A faithful remake that pays tribute to a timeless classic without taking creative liberties, serving as proof that arcade-style design can still thrive in the modern AAA landscape. Recommended to longtime fans who still cherish their N64 cartridge, as well as anyone who enjoyed the original and wouldn't mind a modern visual overhaul. Let's just hope we won't have to revisit Lylat once again a few decades from now on Switch 4.

Deer & Boy claims its rightful place in the Olympus of 2D adventures. The title brings to the table all those elements that made games like Limbo, Neva, and Planet of Lana great, while taking them to the absolute next level. The game offers a varied gameplay experience that evolves right along with the story. Although the environmental puzzles might not pose a major challenge for more experienced players, they truly shine in terms of design and are remarkably inspired. Deer & Boy places immense focus on the story it wants to tell, doing so by making plenty of room for colors, emotions, silences, hugs, and the fears of the two protagonists. The result is a thoroughly impressive debut for Lifeline Games.

Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition is a prime example of how a port for the Nintendo Switch 2 should be handled: fluid, responsive, and visually impressive, despite a few minor compromises. Now, years later, Switch 2 owners can also dive into the frenetic action of this "Stylish Action" title, which offers a fast-paced, dynamic combat system featuring four playable characters. The Devil Hunter Edition includes all the content from the Special Edition—a comprehensive package, save for the Turbo and Dark Knight modes. That is hardly a deal-breaker, however; the epic journey alone will keep players occupied for around 20 hours (assuming they unlock all the side missions), not to mention the time spent honing combat skills and conquering the Bloody Palace. If you’ve been waiting for the chance to get your hands (or get back) on Devil May Cry 5 in a portable format, the Devil Hunter Edition is the perfect choice. The question remains, however: will the long-awaited Devil May Cry 4 ever make its way to the Nintendo Switch 2? It is the one missing entry that we really feel is needed.

The Drifter demonstrates how a great story can still make all the difference. Powerhoof has crafted a gripping interactive thriller that maintains high tension from start to finish, thanks to quality writing, well-balanced puzzles, and a consistently engaging narrative pace. The experience is further enhanced by excellent pixel-art visuals and audio, surprisingly cinematic direction, and superb Italian localization that makes it even more enjoyable. It stands out as one of the most successful and memorable narrative adventures released this year on Nintendo Switch.

Don't Let It Starve is one of those titles that hits without making noise: minimal in form, but extremely sharp in the feelings it evokes. It's not a game for everyone, because it demands patience and attention, but it's precisely in this harshness that it finds its most authentic identity, offering a rare kind of engagement — slow and persistent.

Rise of the Tomb Raider on Nintendo Switch 2 proves to be a good port that entertains in the right way, even if not always perfectly. There's room for improvement, especially regarding moments where some input lag is noticeable and a mouse mode that isn't always flawless. For everything else, what you'll have in your hands is a truly fantastic game that every action/adventure-loving gamer should try at least once. Moreover, if you've never played it before and want to enjoy its portability, then this Switch 2 version could really be the right fit for you. Rise of the Tomb Raider takes everything Crystal Dynamics did well with the first reboot and elevates it to the next level. The edition in question also includes new stories, additional costumes, and modes that will put players' skills to the test. With a few small compromises, Lara is reborn (once again) on Nintendo's flagship console, perhaps awaiting Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the concluding chapter of the Survivor trilogy.

Nothing new under the sun, but anyone craving their yearly dose of virtual Formula 1 is unlikely to be disappointed. The absence of a couple of features is hard to ignore, and the pricing remains open to debate: it's certainly more appealing than a full-priced annual release, though perhaps a little steep for what is essentially an extensive season update. Still, if you enjoyed F1 25 and prefer tackling Career Mode solo, the 2026 Season Pack is well worth considering.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an adventure that wins players over with its old-school gameplay, but above all with the strength of its story, which becomes increasingly engaging before bursting into a twist-filled second half and culminating in a truly epic finale. The stunning HD-2D presentation, an intelligent combat system, the highly successful Ages mechanic, and several memorable boss battles all contribute to making the journey consistently rewarding. It's a shame, however, that the game suffers from a lack of enemy variety, an approach that at times feels a little too derivative of the great classics of the past, and side quests and optional dungeons that fall noticeably short of the quality of the main adventure. That said, there's no denying that this is one of the most fascinating and surprising adventures that Square Enix has delivered in recent years.

