MOTORSLICE is one of those games that will surprise you, in a good way. The satisfying platforming, combined with its presentation, music, and immersion, makes it a completely different vibe. Certain elements, like its combat and lack of replayability, leave much to be desired, but it’s undeniable that it’s interesting and engaging from the title screen all the way through the end.

Despite a few pacing issues, some uneven character writing, and occasional frustrations with backtracking, Sea of Stars succeeds where it matters most: it consistently makes the adventure feel fun to experience. The combat remains engaging, exploration rewards curiosity, and the mobile port itself is polished so that it doesn’t feel like a downgraded version of the original release.

Mixtape is much like many coming-of-age stories you’ve probably heard before, but it tells it with so much warmth and creativity that I wanted more of it. As a game, it won’t surprise everyone, but its writing, music, and the dreamlike essence of its presentation make even predictable story beats meteor down to the surface with so much emotion that by the time the night was over, I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends I’d only just met.

In terms of comfort in gameplay, holoVillage sits snugly where most of its peers rest. There’s no urgency to anything, allowing you to tackle its content at any pace you like. Unfortunately, it’s not very memorable, which is a quality that many of the genre’s greats have despite their inherent lack of climactic events, and it’s not very replayable either. It thankfully has a lot of content to devour, though, so it manages to salvage itself from obscurity.

Just as the moon covers the sun, with lost Carcosa awash with golden yellow, Saros eclipses all in its wake. Boasting a deep and synergistic core gameplay loop evoking Returnal, premium difficulty balancing options, emotionally-driven character writing, and the newest look cosmic horror has seen in decades, you wouldn’t be driven mad by playing this game; you’d be mad not to. Strange is the one who cannot fathom the greatness of Saros, but stranger still is lost Carcosa.

Invincible VS is a great tag fighter that utilizes the franchise’s identity to a remarkable level. Its top-notch presentation, noticeable competitive depth, and easy-to-grasp approachability make it a game worth playing for fans of the series and the genre alike. It still hasn’t quite reached its final form just yet, but it has the potential to become truly Invincible.

NTE is a game that feels like it’s constantly pulling you in different directions, yet somehow still holds together as a cohesive experience. It wants to be a gacha RPG, a city life simulator, a driving game, a management sandbox, and a narrative-driven anomaly hunter all at once. And instead of collapsing under that weight, it actually becomes a strong foundation to support how its systems interact and flow with each other. Of course, that ambition isn’t perfectly refined yet. Some systems still lean a bit too simple and story pacing can break immersion when level locks interrupt momentum. But even with those rough edges, the important part is that NTE never feels aimless. It commits to what it is trying to be—a multi-layered city RPG where everyday life and anomaly-driven chaos coexist.

Lay of the Land is a decent game at its core, with almost all the basic sandbox game mechanics ready in one package—sprawling land, intricate building mechanics, decent crafting gameplay, and basic combat—but ultimately, it feels like an Early Access title that hasn’t had enough time to cook in the oven yet. It’s got a solid foundation of its basic gameplay mechanics, but it could definitely benefit from a lot more improvements in the long run.

Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis is one of those games that thrives on contradiction. It’s simple but chaotic, forgiving yet overwhelming, structured yet constantly slipping into uncertainty. It doesn’t aim for mechanical perfection, nor does it try to be a pure rhythm skill test. Instead, it builds an experience where rhythm gameplay, narrative descent, and sensory overload all feed into each other. The forgiving mechanics dilute mastery for some players, and the audio design occasionally clashes with itself in ways that feel more noisy than intentional. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they do keep it from reaching that higher tier of refinement. Still, what it does well, it commits to fully, and that commitment is what makes it stick.

Damon and Baby is a bold step for Arc System Works and a solid action-adventure game with a warm, molten core thanks to its lovable cast. It asserts itself as a well-thought-out action title thanks to its emphasis on gunplay, enemy design, and strategy. The creators of Damon and Baby set out to prove that they could make a good action-adventure RPG, and sure enough, Damon and Baby shows that Arc System Works should keep diversifying their catalog.

