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.

As the self-proclaimed torchbearer of one of the industry’s cult classics, Code Violet fails to meet the standards or even do a decent job of representing the action horror survival genre. Its weak gunplay, baffling art direction, rough animations, and even more confusing plot serve as a reminder that maybe some things should be left untouched.

Viewed as a companion piece to the mainline entries, Utawarerumono ZAN can be a worthwhile pickup for visual novel fans with a taste for action games. Outside of that narrow context, though, its price is hard to justify.

Mega Dimension adds a lot of content for players who already enjoy Pokémon Legends: Z-A. There are more Pokémon to collect, new Mega Evolutions, and a boost in difficulty that keeps things challenging. Its story and setting don’t offer much that’s new, and many of the base game’s characters don’t get much time in the sun. For players who loved the original, there’s plenty here to enjoy and experiment with, but if the base game didn’t grab you, this DLC isn’t likely to change that.

Terminator 2D: NO FATE has stunning 16-bit visuals, a banger soundtrack, and simple yet fun gameplay that makes it one of the better games in the franchise in showcasing how good the franchise is. However, the extremely short runtime and conditional replayability make it an experience that doesn’t match the price it’s asking for.

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.

FEROCIOUS is what I'd call a perfect example of getting the vibe right. While the gameplay leave a lot to be desired, the compelling slow-burn, decent gunplay, and cheap price point makes it a very surprising game to sink your teeth in.

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.

MSFS 2024 on PS5 is a mixed bag. When everything works, it’s a near-perfect simulation playground with stunning visuals and complex flight mechanics. But technical issues and buggy career progression significantly temper the experience. For newcomers or casual pilots, patience is required. For enthusiasts, it’s still a compelling, if imperfect, flight simulator.

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.

Tower of Fantasy is, at this point, an anomaly among its peers. Beyond its perfectly average music, Hotta Studio keeps steering the game in such bizarre directions that it’s hard to tell whether it’s intentional design or the result of consulting a Magic 8 Ball. And even with the Warp Server, it’s still unmistakably Tower of Fantasy: a janky, charming, and fighting an uphill battle to reinvent itself after years of decline.

Of Ash and Steel is a classic tale of a zero-to-hero journey that's willing to show off its flaws, intentionally and unintentionally. It's the type of game that's built for a particular audience, one that revels in relishing the masochistic nature of old-school RPGs.

Escape from Tarkov's world is unforgiving, and is definitely not for casual play. Yet, its the challenge and engaging gameplay that makes it all the better. It's still weighed down by bugs and glitches and connection issues here and there, as well as the disappointing lack of (free) PvE, but it's a solid FPS extraction game for those looking for an extra hard challenge.

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.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a refinement of what's already to be expected, crisp gunplay and fun multiplayer content. Outside of that, it loses its luster. The campaign alone singlehandedly sours the experience, with the narrative going so far off the rails that it unintentionally becomes a parody of a different game.

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.

Sonic Rumble is a fun way to waste time, if you look past the borderline criminal microtransaction costs and annoying monetization practices. The game doesn't offer any depth and is more of a bastardized version of what a Sonic game is to turn it into a party battle royale.

Resonance Solstice is a decent trading and management simulator with trains and deckbuilding card combat, made better by a colorful cast of characters and a pretty engaging story. While it shines most in its real-time trading system and train gameplay, everything all ties together well for a fun gameplay experience. Unfortunately, it’s still marred by several bugs and frequent crashes which can make or break the overall feel.

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.

RV There Yet? might not be the most intricate or polished co-op game out there, but it’s effortlessly fun. Its mix of teamwork, physics-driven chaos, and laid-back humor strikes that rare balance between laughter and light frustration. With a bit more content or fine-tuning, it could easily become a standout in the genre—but as it stands, it’s a scrappy, endearing road trip that delivers exactly the kind of good time it promises.

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.

Devil Jam rocks a killer concept with its rhythm-fueled chaos and hellish style, but clunky progression and a thin roster keep it from truly jamming. It's a fun B-side at best, not a headliner.

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.

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.

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.

