Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is a solid pick for those who are looking for a nostalgia trip as well as anyone that missed out the first time and is needing a fun local co-op game to play. There are many aspects of the game that haven't aged well, but the fun factor trumps a lot of those issues. Plus, the game gives players plenty of bang for their buck, with a ton to do in the main story and some unlockable content, including a Gauntlet mode and fan favorite character Drizzt Do'Urden. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance was a great game in 2001 and it's still a ton of fun to play 20 years later.

Despite minor bugs and a save system that could cause frustration, the core of Moonscars is a pleasurable journey through a crushingly dark world. Black Mermaid’s first title is filled with love for the platforming genre, and it shows in every aspect of the game. It will be interesting to see which direction this new developer goes in future titles, or if it will choose to continue to build on the dark and bloody world introduced in Moonscars.

It’s an absolute blast to build attractions and customize each park’s look from the ground up, and the game consistently keeps things fun and light. It’s hard to shake a feeling of utter satisfaction when one grabs a first-person seat and rides through a freshly built coaster, or watches as a series of triggers make a giant leviathan pop out of a lake every time guests walk near it.

The engrossing story, the dune buggy, and the well-designed Harran countryside make The Following worth the pricier Dying Light season pass.

As with all of The Walking Dead games, there are a few different endings for players to experience, although achieving them isn’t as straight-forward as it was in prior iterations.

Doom: The Dark Ages is action-packed and has really high highs, though the last quarter of the game doesn't quite maintain its momentum. Still, Dark Ages is a no-brainer for fans of the 2016 Doom game and Doom Eternal, as well as anyone who is in the mood for a high-quality and exciting first-person shooter experience.

Luigi's Mansion 3's ScreamPark and ScareScraper modes could have used more content, but the main story still provides plenty of things for players to do. The filler at the end of it hurts the pacing, but players will have a blast with the game until they reach that point. Luigi's Mansion 3 is still an easy recommendation for Nintendo Switch owners or anyone looking for a fun local co-op game.

Cyber Sleuth is worth giving a try for die-hard JRPG fans or those that have wanted to give the genre a shot but found early game tutorials too overbearing. It's a little bit of Persona mixed with a whole lot of Pokemon, and it offers something for fans of both of those franchises. It may have a story that's a little difficult to follow at times, but it more than makes up for it with quite a bit of charm. Players will have to get passed the oddities of Digimon's world, but doing so should prove to be a pretty rewarding experience.

With a compelling story, strong graphics, and some genuine scares, Outlast 2 is one of the better horror games to come around in recent years. Some aspects of its gameplay may fall short and the first half of the game is a bit of a bore, but overall, it’s an experience worth having, especially for fans of the genre.

The gameplay feels familiar, yet revamped to address some of the issues fans have with previous iterations.

The game’s throwback sound and graphics look fantastic on the PS4 and the Xbox One, but obviously a game built around the 8-bit aesthetic doesn’t benefit from a current-gen remake the way something like The Last of Us or Grand Theft Auto 5 is able to.

Unfinished Business an easy recommendation to both newcomers and series veterans alike. Whether you've played RoboCop: Rogue City or not, you can come into Unfinished Business and expect to have an absolute blast with the moment-to-moment gameplay, cementing it as a worthy follow-up to one of the most surprising FPS titles of the last few years.

Flame Over is a game that successfully nails the rewarding feeling of learning from one’s surroundings in order to overcome new obstacles.

A gloomy and fascinating take on the point-and-click adventure game. While it’s not perfect—the puzzles could be a little more inventive, and the writing sometimes feels a little like angsty high school poetry, the breathtaking artwork, and well-developed world more than make up for it.

