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.

While the game isn't perfect, it settles into the themes of consequences and emotion that surpass both Life is Strange and Bloom.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blue Archive stands out as a gacha that respects both time and intelligence. Blending mature storytelling with accessible tactical combat, while its resource systems keep F2P viable despite the steep pity. Region locks and limited variety hurt it, but in a very problematic genre, its player-first design makes it easy to recommend.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.