Mixtape is a brief adventure that captures the chaos of adolescence, conveying its themes through an experience that explores the imagination tied to that stage of life, especially in a pre-internet era. The narrative is elevated by what makes video games such a unique medium: interactivity, stunning visual sequences, and the seamless integration of its soundtrack, which subtly communicates emotions and feelings.

If you're looking for a comfy game that can hold your attention for hours while delivering a relaxing and rewarding experience, Outbound definitely deserves a place on your list. Even with a few stumbles, it manages to offer a quite enjoyable and addictive experience within its genre.

Two Point Museum: Arty-Facts is another excellent addition to Two Point Studios' simulator, bringing a strategic layer that refreshes the gameplay experience beyond just new visual content. The focus on active content creation and the emotional management of specialists makes the museum routine much more dynamic and challenging, rewarding players who seek a more detailed management approach.

Beautiful and fun, Clockwork Ambrosia takes a retro approach to build a vast and demanding exploration experience, with little help in finding the next destination, which can be frustrating for those who don't want to feel lost. The combat is interesting because of how we can modify weapons with many accessories, encouraging experimentation to test what is most appropriate for different situations.

Foreign Sun is one of those indies that arrives quietly but leaves a much larger impression than you’d expect. The combat is precise and deeply satisfying for those with the patience to master it; the world reacts to your choices in ways you won't anticipate, and exploration always hides something extra just around the next corner. It’s not a production that forgives those who try to rush through, whether in combat or navigating the map, and that will inevitably push some players away.

With equal emphasis on narrative and sequences of puzzles, Call of the Elder Gods makes good use of the Lovecraftian legacy, reinterpreting it with a presentation that dispenses with horror and prefers the mystery of adventure. It's a game that seeks to be enjoyable, without the pressure of fear, time constraints, or overly complex puzzles, being challenging only to the extent that it makes us think a little, even if its tools and talkative characters can be overly didactic.

Monster Crown: Sin Eater is a natural evolution of the first game, offering a livelier world and a mature theme that truly resonates with the player. The title stands strong on the brilliance of its deep fusion mechanics and a compelling, well-written revenge narrative. However, clunky interface issues, a lack of clear direction, and the absence of a Portuguese translation hold the game back from reaching its full potential.

Invincible VS is a title that will greatly please fans of the series, but it falls short in the lack of game mode options for those who enjoy fighting games. The character mastery system suffers precisely because of this, but there's no denying that it's fun to try out every possible combination in fights to test combos, see the insults and jokes between each fighter, and, most importantly, annihilate your opponent in the most brutal way possible.

With its strengths lying in well-executed, precise platforming gameplay, Before I Go manages to make good use of simple resources to not only create an aesthetic atmosphere suitable to its existentialist premise, but also to offer a great exploration experience. The combat doesn't achieve the same success in design, with bosses that leave something to be desired, so the recommendation is entirely geared towards those who value challenges involving precise traversal and movement in a Metroidvania.

Demon Lord: Just a Block is a competent roguelike that shines through its inventive combat. The blend of turn-based strategy and real-time parrying creates a deeply satisfying rhythm. Despite occasional balancing issues that can trivialize the challenge and a lack of genre-defining innovation, its visual charm and solid localization make for a pleasant experience. Ultimately, it’s a fun, low-stakes title perfect for casual play.

Beyond its obvious beauty, Constance stands out as a Metroidvania with an emphasis on platforming and fun bosses. Although the world's presentation makes it seem smaller than it actually is, there's plenty of content for those eager to discover secrets and challenges in optional segments. In the end, it's a great Metroidvania that suffers from failing to create a solid connection between the two narrative threads that weave its story about mental health, making it more superficial than the proposed theme requires.

Neverness to Everness lives up to its nickname of "anime GTA" by delivering an ambitious and stylish open world. If Hotta Studio refines the technical polish and adjusts the narrative pacing, the title has everything it takes to become the new absolute benchmark of the genre.