The Outer Worlds 2 expands on everything that made the first game shine — sharper writing, bigger worlds, and richer choices — all wrapped in Obsidian’s signature corporate satire. It’s funnier, deeper, and far more polished, though the no-respec rule might test your patience. Still, it’s a clever, confident sequel that proves refinement can be just as satisfying as reinvention.

Painkiller could be considered the median of all co-op shooters. It offers mindless running and gunning but doesn't go any farther than that. With equal good points and bad points, it's simply a game that doesn't offer anything new to the table.

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.

Although brought low by a bland story and a somehow blander antagonist, Jurassic World Evolution 3 still delivers a solid and distinctively scientific park management experience. It’s not the apex of its genre, but it's not at the bottom of the food chain either.

Onirism is deceptive at first glance. Behind its cozy, colorful art style is a wild, unrelenting shooter that never runs out of new ideas. It’s playful, challenging, and bursting with charm in a way that makes the occasional frustration worth pushing through.

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.

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.

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!

Game Freak is at their best when they’re allowed to break from the usual formula, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is proof of that. Just like Legends: Arceus before it, this game shows how much potential the series still has when it stops trying to follow its own rules. Even after nearly three decades of trainer battles, there’s still room for Pokémon to grow into something that feels fresh without losing what made it special in the first place. Sure, there are still some technical mishaps and few tragic traditions (no voice-acting, for one), but Legends: Z-A has that magic that breathes new life into the franchise. If this is the kind of creative direction Game Freak is setting up for Generation 10, then there’s plenty to be hopeful for in Pokémon’s future.

Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is a decent mobile-PC MMORPG with pretty anime-style visuals and a standard plot that satisfies the MMORPG itch—for some time. Aside from being eye-candy and having an okay plot, it’s marred by other technical issues such as awkward animations, strange cutscene lapses, localization issues, and more. It’s just alright, meh—nothing amazing, but nothing terribly bad either.

Much like classic Disney, Bye Sweet Carole exudes a nostalgic charm that’s hard not to admire—its visuals, sound, and story all steeped in vintage flair and period commentary. Sadly, much like Disney today, it’s hard to love despite that beauty. With sluggish pacing, thin gameplay, and only half the heart of a point-and-click adventure, you’re better off rewatching an old Disney classic and experiencing the magic where it still lives.

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.

Little Nightmares 3 is a beautifully haunting continuation that captures the series’ unsettling charm but hesitates to evolve. Its atmosphere, art direction, and emotional weight are undeniable, pulling you once again into a world of quiet dread and fragile hope. While the new mechanics add layers of cooperation and tension, they’re often underused. Beyond that, several missed opportunities—like local co-op—keep the game from stepping into greatness.

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.

Yooka-Replaylee finally feels like the game it was always meant to be—an expansive, polished platformer that celebrates the genre’s golden days. Its worlds are denser, its controls tighter, and its charm undeniable, making it a joy for both newcomers and longtime fans. But despite its many improvements, a lightweight story, overwhelming collectibles, and a handful of dated quirks keep it from true greatness. What we’re left with is a game that shines brightly, even if it never quite reaches the top of the platforming mountain.

Mai: Child of Ages has a great concept but multiple small flaws add up to a less than memorable experience. Despite the wonderful music and the great contrasting presentation, the repetitive puzzles, clunky combat, and technical issues just don't make for a good time.

Sushi Ben is a charming story-driven adventure game that is quirky, whimsical, and incredibly vibrant. From an intriguing slice-of-life-esque story told in vibrant, 3D manga panels, simple gameplay that everyone can enjoy, to a cast of colorful, unforgettable characters, it’s a fun journey to experience. However, its weakness lies in its plethora of bugs and glitches, the most common of all being ones that soft-lock players out of the game, which can be quite frustrating to replay.

I’ve played more Touhou fangames than I can count, and Marisa of Liartop Mountain still stands out as one of the best in years. Its runtime may be short and its navigation a little frustrating, but the stunning visuals, immersive voice work, evolving gameplay, and surprisingly deep themes make it unforgettable. If you’re already a Touhou fan, passing on this one would be a huge mistake.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is easily the strongest Digimon game we’ve had so far. It works just as well as an entry point for newcomers as it does for long-time fans, thanks to how much care it puts into building a digital world that doesn’t feel soulless. Between experimenting with digivolutions and min-maxing stats, or just chasing after your favorite partners while diving into a combat system with depth, there’s always something engaging to do. The story leans a bit too hard into familiar anime tropes, but it never drags down what is otherwise the most complete vision of Digimon we’ve seen since Digimon Survive.