Replaced is full of surprises. From the very first frame, I was surprised by its striking art style which, while on clear display in the game’s trailers, is infinitely more arresting with hands on sticks. I was surprised by how the combat sandbox, while not revolutionary, evolved into something challenging and exciting, and I was surprised by how much Replaced managed to surprise me late into my playthrough—a hallmark of a passionately, artfully crafted video game. Coming from the consistently solid indie publisher Thunderful, Replaced is the debut release of Sad Cat Studios. The gaming world is no stranger to impressive indie debuts, with the past several years playing host to several up-and-coming industry darlings, like last year’s Sandfall Interactive, maker of Clair Obscur. While Replaced is perhaps not on the same level as that game, I would argue that it puts Sad Cat Studios in the same league as the likes of Sandfall, with its impressive, nuanced, and inventive art style, writing, and game design. Even when Replaced stumbles, it quickly recovers with an astonishing setpiece, gorgeous view, or new mechanic, which keeps it on the up-and-up throughout its 11–12 hour runtime. It's still a bit early, but Replaced has definitely earned its place among the best indies of 2026. Replaced Is an Audiovisual Feast review-roundup-replaced-a-site Replaced Press Image 10 Replaced Press Image 9 I’m not sure that I’ve seen a game that looks quite like Replaced. The closest point of comparison might be Square Enix’s HD-2D games (e.g. Octopath Traveler), or the fantastic Tails Noir, but those don’t have the incredible attention to detail, nor the panache, of Replaced. Perhaps this is due to linearity: Replaced is a predetermined sequence of levels, for the most part, which helps it draw attention to its own beauty in subtle ways. For instance, the camera perspective will pivot slightly if you enter certain areas, indicating a difference in elevation or dimension. You'll see most of Replaced's environments just once, which only elevates the game's sense of style and confidence. Replaced’s visual design is overflowing with this kind of attention to detail. Characters are 2D sprites and backgrounds are composed primarily of 3D models, and juxtaposing these elements lends Replaced the same aesthetic texture as the aforementioned HD-2D games, but with a degree of darkness that’s missing from most titles under that label. I mean that both figuratively and literally: Replaced’s use of light is often mesmerizing, turning the player-character into a silhouette or illuminating him in a soft glow. And the game’s dystopian cyberpunk world, which is appropriately grimy and ramshackle, lends environments narrative and thematic intrigue as much as surface-level allure. Perhaps the greatest strength of Replaced’s aesthetic smorgasbord is its cinematography. Most 2D games, if they feature cutscenes at all, will include them as mere extensions of the regular 2D stage. In other words, the cutscenes are static, without much thought given to the movement of the virtual “camera.” But Replaced will pan, zoom, and rotate its camera, which not only makes for a more dynamic cinematic experience, but also highlights the strengths of the 2.5D style, as the camera will move between the various layers of the game-world, making it feel like a series of painstakingly detailed, multilayered dioramas. Confronting Uncle Ben and the Termites in Replaced Replaced’s World and Story Will Keep You Guessing I think that Replaced’s narrative is best experienced blind, so I won’t go into great detail about it, but suffice it to say that if you like games like Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll probably resonate with Replaced’s story to some degree. It hones in on the sociocultural commentary of the cyberpunk genre, but also its outlandishness, presenting a high-tech world defined, in large part, by some of the worst and most inventive aspects of humanity. The only drawback of the Replaced story that’s worth mentioning is its pacing. Perhaps Sad Cat Studios simply wanted to pad out its game, or perhaps it had to mold the story around pre-designed setpieces or environments, but there’s a good bit of downtime in Replaced that doesn’t always work. Sometimes it's fine, like when you first visit an implausibly cozy settlement built in an abandoned train station. The story slows down so you can enjoy new sights, sounds, characters, and even side activities, but other times, Replaced will grind its narrative to a screeching halt by having you embark on glorified fetch quests and other busy work, right as things are starting to get interesting. This is a problem that can impact Replaced’s gameplay as well. Gameplay is Replaced’s Weakest Link Replaced Press Image 1 Replaced Press Image 8 Replaced Press Image 7 ✕ Remove Ads I didn’t expect much from Replaced’s combat sandbox, which presents itself as a watered-down version of the Batman Arkham combat. At their core, fights are about performing basic combos and counters with the press of a button, but the system blossoms into something more complex with the introduction of special abilities, different enemy types, and new defensive options. It’s certainly not the most expressive or experimental combat system out there, but it’s consistently entertaining and exceptionally flashy: you’ll always feel cool after clearing a room. Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper indie game coverage Get deeper breakdowns—subscribe to the newsletter for visual analysis, narrative context, and design insights that explain what makes indies like Replaced stand out, plus curated picks to help you find more bold, artful games. Email Address Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. The same can’t quite be said about the game’s platforming, which sometimes feels sluggish and imprecise due to slow character movement, limited midair control, and inconsistencies like how the player-character will sometimes magnetize to ledges that they wouldn't be able to reach regularly. Platforming sections are also typically more about timing and precision than freedom: you’ll regularly engage in activities like waiting for a spotlight to pass before walking down a corridor, or jumping between hazards on a timer. Such challenges are fine, but also disappointingly pedestrian and predictable, and are often akin to the filler that affects Replaced’s narrative. ✕ Remove Ads Although I can identify areas where Replaced falls a little short, I’m still walking away from the game impressed and satisfied. Its visuals are stunning, its story is risky and full of heart, and what its gameplay lacks in complexity, it makes up for in variety, never feeling complacent even despite occasional pacing issues. Replaced is a terrific experience, especially for the price and hopefully, it’s also just the beginning for Sad Cat Studios.