Mouse P.I. for Hire delivers a great narrative coupled with good gameplay and an impeccable setting. There are a few minor flaws that could still be fixed, but it's the kind of game that will hold your attention from beginning to end without exaggeration or cheap tricks.

Gambonanza is a good game with the potential to be great. With some adjustments to the probability system and the balancing of the gambits, it could establish itself as one of the most original productions in the genre. For now, it falls into the category of games that impress with their idea, but leave us a little disappointed in their execution. Promising, fun, and at the same time, unnecessarily unfair and punitive.

The task was difficult, but Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors managed to deliver another fun, challenging, and addictive experience. The game competently combines the roguelike and deck-builder genres, with many interesting gameplay mechanics to face all types of enemies. I'm hoping for more content in future updates, especially in the form of DLCs, so that the title becomes even bigger and better.

The Weeping Swan: Ten Days of the City's Fall is an excellent visual novel that delivers a powerful story, featuring believable and compelling characters set against an extremely turbulent historical period. Because it does not offer particularly hopeful endings, it may not appeal to everyone, but it will certainly leave a lasting impression on those willing to experience its journey.

Excellence in gameplay, meticulous care in visuals and strong bonds of friendship in emotional core build up a masterpiece of an adventure. Pacing is tight and the metroidvania elements are well placed, but it's the construction of a found family that really sells the whole package. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth will warm even an ice cold heart.

Gecko Gods is an enjoyable open-world exploration adventure. The central gameplay element is free climbing: on the role of a gecko, we can walk across all solid surfaces and solve puzzles that allow us to progress through the campaign. However, the general simplicity ends up with an air of superficiality and leaves one wishing that certain aspects were better in-depth, such as the world's story, the variety of environments, and the level design challenges.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince represents a remarkable evolution within the Dragon Quest Monsters series. By investing in a more elaborate narrative than its predecessors, a highly customizable combat system, and a world that is extremely engaging to explore, the title manages to deliver a very enjoyable experience and stands out significantly within the creature-collecting RPG subgenre.

MotionRec offers a clever challenge that relies primarily on the player's creativity through simple mechanics. It's the ideal game for those who enjoy puzzles and platformers with a touch of retro charm.

Don't be fooled by its appearance: A Planet Full of Cats goes beyond a mere collection of scenarios involving finding kittens. Puzzles and a "metroidvania-lite" structure give substance to the experience, which features nice visuals and enjoyable challenges. It lacked a bit more daring in general, just like the titles that inspired the game's theme. Even so, we have here a good recommendation for fans of the genre (and space cats).

Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter - Episode 1 brings renewed interest to the death game formula, between more openly questioning the meritocratic philosophy of the Danganronpa world and boasting a cohesive cast, very well-positioned for chaos (or apathy, as their captors would have it). This is a project worth following to its eventual conclusion.

Neve operates in a reduced space and knows very well how to utilise every inch of it. It makes one dream: what could such a talented team make with more resources? With luck (and, hopefully, help from the specialised press over here), this will be the proof of concept that shows the potential of great Brazilian professionals to the wider industry. Those who like narrative adventures cannot miss this game.

Starfield is an RPG that grows over time, demanding patience in its opening hours but rewarding those who stay with an experience rich in systems, side stories, and freedom of identity. Despite the friction of constant menus and some uninspiring environments, it remains a compelling journey; when everything aligns, the game delivers the genuine feeling of living your own odyssey amidst the vastness of space.

Tides of Tomorrow stands out by betting on an ambitious and innovative idea, transforming individual choices into a shared experience between players. Despite imbalances in how these decisions impact one's own journey and the frustrating lack of post-game tools like New Game+, the title sustains its premise with a striking world, well-built characters, and an intelligent integration between narrative and mechanics, making this a memorable chapter within the genre.

Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege admirably fulfills its purpose: to be an honest and well-executed homage to the games that shaped a generation. The title doesn't try to disguise its influences, and we could even say that this is one of its merits. For veterans, it's a welcome return to a time when games demanded patience, attention, and respect. For newcomers, it's a valuable—and sometimes brutal—invitation to understand why this generation speaks of that era with such nostalgia.