Vampire Crawlers is a game that goes straight for the jugular and doesn’t let go until your schedule’s bled dry. Although it is indirect with its storytelling and isn’t as visually and aurally unique as I would’ve wanted, the gameplay hard carries by being innovative, exhilarating, and concerningly addictive. There’s no deckbuilder or dungeon crawler like this out there, at least not yet. No doubt every other dev will want a bite when Vampire Crawlers pioneers a new sub-genre as its predecessor did.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a weird, funny, and sometimes endearing life sim where the best moments come from pure randomness and your own imagination. It works best when you just let your Miis interact and watch the small stories they create on their own. The repetition and lack of online sharing are unfortunate, but it still manages to stay entertaining in short bursts thanks to how much personality it squeezes out of simple systems.

Tides of Tomorrow is a breath of fresh air. It’s a unique take on a post-apocalyptic future that conveys something deeper to the player through its player-driven narrative and the moral dilemmas you’ll have to face. More than that, the asynchronous multiplayer features and the variety of gameplay allow for a more entertaining interactive adventure. While it may have simplistic gameplay and binary decision trees, it’s definitely not an average adventure game; it's a remarkable experience that excels at what it does.

OPUS: Prism Peak is simply art—from the gorgeous visuals to the profound story that will surely tug at the heartstrings to the emotional delivery of the character voices and the well-written cast. There’s little to dislike and a lot to love about the game, especially for those who appreciate a bit of fantasy in their relatable game narratives. Aside from the slow pacing sometimes and the need for a few gameplay improvements here and there, it stands proudly as a wonderful title, one that shares a tale that may hit close to home and that will stay with you even after the credits roll.

The Golden Age of Animation wasn’t called that for nothing, and MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is its modern gold standard following the likes of Cuphead and Bendy. Though relatively simple as a shooter and not up to par pacing-wise, this game has the production value and vision of yesteryear, and is a hand-made, hand-drawn testament to the art form of animation. Back it up with jazzy tunes and the best voice actors money can buy, and you’ve got another squash n’ stretch best-seller hot off the presses.

REPLACED is ultimately defined by how strongly it commits to its identity. Even when its gameplay structure leans repetitive or its combat pacing becomes overwhelming, the experience rarely loses its grip thanks to its exceptional visual direction and emotionally grounded storytelling. It doesn’t aim to reinvent its genre mechanically, but instead refines how a cinematic 2.5D world can feel to inhabit. And the stylish, atmospheric, and quietly human experience will stay with you well after it ends.

Pokemon Champions feels like a title that suddenly had to launch due to chasing a specific quarterly report. While otherwise nearly perfect as a platform, lacking a multitude of very important items on release makes the game feel fundamentally incomplete. The paywalled quality-of-life additions are also a major deterrent, especially for those who expected a way to engage with VGC without owning the mainline games. It's still a wonderful attempt at making competitive Pokemon more accessible, though, and is definitely something that'll only improve in time.

Even though People of Note doesn’t always find its rhythm, it’s still a decent turn-based RPG with a strong identity. The story and characters are likable and relatable, but the pacing rushes important beats and leaves some arcs feeling undercooked. It’s consistently enjoyable, sure, just not as deep or as bold as it could have been, especially in its gameplay mechanics.

Super Meat Boy 3D is much more than just a 3D retelling of a beloved title; it’s an exercise of mastery of platforming design, made in the image of a cube. Though far from accessible (despite its best efforts) and still somewhat similar to its predecessor, the inclusion of Dark World Levels and the design space opened by an entire new dimension of space gives it a platform to stand on. Best you load up on controllers, because Meat Boy’s back on the menu.

Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike proves that anything can become a hit roguelike if designed well enough. Not content to just slap some roguelike mechanics on an existing idea, Raccoin presents something uniquely addicting across a complex, layered gameplay progression that goes beyond comparative description. All that for much less than an arcade trip would cost. Forget breaking a dollar for the coin pusher, take all of mine for Raccoin.

The Weeping Swan is a great linear visual that offers a complete audiovisual and genre experience at a cheap price. And though it does have a set of eyebrow-raising endings, questionable character development, and a number of translation and technical issues on launch, you’ll still be hard-pressed to find a visual novel of its quality without spending more money. So, if you’re the type who values the journey more than the destination, you’ll find that this is a work worth your cash.

