to any Switch 2 owner, fighting game fan or not.

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.

Mario Kart World takes the series in a bold new direction that mostly pays off. Each of the tracks has been expertly designed, the new Trick mechanics make Mario Kart more fun than ever, and the soundtrack is almost unbelievable. Nintendo has established the bones of an outstanding product, yet the new intermission tracks and online functionality troubles hold it back from being what it could be.

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.

I can’t recommend BALL x PIT enough. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of roguelite games or not, this is easily one of the best examples of everything that makes this genre great. Plus, with the $14.99 price point and heaping piles of content, you will be playing this game for a long, long time. Personally, I can’t wait to jump back into the game and take just one more dive into the pit.

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.

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.

I cannot recommend Silent Hill f enough for players. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series, a newcomer to the franchise, or looking for an entry in the horror game genre as a whole, this is the perfect stepping stone for you. With this, I can confidently say what I’ve been waiting ten years to declare: the Silent Hill franchise is finally back. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Throes of the Watchmaker looks to improve on the issues that some had with Sea of Stars, but fails to move the needle one way or the other. Those who enjoyed their time with the base game will probably have a great time with this free DLC, while those who didn't gel with the original release won't find much to win them over.

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.

I can’t recommend this game enough, despite its minuscule shortcomings. If you are like me and found yourself wondering what climbing a great mountain is like, then this is the experience for you. The zen-like experience of Cairn is one I implore anyone to enjoy for themselves, though, be aware of any potential urges to book a flight to Mount Everest for yourself.

Pragmata dreams big with inventive hacking-shooting gameplay, and Capcom has hit a home run. Hugh and Diana's journey across the moon is one to remember, with an excellent gameplay system that never fails to be exciting. While I wish Pragmata spent more time developing its central relationship, that shortcoming never comes close to dulling what is otherwise one of Capcom’s most inventive and exciting new releases in years.

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.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake masterfully modernizes two timeless RPGs with the gorgeous HD-2D art style. Significant story changes, wonderful quality-of-life improvements, and flawless performance on Nintendo Switch 2 make this a must-play game for any fan of the genre. Without a doubt, this is the definitive way to experience the Erdrick Trilogy for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.

While it is a shame that Bellabel Park walls off some of its features in multiplayer, Nintendo did not skimp on making it accessible, and the added quality-of-life features and additions are great. Both first-time buyers and returning players will have a great time with what’s here.

The Yakuza franchise makes a great debut on Nintendo Switch 2 with Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, the definitive version of the 2015 Yakuza prequel from the PlayStation 4. Yakuza 0: Director's Cut offers several new cutscenes, the new Red Light Raid multiplayer mode and English voice-overs, which are all on top of an already great action game with a captivating story. Although the cutscenes can be hit or miss, and players who already own Yakuza 0 may have already had their fill, the game is a great time on Switch 2, thanks to its solid 4K and 1080p 60 FPS performance.

Esoteric Ebb may borrow heavily from some of the greatest games in its genre, but it takes what it borrows and shapes it, creating something that still feels unique and fresh in its own right. This journey through politics, friendship, and love is one that I won’t forget anytime soon.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the definitive way to experience one of the best games in a series known for its excellence. Some technical issues can mar the overall package, but there is no denying how much work has gone into this remake.

Lies of P: Overture largely retains the quality of the base game, if not improving upon it in some aspects. While it isn't particularly experimental, it is more Lies of P, and it proves why that isn't a bad thing in the slightest.

Cyberpunk 2077 for Nintendo Switch 2 is arguably the definitive way to play this incredible game. Despite some issues with the controls and textures looking odd at a distance, I was very impressed with how CD Projekt Red managed to fit this massive title into a 64 GB game cartridge with very few compromises and visuals that sometimes look as impressive as the PlayStation 5 version. If you have a Switch 2 and have been looking to play Cyberpunk 2077, you now have the best possible way to do so.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is an excellent strategy RPG that follows the same aesthetics and themes of the Danganronpa series while being an entirely different game and IP. The game offers a straightforward combat system that's easy to pick up and play while offering some challenging battles. In addition, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy brings an intriguing and eccentric cast of characters with a compelling narrative and shock value at some points of the story.

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.

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.

MotionRec is a game that lives and dies on its gameplay mechanics. The concept of being able to record and replay your movements never gets old, partly thanks to the introduction of new gimmicks you encounter throughout your journey. While the game lacks a recognizable soundtrack, memorable levels, and an intriguing narrative, the charming visual style and exciting gameplay more than make up for it. If you're looking for a charming and short puzzle platformer, then MotionRec is definitely worth your time.

Octopath Traveler 0 delivers the series’ most cohesive story yet, backed by its sharpest combat system and a surprisingly addictive town-building feature. By blending a focused narrative with a large, memorable cast and wrapping it all in gorgeous HD-2D visuals, it stands as both the strongest entry in the franchise and one of the best JRPGs in years.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is a great roguelite action game that pays homage to the BlazBlue series while delivering an intriguing storyline, engaging mechanics, and a fair level of challenge. The updated release builds on the foundation of BlazBlue Entropy Effect and brings new features that will keep players playing after the original storyline. Although cross-play and an English dub are missing, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is an experience that fans won't want to miss.