Though some have criticized the game’s lack of extensive content, the entire Eternal Senia experience is a fun ride with a sassy heroine and a noble quest.

I look forward to loading up the David game any time I feel the need to be a badass little square in an alternate reality, bending time like Neo and taking on whatever the world throws at me.

The lore may make the game seem too intimidating to jump into, but Kingdom Hearts 3 offers an exciting and over-the-top adventure that any light-hearted gamer could enjoy. You may find yourself googling character names and plot details from 15 years ago, but all of that confusion fades away when you get lost in the moment summoning tea cups or a giant rollercoaster to help attack a big boss with your best friends.

Phantom: Covert Ops is a bit on the short side, but it's a top-tier virtual reality game while it lasts.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a prime example of how to do a remaster right. With a deft hand, it enhances the 1998 original to make it prettier, more immersive, and less annoying, without changing its most essential aspects. How such aspects measure up against contemporary turn-based RPGs will almost certainly be a subject of heated discussion in the coming weeks and months, but fans of the original game should enjoy them. And first-time players will probably find a lot to love as well, provided they keep an open mind and take the good with the bad.

Some of Dead Rising's morbid charm is lost in translation, but for the most part, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a solid re-do of the 2006 original. The quality-of-life improvements will be greatly appreciated by all and revisiting Willamette Mall is a nostalgic time for old-school 360 fans. Here's hoping that we don't have to wait long to see another entry in the series.

As a baseball simulator, MLB 15: The Show delivers on almost every front, and it would be unfair to penalize the game for being too good, for too long. However, a good review score doesn’t necessarily mean that the latest edition is worth $60, especially to players who bought last year’s version.

There are some definite drawbacks to playing it on PlayStation VR when compared to other systems, but at the end of the day, it's still a high-quality music/rhythm game experience and one of the better VR titles available. It will make a solid addition to anyone's PlayStation VR library for sure.

It’s safe to say that anyone who has nostalgia for Spyro or Crash will likely have a great time with Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and while the difficulty will be polarizing, the game is stuffed with content, and since it’s available at a budget price, picking it up is a no-brainer.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice is sure to please fans with its engaging story and sharp humor, but the gameplay formula is starting to show its age.

All in all, Tainted Grail: Conquest is a great experience with a mysterious narrative, a gripping grimdark setting, and enjoyable deckbuilding rogue-lite mechanics. At times certain minor bugs or lighting issues can hold it back, but these things are trivial compared to the great fun players will have. With some future updates to address these minor issues, Tainted Grail: Conquest is shaping up to be a great entry within this subgenre of games.

While the Soulslike genre is no stranger to cute indie entries or a sense of humor, there's nothing quite like Another Crab's Treasure on the market. It affectionately parodies many Souls games in its Sands Between, while executing their tropes with all the passion of a hardcore fan. Another Crab’s Treasure's family-friendly face hides surprising savagery, but doesn't neglect anyone who wants the relaxed experience it teases. Even its mechanics are often recycled from other Soulsbornes, but used in novel ways, even if there's some polish missing here and there. Delving into Another Crab's Treasure will unearth a mixture of the familiar and the unknown, the perfect accomplice to its quirky journey through the deep, blue sea.

