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.

The bottom line of it all is that Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is fun, despite the repetitiveness and some smudges. Yes, at face value, you’re managing horse girls with names lifted from real-life racing legends like Tokai Teio, Mejiro McQueen, and T.M. Opera O, but under that oddball concept is a fun sports management game. It’s the kind of experience that sounds ridiculous when you try to explain it to your friends—believe me, I tried—but quickly snowballs into something that’s hard to put down the moment you actually start playing, which, in my case, translated to me spending literal hours glued to my PC and phone, looking up guides, micromanaging stats, and watching gloriously over-the-top race cutscenes that had no business being as hype as they are.

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.

FNAF: Secret of the Mimic is carried by the franchise, not the gameplay—but it’s still more FNAF, and that’s more than enough for fans. Lore, world-building, creepy animatronics—it’s all here, and with great graphical and performance optimization to boot. Just don’t expect more than that, and you’re Golden Freddy.

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.

BALL x PIT is one of the few roguelikes that truly stands out today. Devolver Digital let it go wild, resulting in a chaotic, creative experience powered by its brilliant Ball Fusion system. It’s fresh, fun, and unlike anything else—just buy it and see for yourself!

Eternal Strands is a love letter to fantasy epics, blending the creativity of Breath of the Wild, the grand battles of Shadow of the Colossus, and the fluid combat of Dragon’s Dogma. Its magic system is the real star—woven into combat, exploration, and puzzles, making the Enclave feel alive with mystical energy. While the visuals sometimes falter and the story lacks depth, the sheer wonder of its world and spellbinding mechanics make it a journey worth taking.

I never saw it coming, but Persona 5: The Phantom X is a gacha spin-off that keeps the rebellious and fun spirit of the Phantom Thieves alive. Its gameplay loop is engaging and meshes well with gacha mechanics, though some features still need polish. Still, with a strong core, steady updates, and a growing story, it’s a spin-off worth diving into.

Patapon 1+2 Replay finally gives these quirky rhythm-strategy games the treatment they deserve. It not only polishes up the originals but also significantly improves upon the 2020 remasters with quality-of-life enhancements we never realized were missing. It’s still as grindy, as bizarre, and as utterly unique as ever, even almost two decades on. It’s a bit disappointing that this collection excludes Patapon 3, but what’s here marches to the beat just fine.

NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a sharp comeback of a series that was overdue for over a decade. One that brandishes its unique brand of violence with style and proper function. With a gameplay loop that leaves you hooked and a multitude of content to replay, it's clear-cut proof that the beloved hack-and-slash franchise is here to stay. If you approach it not expecting a deep or even particularly well-crafted narrative, you'll have an amazing time.

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.

PowerWash Simulator 2 is a great sequel to the first game, building upon the already good mechanics and foundation it had and making it doubly better. Better gameplay, improved visuals, QoL improvements—the works. While it does have some lapses, they’re all quite minor and doesn’t detract from the experience. Whether or not this is your first or second PowerWash Simulator game, it’s definitely worth a try.

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.

Tormented Souls 2 is the perfect survival horror return to classic form—unflinching, tense, and unapologetically old-school. It captures what made early horror games great with its resource management, oppressive atmosphere, and puzzles that make your brain ache in the best way possible. It’s not flawless but it’s a rare case where its imperfections feel like part of the charm.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion doubles down on everything that made the first game a cult favorite. It has better mech designs, larger environments, and customization so deep it can blow the brains of those with obsessions on min-maxing their builds. The Switch 2 version struggles to keep up during larger battles, but the spectacle of giant boss fights and the thrill of fine-tuning your Arsenal usually outweigh the technical hiccups. Flawed as it is, it’s still one of the most exciting mech playgrounds you can strap into.

Shuten Order is messy in places and far more linear than it wants you to believe, but it still finds ways for you to engage with its mix of genres and sharp storytelling. The constant illusion of choice can be frustrating, and the padding doesn’t always feel earned, but the variety across its five routes, unfleshed though they may be, keeps things from ever getting dull. It’s wordy, yes, sometimes to a fault, but even with all its rough edges, it makes you want to keep pushing through its murder mystery anyway.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a striking survival horror experience that excels in atmosphere, storytelling, and exploration, immersing players in a bleak yet captivating world. While combat pacing and resource frustration prevent it from reaching absolute greatness, its strengths far outweigh its flaws.

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.

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.

Shape of Dreams is a well-crafted roguelite that brings something new to the genre, blending together familiar elements of MOBA and ARPG games and turning it into a fast-paced, engaging game with fluid controls, exciting combat, and a rewarding progression system. While it may not have the best storyline and has its visual weaknesses, this roguelite is definitely one that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.