While I never had that phase where I was obsessed with skateboarding and Tony Hawk as a kid, Skate Story managed to trigger an element of nostalgia with its carefully crafted use of both style and substance. I can only hope that Sam Eng has more content to add to the experience at a later time, but for now, I’ll just settle for listening to the Blood Cultures soundtrack on loop.

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.

If you’re someone like me who wishes to re-experience these really great titles from Hudson Soft, then I certainly recommend you give Super Bomberman Collection a try. And hey, maybe if this sells well, then Konami might consider finally bringing more of these older titles, either as another collection or as titles to Nintendo Switch Online.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers some of the best 2D combat and movement I've ever experienced in an action platformer. Almost every level is designed to maximize your abilities in combat and platforming, and test your reflexes in all the best ways. There are maybe a few too many auto-scroll levels for my liking, and I wish the bosses were a little more varied, but those are minor problems in an overall fantastic package. Ninja Gaiden is back.

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.

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.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a 2D action RPG Metroidvania. It's able to set it self apart from other in the genre and be something great. With an intriguing mystery I felt compelled to unravel, and a fun combat system that encourages experimentation. A short but compelling adventure and I already feel like playing again. Ender Magnolia is something special, and I hope Binary Haze Interactive continues to make more.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one of the best kart racers on the market, and I’m sure I’ll be coming back to it often. It may not be a new Sonic Riders sequel, but it’s the next best thing. For those who are looking for a quality game to share with family and friends, I can’t recommend CrossWorlds enough.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby has finally launched in the West to strong fan acclaim. While it remains a gacha game at its core, the content speaks for itself, and you do not need to rely on the gacha systems to enjoy it. With its engaging gameplay, heartfelt storytelling, and charming cast of characters, it’s a game that can easily keep you hooked for hours on end.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fantastic new beginning for the prolific franchise. While the sound mixing is lackluster and the soundtrack fails to reach the same heights as previous entries, the narrative and gameplay makes up for it. The story is a thrilling blockbuster that will have you grinning and at the edge of your seat from beginning to end and the gameplay, while more grounded than DOOM Eternal, is extremely fun due to the great gunplay, new weapons, unique mech and dragon segments, open levels, and melee focus. Id Software have delivered once again, and I can't wait to see where the franchise goes next.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse is a masterclass in atmosphere, successfully blending Japanese folklore with a "summer horror" aesthetic that keeps you uneasy from beginning to end. While the lack of voice acting and slow opening hours may prevent some players from truly enjoying this game, The Mermaid's Curse is a great visual novel that honors its predecessor’s legacy while offering something new.

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.

s.p.l.i.t is a brutal, immersive hacking sim from Buckshot Roulette’s Mike Klubnika, dropping you into a terminal of dread, raw commands, creeping paranoia, and moral decay. It's a short and intense experience, but the intentional lack of clear objectives and overall narrative leave a bit to be desired.

Goodnight Universe is a fantastic take on the "interactive story" genre. It features a beautiful story, a great cast of characters, and a beautiful art style. Even if the gameplay is limited, the few segments that are present only add to the strength of the narrative, as you get to step into the world of a psychically-powered baby and all that entails. At such a small price and with a short runtime, Goodnight Universe is great if you're looking to immerse yourself in a science-fiction look at the wonder of childhood.

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.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is much more than just a simple remaster of the original on Nintendo DS. The amount of work that went into this is more than I could've ever asked for, and I will forever die on the hill that this game can actually stand as its own title; not just as a shadow of its DS counterpart.

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.

TR-49 is an intricately complex puzzle game, for better and for worse. On the one hand, the overabundance of dialogue that relies on exposition, plus obtuse puzzles that emphasize trial and error rather than the deductive reasoning said to be the game's core, is often really frustrating. On the other hand, the satisfaction you feel when you solve a puzzle all on your own, the multiple endings, and the affordable price make it a game that I'm excited to play again at some point down the line, in spite of my frustrations with it.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a truly great hardcore action RPG that fans of the genre owe it to themselves to play. While I did feel some fatigue after fighting many spiders, skeletons, and zombies, I still kept coming back for more. Some fantastic boss fights, a satisfying sense of progression, an intriguing story, and a stellar soundtrack make this an easy recommendation.

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".

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.

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! is a charming cooking game blending anime-inspired 2D art with 3D visuals, offering fun gameplay and memorable characters. Its one real weakness is difficulty, as cooking challenges are forgiving to a fault, but this is nowhere near enough to dull what's otherwise a genuinely enjoyable experience.

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.

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 would recommend this title to anyone who wants a new game to pass the time. While the concept sounds frustrating, there was never a point that I wanted to quit. Instead, I would keep going, and that marks a game that is addicting in all the right ways.

OFF is a fantastic RPG from beginning to end. The narrative is fantastic and manages to weave a dark tone with brief moments of levity extremely well, thanks to the great worldbuilding and charming characters. Further, the gameplay is paced superbly with a combat loop that never gets old. I do wish some of the puzzles weren't as infrequent and the new content in the remaster was easier to find, but with the other new additions to the remaster, this is the best way to play this incredible cult classic game that paved the way for future indie RPGs.