Subliminal isn’t perfect, but it knows how to get under your skin. Some rough edges and unforgiving segments prevent it from being flawless, yet the story, atmosphere, and psychological tension pull you in and keep you thinking even after completing an ending. While it may not appeal to everyone, for those willing to dive into its eerie corridors and confront Caleb’s fracturing mind, it delivers a sharp, immediate sense of horror that keeps your heart racing while you’re playing.

If the base game wasn’t already one of the best soulslikes during its year, AI LIMIT’s DLC seeks to further its already jaw-dropping value proposition by being a completely free update to an already cheap title. What’s more, the content is enough to keep any soulslike enthusiast for a dozen-odd hours! Truly, it’s one of 2026’s most pleasant updates yet.

GRIME 2 is a direct improvement to all aspects of its predecessor and doubles down on what makes it great in the first place. Featuring a unique aesthetic, deep combat systems, and textbook Metroidvania exploration, this is a title worth playing for fans of the genre.

Despite being heralded as one of the more underrated games in the Mega Man franchise, Capcom did absolutely everything in its power to showcase the best version of the Star Force trilogy, and it shows. From added quality-of-life features, restored content, and adjusted gameplay mechanics from the old touch-screen only controls, on top of how great these games already were, they have delivered their arguably best remaster collection to date.

Life is Strange: Reunion delivers a carefully crafted send-off for longtime fans, full of emotional depth, nuanced character relationships, and a story that rewards attention to the smallest details. While the gameplay can feel limited and technical hiccups occasionally distract, the strength of the narrative, the exceptional audio, and the quiet, intimate moments carry the experience. It may not be flawless, but Reunion is a heartfelt farewell to Max and Chloe.

Star Savior is a veritable Frankenstein’s Monster of a gacha game, taking multiple elements of previous successful mobile titles and stitching them together as a product that somehow works. But although it has impeccable visual appeal, insane replayability, and an amazing cast of characters, it’s heavily compromised by its progression system that seems more interested in charging you for the experience than letting you have a great time.

Warframe's Switch 2 port looks and runs just as Digital Extremes has promised. The visual upgrades, fast load times, and overall stability showcase the hardware's strengths and make it one of the best ports for the long-standing MMO looter-shooter hybrid. Not to mention its longevity. While there are some issues with the Joy-Con 2's mouse mode and some bugs, it's still a port worth trying, especially since it's free.

Screamer is a colorful, chaotic, fast, and fun arcade racer that manages to pair high-octane gameplay with a surprisingly robust narrative. It’s not perfect—progression is limited, and certain campaign restrictions can be frustrating—but the unique mechanics, engaging characters, and fast-paced races make it a standout in its genre. For fans of classic arcade racing, it’s a title that hits almost all the right notes.

Timberborn is a good, almost natural, marriage of two genres that couldn’t quite surpass its own issues to become something greater than the sum of its parts. Late mechanics implementation, lower replayability than expected for a 1.0, and unhelpful tutorials all drag down an otherwise amazing game. There’s much holding it back and much holding it up, amounting to a great, but imperfect title overall.

Ariana and the Elder Codex doesn’t do anything absurdly new, but it understands what makes this kind of game work and sticks to it. The combat and build variety carry the experience, even when the story becomes predictable and the enemy design feels thin. It’s a solid and well-made action-platformer that’s easy to enjoy, as long as you know what you’re getting into.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 feels like a prematurely released game that could have been truly great. It’s got everything from the series’ signature monster collecting mechanics, the gritty turn-based combat, and much, much better audiovisuals than its predecessors. Unfortunately, beyond the bloat of grinding for stronger monsters and watching filler, there’s not much content to actually engage in.

Death Stranding 2's PC port showcases the power of the Decima Engine once more, proving its superiority in both optimization and presentation. "To the wilder" difficulty also adds the much-needed challenge that it sorely needed, making it the definitive version of the game.

Etrange Overlord is a classic case of a game hiding its true value between its surface level qualities. It has the developers’ trademark humor and audiovisuals, coupled with some very basic controls. It’s dragged down by some very rough camerawork and first impressions, though. But beyond that, it offers an incredibly diverse experience and a memorable story; easily another gem for Nippon Ichi’s already star-studded lineup.

