Everything is Crab is a charming roguelite with a strong visual identity and entertaining early hours, centered around building your own bizarre creature. The mix of evolution, combat, and time pressure creates exciting runs, but is held back by limited variety and strict RNG. Fun in short bursts, but it lacks the depth and freedom to stay engaging long-term.

NTE: Neverness to Everness delivers a stylish and surprisingly varied gacha experience, packed with activities and strong presentation. While none of its systems truly stand out, the mix of vibes and accessible progression make it easy to sink hours into. The real test will be its long-term support, but for now, NTE has all the ingredients to become a lasting hit.

Wax Heads is a unique game with a strong love for music and community, where a touching story unfolds slowly and the original gameplay eventually becomes repetitive. Its characters and soundtrack elevate the experience, making it worthwhile for those drawn to atmosphere, music, and storytelling despite some uneven elements.

While hints of greatness linger in the streets of Industria 2's Nordvold, one can not deny that Bleakmill has work to do to let that greatness come to light. As of now, Industria 2 feels more like an Early Access game, held back by missing assets, curios level design choices and mediocre combat. This is not the Industria(l) revolution the fans were waiting for.

Motorslice shines when it leans into its strengths. Climbing massive machines and slick freerunning feel genuinely great. Unfortunately, clunky combat, unclear design choices and the weird interaction between its main characters drag the experience down. If you can look past the rough edges, there’s a rewarding adventure here, but it’s not without frustration.

Kiln sparks curiosity with its creative concept, unique systems, and that unmistakable Double Fine charm, backed by solid gameplay and appealing visuals. Yet beyond the surface, it quickly loses its grip due to imbalance, a lack of meaningful content, and a focus on live-service over cooperative play. It’s a fine pick for a quick Game Pass try, but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

Quarter Up has managed to deliver a solid fighting game with Invincible VS. The focus appears to be on the gameplay, which is an absolute plus in my book. Invincible VS is a snappy tag fighter set in an absurd universe, and we are fully on board with that. It is just too bad that the story mode is insanely short and that there is a lack of gameplay modes. Overall, the game has managed to please the fighting fan in me; I just wish there was more to enjoy.

Adorable Adventures charms with its adorable protagonist Boris and its unique scent-based gameplay, though it becomes somewhat repetitive and suffers from technical hiccups. Still, it’s an easy recommendation for fans of exploration and anything irresistibly cute.

Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is a charming and atmospheric cozy adventure that beautifully fits the warm, dreamy world of the Moomins. Building on Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, it offers improved controls, more gameplay variety, and a stronger story that helps Moomintroll grow as a character. Its wintery atmosphere, gentle humor, and soothing soundtrack make it a delightful escape, while staying true to the franchise’s cozy identity. Though the puzzles are simple and the adventure is fairly short, its charm easily outweighs those minor drawbacks, making it a lovely recommendation for cozy game and Moomin fans alike.

All Will Fall offers a solid foundation for construction fans but feels like an Early Access game due to issues like AI pathing, a clunky camera, and repetitive events. Due to unlockable scenario’s there is progression. However, while there is enough content, the concept lacks depth, with little world-building. Overall, the game can be enjoyable for those who love building but falls short in terms of overall experience.

Milestone delivers another solid entry in the franchise with MotoGP 26, though the Italian developer still misses the mark in places. The new rider-based handling system looks more realistic, but barely feels different from previous years. Thanks to all official licenses, this remains the most authentic way to experience a MotoGP season, despite a career mode that still lacks depth.

The difficulty level is definitely an issue. If you have no experience with the franchise, I therefore do not recommend Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. However, if the game really appeals to you, I advise starting with the third installment so that you can learn the game's system without too much frustration. If you truly love a challenge, Olden Era is definitely for you, but it will certainly involve a lot of trial and error. Are you a long-time fan of the franchise? Then Olden Era is certainly worth the effort. The atmosphere does indeed resemble that of the old games, and the various modes and factions make the game pleasantly varied, allowing you to spend plenty of hours puzzling and exploring. It seems the developers have listened closely to the fans.