Final Sentence is, without a doubt, the coolest and most unique experience I've had in 2026. It still needs improvements, but those are mostly related to the large number of bots in matches more than anything else.

Regions of Ruin: Runegate delivers a solid premise by combining strategic combat with the satisfaction of watching a base grow. The game stands out for the freedom it grants players to explore at their own pace and the depth of its skill tree, which allows for interesting character customization. On the other hand, it requires patience to overcome technical and combat design flaws that often interfere with the experience. Overall, it is a competent RPG that rewards the effort of those who decide to master its mechanics.

Find My Frogs is solely focused on being a lighthearted pastime, and it fulfills this role with unique competence and beauty. It's just a shame that its duration is so short, because it certainly has the potential for expansions or even sequels, given its cozy and lighthearted style.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a cozy and addictive adventure that creatively uses photography to tell the story of Eugene and Ren. The implementation of its mechanics to guide players through environments and interpret events is impeccable, further elevated by stunning landscape design. Unfortunately, the lack of Portuguese localization creates a significant barrier for those without a strong command of the language. However, for those who can overcome this, it is a highly recommended and moving narrative experience.

One of the videogame highlights of 2023, Sea of Stars continues to be a great RPG. Among its qualities are an engaging story, top-notch production, and solid gameplay. The adaptation for smartphones is practically flawless, making this version as good as the others for experiencing a great adventure. Whether you're a veteran player or (especially) a newcomer, this is a highly recommended addition to your mobile library.

While the original version was already fun and full of good ideas, Sigma Star Saga DX managed to make the experience even more enjoyable for modern days. By adjusting combat, maps, and text, the (re)release is a good choice for those who want an adventure with captivating characters, cool space battles, and various surprises. The novel features could have been a bit more in-depth to compensate for certain minor issues in the original game, but it's still a sufficiently interesting experience.

Pragmata presents creative ideas, particularly in how it blends shooting and real-time hacking to create intense, attention-demanding moments. The relationship between Hugh and Diana adds charm and helps sustain interest, even when the story leans on familiar sci-fi elements. Combat, especially in chaotic encounters, is exciting thanks to a solid variety of enemies and tactical options. Despite some noticeable limitations, such as repetition and a more guided structure, the game remains engaging due to its consistent pacing, well-crafted world, and unique concept, ultimately standing out as a distinctive experience that may not fully reach its potential but still delivers a memorable adventure.

Hades 2 is a true titan within its genre: it features a captivating story, iconic and charismatic characters, and new deities. Its combat is robust, with a wide variety of weapons and events to make each run unique. On the other hand, the enemies are not as varied, which unfortunately makes them repetitive in the long run.

Skull Horde is a unique product within a saturated genre. By combining the unpredictability of roguelikes with a genuine strategic layer, the game manages to stand out without sacrificing accessibility, giving any player the ability to jump in and understand its concept, but mastering it is another challenge.

With the nostalgia of childhood dreams, Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland builds a visually excellent presentation with great attention to detail. Beyond its beautiful appearance, the nonlinear world and efficient map are great invitations to explore this Metroidvania adventure, which has heavier movements than I would like, but which, overall, offers a true delight both for those who are still in childhood and for those who remember it.

Minos builds an interesting foundation by reversing the traditional role and turning the labyrinth into an active defensive tool. The combination of planning, traps, and direct intervention with the Minotaur creates tense and rewarding moments, especially when strategies begin to flow naturally, while the challenging campaign and steady progression help maintain engagement despite frequent defeats. However, repetition and limited content variety become more noticeable over time, with a lack of trap diversity, predictable level structure, and some visual clarity issues weakening the pacing and diminishing the impact of its strongest ideas. In the end, Minos presents strong and intriguing concepts, but still needs more diversity and refinement to sustain its long-term potential.