We could spend time debating whether the gameplay system of Gothic 1 has aged well or poorly, but we would end up stuck in the usual divide between those who love its classic gameplay and those who would have preferred a more modern overhaul. The key point is that, knowing you are approaching a no-compromise gaming experience with deliberately clunky mechanics, Gothic 1 Remake offers an experience that is, at least in theory, just as enjoyable today as it was in 2001. In practice, however, Gothic 1 Remake is held back by its technical performance, with an abundance of bugs, inaccuracies, and even the occasional crash, making it difficult to fully enjoy everything the game has to offer. It is a real shame that a title with such a dedicated fanbase—and the potential to gain new ones—suffers from such a problematic state. Even after several patches, the situation does not appear to have improved significantly. Gothic 1 Remake could be a solid action RPG, capable of bringing back an excellent blend of exploration and gameplay systems, but at the moment the technical side acts as a bottleneck. Perhaps, with a major code overhaul, the team at Alkimia Interactive could manage to resolve at least part of the issues, but for now the undeniable strengths of the project struggle to outweigh its weaknesses. That said, with a healthy and generous dose of patience, it is still possible to experience this original adventure—revived (but not fully refined)—which remains, even today, full of charm.

Replaying Xenoblade Chronicles in 2026 serves as a reminder of why this title is frequently cited as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. The story remains moving, the cast unforgettable, and the combat system retains all its depth; meanwhile, the game world still manages to convey that sense of discovery that many modern titles have lost. The new features introduced in this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition do not revolutionize the original structure, but they tangibly enhance the experience in every respect. For those who have never played Xenoblade Chronicles, this is quite simply the best possible version. For those already familiar with it, it offers the perfect opportunity to revisit one of the finest journeys ever told in a video game.

Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent works best as a digital board game session: tactical, readable, focused, and easy to approach. Its combat system is clever and party synergies are satisfying, but narrative depth, character progression, and online co-op stability hold it back. A solid adaptation of Descent, though not a definitive one.

There is a wide range of activities available, and the formula devised by the Cyberwave team works well without ever becoming overly frustrating—save for a few moments where you are forced to "grind" more than necessary. There are some minor pacing issues, and the threats are virtually non-existent, aside from the occasional lightning bolt that might chip away at your health. All in all, we believe Solarpunk makes for a great pastime—offering just the right level of challenge while being incredibly relaxing—which is no small feat for a video game.

Unfortunately, Konami’s new football-focused project fails to impress. In the name of extreme accessibility, eFootball Kick-Off! leaves behind many of the elements that made the old PES series successful and that could still have made the game more engaging today. While the arcade-style gameplay is decent, it is also heavily simplified and cannot carry on its own a package that feels thin and offers very little variety. The single-player content is limited, featuring a World Cup mode (without an official license), friendly matches, a stripped-down Master League, and a couple of minigames. Multiplayer provides more reasons to keep playing, but even there players will encounter technical limitations and a lack of variety. The idea of having a PES experience both at home and on the go is certainly appealing, but it feels as though Konami approached the project on a tight budget. The game’s accessibility and very low price point are welcome, yet it is hard not to feel that a few additional features and modes could have been included. eFootball Kick-Off! struggles to maintain interest over the long term, but it may still be the right choice for those looking for a few quick matches, whether relaxing on the couch or playing under a beach umbrella. Perhaps this time, Italy might not only qualify for the World Cup—but actually win it.

