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.

eBaseball: PRO SPIRIT is a great idea that could still succeed, but it needs a lot of work. Having a free baseball title with only local games isn't enough, as a paid service is still required to use the online functionality of one of the platforms. Furthermore, the choice to include generic teams is quite questionable, even with the possibility of making them a little less unattractive.

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.

The ordinariness of Etrange Overlord's gameplay somewhat limits the enjoyment of the game, even though Etrange Overlord succeeds in fulfilling its promise of offering a light and accessible experience, especially due to its graceful narrative and visual presentation.

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.

Tales of Berseria Remastered fulfills its role without grand ambitions. It's a more complete and accessible version of a game that was already solid in its concept, especially by including all previously released additional content, from updates to DLCs. Still, it's hard to ignore the feeling that this relationship could have gone further. The technical improvements are welcome, but subtle, and have little impact on those who have already experienced the original version, especially on PC and PlayStation 4. In this sense, the remaster seems more relevant as an entry point for new players or for those who had the opportunity to experience the title on new platforms.

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.

Strangely inviting due to one of the most forgiving parry systems imaginable, Homura Hime is a really cute game, managing to offer fun through competent and fluid gameplay, although it would benefit from more challenge aimed at the more experienced players in the genre.

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.

City Hunter returns to modern platforms through a respectful remaster of the 1990 PC Engine game based on Tsukasa Hojo’s manga. The release includes quality-of-life features such as save states, rewind, multiple screen options and full localization, making the game more accessible than ever. However, the core experience shows its age. The gameplay revolves around exploring maze-like buildings, fighting enemies with simple shooting mechanics and searching for the correct doors to progress. While controls are responsive and the historical value of the release is notable, the repetitive level design, confusing exploration and shallow combat prevent the game from being more than a curiosity for fans of retro titles or the original franchise.

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.