The titles chosen for the MARVEL MaXimum Collection are quite interesting, ranging from the sorrowful Silver Surfer to the 16-bit Spider-Man duo and the celebrated arcade X-Men. Having them all together in one place is great; however, the weak point of this collection is precisely the gallery, which could be much richer and present the games contained within—all of which are over 30 years old—in a more convincing and detailed way for current generations.

Super Meat Boy 3D manages to be an excellent new entry for those who want to start with the franchise. The cutscenes are beautiful, there's freedom to complete the levels in any order, and the kingdoms are so frantic and fun that, even after failing countless times, the experience remains engaging.

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! is quite simple and straightforward in its premise, and it delivers on what it sets out to do. The cooking mechanics are easy to grasp and engaging enough, the art is beautiful, and the characters are charming, even if they lack depth. However, the game quickly falls into a repetitive loop typical of cozy titles, with additional gameplay elements taking a while to unlock. It’s best enjoyed in short play sessions, and using a mouse is recommended for the optimal experience.

Hozy is a satisfying renovation sim that perfectly captures the cozy aesthetic. While the campaign is brief and the camera can be finicky, the core loop of transforming cluttered spaces is deeply rewarding. It’s an ideal, low-pressure choice for players looking to unwind through creative decoration.

The Occultist proves that horror doesn't need to rely on screams and gore to scare. DALOAR delivered an experience that focuses on atmosphere, narrative, and intelligent gameplay to guide the player through a journey that captivates both through curiosity and the mystery surrounding Godstone and its inhabitants.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection carries over all the quirks inherent to its original platform and successfully adapts them to modern standards. Although the games show their age in some aspects, it’s hard to put the experience down once you understand how they work. With a variety of visual and audio options to satisfy both newcomers and purists, a content-rich gallery, and quality-of-life improvements, Capcom has delivered the definitive way to play this sub-series.

Rivals of Aether II presents a very solid foundation, with fast-paced combat, a variety of characters, and mechanics that work well in both casual matches and more technical levels of play. At the same time, its almost total focus on competitive play and the lack of solo content leave important gaps, especially for those who don’t intend to commit to online play. Even so, in local matches, the experience changes completely—it’s easy to get drawn in and have fun with the chaos of the fights. In its current state, it’s a game that already delivers good moments, but still feels like it’s in the process of growing. For those who enjoy learning, testing their limits, and gradually improving, there’s a lot of value here. For others, it might be worth keeping a closer eye on its development before fully diving in.

Despite limitations in its simulation systems, NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager remains an enjoyable experience within its straightforward and simplified premise. The contrast between simulated and broadcast matches highlights its strongest ideas, particularly the deckbuilding mechanics, where the game truly excels. Overall, it works better as a casual pastime than a deep simulator, with fast progression, short seasons, and accessible systems that keep the experience light and approachable.

Crimson Desert lives up to its promise, delivering a rich open world with plenty of activities and fun combat. However, the title doesn't reach its peak because it lacks a particularly compelling protagonist and wastes the potential of other playable characters. Furthermore, the project still needs some polishing.

Marathon is proof that Bungie still understands what makes an FPS special. Delivering singular technical mastery, the studio brings identity, cohesion, and, above all, a gameplay loop that hooks you in an almost inescapable way. Between its striking aesthetics, refined gunplay, and a progression system that turns even defeat into advancement, the game builds an experience that goes beyond the extraction genre and establishes itself as one of the most engaging in the current multiplayer landscape.

Raider Kid and the Ruby Chest is a delightful Metroidvania that seeks to evoke the charm of the naive adventures of the Game Boy Color era. At four hours long, the level design is meticulously compact and efficient to make the most of its brevity. Aided by a well-made map and useful mechanics, this fun game maintains a good pace of progression and discovery of secrets.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach continues to go against the tide of the AAA market. Abstract, cheesy, and at the same time creatively bold in its ideas, it remains not a game for everyone, but a very necessary one in an industry that feels stagnant in the realm of blockbusters. The PC version delivers highly customizable results for each player, with all the essential features in place. Even with the absence of some options, it stands as the definitive way to experience Sam’s journey — provided you have the hardware to support it.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a great opportunity to experience one of the Nintendo 3DS's most memorable RPGs. Its combat system remains solid, the main cast continues to be charismatic, and the artistic direction is still charming, now enhanced by HD visuals. Despite this, none of the title's rough edges were trimmed, causing the campaign's pace to remain irregular and the difficulty balancing inconsistent.