Crimson Desert is a sprawling adventure across a vast and living world that rewards every hour you put into it. The core gameplay evolves with your progress, introducing upgradable skills and increasingly demanding boss fights, with plenty of content to discover. While the narrative initially lacks direction and its threads can feel disconnected, this never outweighs the game’s many strengths. Crimson Desert is a slow burn that rewards time, patience, and curiosity.

Ghost of Yotei: Legends is a must-try DLC for owners of the base game, as they’re quite literally just improving on what was offered before. With top-notch presentation and the same engaging gameplay loop, it’s one of the more underrated multiplayer experiences out right now.

Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime delivers a fun, whimsical adventure with a charming blend of quirky comedy alongside relatable heartfelt moments. It also comes packaged with cute visuals, a unique music score, and engaging gameplay, wrapped up in a lovely cozy game that’s sure to entertain. There are a few minor issues here and there, but they don’t sour the gameplay experience to a fault.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is bursting at the seams with how much gameplay depth, artisanal vision, and genre innovation it manages to pack within its very few open-world levels. Had it the scope to contain its quality, it would’ve been the best horde-shooter for everyone out there, though it still may be for some. It’s simply too awesome for its own good.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is, if I dare say, the definitive edition of the series’ second entry. Stunning visuals, haunting audio, engaging gameplay mechanics, storyline—it took everything from the original and immensely improved upon it to deliver both a chilling and heart-wrenching experience. Whether you’re completely new to the series or a longtime fan, the Crimson Butterfly Remake is not one to miss.

Homura Hime is a slick hack-and-slash and bullet hell hybrid that naturally forces you to think in both mindsets at once. It’s a game that, beneath its vibrant designs and bright color palette, lies a surprisingly dark story filled with genuine shock value. It may not reinvent the genre, but it executes its ideas with enough confidence to leave a lasting impression.

Warning: Pokémon Pokopia is very addictive. Although it suffers from one-note dialogue and gates your progress in real-world hours, its clever systems and gameplay loop make it one of—if not the—best spinoffs in Nintendo’s arsenal. Even dozens of hours later, I’m still surprised that somewhere between tending gardens and chasing Pokémon traces, I found rebuilding the world to be just as satisfying as conquering the Pokémon League.

Resident Evil Village remains one of the more experimental entries in the Resident Evil franchise, and the experience translates well to the Switch 2. With stable performance in docked mode, and only minor stutters in handheld, this port is a great way to experience Village's defining gameplay. Even if the narrative isn't the strongest in the series, the solid technical performance for the game's blend of action and horror, makes this port an easy recommendation for players wanting to experience—or revisit—Ethan Winters on Switch 2.

If I can only give you one reason to buy this game, it would have to be its musical score. Each scene is elevated by a masterful orchestral soundtrack that transforms puzzles, exploration, and emotional beats into something cinematic and unforgettable. While the core gameplay of Lana and Mui navigating puzzles remains familiar, Planet of Lana 2 shines in how it builds and evolves the storytelling.

More than twenty years later, the Switch re-release of Pokémon FireRed arrives keeping everything intact, even its more frustrating quirks. It doesn’t have the smoother systems and quality-of-life updates found in newer entries, and I wish there were more tweaks to its gameplay and presentation on modern hardware, but the journey through the routes of Kanto remains as structurally sound and addictive as it was when we were playing it on our 32-bit handhelds.

Scott Pilgrim EX is a great game built for a very specific crowd. Its deliberate arcade-style beat ’em up design limits broad appeal, but fans of the genre, art style, or IP will find little to complain about. It’s cheesy, wacky, unapologetically retro, and simply EXceptional.

NeverGrave: The Witch and the Curse has highs and lows of its own, but Dead Cells is unmistakably in its DNA. From the parasitic true protagonist inhabiting bodies to the dramatic door slams after each clear, fans of one will recognize the appeal of the other. Still, NeverGrave falls short in audio and storytelling, even as its original ideas help keep things feeling fresh, but a mere copy, it is not.