Aphelion turned out to be one of those games that I really wanted to love, but unfortunately started to dislike more as time progressed. DON'T NOD's marvelous UE5 showcase and its excellent Interstellar-like soundtrack can only do so much to disguise the flawed climbing and stealth gameplay mechanics.

With shapez 2, Tobias Springer takes the franchise to new heights, delivering a stellar sequel that improves on the original in every way. Its relaxing gameplay, smooth performance, and satisfying production-building offer hours of fun for both newcomers and veterans. Despite a forgettable soundtrack and occasional forced redesigns, it’s an easy recommendation for fans of management games like Factorio or Satisfactory.

Vampire Crawlers is a successful spin-off that goes beyond its name, translating the core of Vampire Survivors into a deckbuilder with light dungeon-crawling and surprising depth. The slower pace doesn’t hurt the tension, as the mix of cards, mana, and sequencing remains consistently engaging, especially for fans who will recognize many familiar elements. Minor flaws like a clunky deck overview hold it back from perfection, but it still stands as a strong and distinctive game with plenty to offer.

Saros builds brilliantly on Returnal’s foundation, refining the gameplay loop while opening the door for a wider audience. With flexible difficulty and strong design, it’s both accessible and deeply rewarding. A few rough edges aside, this is a standout roguelite and potentially your newest obsession.

Tides of Tomorrow has a strong and original concept that also serves a social purpose. The Story-Link system creates unique moments and gives the sense that you’re part of something bigger, where actions have consequences, even if the impact of your own choices sometimes feels limited and technical flaws and a sparse presentation hold it back from truly excelling. Still, it’s a game that lingers with you, precisely because of the question it leaves behind.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream delivers exactly what fans want: a chaotic, creative, and relaxing life sim full of charming, unpredictable Mii moments. The expanded creator and island customization make it a strong return for the series. While it still thrives on its unique charm, missing features like the concert hall and limited distinction between child and adult Miis hold it back slightly. Even so, it remains incredibly fun, the kind of game you pick up for minutes and end up playing for hours, making it an easy recommendation for fans.

Big Bad Wolf's Lovecraftian investigation horror experience pulls out all the stops to corrupt the brains of many a Cthulhu fan. From dazzling locations full of references to volumes of H.P. Lovecraft lore, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss spares no detail. The fact that you have to scan every square centimeter until you lose your mind, and still run the risk of missing vital information, might well be a low point for some. With a bit of bad luck, it drives you to mental corruption, but it is a sacrifice that an audience with The Great Old One requires.

OPUS: Prism Peak stands out as a strong narrative adventure driven by its characters, atmosphere, and unique gameplay. Photography feels like a meaningful core mechanic, enhancing both the story and immersion, especially once the plot truly unfolds. While its many systems and lack of guidance can feel overwhelming at times, these issues don’t detract much from the overall experience. A memorable and emotional journey, highly recommended for fans of story-driven games with a unique twist.

Last Flag delivers a fresh multiplayer twist with tense matches and a solid presentation, though balance issues linger. Its longevity hinges on the playerbase, and in a 2026 free-to-play landscape, that price tag makes it a risky bet.

It's hard to hit a home run with a debut title, but Fumi Games managed to knock it out the park with Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The perfect mix of slapstick rubber hose esthetics and dark humored action make for an enjoyable trip through the vast, corrupted town of Mouseburg. Minor bugs and glitches are the only mouldy spots on an almost perfect wheel of cheese, one that Fumi sometimes oversalts with "cheesy" one-liners and dialogue.

REPLACED is pixel-perfect for players who want to immerse themselves in a rich, atmospheric cyberpunk world, yet Sad Cat Studios pushes it to the brink of being enjoyable. It’s a bit of a shame; REPLACED is only a few tweaks away from greatness, but right now it doesn’t quite get there, with slow pacing, sluggish gameplay, and a narrative that doesn’t always hold up. Add to that a fair number of bugs, from gameplay glitches to progression blockers, and it’s best to wait a few more months before diving into this visually stunning but not yet fully cohesive sidescroller.