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.

Unlike the original Shadowverse, which was known for its free-to-play generosity, Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond currently lacks that same accessibility. Players can still get a lot out of the game, but its monetization model and the new liquefy system are different and, frankly, less player-friendly. This is especially disheartening considering how much the original's accessibility contributed to its widespread appeal. Worlds Beyond retains the core Shadowverse experience fans love, with added mechanics and the more personalized Shadowverse Park, but it feels like it's lost some of its soul to the pursuit of profit.

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.

Gears of War: Reloaded is the best way to return to where it all began. It goes beyond the Ultimate Edition, updating the classic without losing the raw grit that defined it back in 2006, and reminds us why Gears of War grew into one of gaming’s most iconic series.

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.

The LUNAR Remastered Collection may not break new ground, but it brings a polished, nostalgic experience with just the right modern touches. Although its age occasionally shows, the remaster does a great job of preserving what made these classics so loved. With a captivating story, lovable characters, and timeless gameplay, LUNAR remains a charming and enduring journey.

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.

SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure is a wonderful and whimsical co-op title that blends together cooking mini-games with hack-n-slash combat elements to create a solid experience, whether you're playing with a player two or alone. While there are still some bugs and glitches, as well as some unclear mechanics that can leave you confused, SEDAP still delivers through its enjoyable gameplay and interesting story.

The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is an outstanding and absurd, yet equally self-aware story with a cast of wild yet surprisingly relatable characters. Despite messy pacing, its sharp writing, stellar Japanese voice acting, and bold style make it a memorable ride.

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.

While anthologies often struggle with inconsistent quality and clashing writing styles, Depersonalization largely avoids this. Its story arcs remain surprisingly consistent, offering a thought-provoking—if occasionally painful—narrative experience.

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.

The masterminds behind Danganronpa have knocked it out of the park once again with TRIBE NINE, an action RPG that takes their signature style and cranks it up to the extreme.

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is like DanDaDan meets The X-Files—a spine-tingling blend of supernatural thrills and mysteries that will have you hooked from start to finish. With its episodic structure, each twist keeps you guessing, sending chills down your spine as you unravel paranormal secrets... while also wondering if you should sleep with the lights on.

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief—GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the Switch isn’t a Heaven or Hell gamble. This port delivers a rocking experience that will have fans shouting, “Let’s Rock!” as they finally take GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the go. Arc System Works has done an impressive job of bringing the game to the handheld hybrid, nailing the essence of the original with sharp visuals, smooth 60 fps gameplay, and all the content from the base game along with Seasons 1-3. However, the port isn’t without its flaws. The visuals occasionally take a noticeable hit, and the absence of crossplay is a significant drawback, especially for competitive players. Fingers crossed that crossplay support arrives in a future update.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an amazing and much-needed reboot that the franchise needed while keeping its whole identity and foundation intact.

NBA 2K26 is a direct improvement compared to its previous release, with its better shooting mechanics, handling, and other quality of life improvements. However, its monetization practices still make it hard to compete.

After years of mere cameos and remasters, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero finally gives the series the attention it deserves: a true sequel that expands on its mechanics. It takes the series into new waters with a brighter tone and streamlined storytelling, but in doing so, it drifts away from the emotional depth that made its predecessor so resonant. Yet, the very fact that this sequel exists signals something greater for the series—if this is just the beginning, then the future of Phantom Brave is brighter than ever.

Borderlands 4 seeks to right the wrongs by simply upgrading everything the previous installment offered. However, the performance issues and bugs affect the overall experience, preventing the game from being the best version of itself.

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.

Blade Chimera is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation. It channels the spirit of IGA’s legendary works while carving out its own identity with fluid combat, seamless exploration, and a striking cyberpunk Osaka brought to life in vivid pixel art. More than a love letter to the genre, it’s a bold new chapter that stands tall on its own.

Megabonk takes the familiar bullet heaven formula and gives it a bold twist, adding vertical movement and a fresh 3D perspective. Its audiovisual presentation is stellar, and once it gets going, the gameplay can easily keep you hooked for hours. While the music does lose its charm over time, it still stands as one of the genre’s most impressive recent releases.

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.

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.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 carves its mark among the elite of anime games, honing nearly every edge of its predecessor. With tighter, more fluid combat and a cinematic presentation that nearly rivals Ufotable’s legendary adaptation, this sequel feels like a true evolution from the very first swing. It's not flawless, but the sheer volume of content and pure fun it delivers more than makes up for its shortcomings. If the original was Hinoe rank, this one unquestionably earns its place among the Hashira.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a spinoff that revitalizes the series and the genre with its callback to its original side-scrolling gameplay. With well-crafted levels, dynamically engaging combat, and gorgeous pixel art, it uses the simplicity of the side-scrolling gameplay to its maximum potential. It has a few flaws here and there, like its short runtime and balance near the end, but is otherwise a great way to keep the hype for the series’ upcoming title.