Its story and atmosphere are intriguing, if a little too reliant on dark tropes to get the gravity of the situation across, and the unique art style is eye-catching and memorable.

Published by Private Division, Piccolo’s platformer set in a post-human world is a solid offering and another reminder that indie games can provide well-rounded, memorable experiences. After Us can be completed in about 10 hours, 20 for thorough explorers, and nearly every minute of it will be enjoyable. The visuals are impressive, the gameplay is fun, the levels are varied, and though the story is rather simplistic and a bit vague, it serves its purpose. After Us probably won’t rise to the top for many people, but it definitely won't sink to the bottom either.

There is room for improvement in future patches, but MLB The Show 22 is an enjoyable experience regardless of how it's played or how new a player is to the franchise. There's nothing quite like hearing the crack of the bat on a perfect swing and watching the ball sail out of the park. For veteran players, the minor improvements will go a long way in the near future, making this game feel true to the actual sport and giving players a realistic feeling of being on the field.

From start to finish, Yoshi’s Crafted World is a solid platformer, and it’s a worthy addition to anyone’s Switch collection.

0rbitalis is a great success, providing plenty of fun alongside its wonderfully suited graphical style and pitch perfect sound design.

I wish that the game tried a little bit harder with its promising source material, and some boss fights could be a little more refined, but these are small gripes in the grand scheme of things. Tribute Games has made one of the best arcade throwback titles of the past several years, raising the bar once more, just as it did with TMNT: Shredder's Revenge. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a surprisingly nuanced, mechanical and visual banquet worth anyone's time, whether they've gone in for beat-em-ups in the past or not. It's an absolute joy.

Despite my disappointment with it, I acknowledge that others may fully embrace Code Vein 2's art style, and really, my biggest issue with the game is its lackluster open world. Everything else is quite good, with Code Vein 2 offering a fun, well-rounded Soulslike experience that should appeal to genre fans. Even though it may not reach the same highs as some of the heavy-hitters that inspired it, Code Vein 2 is still a great time from start to finish and an easy recommendation.

Time will tell how fans will react to Gran Turismo 7's microtransactions, but putting them aside, what's there is still a deep racing game experience that will keep fans of the genre busy for hours on end. It's a gorgeous racing game and while it's not going to be knocking down any boundaries to convert non-racing game fans, Gran Turismo 7 should greatly appeal to its target audience.

In many categories, Arise: A Simple Story is a step above many other games, and is one of the best indie games of the year, for sure. The local co-op experience being dull for the second player is an admittedly big flaw, but those that are able to overlook it will find a memorable co-op game that they won't regret experiencing.

Carrion is a great pick for horror game fans, and will make players want more horror-themed Metroidvanias. It can be completed in just a few hours and it loses its momentum at the end, but it's a fun reverse-horror game experience while it lasts.

Devil May Cry 3 definitely shows its age in its latest port, but it holds up incredibly well regardless, thanks to some of the most challenging yet satisfying combat of any game in the last fifteen years.

For many, DiRT Rally 2.0 will check off all the right boxes for those who have been fans of the series thus far. It offers plenty of compelling modes, a new challenge, and its weather system helps give the courses a lot of character. Yes, there are going to be moments where the game doesn’t function as realistic as one might hope, but it’s only a small bump on an otherwise enjoyable ride.

Gears Tactics proves that there's a lot more that can be done with the Gears of War IP besides just third-person shooters. The game has some pacing issues and some repetitive missions, but it's otherwise a very engaging turn-based strategy game that should please both fans of the genre and Gears of War enthusiasts alike.

Soulcalibur 6 might not be quite as groundbreaking as past games, but it’s still a must-buy for fighting game enthusiasts or fans of the franchise.

Halo 5: Guardians may stumble in regards to split-screen multiplayer, but it’s still a game that’ll grow in the months proceeding its launch.

But a few oddities and some missing content don't hurt too much compared to what the remaster does offer. The reworked art is sharp and beautiful without losing sight of its roots, and the new soundtracks are subtly triumphant. The challenge is lessened, but that's largely in the hands of players. That control is a big part of what makes this collection great - the flexibility easing the aches and pains of aging design. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a solid compilation and a recommendation for both long-time fans looking to relive the good old days and hesitant first-timers alike.