Dosa Divas has a strong heart and delivers a flavorful story, even if the execution doesn’t always land. Its systems work but lack depth, and at around nine hours, it feels a bit short. It's a game that sticks with you for what it aims to be, not for how well it achieves it.

Capcom takes a bold swing with Pragmata, and it pays off: a gripping moonbound journey, strong character dynamics, and slick, addictive combat. Not everything sticks, though: the story plays it safe and floaty controls can frustrate but it never stops being a wildly entertaining space ride.

A Storied Life: Tabitha is a short but surprisingly powerful experience, delivering an emotional and layered story through a simple concept. Its mix of puzzles, narrative choices, and a calming atmosphere makes it stand out, even though the limited length and depth is a downside. Despite that, it leaves a lasting impression and is highly recommended for those seeking a quiet, story-driven experience.

Moses & Plato - Last Train to Clawville is an enjoyable detective journey that immerses you in the traditional world of crime fiction, with an animal twist. Each character has a distinct personality, making the conversations varied, and while the outcome felt somewhat predictable, the underlying motive was explored in more depth, adding context rather than delivering a true “wow” moment. Still, the ride to the finale is engaging and often amusing, making it well worth your time. Especially as an accessible entry point for newcomers to the genre, though seasoned sleuths will also find plenty to enjoy.

Minos is an engaging game, offering both accessibility and challenge, with cleverly designed levels that encourage experimentation. Strategically laying paths and equipping them with traps is something to behold. However, the narrative falls flat, some scenarios feel repetitive, and the roguelite system does hurt the overal experience—but if you can overlook these, Minos is a solid Taurus Defense experience.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park lands somewhere in the middle. The minigames are fun and polished, but the lack of meaningful singleplayer content makes it feel a bit light. The game is great for co-op chaos on the couch, but solo players may come to find that the offering here is a little too thin.

People of Note is a distinctive RPG that smartly blends music with gameplay, featuring fresh combat and a clear identity. Not every note lands but the many options let you tailor the experience to your liking. It won't be a hit for everyone, but it delivers something genuinely unique.

DALOAR's The Occultist feels like a typical debut project: filled to the brim with a lot of ideas of which a fair amount unfortunately fail to hit the mark. While checking boxes of stereotypical creepy locations and ghoulish encounters, The Occultist rarely impresses in storytelling and character development. The pendulum also feels like it could have done so much more for the gameplay. But hey, at least we got Doug Cockle to grunt you through this 6-hour long experience.

What should’ve been a triumphant return for a long-dormant franchise ends up as a disappointing misfire. Legacy of Kain Ascendance shows flashes of promise—strong voice acting, a killer soundtrack, and some fun levels here and there, but they’re buried under clunky controls, odd design choices, and annoying difficulty spikes. Fans deserved better, and the series deserves another shot.

Life is Strange: Reunion isn’t groundbreaking, but it delivers a respectful and complete send-off for fans of Max and Chloe. Choices still matter, even if their impact is limited, while the familiar gameplay plays it safe. A worthy farewell for longtime fans, but not an entry point for newcomers.

A top-down soulslike was still relatively new territory for me, but Tombwater proves the perspective is well worth exploring. It offers a compelling narrative, varied combat, and an engaging gameplay loop, with meaningful upgrades and tools introduced at a steady pace to keep momentum strong, while its distinct environments reinforce the game’s grim tone. Navigation can be a bit unclear and the controls take some getting used to, but thanks to its stability and many strengths, those flaws are easy to overlook.

The core question is whether Super Meat Boy works in 3D, and the short answer is: more often not than it does. While Edmund McMillen’s cult classic spirit isn’t entirely lost, much of what made the original shine fades away, from its blistering pace and tight controls to its compact level design, with 3D proving a poor fit for the formula. In the end, Super Meat Boy 3D isn’t a bad game but an inferior one.