Flick Shot Rogues is tougher and deeper than it first appears, but all the better for it. Its precision, physics-based, pool-inspired gameplay makes every run engaging, while its storybook charm and high synergy form an addictive loop—just don’t expect much variety in bosses, enemies, or endings.

Ghost of Yotei is a sequel that serves as an upgrade to almost everything the first game had to offer. With its stunning presentation, great open-world design, and open-ended story progression, it's one of the better open-world games 2025 has to offer.

Blade and Soul Heroes has its moments. Its combat systems and world are easy enough to get into, but this doesn’t last long. The further you go, the more the game shows its true face as a gacha MMO built around grinding, spending, or falling behind. There’s still fun to be had in its gameplay and progression, but anyone planning to stick with it long-term will quickly feel the pressure. There’s enjoyment to be had here, but it comes with strings attached, and in the case of Blade and Soul Heroes, those strings are pretty hard to ignore.

Like any good slot machine, this game’s a gamble—fun if you’re here for quick spins and rogue-lite flair, but don’t expect to hit the jackpot if you’re chasing a story, because while there is one, you're better off just staying at the slots and making that number go up.

A classic made even better, Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles strongly feels like the epitome of its series, bringing in the best of nostalgia and the present time together in one game. With its compelling story made even more captivating with the addition of voice acting and engaging gameplay, it will surely be a favorite for even more gamers, thirty years later.

Mythical. Simply mythical. This is the Odyssey to the first game’s Iliad—no cheap imitation, no lazy follow-up. It’s the natural evolution of everything that made the original resonate: the music, the gameplay, the writing, and the very soul of the roguelike. One would struggle to overstate the sheer divinity of its aura as it carves its place in history as a fine way— nay, the only way — to spend your time.

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.

Baby Steps can be considered as Bennett Foddy and company’s best work to date. With the use of physics-based platforming and gameplay mechanics combined with unhinged adult humor, the game is a weird fever dream built on overcoming failure one tiny step at a time.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds may not have the polish of Mario Kart World, but it’s a Sonic racer that finally earns a spot in the conversation with the genre’s best. The mix of vehicle types and gadget setups alone give the gameplay a layer of depth that most games in the genre don’t really aim for. It has its grindy moments, specifically with Donpa Tickets, but the foundation here is strong enough that the fun outweighs all the flaws. For fans of kart racers or Sonic in general, this is easily one of the series’ brightest surprises in years.

Silent Hill f is a bold step forward for the franchise, blending its trademark psychological horror with inventive gameplay systems that push survival horror into new territory. The story grips you, the visuals unsettle you, and the music seeps into your bones. While forced combat encounters and a few glitches keep it from perfection, its depth, multiple endings, and replay value make it an unforgettable experience.

Strange Antiquities is a charming and cozy occult puzzle game that is surely a treat for budding detectives and puzzle-lovers. With its simple point-and-click gameplay that complements a variety of complex challenges and riddles that require extra brainpower, this puzzle game will surely take you on a spooky but intriguing text adventure through the town of Undermere and the secrets that lie within.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is more than just another Vampire Survivors clone—it’s a faithful spin on the co-op classic that carries over its humor, class personality, and suffocating cave atmosphere. The lack of camaraderie stings, and the grind and balance issues get rough in the endgame, but the core loop of digging, shooting, and upgrading never stops being fun. For fans of either genre, it’s an easy recommendation.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a good roguelite that brushes against greatness but doesn’t quite get there. Its imaginative premise, progression systems, and guardian dynamics give it a unique identity, while inconsistent mechanics and uneven storytelling hold it back. It’s enjoyable, satisfying in bursts, and worth the price for roguelite fans who want something fresh. Just don’t expect it to reach the heights of the genre’s best.