Make no mistake, though, this is still a well-made game, albeit with a lot of familiar elements underneath the zombie apocalypse veneer. PS4 players should still absolutely play the game and they will come away satisfied as a whole. Just know that this isn’t the same type of top to bottom hit that some past Sony exclusives have been.

Banana Rumble truly understands what makes the Super Monkey Ball series tick, giving players the same sense of intense, exhilarating thrill and wholesome fun thanks to its no-frills chaos. With polished fundamentals, Spin Dash, and online multiplayer, it's easy to see Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble fostering a strong community of players for years to come.

Tunic is more than a Zelda clone and will win over many players — those who enjoy the art style, the relentless challenge, the sense of exploration and discovery. But people picking up the game should be aware that it is a niche title that some gamers simply won’t have the patience to complete. Those who do take up the gauntlet will find an enjoyable, albeit sometimes frustrating, experience that fully deserves praise.

Dawn of War 3 is a great next chapter in the Dawn of War franchise. The title pulls together the best parts of the last two games into an extremely worthwhile strategy experience, with a well-balanced single player and suitably frantic multiplayer. The title could do with a few tweaks here and there to perfect the experience, but this is one for strategy fans to look to for their next future war fix.

While it may be a step down from its predecessor, Monster Hunter Wilds is still a great game with significant quality-of-life improvements, many of which shake up the formula for the better. But Capcom went a little too far in its effort to make the game more accessible to the masses, to the point where it risks alienating its most hardcore fans. Even so, what's here is a meaty experience that scratches that Monster Hunter itch, as long as you don't rely too much on the SOS flare support hunters.

Co-op is a fantastic way to experience Saints Row, and luckily the co-op on Switch is just as robust. It is quite easy to do side content alone, and then join a friend to complete other things together. Overall, Saints Row 4 loses out on very little in its Switch port, and comes in an attractive bundle with every DLC unlocked and the ability to take one of the most beloved GTA-like games on the go.

In the end, High on Life 2 understands what made the original work and pushes it forward in ways that actually matter.

Despite its old-age, the Sega Ages treatment was able to add to the game's value by including some essential modern-day features that make it easier to play on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the new Switch version also includes tons of display customization options and was able to retain the fast-paced but balanced gameplay that made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 one of the most loved games of all time.

Those looking for a deep challenge won't find it in The Plucky Squire, but any gamer looking for something fun and charming will be entertained by the story of Jot and his friends. Despite its lack of difficulty, it's easy to think that most users will want to finish the story once they've started. Its creativity and level designs go a long way in turning something mediocre into something artfully enjoyable. Be it for the children who remember their parents reading stories to them or for the parents who remember reading to their kids, both will find a bounty of nostalgic adventure in The Plucky Squire.

It seems the idea here was to make an accessible, stunning, and fun-focused racing game that opens the door to new players as the next generation begins, and in that regard, Dirt 5 knocks it out of the park. Its driving is exceptionally precise, making players feel like a master behind the wheel, while the sheer variety of gorgeous, globe-hopping tracks with treacherous terrain to conquer create a wonderfully diverse gameplay experience. It runs out of steam towards the end of its campaign and lacks much meaningful vehicle progression, but on the whole, this is one of Codemasters' most confident racing packages to date.

Revita is an excellent addition to the rogue-like genre’s ever-expanding library of games and one that fans should have on their radar. It doesn’t challenge current genre conventions much, but what it does do, it does well.

Feels like a return to form for the long-dormant series. The new control scheme courtesy of the Wii U GamePad makes it standout, alternate vehicles like the Arwing’s Walker form change up gameplay from existing predecessors, and the pure challenge present throughout every new area makes this a game that players will come back and jump into at a moment’s notice.

Much like the game shows it's based off, Fall Guys isn't meant to be taken seriously, and there are few multiplayer experiences out there that so wholeheartedly put approachable, inclusive fun at the forefront.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a joy to play for many reasons. It has a compelling story dealing with revenge and identity, combat that is incredibly satisfying despite being a bit dated, and a setting filled with many fun activities. Unfortunately, there are technical issues that grind the pacing to a halt and can take players out of the experience. Still, when looking at the game as a whole, it is an easy recommendation, and the extended wait for fans to play it in English seems well worth it.