I appreciate Konami for taking risks on diverse indie projects, but Darwin's Paradox still needs significant work before it becomes truly worthwhile. Its charm and expressive animation can’t mask a shallow, low-impact story, and while flashes of creative mechanics shine through, they’re dragged down by tedious, dull, and occasionally frustrating sections. Ironically, despite its clear potential, Darwin's Paradox ends up feeling like a contradiction of what makes a puzzle platformer genuinely engaging.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin has all the ingredients for a strong anime game, with an engaging story, familiar characters, and an inviting world to explore, especially for fans of the franchise. However, its potential is currently held back by technical issues, clunky mobile-style controls, an unclear UI, and frequent glitches. The gacha system may also not appeal to everyone. As it stands, it’s a promising but rough experience that could grow into something great with updates, making it mainly worth it for dedicated fans for now.

Aether & Iron delivers a compelling story wrapped in gorgeous visuals and smart, tactical combat with its own CRPG twist. Despite some bugs and pacing dips due to heavy dialogue, the strong characters and presentation carry it through. Bottom line: an excellent game you shouldn’t miss.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is a solid bundle for fans, with enough extras to dive into. Newcomers get a decent introduction, but the repetitive battles and limited variety make it feel monotonous fairly quickly. Enjoyable, but it doesn’t reach the heights of the classic Mega Man(-X) titles.

Etrange Overlord is a weird one: light on depth, heavy on chaotic fun. Its quirky humor, colorful style, and absurd Japanese flavor carry the experience. Not for everyone, but if you

Screamer doesn’t fully become the narrative spectacle it sometimes seems to want to be, but when rubber meets the road, it fully delivers. The racing is slick, stylish, and deeply satisfying, backed by impressive visuals and smart progression. If you’re into arcade racers, Screamer might just be your next obsession.

If Project Songbird sets out to do one thing, it's pointing out how hard it can be for a developer to please everybody and ultimately end up with a passion project bogged down by undercooked concepts. Conner Rush's love child often teeters between artistically brilliant and genuinely creepy, and mildly disappointing due to frustrating combat/stealth sequences. In the end, going with less could have resulted in so much more.

Pearl Abyss delivers a dynamic and visually stunning open world that feels alive and full of discovery. There’s plenty to do, and the game expects you to explore on your own, with challenging puzzles, memorable bosses and little handholding. The many systems and mechanics can take time to master, but are very rewarding. While the story takes a backseat and is told through lore, it is still a tale you don't want to miss. Strong performance and a great soundtrack round out this must-play experience.

MLB The Show 26 only improves on a few fronts, while most of the experience remains largely unchanged from last year. The aging visuals are starting to show, though the gameplay still feels great and the soundtrack once again hits the right notes. Veterans may find little reason to return, but newcomers will still discover a solid baseball sim.

Homura Hime delivers where it matters most: tight combat, challenging boss fights and a satisfying gameplay loop for action fans. Sadly, everything around it feels underwhelming, with flat characters and uninspired level design. If gameplay is your main draw, there’s still plenty here to enjoy.

Greedfall 2: The Dying World offers an interesting story and meaningful player choices that encourage multiple playthroughs, though visually it doesn’t quite feel like a true PS5 title. The RPG systems are solid, but the dull and repetitive combat takes away much of the shine. Despite that flaw, there’s still plenty here that will appeal to fans of the first game.

Timberborn is a standout survival city-builder that combines creativity and strategy with the unique power of beavers. The game offers extensive freedom with vertical building, dam systems, and a focus on managing future challenges like droughts and badtide events. With diverse maps, two factions, and strong mod support, it promises hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay without feeling repetitive.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake brings the beloved horror classic back to modern platforms, sending players into the cursed Minakami Village where restless spirits lurk around every corner. The eerie atmosphere and stellar audio design shine, even if ghost fights drag on a bit too long. Miserable trip? Absolutely - and that’s exactly why it works.

While John Carpenter's Toxic Commando makes some interesting choices, it never quite stands out as a strong entry in the zombie shooter genre. Drawing on systems familiar from Saber Interactive, the varied arsenal, skill trees, and co-op gameplay can be enjoyable with a full squad, but a dull story, awkward characters, repetitive mission design, and an uninspired semi-open-world structure drag the experience down. There is still some fun to be found, though the genre offers better alternatives with more venom.