Seven Knights Re:Birth faithfully revives the original with sharper storytelling, deeper team-building, and a modern audiovisual overhaul that makes its characters and battles shine like it once did. Though it does have issues in its uneven pacing and a problematic gacha system, the latter is softened somewhat by good-value bundles and unlimited farming potential. Flawed as it may be, it’s still a worthy successor that both longtime fans and curious newcomers can enjoy.

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.

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.

Arena Breakout: Infinite is a great entry point for those interested in dipping their toes into the extraction shooter genre, despite the lack of immersion and other flaws.

This 2025 remake of Trails in the Sky serves as a strong introduction to the Trails series. It has a more focused story and a cast you’ll quickly grow to love, and that smaller scale makes Liberl feel incredibly cozy and vibrant. This results, though, to a much slower narrative, and many side quests can feel trivial in the grand scheme of things. Regardless, as a starting point for Zemuria’s larger story, it succeeds at pulling you in and making you want to see what comes next.

No, I’m Not Human thrives on atmosphere, weaving paranoia and dread into every knock at the door, and its shuffled characters and multiple endings give it strong replay value. It’s not a game of polished mechanics—its testing restrictions are frustrating and its bugs are noticeable—but for $14.99 it delivers a tense horror experience that sticks with you.

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.

LEGO Voyagers is a short and sweet co-op adventure best enjoyed on a relaxed afternoon with a friend. However, it doesn't leave much behind once it’s over. The puzzles are easy, sometimes too easy, but they’re carried by how naturally the game encourages two people to figure things out together. I do wish, though, that it lasts longer than just a few hours, especially since it also doesn’t quite push its mechanics as far as it could.

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.

Legacy of the Forge builds on the familiar open-world RPG foundation of KCD2—branching quests, immersive simulation, and gritty medieval survival—but layers in new systems that make the expansion stand out.

Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 offers the full scoundrel package but it’s undeniably a step down from other platforms. Visuals take a hit, performance is capped, and smaller frustrations like restrictive saves feel more pronounced here. Still, the heart of the game remains intact: tense stealth, shootouts, dogfights, and the bond between Kay and Nix. If you have access to PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, those versions deliver a sharper and smoother experience. But for players limited to the Switch 2, this port is a serviceable—if not definitive—way to live out your outlaw dreams.

Beneath the outdated visuals, busted audio, and mechanics that seem hellbent on ruining your day, there’s still a goofy, lovable game that shines when shared with friends. It’s messy, it’s flawed, but it’s also oddly charming, as long as you snag it on sale.

Silksong took everything that made Hollow Knight memorable and made it even better. It’s a faster and more demanding experience that somehow feels natural for Hornet’s journey. Pharloom is a labyrinth of beauty and menace, each corner stuffed with secrets that make getting lost feel like part of the design. Bosses will break you, platforming will bruise you, but the thrill of overcoming both is what makes it unforgettable. It’s everything you’d expect after six years of waiting—and then some.

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.

You don’t need flashy gimmicks or extravagant animations to craft a great RPG. What truly matters is whether the experience is fun and engaging, and Quartet nails that perfectly. It’s easily one of the best traditional pixel RPGs to release this year.

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.

Metal Eden just needs a little more to truly stand out. Its intriguing story could use tighter pacing and sharper dialogue, its refreshing gunplay could use more variety, and its strong audio could benefit from a bit more polish. It falls just shy in most areas, though its visuals shine as brightly as its setting, but it’s far from awful, just not quite the best.

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.

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.

Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME is just another anime IP turned turn-based RPG that joins the genre full of decent but just average titles. It's interesting enough to keep you hooked for a time with okay gameplay and an alright story but as you progress, it gets grindy and stale. Fans of the series may find a bit more merit into staying with the game, but the general public may not be as willing, especially as it starts off deep into the main story.

Lost Soul Aside isn’t soulless, but it truly is the definition of a mixed bag. Meant to be seen as the “Final Fantasy of China” and a potential new PlayStation flagship alongside games like Astro Bot and Stellar Blade, it ultimately falls short of those lofty ambitions, leaving behind a lingering sense of wasted potential.

Hell is Us is a unique take on bringing back classic RPG mechanics in a modern fashion. While it has clear flaws in its narrative and gameplay aspects, it’s a new experience with an inspired setting and a heavy atmosphere to boot.