Mouse: P.I. for Hire may not have the most brilliant story, nor is it the greatest shooter ever made, but it overflows with ideas. Each level feels distinct, environments change constantly, and the world’s blend of noir and deranged cartoon aesthetics is irresistibly charming, as are the soundtrack and Troy Baker’s delightfully cracked voice acting. Had the gameplay been polished to the same degree, this could have been a crown jewel among shooters. Instead, it remains a slightly rough diamond, yet still one of the most beautiful in the genre.

Vampire Crawlers is a bold experiment. It transforms the automated dopamine rush of Vampire Survivors into card-game form with surprising ease, though it suffers from a slow opening, uneven difficulty balance, and repetitive structure that dilute its strongest qualities. Even so, it remains a highly addictive spin-off that shines brightest whenever it fully embraces its own chaos.

Aphelion is exactly the kind of game that hardly needed to be a game at all. It is a narrative experience that does not rely on great depth or hidden symbolism because its strength lies in strong writing, direction, and excellent sound design. The story follows a simple premise centered on the humanity of two people stranded on an alien planet and their journey toward both their mission and each other. It is only unfortunate that the compelling story is not accompanied by more engaging gameplay.

This accomplished adventure leads players through a dying flooded world filled with pastel colors, memorable characters, and meaningful decisions. Its greatest strength, however, lies in its asynchronous multiplayer, where players subtly shape each other’s worlds. Suddenly, the choices no longer affect only lines of code, but real people, while also creating an emotional connection to a complete stranger who may forever remain known only as the hooded Tidewalker.

Amanita Design’s inexhaustible well of creativity once again proves that handcrafted artistry and playfulness are still very much alive. Phonopolis refines the studio’s charming adventure formula into a game overflowing with ideas and wrapped in stunning cardboard-inspired visuals, which, combined with its cutout-style animation, make it one of the most beautiful games ever created. An organic experience that feels uniquely different once again, yet remains flawlessly fluid throughout. A short but intense Orwellian struggle that demonstrates even manipulation can become heartfelt entertainment.

Forza Horizon 6 does not reinvent its driving formula and remains just as entertaining as its predecessors. Japan, however, proves to be a far better playground, featuring a stronger career structure and more engaging activities, alongside new features such as track creation, garage customization, food delivery missions, and more. It is beautiful to look at, a joy to listen to, and immensely fun to play. It is unfortunate that the constant flood of new cars once again undermines any real sense of progression or accomplishment. Even so, it would not be surprising if this became the most successful, most played, and longest-lasting entry in the series.

An exceptionally accomplished action roguelite built upon the foundations of Returnal, yet expanding and refining them in nearly every regard. Saros excels through its ambiguous and immersive narrative, outstanding bullet-hell combat, and addictive gameplay supported by thoughtful progression systems. Although somewhat limited by a lack of innovation, occasionally repetitive environments, and a few frustrating moments, it remains a remarkable game that brings action close to perfection.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a bold remake of the series' most divisive entry, which, instead of cutting the mocked segments, puts them on display. A modernized combat system and a mountain of side content keep pace with today's standards, even if the innovations are minimal. As a whole, it is an accessible and more dramatic version of the third game, and simultaneously one of the most personal chapters of Kiryu's story, which is well worth playing to understand the later entries.

An unconventional action game that chaotically dances to the bizarre rhythm of Goichi Suda’s drum. It is flawed, incoherent, and narratively disjointed, offering little emotional payoff, but also undeniably great and refreshingly different.

A compact horror experience filled with the essence that made the original Little Nightmares so memorable. Its cryptic, nightmare-like narrative resonates and maintains tension until the very end, leaving lingering questions. Every scene—from camera work to lighting and sound—is meticulously crafted. While not striving for radical innovation, Tarsier Studios demonstrates clear growth in what it does best.

A city-builder unlike any other. Limited space creates a constant challenge, while the visual presentation and interconnected mountain systems impress. The lack of user tools is disappointing, and the game lacks deeper complexity, but it doesn’t necessarily need it, given its focus on rapid early expansion. Growth becomes more of a logical puzzle, and settling one mountain after another remains consistently engaging, offering a campaign of around 20 hours and dozens more in scenarios and challenges.

A solid remaster that improves the camera and navigation while preserving everything that worked and some of the original’s rough edges. The combat system feels somewhat dated by modern standards, but remains enjoyable. The game is still carried by its excellent voice acting, music, and story, which delivers a satisfying conclusion that unifies the events of Soul Reaver and the original Legacy of Kain into a cohesive whole.

A fantastic combination of Pokémon, a building sandbox, and a cozy life simulator that can absorb you for dozens of hours. It can feel slightly overwhelming at times, but ultimately stands as a dream come true for fans of Pokémon and Animal Crossing, and one of the best reasons to own a Nintendo Switch 2.

A confident and stylish extraction shooter that stands out through its atmosphere, richly developed world, and the signature gunplay Bungie is known for. It offers surprisingly accessible progression and a strong identity that sets it apart from trend-chasing competitors. A weak tutorial, cluttered UI, fast-paced combat, and high skill demands make it less approachable, but those who push through the rough start will find an intense and addictive experience among the better entries in the genre.