Tribute Games delivers another solid brawler with Scott Pilgrim EX, boasting great music, slick visuals, and satisfying combat. Unfortunately, a weak mission structure and a very short runtime keep it from reaching the heights of TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. The open-world idea is fun but underused, making the €30 price tag feel a bit steep.

Tales of Berseria Remastered remains a fantastic JRPG, driven by its gripping revenge story and rock-solid real-time combat. The remaster adds smoother performance and visual upgrades, but little in the way of actual new content. If you’ve never played it, this is the best version to jump in. Veterans, however, may notice that there’s little reason to return.

Pokémon Pokopia is a surprisingly amazing spin-off that blends the Pokémon formula with building, habitat restoration, and a relaxing sandbox gameplay loop. Its charming story and adorable presentation add more depth than you’d expect from a sim. Despite some clunky building controls, it remains a cozy and addictive experience that can easily keep you busy for dozens of hours.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is by far the strongest entry in the spin-off series thanks to its gorgeous presentation, full voice acting, and plenty of welcome additions. The classic rock-paper-scissors combat still works, though it starts to become repetitive over time. That said; JRPG- and Monster Hunter lovers will find a colorful, content-packed adventure with the potential to sink dozens of hours into.

Given that RoadCaft left me in the dirt, I honestly believed that Saber's simulation ship had sailed on me for good. Fortunately, Docked has managed to reel me back in, providing a seriously entertaining casual simulation with tons of tasks to keep the enthusiast (un)loading for hours. The only things ruining the immersion are graphical issues, QTE-minigames that just don't land the way they should, and Port Wake that isn't as hustling and bustling as you'd expect from a major transport harbor.

WWE 2K26 delivers rock-solid gameplay, stacked with moves and enough content to keep you busy for a long time. Not every mode is a main-event hit and the DLC strategy raises some eyebrows, but the overall package is impressively complete. For WWE fans, this is the best entry in years.

Planet of Lana II delivers another contemplative, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning journey, choosing careful refinement over daring reinvention. While that restraint preserves the spirit of the original, it also carries over its sluggish pacing, occasionally convoluted puzzles, and moments of frustration, resulting in a gorgeous but overly safe sequel that echoes rather than elevates its predecessor.

Planet of Lana II delivers another contemplative, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning journey, choosing careful refinement over daring reinvention. While that restraint preserves the spirit of the original, it also carries over its sluggish pacing, occasionally convoluted puzzles, and moments of frustration, resulting in a gorgeous but overly safe sequel that echoes rather than elevates its predecessor.

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 leans almost entirely on its Story Mode, yet even that fails to truly pull you in. Beyond that, frustrations stack up – clunky handling, technical hiccups and rubber banding – though the hub, duels and traffic-filled circuits offer brief flashes of promise. In the end, it falls short of must-have status, and you’re better off firing up GRID Legends instead.

With Legend of Kain: Defiance Remastered, the final chapter of the saga gets a modern-day polish: great news for preserving this legendary series. The story, lore and atmosphere still shine, and the visual upgrade plus a few neat extras will please longtime fans. Just don’t expect miracles: clunky controls, a rebellious camera and repetitive combat remind you this is very much a product of its time, even if the ride remains entertaining.

My enthusiasm for Laysara: Summit Kingdom has dropped, which is disappointing given its strong mountain setting and promising city-builder concept. The gameplay focuses heavily on fulfilling population needs, with limited production chains and objectives, making it feel more like a puzzle game than a strategic builder. The inability to rotate or upgrade buildings, combined with small building radii and no planning system, restricts creativity and player freedom. Although the game is visually appealing and accessible, it quickly becomes repetitive and fails to maintain long-term engagement.

I can only describe Resident Evil Requiem as an absolute blockbuster—a relentless rollercoaster where Grace’s nerve-shredding survival horror and Leon’s explosive action blend seamlessly, delivering a stunning, innovative yet faithful experience that stands among the very best the franchise has ever offered.

ANTHEM#9 delivers a tight, addictive puzzle-strategy loop that constantly rewards the player. The minimal storytelling holds it back slightly, but the smart mechanics more than compensate. An impressive solo project and a strong recommendation for fans of deckbuilders and tactical puzzlers.