Battlefield 6 is more of a step in the right direction back to greatness than a complete return to form. Nevertheless, the changes made to key gameplay elements have made it more enjoyable than its competitors.

The Alters is a survival base-builder set against the backdrop of a hauntingly desolate planet, with gameplay that mirrors that atmosphere—deliberate, reflective, and occasionally a bit unpolished. It’s not without its flaws, having traded some base-building depth to prioritize its narrative, but the experience as a whole is still thoroughly rewarding. Best of all, it’s a fantastic deal considering its visual quality and strong replayability.

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.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a faithful update that preserves the original’s chilling cyberpunk horror and rewarding RPG gameplay, while adding solid visual upgrades and surprise multiplayer. Its age still shows in places, but it’s a thrilling return to a cult classic that helped shape games like BioShock.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a wonderful revival to the Shinobi series, welcoming both fans and newbies alike with its stunning visuals complemented by adrenaline-pumping and engaging action-platforming gameplay. It does have its slight weaknesses, such as its servicable narrative and finicky hitboxes, yet it doesn't entirely derail the experience from being enjoyable and immersive.

With its richly developed characters, Iwakura Aria is a slow-burning, character-driven visual novel that draws strength from its emotional subtlety and refined execution. Its painterly art style and measured pacing create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and deliberately crafted, in both narrative and presentation.

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.

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.

Hirogami is a 3D platformer that unfolds with the elegance of origami, layering its world with creativity, charm, and striking paper-crafted visuals. It may not be the most challenging game out there, but its inventive puzzles, playful mechanics, and imaginative design make for an adventure that feels fresh, memorable, and consistently delightful.

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time is clearly a fan’s love letter to Ouro Kronii, with a story that's stuffed full of inside jokes and references that it's almost impossible to understand for an outsider. Its time-bending combat keeps things simple yet addictive, and turns basic platforming into something surprisingly fresh. If you’re into Hololive, this is a no-brainer recommendation.

Dying Light: The Beast feels like the proper sequel fans have been waiting for all this time. While the new additions aren't amazing, the established facets of the game have been improved, making it a return to form.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tiny Bookshop is, dare I say, a fine example of what a cozy game really is—warm vibes, chill but fun gameplay, a heartwarming narrative, pleasant visuals, and calming music. Even if you’re not particularly a book enthusiast, the game is a joy to play for the gameplay and the narrative, and just for some lighthearted and relaxing fun.

With its immersive visuals, fantastic audio, and surprisingly low price, AI LIMIT is an easy recommendation despite a few rough spots. It throws you into a bleak, tragic world where the struggles of its inhabitants take center stage long before your own story unfolds. Its stamina-free combat adds a fresh twist to the souls-like formula, though some mechanics—stealth in particular—could use serious improvement.

SONOKUNI’s fast-paced combat collides with the raw energy of a hip-hop soundtrack crafted by the DON YASA CREW. Its visuals can sometimes be overwhelming, but the intense action will keep you coming back for more—to take on the same enemies that once bested you, even when your fingers ache. It challenges you, frustrates you, and yet, somehow, always pulls you back in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Star Overdrive feels like a seamless fusion of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, offering a fresh and exhilarating take on the action adventure genre.

Crystal of Atlan is really fun to play, but only if the game allows you to progress through it. Its combat and class system are amazing and delivers an experience that feels both familiar and freshly refined. Yet, beneath it all lies a fracturedness much like its in-game world. Its stamina system halts your progression behind rather restrictive limits, and its narrative is poorly paced. It’s a free-to-play action MMORPG of undeniable potential, provided you’re ready to invest some time in it.

Wizardry Variants Daphne is a surprisingly addictive mobile gacha game, despite its many measures that make it as unwelcoming to casual players as possible. In many ways, it delivers a very real and harrowing experience of diving into an evil den full of hostile monsters and wicked magic. Of course, it’s not perfect or designed for everybody, but its rough, almost animalistic brutality makes it a very special game that everybody should at least give a chance.

WWE 2K25 offers the best MyGM we've had to date. It's a shame that 2K's microtransactions plague its online modes.

Blood Typers is a wildly creative idea executed with impressive finesse—though not without a few stumbles. Its bonkers premise and unique gameplay make it worth checking out, even if sparse save points and stubborn bugs cause frustration. Still, the aesthetics and sound design nail the vibe, and at just ten bucks, it’s a steal. Not bad for a game where you type random words to cave in skulls.