Tombwater is a well-crafted blend of top-down soulslike, horror, and western setting. Even though its limited map doesn't offer much help for planning backtracking, the diversity of locations and how they intertwine to form a greater whole, dotted with secrets to discover, makes exploration one of the highlights of this fun pixel art eldritch adventure.

Even without being a direct sequel to the first title, Grime II continues the theme of creation, consumption and destruction, flavouring it with grotesque art direction and an obsession with hands. It may rely more on rocky caves than I'd like, but the most beautiful areas shine with their fascinating strangeness. The sheer amount of content can be a blessing, especially the excellent cast of mandatory and optional bosses, although it falls to excesses in both gameplay systems and the extension of complex anthills like areas, and with occasional technical problems.

The Posthumous Investigation is a well-executed game that stands out in the Brazilian indie scene by bringing together qualities that are difficult to find in a single title. The narrative is engaging, the noir aesthetic is well-resolved, the soundtrack fulfills its role with personality, and the time loop mechanic offers enough depth to keep the player engaged throughout the entire campaign with a strong cultural identity and the potential to win over an audience beyond indie game fans.

Aether & Iron is an RPG of masterful writing and stark contrasts. There's a lot to praise between the combat and the narrative, but it's the characters that make this New York a city with breathing lungs and a beating heart. It's truly something special.

Screamer is a bold reinvention that successfully merges high-stakes arcade racing with the emotional depth of a visual novel. Its standout feature is a cast of flawed, morally grey characters that drive a compelling narrative, supported by a stunning anime aesthetic. While the track design feels a bit too safe for its innovative twin-stick drift system and the pacing can falter during long dialogue sequences, the game’s sheer personality and technical polish make it a unique and memorable experience in the racing genre.

Rhell: Warped Worlds and Troubled Times is a strong recommendation for those seeking a puzzle game that doesn't underestimate the player’s intelligence or creativity. It respects the genre without relying on tired formulas, delivering an experience that feels fresh with every unlocked rune. It is, without a doubt, one of the most creative and mechanically satisfying indies of the year.

The Roottrees are Dead, just like the giants in the image of which it models itself, is unmissable for any aspiring detectives out there seeking a good mystery to unravel. The game delivers a lean experience, user-friendly no matter the skill level, and now in Brazilian Portuguese as well.

Six years after its initial release, New Super Lucky Tale remains a fun and dynamic 3D platformer. However, its current arrival on PS5 feels like a missed opportunity to smooth out its rough edges, failing to take advantage of the enhancement capabilities that would have justified this port. This version is certainly recommendable for those who have never played it, but for those who already own it on PS4, the paid upgrade offers no relevant novelty for a new foray into that world.

Hidden Cats in Spooky Village is another great option for those who enjoy fun and colorful puzzles. The hilarious situations created by the confusion of elements also add a lot to the game, even if this re-release, coming after a new game, seems to be missing some features.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection reaches the pinnacle of the franchise with a mature narrative, stunning visuals, and innovative ecosystem mechanics that deepen the Rider's role. Turn-based combat is more challenging, although the experience suffers from the absence of online mode and a lack of a wider variety of weapons.

iRacing Arcade is a great casual adaptation of realistic simulators, but it suffers from balancing issues, races that are too short, and a dispensable multiplayer mode.

For those who appreciate dense narrative games and experiences that emphasize character role-playing, Esoteric Ebb offers one of the most interesting proposals in the genre in recent years.