Clue: Murder by Death oozes charm and nails the whodunnit vibe, with clever companion mechanics and a ticking clock that keeps the tension high. Sadly, the bloated mansion, limited inventory, and forced repetition drag the experience down. The game is brilliant in concept, yet flawed in execution. However, for under twenty bucks, mystery fans might still find it worth the sleuth.

Demon Tides is packed with strong ideas, but the execution doesn’t always stick the landing. Movement and level design entertain, though they occasionally lack finesse and inspiration. A solid, accessible platformer with clever touches, yet not without its frustrations.

LOVE ETERNAL proves that simplicity and precision are a powerful match. Not a traditional horror game, but a surreal precision platformer with a melancholic, creepy vibe. Not for everyone, but fans of challenging, artsy platformers shouldn’t miss this one.

Mario Tennis Fever serves up fast, chaotic fun thanks to the new Fever rackets, giving matches a distinct Mario Party-style twist. The lowered difficulty makes rallies easier to save, welcoming newcomers but sanding off some of the competitive edge veterans might miss.

NORSE: Oath of Blood has kept me engaged with its well-utilized Norwegian setting and linear storytelling that integrates well with the gameplay. The combat is fun, offering freedom in positioning and combos, though it lacks challenge. Building and managing your settlement provides a nice break from the combat. Despite enjoying the missions, numerous bugs and issues prevent the game from being fully successful, but I remain hopeful the developers will address them soon, as it has rekindled my interest in turn-based combat games.

Styx: Blades of Greed starts slow but grows into a satisfying stealth game with detailed maps and plenty to explore. The world is full of challenges and creative freedom, though environmental interactions could be expanded. Despite some technical hiccups, it’s a fun and rewarding ride with our cynical goblin.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is a great game for JRPG enthusiasts: flashy combat, a breezy but entertaining story, likeable characters, and the definitive package with sharper visuals and tighter controls. But if you’ve already sailed through the base game, this “Proud” upgrade feels hard to justify at full price: fun extras, sure, yet more DLC-sized than full re-release worthy.

Is God of War Sons of Sparta a good God of War game? Absolutely. It offers meaningful insight into Kratos’ past, backed by a stellar performance from T.C. Carson and rock-solid technical execution. As a Metroidvania, though, it’s good, but not great. It does the job well, but for €30 there are stronger contenders in the genre.

Lil Gator Game: Gator of the Year Edition is exactly what you’d hope for from a wholesome adventure: warm, funny, and heartfelt, with a surprisingly relatable and emotional story at its core. The bond between the young alligator and their sister gives real meaning to everything you do. Gameplay isn’t revolutionary; the many fetch quests can feel repetitive and there’s little real challenge. Still, the humor, charming characters, and imaginative cardboard world carry the experience, with the DLC adding fun extras without drastically changing the formula.

Call me biased, but High On Life 2 is everything you ever wished for in a sequel. It’s bigger, better, more chaotic, and presents more f-bombs than you’d ever deem possible. Loaded to the brim with off-color humor and an over-the-top plot, High On Life 2 is a must play for every Squancher out there. Just make sure your pc is up to the demanding task, bucko.

The Sims 4: Royal Legacy is one of the game’s most ambitious expansions in years. While the Royal career is still too easy to access and misses a chance to add real challenge, the dynasties, intrigue, and lore updates make up for it. The dynasty system in particular brings back much-needed depth and storytelling to family gameplay. The new world, Ondarion, is a highlight with its scale and detail, though missed opportunities remain, especially in Create-a-Sim, where everyday clothing and options for younger Sims feel limited.

In many ways, REANIMAL represents the pinnacle of Tarsier Studios’ talent, delivering a dark, awe-inspiring experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll, especially if you’re craving the same atmosphere the Little Nightmares franchise is known for but with a little more freedom gameplay wise. Whether you brave it solo or tackle it in co-op, this horror game has a way of burrowing into your brain, though it must be said that Tarsier once again pays little heed to long-standing criticisms, as the game can be frustrating at times and carries a hefty price tag for an experience you can finish in just a few hours. If you can live with that, REANIMAL is an unleashed beast I wouldn’t cage again for anything.

