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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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