We've reached a point where the franchise's excellence in terms of gameplay is unquestionable, and WWE 2K26 consolidates this once again flawlessly. The Showcase and MyGM offer very cool experiences to learn more about the history of the superstars and the structure of the shows. However, the insistence on microtransactions and the way the paid DLC was implemented in an in-game unlocking system is a step backward. This directly affects one of the series' main attractions, which is its extensive roster, alternating between current stars and legends from various decades.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is a title that doesn't try to reinvent the genre, but rather delivers a fun, stylish cooperative experience with its own personality. For those who enjoy games focused on team action and appreciate a good dose of humor and chaos, this is a very solid option within the genre to try in 2026.

RIDE 6 manages to be a great simulator that also embraces arcade elements to make the experience more comprehensive. Fans of the series may not be impacted, but they won't be disappointed either. Now, if you're a beginner on two wheels, you'll certainly have a lot of fun and learn a lot, if you have patience and persistence.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer is ideal for those who miss a more objective game. The increasing challenge and hunting rivals through the cities of the Japanese capital is a satisfying mission, but it may disappoint those who wanted something deeper, mainly due to the initial grinding and the constant repetitiveness of entering and exiting the map all the time.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a fairly efficient reconstruction of a classic. Playing it safe in its approach, it's a competent production that manages to be inviting for both newcomers and veteran players who will feel reassured to see that Minakami hasn't changed much since his last stint, although there are enough new elements to make them feel immersed as if it were an almost fresh experience.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered fulfills its role in rescuing one of the most important chapters of one of the most remarkable narratives in video games. Even more than two decades after its original release, the game still holds up mainly due to the strength of its story, the quality of its characters, and the way it concludes the complex saga of Kain and Raziel. But not everything has aged perfectly. Some limitations of the original version remain noticeable, especially in the camera system and certain aspects of gameplay. These elements reflect the era in which the game was created and may seem strange to players accustomed to more modern action titles.

2XKO arrives on the market with a clear proposition: to introduce a more accessible team-based fighting game without sacrificing competitive depth. By eliminating traditional motion inputs and adopting a simplified system as standard, in addition to being free-to-play, the title reduces barriers to entry and invites new players to experience the genre. At the same time, mechanics such as the different types of Fuse, the emphasis on the 2v2 format, and advanced training tools show that there is real room for technical evolution and a high level of competitiveness.

Minimalist and faithful, the title adapts The Witcher’s moral choices to the Reigns system with addictive gameplay, a flawless soundtrack, and creative yet questionable combat.

Sons of Sparta doesn’t reinvent the metroidvania genre, nor does it redefine God of War, but it stands as a solid choice for fans of both. The content is robust, orchestrated by high-quality art and sound direction. Following this project, it would be interesting to see Mega Cat Studios get another shot at this universe, potentially refining the structural edges presented here.

For those who have already experienced the first game, the recommendation is immediate. Coordinating Lana and Mui has never felt so satisfying, the puzzles strike a well-balanced level of challenge, encouraging thoughtful problem-solving without becoming frustrating, and the narrative delivers powerful moments, especially in its most emotional twists. For newcomers, if you appreciate heartfelt adventures with a strong visual identity and a focus on atmosphere, it is well worth discovering Planet of Lana.

Despite its niche premise, Docked is a compelling simulator driven by excellent vehicle controls and technical fidelity. Mastering the heavy machinery transforms routine tasks into rewarding challenges, supported by a functional narrative. While menu performance issues and some management opacity create friction, the core experience remains solid and genuinely engaging.

Laysara: Summit Kingdom finds its best form in this complete version. The addition of the campaign mode, interface adjustments, and improvements to the notification system make the experience more complete and accessible. Its greatest strength lies in its verticality. Building on slopes, balancing altitude and productivity, and creating efficient logistics chains makes the development of each village like a strategic puzzle. It's not just about expanding, but about precise planning. This unique identity helps the game stand out within a genre that is already quite explored.

Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is an impressive achievement in crafting a colorful, cute and family-friendly adventure that tackles serious themes with care and respect. The game is fun, creative and has wonderful characters.