The third Stories entry finally lives up to its name, driven by a strong narrative that keeps it engaging throughout. Giving the protagonist a voice and clear motivation proves beneficial, as do the stronger bonds within the party. Combat is more varied and enjoyable, and the restored ecosystems make hunting for the ultimate monster especially rewarding. The open world and side quests may feel underwhelming, but they represent only a small portion of the overall content.

This Switch 2 upgrade is exactly what it appears to be: big, playful, imaginative, and somewhat unnecessary addition. The foundation of one of the best 2D Mario games remains extremely solid, and the new content adds interesting challenges, though somewhat puzzlingly focuses primarily on multiplayer.

A captivatingly poetic and wildly unrestrained journey that this time also delivers more refined gameplay. The PC version is an excellent port with nothing to worry about.

An impressive sci-fi action game that stands out with its inventive fusion of shooting and hacking, a strong duo of likable characters, and top-tier audiovisual presentation that showcases Capcom’s flair for innovation and craftsmanship. An opulent blockbuster that, despite its relatively compact scope, never feels lacking in content or fun. Pragmata easily ranks among the most striking games in recent years.

An intriguing blend built on the core of classic cooperative zombie action, enhanced by well-made vehicle traversal across challenging terrain. Randomized map layouts boost replayability, though greater variety would help. John Carpenter’s name isn't there for nothing; the epic visuals combined with a bombastic soundtrack do justice to the horror master’s legacy.

A grand return of a horror legend that balances survival horror and action, not all ideas landing equally well. As a whole, however, it is a superbly crafted, audiovisually stunning, and highly entertaining blockbuster that confirms Capcom’s firm grasp on its flagship series. Despite minor issues, it stands as a fantastic horror ride that only narrowly misses the absolute peak of the franchise.

Pathologic 3 channels the spirit of classic Russian literature in a more accessible form. It is an intensely oppressive experience that approaches the story of a plague-stricken town in unconventional ways. Its masterfully constructed narrative and singular atmosphere consistently subvert expectations, framed within a surprisingly compelling gameplay (time) loop whose repetition only begins to wear thin in the later stages. At the same time, it demands significantly less discomfort and hardship than either of its predecessors.

Octopath Traveler 0 is not a bad game, but the silent protagonist and somewhat impersonal party diminish some of its narrative impact. The individual storylines compete in their darkness and at times push the drama unnecessarily far. However, new features such as village building and the addition of two combat rows refresh the proven formula, resulting in an addictive and entertaining JRPG that can easily provide dozens of hours of enjoyment.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is an outstanding metroidvania that easily stands alongside genre giants like Ori and the Blind Forest and Hollow Knight. Its watercolor visuals and captivating, vibrant world full of hazards and secrets kept me glued to the screen for dozens of hours without a single dull moment. The only minor drawback lies in the less engaging classic combat encounters during exploration, though this can be somewhat mitigated through settings.

Cairn is a first-rate climbing simulator that goes far beyond its genre. It captivates with its environment and vistas, soothes with its melodic tones, moves with stories grounded in basic human experiences, prompts reflection on one’s own motivation, and rewards effort of any kind: Significant or small. A profound experience that lingers long after playing, and even when the summit is reached, its repeated call continues to resonate within.

Nioh 3 is not without flaws: It could be more expansive, offer a wider variety of weapons, and feature a more diverse bestiary. Even so, it stands as the most entertaining soulslike since Elden Ring. The ability to switch between samurai and ninja adds new depth to combat, while the option to tailor a fighting style to personal preference works exceptionally well. The thoughtfully designed open world encourages exploration without compromising the game’s tough but fair difficulty. For fans of the series and the genre alike, it represents a clear high point of the trilogy.

Mewgenics is a tactical RPG that only appears cute on the surface, hiding beneath its layer of meows an unprecedentedly deep, brutally addictive, and creatively unrestrained system that rewards experimentation, tolerates failure, and joyfully breaks its own rules. It offers an almost endless number of combinations, constant surprises, and the sense of playing something that refuses to repeat itself or pander. It can easily consume hundreds of hours without ever feeling exhausted or self-indulgent, while confidently pushing the entire genre forward. If a modern gold standard for tactical roguelite RPGs exists, its name is Mewgenics.

Terminator 2D: NO FATE is an honest excursion into the nineties, which does not deny the short footage, repetitive structure or uncompromising difficulty, but balances all this with a genuine love for the golden era of action films and games. Bitmap Bureau, with respect for the original, serves up a brisk, imaginative and surprisingly atmospheric retro arcade that not only evokes nostalgia from the Terminator, but also offers solid gameplay and several pleasant ideas. If you enjoy the smell of the nineties, brutal fights and beautiful pixel art, Terminator 2D works as a great nostalgic ride.

Mysteria Ecclesiae serves as a dignified final chapter to Kingdom Come: Deliverance. It offers a tightly focused story about faith and guilt that draws the player in and holds attention until the very end. The Sedlec Monastery captivates with its atmosphere and perfectly complements the melancholic tone of Jindřich’s farewell. Mysteria Ecclesiae does not strive for grandeur, but for beauty in the details, and in that, it truly succeeds.