Tales of Berseria Remake is a welcome release to update the greatest tale of the Tales series to the modern settings. However, unlike the previous Tales remakes, the additions are empty beyond the addition of the DLCs. Still, it's worth purchasing if only to get a higher quality version of one of the greatest Tales titles of the series.

Requiem is a triumph of modern Resident Evil, with alternating perspectives between Grace and Leon keeping the pacing dynamic, puzzles that challenge your wits, and exploration that rewards careful observation. The gameplay loop feels both familiar and refined, all while weaving decades of Resident Evil lore into a coherent, satisfying narrative. With its depth, content, and meticulously crafted gameplay, Requiem earns a confident recommendation as a must-buy for fans and newcomers alike.

Sons of Sparta feels unnecessary, a prequel few expected and one that adds little to the wider God of War saga. Still, on its own merits it’s polished and impressive, with strong mechanics, striking visuals, and standout voice work. More indulgent side story than essential chapter, but a solid one nonetheless.

If you're looking for a cheap action roguelike with outstanding build variety, look no further than SealChain: Call of Blood. While its audio is forgettable and its mob behavior can border on exasperating, when it comes to player expression, it stands comfortably above much of its competition.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse delivers a much more intimate mystery by focusing on personal emotional arcs and a cast of characters that feel really well-developed. The experience, though, is occasionally weighed down by a lot of expository lore dumps. Nevertheless, it is a clever mystery game that manages to stay interesting until the very end.

Cyanide Studios created a third game that makes stealth feel even more rewarding in Styx: Blades of Greed. While the nine-year wait doesn’t make it seem much bigger at a glance, the new open-world design places greater emphasis on traversal and exploration, for better or worse.

High on Life 2 is Squanch Games’ second chaotic ride, and it’s as wild as it is messy. Stellar voice acting and striking visuals shine, but middling gameplay and rough optimization hold it back. It’s a mixed bag of highs and lows, and if that chaos appeals to you, we won’t judge, though your guns might.

While not a true successor, Mewgenics carries The Binding of Isaac’s roguelike spirit through its sharp cat-based tactics, dense content, and clear devotion to McMillen’s ideal vision. It’s pricey, brutally slow, and unapologetically harsh, but its addictive music, bizarre systems, and deep strategy make it hard to put down. Not quite purrfect, but very close.

REANIMAL is a game that takes everything Tarsier perfected in Little Nightmares and sharpens it into something darker, more relentless, and emotionally punishing. It rewards patience, observation, and careful thinking, but it doesn’t coddle you—the world is cruel and the horror lingers long after each encounter. It’s a more ruthless evolution of the formula, delivering a tense, interconnected journey that stands on its own while building on Tarsier’s legacy.

Romeo is a Dead Man brings everything you expect from the Suda51 style—and I mean everything, especially when it comes to its visuals. Though it suffers from technical issues and a simple gameplay loop, the unpredictable narrative, paired with its eye-catching visuals and strong audio design, makes it a memorable experience.

ANTHEM#9 feels like a small-scale game overloaded with too many good ideas at once. It’s undeniably fun to play, and its audiovisual presentation is impressively polished—but why is there a turn timer or an oversized UI that often fills more than half the screen with text? Thankfully, though, everything else carries it to greatness.

If there's a company that knows its way around action RPGs, it's Team NINJA. But with Nioh 3, it feels as if they have finally perfected their vision. This is the culmination of their endless quest to create the ultimate action RPG experience centered around a satisfying flow state, and they've achieved it in the bloodiest and most glorious way possible.

Across dozens of climbs and bivouac breaks, Cairn proves itself to be a game that fully commits to its vision. The difficulty can be punishing, and the physics can act up, but the hardship is so closely tied to Aava’s story and the game’s themes that it never feels excessive. It’s an experience that will stay with me long after my personal descent from it, and while the mountain is indifferent, the climb itself is unforgettable.

Even though an 8/10 may sound like a solid score, that's actually lower than it could have gotten if it had been polished even further. Sure, the gameplay is nice and the story's very compelling; but with the backdrop of a horribly dumb enemy AI and its terrible performance issues, Code Vein 2 on release is at its worst.