Romeo is a Dead Man is an unapologetically bizarre experience that screams Suda51 from start to finish. Its bold artistic flair is backed by layered, engaging gameplay, despite some rough edges. Think Romeo & Juliet reimagined as a fever dream of pop culture, and you’re getting close.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is a highly addictive action-roguelike with slick, responsive combat and plenty of playstyle variety, boosted by a smart skill-inheritance system. While the visual overload and forgettable techno-babble story can distract at times, the rock-solid gameplay is the real star: and it absolutely delivers.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a well-crafted remake that breathes new life into one of the series’ weaker entries. While the main story stays mostly the same, the improved visuals, refined gameplay, and meaningful new content alongside the Dark Ties storyline make it worth revisiting. New to the series and played Kiwami 1 & 2? Then this one’s a no-brainer.

Mewgenics is a surprisingly deep and unforgiving game with a strong tactical combat system, a massive amount of content, and a highly addictive gameplay loop. Its heavy reliance on RNG and repetition can be frustrating at times, but it rarely lets go of you. For players who enjoy complex systems, tough decisions, and pitch-black humor, this one is absolutely worth diving into.

It's almost impossible to not compare Transhuman Design's Jackal to "that other ultra-violent top-down shooter", but even if it does borrow quite some elements from Hotline Miami, Jackal brings its own funkiness to the poker table. When fast-paced bloody carnage gets mixed in with a drug-fueled storyline and a funky 70's soundtrack, all bets are off. Jackal is a blast, even if it's a short trip with some minor inconveniences.

I’ve used the word fanservice a lot here, and that’s because My Hero Academia: All’s Justice truly excels at it. As a casual fan, I enjoyed both the recognizable anime moments and the new original content, but judged purely as a game it has some drawbacks, like underwhelming visuals, a few control issues, and unbalanced characters. Die-hard fans shouldn’t miss it, while others may want to wait for a price drop.

Nioh 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise: the story engages, the world invites exploration, and the combat system constantly challenges you. Technically solid, though the graphics could be sharper, it’s a game that both fans and newcomers will enjoy for hours.

Dragon Quest VII makes a triumphant return as a charming JRPG with improved pacing and a stronger episodic structure, even if not every story arc hits the mark. Refreshed combat and visuals stay true to the beloved original, though clunky menus can test your patience in an otherwise delightful adventure.

Cairn is a bold and demanding climbing experience that constantly requires your full attention, leaving a strong impression through its freedom, atmosphere, and protagonist Aava. At the same time, rough controls, technical issues, and questionable design choices create noticeable friction. For fans of slow, challenging simulations, this is a climb worth attempting—but it’s not a mountain everyone will want to conquer.

I Hate This Place is one of those projects that leaves me in the camp of "not hating it, but not loving it either". The campy '80s vibe is definitely there and I Hate This Place is easily one of the most accessible isometric survival horror games I've played in a long time, but the apparent lack of optimization and real narrative depth (and quirky bugs) are holding Rock Square Thunder's title back from being a real contender.

Don’t Stop, Girlypop! is a shooter with a bold, unmistakable identity, blending lightning-fast movement, surprisingly deep combat, and an overwhelming Y2K aesthetic. The visual chaos and strong thematic focus won’t appeal to everyone, but those who embrace its style will find far more depth and confidence than expected.

Is Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Visions of Four Heroes worth it? For Musou fans, absolutely. The new weapons, mechanics, and “what-if” stories are solid additions, though locking content behind main game progress may frustrate newcomers. Pricey, but a strong DLC for a standout entry.

Code Vein II manages to stand out within the Soulslike genre thanks to its flexible combat, plenty of room for experimentation, and an enjoyable time-travel twist, even if the story isn’t very deep. Technical issues and some repetitive environments hold it back slightly, but for fans of challenging action RPGs (and waifus), this is still an easy recommendation.