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.

The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic modern RPG. The emphasis on player choice and customization, the great dialogue and characters, exceptional worldbuilding, and fun gameplay mechanics make it one of Obsidian's best games in years. However, that excitement is hindered by frustrating navigation mechanics, constant glitches, and characters that lack depth due to the absence of romances and natural speech options. While this is a great return to form for the genre, you may be better off waiting for all of the issues to be fixed in a post-launch update before buying.

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.

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.

Ever 17: The Out of Infinity is a great improvement over its predecessor, Never 7, making for a much more memorable experience. It's still nowhere near perfect, but it should still be an enjoyable read for most visual novel fans.

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.

Moments of backtracking should’ve been cut down, but most segments ended before they became a problem. Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale, while short, is packed to the brim with charm, passion, and heart. This is an adventure I will be thinking about for quite a while.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return for the series, with Team Ninja and PlatinumGames uniting to deliver the most intense and fluid combat the franchise has ever seen. Its dual-protagonist story between Yakumo and Ryu is beautifully told, with jaw-dropping dynamic gameplay sequences for both characters. A stellar score ties it all together, making Ninja Gaiden 4 one of 2025's best games and firmly cementing the franchise's grand return in the modern era.

EA Sports College Football 26 brings quality improvements that build nicely upon the foundation laid by last year's release. No upgrades are revolutionary, but they don't necessarily need to be. However, bugs and a lack of quality tutorials leave some to be desired. Regardless, for college football fans, this is still the ultimate experience to bring game days with you anytime, anywhere.

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.

Turbo Overkill, despite its great visuals and gameplay loop, is constantly stuck in the shadow of the media that inspired it. The story is unremarkable, the references to other entries in the genre become distracting after a bit, and there are several issues with the sound, pacing, and visuals, alongside frequent crashes. As a result, you may find yourself asking why you aren't playing another boomer shooter instead, despite the game's few exciting moments.

So far, Marathon is an absolutely fantastic multiplayer shooter. The narrative manages to be compelling, even without a single-player campaign; the presentation is a treat to look at, and the gameplay still has me hooked. While I fear for its ability to deliver consistently good content in future updates, Bungie's care for the game thus far and the fact that it already has a committed fanbase have me hopeful and even excited to see how Marathon continues to grow in the coming weeks, months, and years. If you're a fan of multiplayer shooters, then this is a must-play.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is a small, yet flawed, step in the right direction for the series. While the story, characters, visuals, music, and main gameplay mechanics shine, the lack of development for the protagonists, the boring side quests, the continued emphasis on combat instead of stealth, and the frustrating action RPG mechanics severely hinder the experience. Unfortunately, it's not the evolution of the series that many fans were hoping for, and it pales in comparison to other games that have handled its formula far better.

Sorry We’re Closed is a game that I will think about for a long time. It’s an experience I can’t recommend enough, whether you’re a hardcore fan of the horror genre or a passive admirer. Regardless of your interest in the genre, you will take away something vital from your time spent with this game. As for me, I cannot wait to replay Sorry We’re Closed one more time to see more of what the game has to say about the concept of love.

If you’ve never had a chance to check out the Yakuza series, the Nintendo Switch 2 has opened the door to one of the best ways to experience it. The first three entries are all excellent on the console, and you can immediately be prepared for Kiwami 3. Playing handheld is a blast, and the ability to quickly throw the Kamurocho brawls on the big screen is hard to beat. Even as a longtime fan, I’ve found a reason to go back and replay these fantastic games thanks to these rereleases. Keep them coming, SEGA.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a fantastic revival of classic fighting games with modern training tools and online features, but it falls just short of perfection due to the controversial CvS2 EO ranked standard and lack of cross-play.

Keeper is an imaginative and beautiful bore of a game. I won’t say it’s bad, as Double Fine is too talented a studio to make a truly bad game, but the team misses the mark with Keeper. I find it to be a project that should have either been expanded on or reworked into something that takes advantage of its beautiful world and the creative minds behind it.

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.

With a simple yet effective progression system, a power fantasy combat loop, and passionate attention to detail, Mouse P.I. For Hire is easily one of the best titles of 2026. It reminds me of just how much joy a single-player first-person shooter can bring when it fires on all cylinders.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is the boldest entry in the franchise to date, delivering a thrilling narrative, stunning environments, and over 450 Digimon to collect. Its deep combat system, expansive quality-of-life improvements, and superb English voice acting elevate it alongside the best RPGs of the year. Minor issues aside, this is the definitive Digimon experience fans have been waiting for.

Trails beyond the Horizon is a modern-day masterpiece of a RPG that elevates the Trails franchise thematically with its story and structurally with its superb gameplay. The time investment pays off with many big reveals and lore drops that fans have been waiting for, along with unexpected ones. With a slew of quality-of-life improvements, meaningful new gameplay features, and a memorable and emotional story, Trails beyond the Horizon is a cut above many RPGs in the industry.