Arknights: Endfield has the makings to be one of 2026's standout titles—a decent story that has potential, multiple engaging gameplay mechanics, a vibrant world to explore, and solid audio and visual design. Aside from the gacha system that not many people may be used to, it deserves high marks everywhere else. Its future is bright, and they can only keep going up from here.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2 is a strong port that knows its limits and mostly stays within them. It doesn’t reach the visual or performance highs of the PS5 version, but it also avoids the worst compromises seen on older hardware. The experience remains intact, and portability changes how easy it is to live with its flaws. Fingers crossed that FF7 Rebirth makes its way to the platform soon.

Cult of the Lamb’s latest expansion is a welcome return, adding new mechanics, biomes, and hours of play that enrich the world. The music, visuals, and added lore bring the Lamb’s ascension to a satisfying close. A slow start aside, it’s a rewarding expansion for both veterans and newcomers.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is as good as it always has been. The Switch 2 port still earns its praise, of course, but not because of any standout next-gen additions or mechanics. Returning players should expect largely the same experience as their first playthrough, while newcomers will find a charming and thoroughly enjoyable customization craze waiting for them.

2XKO is, without a doubt, the best fighting game on the market right now. Not only does it look amazing with its cel-shaded animated style, but it also has that tag-fighter satisfaction that’s been sorely missed throughout the absence of the subgenre. And the best part about it all is that the game is completely free to play and enjoy, with everything you need to learn included.

Essentially a free-to-play Animal Crossing-Palia-Infinity Nikki cross, Heartopia is a free-to-play life-simulation game that’s simple, accessible, and cozy for all. It offers casual, engaging gameplay and bright audio-visual presentation, bringing together familiar cozy game elements for a fun experience. While it does have optimization problems from being a direct mobile port that can deter from the experience, it’s still worth its content.

Finding its footing among the giants of the genre, MIO: Memories in Orbit manages to be a great piece of interactive art. Its somewhat floaty controls might take a moment to get used to, but any awkwardness quickly fades in the face of the game’s many strengths. The hand-painted Vessel is gorgeous; its narrative, haunting. Even with a few quirks, it’s impossible not to get swept up in its orbit.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Visions of Four Heroes is a surprisingly well-done DLC pack that not only succeeds on a narrative level but also enhances its core gameplay. The additional routes exploring the would-be heroes are well-executed, if not a little short, and the new weapons and gameplay modes add even more enjoyment to the already addictive Musou combat.

Trails Beyond the Horizon ultimately feels like the course correction the series needed after the detour that was Daybreak 2. It successfully balances its massive cast and deep lore to deliver the major payoffs that fans have been anticipating since long before the Calvard arc even began. The pacing can be glacially slow as it builds toward these reveals, but the way it weaves years of plot threads together is incredibly satisfying and fills me with excitement for what lies beyond this horizon.

Kotama and Academy Citadel stands out as a cheerful counterpoint to a genre that’s lately leaned hard into gloom and grit. It’s also my latest addiction; a consistently enjoyable trip whether you’re experiencing it at its highest highs or pushing through its most frustrating lows. As a bonus, it’s also shockingly affordable for just how much visual flair it brings to the table.

Pathologic 3 is a must-play for anyone invested in the franchise or intrigued by narrative-driven, mechanically rich experiences. Its strongest moments come from how seamlessly story and gameplay reinforce one another, creating a game that feels deliberate and purposeful in every system. While some roughness and minor hitches persist, the game’s focus, depth, and audacity make it an essential entry in the series.

Red Dead Redemption remains a landmark title. The Switch 2 port improves presentation and performance without changing the game’s core design, letting the world, story, and gameplay shine like they were always meant to. Minor signs of aging exist, but they don’t take away from the experience. This version stands as a definitive way to experience a classic, delivering everything that made the original great while running smoother and looking sharper than ever.

Skate Story combines strong gameplay, visuals, and audio into a cohesive, memorable experience. Minor issues in the storytelling and small gaps in visual polish keep it from perfection, but overall it’s highly recommended.