In the end, Reign of the Warlock doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it doesn’t need to. The expansion consistently builds upon what Diablo II: Resurrected already does well. The Warlock is an extremely fun, versatile, and powerful class, while the quality-of-life improvements and new optional challenges enrich both the main campaign and the endgame. Despite a few technical hiccups, it’s an easy recommendation for veterans looking for a reason to return to Sanctuary. The main hurdle may be the price, as the DLC is positioned as a premium add-on and may feel steep for some players, especially newcomers considering a game that has been around for more than two decades. Even so, for those who already appreciate the legacy of Diablo II, the expansion offers enough content to justify stepping back onto the battlefield.

Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition is a fitting tribute to one of the main mascots of the 32-bit era, and the different versions included show how a 1990s title can age well, even with some structural flaws. From a memorabilia standpoint, the timeline is wonderful, portraying everything from Michel Ancel's ideas to all the paths that led to the character's creation. The lack of the original soundtrack is a significant drawback, however, it doesn't overshadow the Rayman anniversary celebration.

WiZmans World Re;Try is a charming dungeon-crawling JRPG remaster whose real hook is the Anima Fusion system, letting you absorb defeated monsters to evolve and customize your three homunculi with new stats, skills, and even looks. Combat is turn-based and easy to read thanks to a clear timeline and a simple elemental cycle, rewarding smart chaining and efficient planning. With modern quality-of-life features and an upgraded presentation, it’s a great pick for players who enjoy experimentation and party building—though the fusion micromanagement and dungeon-heavy pacing may not click with everyone.

Avowed delivers an action RPG with dynamic combat, high build freedom, and charismatic companions that enrich the overall journey. Exploration across the Living Lands is rewarding and horizontal, though the title suffers from technical issues in third-person view and a lack of narrative impact from racial choices. Ultimately, it is an intriguing experience with multiple endings that exceeds initial expectations in its definitive PlayStation 5 version.

Resident Evil Requiem brings a lot of familiarity, but also dynamism by embodying in the newcomer Grace and the veteran Leon two different approaches in one campaign, alternating between the fear of survival horror and the empowerment that invites us to engage in direct and confident action. These two distinct facets are already known, but together they form a whole worthy of both resuming the main story of the series and serving as a viable entry point.

Super Bomberman Collection is a real treat: the seven titles that make up the collection are great, with a pleasant and beautiful presentation. In addition, the game has a series of interesting audiovisual materials, useful gameplay tools, and a boss battle mode. Even if the multiplayer component could be better, the game is practically a perfect package for long-time fans or those curious to understand why the brand is so famous in the world of video games.

After hundreds of cities and even a Halloween-themed game, Hidden Cats in Christmas manages to be just as fun as the others and still has the charm of Christmas in its favor. The new type of help is a welcome addition, even making everything easier to complete. But what now? Will the kittens only return at Easter? Or can we expect another stop around the world?

High on Life 2 is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor by delivering dynamic combat through the Gatlirians and skateboarding mechanics. The title also features well-designed side activities, challenging boss battles, and an entertaining comedic narrative. However, despite ongoing updates, the experience is still marred by technical optimization issues and occasional bugs.

Although it features camera issues and some strange artistic choices, Demon Tides is a good example of a sequel that refines the potential of a previous entry while adding even more personality on top. The open world enhances the overall experience, there are plenty of abilities to unlock, and numerous islands to explore. All of this is paired with gameplay that isn’t afraid to challenge the player’s skills, rewarding those who take risks with daring jumps and make the most of the mechanics the game has to offer.

REANIMAL is a triumph of aesthetics over substance. Tarsier Studios proves they remain the masters of 'vibes' and picturesque horror, yet by expanding the scope, they deliver a vast world where freedom is an illusion, and the gameplay settles into a ‘running sim’ that grows in scale but struggles to evolve its core ideas.

Hamstermind is a lean and well-executed puzzle game. Without trying to reinvent formulas, the game relies on clear mechanics, consistent progression, and a charming setting to win over the player. The journey through the pyramid manages to balance challenge and accessibility, offering enough content for both those seeking something more casual and those who want to complete all the secrets.