Dead Take clearly wants players to focus on uncovering its story, and the mansion is built in a way that makes exploration feel rewarding even without much resistance. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting, with sound and lighting creating an ever-present sense of tension that kept me leaning forward the whole time. Dead Take might not break the escape room genre wide open, but it finds a creative way to pull players into its world, and it's worth seeing through to the end.

Reach on PC generally runs quite well and the mouse and keyboard controls will make it difficult for anyone to go back and play the game on console.

Nintendo’s Kirby: Planet Robobot introduces the pink protagonist to a brand new platforming mechanic in the form of a giant mech suit, and the end result is rather refreshing.

Outriders is the type of game where players get what they put in. For those who want a pick-up and put-down RPG with an emphasis on story, Outriders has that covered. For those who want hundreds of hours of gameplay in tense and adrenaline-pumping combat with powerful builds, Outriders has that covered too. Ultimately, the strength of Outriders is how it connects to its players and what they want out of the game, meaning everyone walks away feeling different about it, and that can only be a good thing.

Overall, Age of Mythology: Retold feels like a strong remake of the original. Ensemble seems to understand how to craft an engaging RTS that not only feels great for newcomers but also honors the past. However, its graphical style may be a bit too rough around the edges for some, and it may not be modern enough for others. That being said, it still feels well worth the price of admission for anyone looking to sink their teeth into a brand-new RTS. And with all the content on the horizon, the fun may never have to end.

With a greater focus on receivers/cornerbacks and a fantastic new Draft Champions mode, Madden NFL 16 represents a vast improvement over last year’s game in nearly every way.

Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is a bit pricey, but it offers a really creative experience that should garner the attention of a wide variety of gamers. It is built on a gimmick, so those who don’t find that cool will not be as entranced as others. However, Velan Studios has put together an experience that works well and delivers exactly what one would expect. Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is a racing game that plays out right in the living room.

Winning Putt has the potential to be a must-play title for anyone looking for an engrossing golf video game, but a few rough edges detract from the overall experience in its current form.

Doom Eternal is an excellent first-person shooter. From the very first fast-paced mission, it never lets up. Developer id Software manages to create a game that feels like a blast from the past while also bringing the genre forward.

ARMS is a success that will rope players in for hours through its multiplayer and online modes, but will only garner interest from solo consumers for a short amount of time. At its core, ARMS isn’t a flawless technical fighting game, but that’s never what Nintendo wanted it to be. It’s accessible without feeling primitive, and the layers of depth that are present are easy for fight aficionados to get lost in.

A high quality collection that will enthral new players and offer those who haven’t picked up the series in a long time an excellent reason to revisit it. Minor technical issues and dated gameplay aside, it is hard to find a compilation with this much value built-in, and Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is the best excuse Square has given players to brush up on Kingdom Hearts yet.

The lack of checkpoints can prove to be brutal in some of the more challenging worlds, and the inclusion of co-operative play would have made building and playing through these levels feel a lot more like a team exercise than a solo affair.

This is a one-of-a-kind horror FPS delight. All the game’s nuances and features come together to craft an ode to H.P. Lovecraft that the author himself would be proud of. With incredible gunplay, myriad secrets to uncover, a gorgeous aesthetic, and memorable boss encounters, its technical issues don’t quite stop Forgive Me Father from being something a die-hard FPS fanatic looking for a fresh, new experience should miss out on.

Obviously, it's not a perfect game, but Genshin Impact deserves a try from RPG fans. There's plenty of in-game content to explore, and while many assumed this was just Breath of the Wild with microtransactions, Genshin Impact has a surprising amount of depth and content for players to enjoy.

The real draw of Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is its gameplay, and to the game's credit, it's strong enough on its own to generate that "just one more run" feeling that the best action roguelikes do.

It’s exactly what fans expect from an Igrashi-produced Metroidvania game, and even the inferior Switch port is still a fun time that should satisfy Castlevania fans who are tired of waiting for Konami to properly continue the series.