Border Pioneer is a city-builder game that combines tower defense and deck-building elements. Though the narrative aspect of the game is quite weak, Border Pioneer makes up for it with a fun and engaging gameplay loop, offering various ways to strategize by acquiring a random set of cards. Moreover, the aide-de-camp and Talents features provide high replay value by adding tactical depth to the game.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate doesn’t just improve the original—it cranks it up to 11. With a vibrant new look and smoother combat, it’s easy to pick up but hard to put down.

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.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker tries to improve on the base game’s weak protagonists with a stronger character focus, but unfortunately, it does so with brute force and ultimately falls short. At the very least, its combat remains highly engaging, and even if there are far too many puzzles now, the game’s aesthetics still carry it hard.

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.

FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is less concerned with spectacle and more with progressing cozily through its world. It stumbles in its attempt to be more, particularly in its half-hearted multiplayer, but when played alone, it becomes a game that celebrates the slow accumulation of meaning through routine. Its charm isn’t loud, but it lingers, like a warm memory you didn’t know you missed.

Tales of Graces f Remastered proves that the “power of friendship” can still hit home when done right. While it may stumble with its well-worn plot, its characters and their interactions elevate the experience beyond typical JRPG tropes. Combine this with a combat that’s deeply satisfying and quality-of-life features that breathe new life into each playthrough, and you’ve got a remaster that’s genuinely enjoyable in its own right.

Turning Zephyr Town’s market from a ghost of its former self into the liveliest bazaar on the continent is as rewarding as it is repetitive in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. The weekly loop can drag in places, especially early on when inventory limits and the backtracking make the grind feel heavier than it should. Yet, this is a game that's easy to fall for. Between the quirky cast, the calming routine of tending to your farm, and the joy of seeing your hard work pay off in the town's revival, it's a cozy and occasionally frustrating game that's hard not to enjoy once the market starts bustling.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana revives a classic with smart updates, keeping its fast-paced action and challenge intact. While some elements show their age, the core adventure remains timeless, making it a must-play for both veterans and newcomers alike.

Threefold Recital is an adventure-visual novel type of game with a compelling storyline, likeable characters, and engaging gameplay that will keep you on the edge of your seat for more. It has the power to get you laughing at one point from the humorous interactions between characters, while also having that strong shock factor from twists and turns that slowly unfold as you progress through the individual chapters. It’s easy to get lost in the world of Threefold Recital and the city of Bluescales along with its characters—but its weakness lies in its slow pacing, and small translation errors that momentarily take you out from the fantasy.

Were it not burdened by the legacy of its predecessor nor limited by its thin RPG systems, Bloodlines 2 would shine as a strong, story-driven action experience set in the haunting world of Seattle’s undead. It’s stylish, immersive, and confident in its own dark identity—flawed, yes, but captivating all the same.

Keeper is a gentle, contemplative journey that may start slow but soon unfolds into something deeply moving. It’s a game that embraces simplicity, weaving emotion through its world, puzzles, and breathtaking artistry. While a few aspects could shine brighter, what it delivers is far more lasting: a meditative experience that rewards curiosity, reflection, and heart. It’s a strange, beautiful adventure about connection and metamorphosis.

It’s no surprise this game has been eagerly awaited for its full release. After years as a standout early-access title, it has matured into an RTS experience worth celebrating. With its polished mechanics, diverse playstyles, challenging yet fair difficulty, and a generous dose of stellar art direction and production value, it’s everything an early-access game aspires to become. If you’re ready to rise to the challenge, this game promises one unforgettable ride from start to finish.

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.

Atelier Resleriana makes up for its uneven storytelling with surprisingly deep gameplay and strong audiovisuals. But it’s also clear the game cut a few corners to cram in so many returning protagonists, and that comes at the cost of building a new world that feels fresh. What you get instead is a story that leans heavily on nostalgia, which can feel flat if you’re not here for the reunion tour.

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.

Blue Prince is a subtle yet deeply satisfying puzzle game that invites you to slow down, think carefully, and unravel its mysteries one thoughtful step at a time, guiding you through a beautiful, tangled labyrinth of your own creation.

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.

Revenge of the Savage Planet is a fun action-adventure game with Metroidvania elements that features a variety of gameplay mechanics, all put together with a generous sprinkling of humor. While it still needs some polishing with control buttons and subtitles, Revenge of the Savage Planet still delivers an enjoyable space adventure out in the stars.

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.

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.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is nostalgic fever dream that is an upgrade in more ways than one, despite it not being completely faithful to the original games.

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.

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.