With captivating pixel art and a world full of paths and secrets, Under the Island succeeds in building a great sense of exploration and manages to give the player the freedom to discover things on their own without leaving them lost, providing plenty of help for those who need it. It's a competent, charismatic, and fun Zelda-like, but it may disappoint those looking for exciting combat.

Ys X: Proud Nordics delivers Adol's definitive journey featuring dynamic combat, memorable bosses, and naval exploration within a world full of new content. This version expands the experience with an additional narrative and a challenging dungeon designed for veteran players who have finished the main campaign. However, the game suffers from excessively similar linear environments and common opponents that make the battle rhythm less exciting over time.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse is an entry that more than meets the stratospheric standards its predecessor set and shows the full power of Takanari Ishiyama and his team, now free to do whatever they see fit, without the clear restraints seen on the first game, thanks to fan support. Long, long live one of the best mystery series in the visual novel genre!

Lil Gator Game: In the Dark continues the adventure of the imaginative little alligator with the same excellence, and the new equipment is just as fun as the originals. However, it would be good to help children find their way around such a large cave, even if it's filled with pretend monsters.

Players looking for frenetic action may find the pace unusual, but those who value tension, identity, and art direction will find one of the most interesting surprises of the year here.

Without the perks of modern AAA powerhouses at its disposal, Romeo is a Dead Man is a true masterclass in how to create a video game, embracing modernity without abandoning the DNA that makes Grasshopper Manufacture's work so unique in its own strangeness. It is, easily, the studio's best production in at least 15 years and certainly a worthy contender for the pantheon that includes names like Killer7, No More Heroes, and The Silver Case.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X delivers frantic combat and a unique roster that requires technical mastery, further enhanced by versatile local and online cooperative modes. However, the lack of environmental variety and the low difficulty of common enemies cause the experience to become repetitive over time. This duality results in a mechanically solid game that ultimately struggles with the diversity of its long-term challenges.

Unfortunately, Fighting Force Collection is less than the sum of its parts (which aren't amazing on their own). The first game is more appealing and easier to pick up, as its beat 'em up premise, despite being simple, works well, especially when played with a friend. The second title shifts to a secret agent-style adventure, with more weapons and missions that are more complex. Both are entertaining for a while, but their mechanics are practically outdated for current 3D games. That is where the collection could have improved things, with more technical enhancements, interesting materials about the games, and gameplay options. Considering the complete package, it is worth for nostalgia or curiosity reasons, but very little beyond that.

Overall, it’s a fun experience, strange in just the right measure and, at many moments, genuinely emotional. Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim doesn’t aim for big twists or complex systems; its strength lies in turning everyday life, trauma, and growing up into something human, relatable, and easy to connect with. A small game in scale, but one with a big personality.

The added characters by the DLC are beautiful and well animated. Although I am not a big fan of the series myself, it is noticeable that the functional characteristics of each one match their origin. More than that, they add freshness to the game, which has a large cast and needs to maintain balance and originality among its options. Unfortunately, despite being positive additions, the content of Dead by Daylight: Stranger Things Chapter 2 seems a bit shallow to me. For example, there is no new map (the one available, inspired by Hawkins Laboratory, came in the previous DLC) or even a dedicated event. In the end, it is a good option for fans of the base game or the franchise, but it falls a little short.

Visions of Four Heroes successfully expands Dynasty Warriors: Origins without compromising the game's solid foundation. The exploration of alternative narratives serves as an interesting complement to the main campaign, offering new perspectives on classic characters and reinforcing the expansion's narrative appeal. The gameplay additions, especially the new weapons and the unique skill tree, help refresh the experience and provide good reasons to revisit the battlefields.

Each design decision, whether in narrative pacing or mechanical complexity, converges to strengthen the hardcore experience that has always defined the franchise. It is a work that understands its identity, honors its legacy, and looks ahead. Nioh 3 is not just another chapter in the trilogy; it is the technical and artistic pinnacle of the saga, establishing itself as an instant classic of the action genre.