So, is 2XKO worth playing? If you're into competitive fighters and don’t mind a free-to-play model with some heavy-handed monetization, then yes. This is a solid, well-built brawler. But without singleplayer content and with key characters locked behind paywalls, it leaves casual players out in the cold.

Since the release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door in 2004, developers worldwide - including Nintendo - have been searching for the next big hit, and Sleepy Castle Studio may have found gold with Escape from Ever After. Not only is it a remarkably faithful homage to the Paper Mario games, it is also an RPG that truly delivers, boasting immense charm, a fantastic soundtrack, and vibrant worlds that hide surprisingly deep gameplay systems and strong writing beneath their cute exterior. While management notes a few minor issues such as an inconsistent parry window and somewhat repetitive gameplay, Escape from Ever After undoubtedly earns the title of employee of the month—and perhaps even of the year.

It's nice to see that British satire doesn't flinch when it comes to dealing with current political developments and if you can stomach the obvious political tongue-in-cheek humor, Earth Must Die is a must play. Believe me when I say that being an incompetent, inconsiderate and oblivious asshole of a leader has never felt better. The WASD controls might be a bit finicky and the dynamic camera can occasionally be a pain in the sphincter, but apart from that, Earth Must Die has my vote of approval.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check has an original concept that offers solid entertainment, but lacks the depth to truly keep you hooked. It shines most in short sessions, as monotony and technical issues start to creep in over time. With future patches in mind, it remains a fun experience but best enjoyed in moderation.

Arknights: Endfield is an ambitious and confident next step, delivering strong real-time combat, an engaging world, and an impressive presentation. While gacha mechanics and microtransactions remain a weak point, they barely detract from an experience you can fully enjoy for free. A must-play for fans and a rewarding, if slightly demanding, entry point for newcomers

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a strikingly stylish Metroidvania with the potential to rival the genre’s heavyweights, were it not for one nagging flaw: its pacing. Fans of the subgenre will find much to admire in its beautiful presentation, richly realized world, mysterious narrative, and clever level design, which offer plenty for veterans to sink their teeth into, even if the combat and platforming are more competent than exceptional. I admire the game’s deliberate, contemplative approach, but its frequent sluggishness can sap momentum and demand real effort to push forward. Despite some missteps, MIO: Memories in Orbit remains a memorable experience.

Big Hops features excellently designed core systems, but ultimately doesn’t do enough to truly motivate players to keep going. If you’re here purely for flashy 3D platforming, you’ll have a great time hopping through cozy, colorful environments, but those seeking tight level design, a compelling narrative, or long-term depth will hear a less pleasant croak. In the end, it’s a very typical debut 3D platformer, brimming with potential and clear learning moments for Luckshot Games.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon continues the Calvard arc of the series in a largely successful way. The story is strong and the cast is colorful, but the journey is not entirely without flaws. The narrative unfolds very slowly at the start (a typical issue for the franchise), and at the same time this is absolutely not a beginner-friendly entry point. The combat system remains solid and offers plenty of room for experimentation. Even so, it can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re not already familiar with the series. However, if you can look past these shortcomings, an incredible adventure awaits, filled with tons of content and memorable moments.

We kick off 2026 in style with Pathologic 3, a uniquely intense experience you won’t soon forget. Its gameplay systems and striking design come together in an intriguing whole, even if the lack of voice acting and dated visuals holds back the presentation somewhat. That small drawback aside, this is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something truly original.

Cozy Caravan is a warm and charming cozy game that shines through its atmosphere and accessibility. Playing as a cute animal, running your market stall, and helping villagers feels relaxing and welcoming, just as the genre promises. While repetitive NPCs, limited dialogue, and little musical variety can wear down the experience over longer sessions, the core remains strong. It may not be perfect, but it’s a very enjoyable cozy game.

DuneCrawl is an ambitious indie with a striking concept and stylish presentation, but it struggles to stay engaging due to repetitive gameplay and uneven execution. The chaotic co-op shines when played with a full group of friends, yet solo or duo play quickly exposes sluggish AI and design friction. At its price point it’s a fair deal, but only if you can convince others to join the crawl.