UNBEATABLE is an unapologetically stylish and vibrant rhythm narrative-adventure game that combines engaging rhythm gameplay, stunning audio-visual presentation, and a colorful cast to meet. However, it's clearly unpolished with its number of technical and visual issues, unfortunately lending itself to a dampened gameplay experience, as well as a painfully slow paced narrative that can scare off other intrigued players. Nevertheless, with a bit more shine, it will become an UNBEATABLE gem in the rhythm scene in its own right.

ROUTINE is an immersive, tense first-person horror game that excels at atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and stealth-based tension. Its minimalist systems and basic gameplay loop may feel limiting, and the story never fully engages or surprises, but those willing to embrace the game’s focused design will find a highly rewarding experience. It perfectly conveys the sense of being utterly alone on a derelict lunar base, and despite its flaws, it’s a compelling journey for fans of atmospheric horror.

Vivid World is an enjoyable auto-battler strategy game with roguelike elements, wrapped in one fun package. It's got it all, from fun gameplay, to cute, whimsical visuals, and a gripping story, coming together for a solid gameplay experience that will have you entertained for hours.

It took Metroid Prime 4: Beyond eight years to crawl out of its 2017 announcement, but the wait didn’t strip away what makes the series work. Some of its new ideas feel a little undercooked, yet the critically-acclaimed formula of the original Prime game remains intact, now bolstered by fun additions to Samus’ arsenal. There are some fumbles that will get fans scratching their heads, but if you spend enough time with it, you will feel the old Prime magic humming again, steady and unmistakable.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion isn’t quite the blockbuster-level beat 'em up game that rivals the likes of Street of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge. It has clear flaws in its progression systems and stage design, but it's undeniable that it's presentation is top-notch, it has good variety in its characters, and is fun and simple enough for everyone to play.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's Switch 2 port is great, especially since being able to play it on the go at 60 FPS and at a higher resolution is a dream come true. However, it could've been the perfect version had it used more of the Switch 2's capabilities.

Constance shines with its vibrant 2D art, crisp platforming, and some clever progression ideas, but ultimately plays second fiddle to one of the genre’s greats. It’s far from a bad game—quite the opposite—but its strengths don’t make it easier to choose over a top-tier rival at the same price. Still, it’s enjoyable in its own right and serves as a refreshing break when Silksong has you worn down.

You’ve got to give it to Masahiro Sakurai for taking a deceptively simple concept and turning it into something so engaging. Between the different game modes and the variety of challenges within each, there’s almost always something to figure out or experiment with. The gameplay can get hectic quickly, but that’s part of its appeal. With the new Road Trip mode adding a sense of progression, even if the story itself doesn’t quite grab you, Kirby Air Riders is a game where even a single race can leave you grinning and thinking about the next one.

Demonschool is a quirky tactics RPG that is sure to entertain players in many different aspects. From odd but lovable characters, stunning visuals, an interesting plot that transcends the human and the demon world, and engaging strategy gameplay with unique mechanics, there’s a lot to like about it. Its complex tactical mechanics may not be for everyone and may not be the best tactical RPG for a newbie, but it’s got charm.

Where Winds Meet stands out as a beautifully crafted RPG with light MMO elements, offering deep character progression, engaging combat, and a living, immersive world. Its minor flaws, like early pacing issues in the story, occasional audio hiccups, and a few technical bugs, don’t overshadow the game’s many strengths.

Dispatch is absolutely “phenomamal!” Much like a good TV show, its weekly release schedule had me waist-deep in fan theories and discussions, a feat owed largely to the game’s consistently sharp writing and compelling characters. Sure, the pacing is slower than I’d like at times, and the illusion of player choice starts to fade once you notice the train tracks. Even so, I adore how the gameplay is always tied to the story and how the plot feeds back into the dispatch calls. When the credits rolled and all was said and done, I could do nothing more than raise my arms and mutter, “absolute cinema!”

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a game that's been a longtime coming, and one that deserves praise for how much content they're able to cram into a game. With a memorable storyline fitting of the franchise, breathtaking visuals, iconic music tracks, and engaging football simulation, it's the definitive game of the franchise and one that'll last for years to come.

Rue Valley is an isometric narrative RPG gem that blends a captivating, emotionally-charged story with memorable characters all in one package. Although it has a few technical weaknesses, it doesn't heavily retract from the overall experience. Eugene Harrow's strange journey into the unknown of his own psyche and other people is an intriguing, even relatable, experience.