With its high production values, impressive on-screen talent, and an engaging story told in a truly spectacular way, Telling Lies is a truly unique and compelling experience. Whether one prefers to absorb their stories through video games or film, Telling Lies is a must-play for fans of storytelling in any form.

The game is a snapshot of the lives of three women, uncovered over the course of a few days, the discoveries they make about each other, and how the whole experience brings them closer together. And like most people’s lives, it’s not all action, dungeon crawling, and loot collecting. It’s mainly emotions, arguments, secrets, heartache, and love; in other words, what the game has to offer simply won’t seem very interesting to everybody. But for anybody looking to spend a relaxing afternoon with a heartwarming tale, taking a brief road trip with Tess and Opal in Open Roads may be just the answer.

This is the current-gen Mortal Kombat we all wanted: it’s smooth, mechanically sound, unbelievably gory, and looks great.

Despite a few shortcomings, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a solid action-adventure game and an impressive debut effort by Ember Lab. It will scratch the itch for anyone looking for a Zelda-like adventure on PlayStation, but while it's been compared to games like Zelda and Pikmin, Kena: Bridge of Spirits still stands on its own. Hopefully, this isn't the end of Kena's story, as it would be great to see the ideas here expanded on in future games.

Even with these console-specific issues, Orcs Must Die! Unchained from Robot Entertainment is one of the better free-to-play games on the PlayStation Store. The controls may be tighter on PC and there’s clearly room for improvement in some other areas as well, but Orcs Must Die! Unchained is still worth taking the time to download on the PlayStation 4.

Bravely Second: End Layer isn’t quite the innovative powerhouse its predecessor was, but offers a more refined experience that learns from Bravely Default‘s mistakes.

In the end, the quality of life improvements from the emulation and the enhancements make the collection a brilliant way to play some classic TMNT titles on modern consoles. Nothing has been "ruined" by being overly tweaked for the sake of modernizing, and the emulation only improves the games to make them more manageable. Combine this with the Cowabunga Collection's local and online co-op, and there has never been a better time to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gaming fan.

Even if there are a few rough spots, Afterimage is a magical Metroidvania that shines. Most of the issues require a little patching but the core remains engaging. The combat works because the enemy variety compliments Renee's moves, and overcoming previously difficult bosses is intensely satisfying. Platforming has a few quirks, but using enemies as impromptu platforms to find secrets or barely making a jump is exhilarating. Even the story, which doesn't start out with alot to set it apart, blossoms thanks to a spectacular world and interesting themes. This title is an absolute gem for Metroidvania fans.

Crimson Desert will likely appeal most to players who enjoy getting lost in an incredibly detailed and realistic open world and figuring things out for themselves, even when the game isn't always clear about how everything works. Those who value exploration and long-form progression will find plenty to dig into, especially if they don't mind learning it all through a fair amount of trial and error. On the other hand, players who prefer a more streamlined experience, a stronger narrative focus, or systems that clearly communicate their rules may find the journey more frustrating than rewarding. Even though Crimson Desert initially seemed like a game for everyone, it's not, but it is one that everyone should at least try.

Where things start to come apart is in the combat, which never quite finds the same footing. Melee feels stiff, stealth is undercooked, and the flow of encounters doesn't always match the scale or intensity the rest of the game sets up. But even with that in mind, there's still something satisfying about building your own identity on a planet that feels as dangerous as it does alive. Dune: Awakening isn't perfect, but it's confident in its vision, and that makes all the difference.

Overall, Age of Empires definitely brings enough to the table and captures enough nostalgia to make it an easy recommendation for any fans of the franchise or the genre. For gamers new to RTS, the Story Mode and campaigns actually make it a very strong choice for diving in as well, as long as they aren’t expecting cutting-edge graphics. The fact that the game is going to be available on Game Pass Day One could potentially help expose a large new audience to the franchise and build up some new fans. It will be very interesting to see what kind of reception it receives and, if its successful, what sort of post-launch content could arrive in the coming year to keep the community hooked and engaged.