Despite the original Ryza 2 being a strict upgrade over its predecessor in almost every way, the new DX version delivers only minor overall improvements to the base game itself. In particular, the character reintroductions and accompanying story are rather disappointing compared to the added utility of the more controversial mascot character.

The DX edition having every DLC and a handful of unique content, regardless of how lean they are, makes it an absolute steal for newcomers, though. Unfortunately, for those who’ve already played the base game and its expansions, the value proposition drops off rather sharply.

Like with many Musou games before it, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment sticks to the tried-and-true formula, just under a Zelda-themed coat of paint. It’s not going to reinvent the genre or add major new lore to Tears of the Kingdom, and the repetitiveness and occasionally poor AI hold it back. Even so, the combat is really fun. The new mechanics added here are a nice touch, and it’s easy to get drawn into missions far longer than you’d expect.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Pax Romana. Every hour of craftsmanship shows in its design, every detail polished to perfection, creating a monument to the genre, crowned with a golden eagle and a banner to match. Flaws remain, of course, with minor bugs serving as reminders that no edifice is perfect. Yet the game still stands tall, and unlike the empire, your own Rome can rise much faster. Some may even expect it in a day.

Europa Universalis V doesn’t just impress, it devours. It weaves diplomacy, conquest, faith, and culture into a tapestry that first humbles, then enthralls. What begins in confusion ends in obsession, as you are crowned by the systems that mystified you on first pass. If not for Paradox's usual optimization fumbles, this game would've been the absolute pinnacle of strategy forever. Regardless, it stands above many of its ilk as the grandest of grand strategies.

Bandai Namco is now two for two when it comes to bringing back old Tales of games. Xillia Remastered smooths out many of the original’s frustrating bits with smart quality-of-life improvements that make revisiting Rieze Maxia feel more comfortable than it ever was on the PS3. However, this fidelity means that the original game’s shortcomings are still present; its implementation of dual protagonists feel uneven, and exploration can be linear or even bland at times. Fortunately, these flaws are offset by a good narrative bolstered by a memorable cast of strong characters and their heartfelt interactions. Even with its dated quirks, this is still a well-done remaster that shows respect for the original game and for the fans who loved it back in 2013.

If what you’re after isn’t the bone-chilling horror its trailers might’ve promised but rather a well-crafted roguelike deckbuilder, Chaos Zero Nightmare is absolutely worth diving into. Its mechanics are strong, though sometimes unclear and mildly exasperating, and its audiovisual presentation is nothing short of captivating. Sure, it’s still a gacha game, but in a genre like this, the constant influx of new characters and content keeps things exciting, no matter how you get them.

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is the best way to experience the first two games of the historic franchise. With its stunning presentation, additional content, gameplay changes, and well-written worldbuilding narrative points, it's a package deal that won't disappoint those who want to get into the series or fans of the original.

ARC Raiders blends cinematic flair with extraction-shooter grit, delivering stylish action and just enough fresh ideas to stand out in a crowded genre. Its fast-paced mechanics, striking presentation, and surprisingly solid story keep it engaging—though console players may feel a stumble or two. Still, it’s definitely a raid worth dropping into.

If you’re searching for a mobile game to enjoy with friends, Duet Night Abyss is absolutely worth your time. While it occasionally tempts you for a “donation” or two, its real demand lies in your time and dedication. Fortunately, that investment pays off handsomely thanks to its rich content, striking audiovisuals, and the remarkable freedom it gives players to express themselves.

Two Point Museum is an awesome management sim with a horrible port. It's held back by a myriad of optimization issues, graphical bugs, and missed opportunities to show off the upgrades the Switch 2 has.

Escape from Duckov is one hell of a fun extraction shooter that scratches the itch for the genre in an easy-to-digest package without the initial stress of PvP and more complex game mechanics. It boasts smooth controls, simple but thrilling point and shoot gameplay, and exciting, meaningful progression with just enough of a challenge to not make it a bore. RNG can make or break your runs, but it’s just a small part of everything else good about the game. And of course, the best part—you play as a duck.