The game’s narrative is suspenseful and the puzzles are fantastic brainteasers.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line scratches a particular itch, which means the game is unlikely to hold a great deal of immediate appeal for people who aren’t already familiar with the Final Fantasy series. That franchise has produced some amazing music over the years, though, and the fans who already love it will likely welcome a fresh excuse to listen to some of their favorite compositions once again. The combination of music and visual assets could also help franchise newcomers see what they’ve been missing. A little more variety in the compositions included would have been nice, but otherwise, the package contains the right bells, whistles, and nostalgia to keep players busy and happy for a very long time.

Broken DLC promises, long load times, and story padding hurt Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, but it is still a game with plenty of content for Dragon Ball fans to sink their teeth into. It has a large roster full of diverse fighters, endless character creation possibilities, a streamlined hub world, and an engaging story. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a vast improvement over the original, and should leave franchise fans satisfied.

Despite the minor issues and that odd design choice, Sniper Elite 5 is a fun game for newcomers to the series and longtime fans. It caters to a wide variety of gamers, providing both easy and difficult challenges that anyone can set up and then overcome in their own way. Overall, it's a high-quality game that further improves the stellar legacy of the entire series.

All annual sports game franchises have those entries that are more about polishing what came before than trying bold new things, and MLB The Show 25 fits into that category. Most everything here is great and will give baseball fans their money's worth and then some, but those looking for something different may be disappointed. Still, the sheer amount of content MLB The Show 25 brings to the table is impressive, the core gameplay is a lot of fun, and it perfectly captures the essence of the MLB. MLB The Show 25 is more of the same, but when "the same" is this good, it's hard to complain.

In the end, players will leave with two things: some great music recommendations and the craving to play Life is Strange: True Colors once again, especially if they wooed Steph while in the shoes of Alex Chen, if nothing else but to see her finally get the wholesome romance she deserves. Overall, it's only a short piece of Steph's life, to connect the dots between Before the Storm and Alex's story in True Colors, but it adds some context to her grounded attitude towards trauma and the decision she eventually makes to leave Haven Springs. Steph feels a bit out of place as a lesbian in a rural town, and she still desires the thrilling life of an indie band. Wavelengths provides the middle to Before the Storm's beginning and True Colors' end of the Steph Gingrich saga.

Not A Hero may not constantly tickle the funny bones, but its lighthearted satirical moments and thrilling combat make the game something special for players after a challenge.

While the games won’t be everyone’s cup of tea – not to mention that the dialogue and characters in Puzzle & Dragons Z are mind-numbingly boring – the discounted combo pack that features both of these titles is certainly worth checking out.

Minor issues of pacing and controls aside, V Rising on PS5 is a more than worthy port. Its expressive customization options, unfolding combat mechanics, and flexible build crafting have made it a must-own for PC players, and now the same can be said for PlayStation players. If you're a fan of survival games, action-RPGs, and Gothic horror, you can't do much better than V Rising.

Overall, Murder on Eridanos is a solid addition to The Outer Worlds. Players are in charge of solving a murder and piecing together clues, making it an interesting and fun time. The real issue at this point is the well-documented technical difficulties that have plagued players since the DLC’s release. Hopefully, a patch will be released to fix them soon, along with the other errors that have been pointed out.

Even with these problems and judged in a vacuum, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a masterpiece 2D platformer. Charging $60 for what is essentially a better-looking take on the 3DS version of a game that is 15 years old, however, won't sit right with everyone. Those who played Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D on 3DS may want to wait for a sale, but those who have never played the 3DS version or have never played DKCR at all will get a ton of value out of the game. If nothing else, it's nice to have all the Donkey Kong Country games on Switch, with the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD giving fans the chance to experience everything the DKC series has to offer on a single platform.

Despite some noncommittal moments and sustained writing struggles, Life is Strange Episode 3‘s earnest and abundant heart keep it moving forward with plenty of promise.

It may not be a step forward for the series, but that’s never what it was supposed to be. Instead, it’s a noteworthy look at what came before that’s been revamped for a newer generation. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is pretty damn fun.

The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is undoubtedly the new standard for Demon Slayer games, and it does the material justice. CyberConnect2’s prestige animation is the star and its decades of designing interactive narrative experiences and action combat also show through, even if the studio is playing things safe. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a smooth ride through familiar territory, and it doesn't need to be anything else.