If Echo Generation 2 manages to consolidate the groundwork laid by its predecessor, it doesn't fully succeed in daring to explore new territory. It undeniably hints at a potential that is only partially realized, especially in terms of situational variety and character development. It remains a title capable of drawing players in through atmosphere and style, though less convincing when it comes to delivering surprises over the long haul.

Cursed City gets Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy to where it should have been at launch. The underground arc closes a narrative gap that left the original release without a satisfying ending. The group-wide skill check fix reshapes party building in a meaningful way, and makes the whole thing approachable for players who never touched the Infinity Engine games. Combat balance across weapon types is still unresolved, and the companions remain thin on the page. But for anyone looking for a classless isometric cRPG with sharp writing and a narrative that rewards patience, there is a solid game here now.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also proves on Nintendo Switch 2 to be a huge, emotional, and spectacular JRPG, capable of magnificently expanding everything that made Remake great. Just as with the previous installment, Rebirth is a genuine technical and visual marvel on Nintendo hardware, managing to preserve much of the original experience’s spectacular presentation even in handheld mode. Square Enix has delivered a surprising port, once again demonstrating how this trilogy is able to shine on any platform on which it is released.

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies often feels like it's shouting "Look, we've still got it". A sentiment that applies as much to its protagonist as it does to the development team, which has crafted an intricate and compelling adventure populated by a colorful and eccentric cast. The gameplay is excellent and remains engaging from start to finish, but the story never fully lives up to its ambitions. While the characters are certainly memorable, the game's excessive self-indulgence weighs down the narrative with an overwhelming amount of unnecessary detail. Fans of Disco Elysium will likely find plenty to enjoy in ZA/UM's latest effort, but they shouldn't expect the same brilliance.

Stonemachia is a brutal and visceral dark fantasy that bravely strips away RPG bloat to focus entirely on a masterfully crafted, Sekiro-inspired parry system. Despite some structural missteps - such as the baffling lack of fast travel - its unsettling Italian folklore setting, shape-shifting combat mechanics, and relentless rhythmic swordplay make it an uncompromising and deeply rewarding experience.

It is undeniable that 007 First Light is a more than successful video game, one that blends the brilliance of this young Bond (magnificently portrayed by Patrick Gibson) with gameplay that works remarkably well, in a mix of explosive action, stealth, and swagger (in the best sense of the word). In our view, IO Interactive has won its bet: to create a cinematic, compelling video game capable of telling a solid spy story, packed with references that the most devoted fans will catch in their entirety. From a gameplay standpoint, 007 First Light adapts to the player's skill level and never feels like a prohibitively difficult experience, all the more so thanks to the difficulty selector. The time we spent in the company of James Bond was truly brilliant, despite a few minor technical imperfections that do not undermine the overall enjoyment of the game. IO Interactive's new take also opens the door to likely future installments — after all, with 007, there are plenty of stories left to tell. 007 First Light is a must-play for all fans of the franchise, but also for those who enjoy spy stories with intense action and who want to step into the shoes of a secret agent — charming and just a little reckless.

RUNE DICE is one of those games that arrives quietly and without much fanfare, yet still manages to win you over thanks to a simple but cleverly executed idea.It's the classic title that's perfect for a quick session, but one that easily turns into a long night of "just one more run and I'll stop."The game manages to transform a straightforward dice-based system into something genuinely strategic and engaging. Every run tells a slightly different story, built on luck, risk, and split-second decisions. It's not flawless — some structural limitations and a degree of repetitiveness do surface over time — but the fun it delivers easily outweighs these minor shortcomings.For fans of roguelikes and strategy games, RUNE DICE is undoubtedly a hidden gem worth keeping an eye on.

Mechanicus II delivers where it matters most: a deterministic tactical system that replaces dice rolls with genuine planning, and two campaigns asymmetric enough to feel like separate games sharing a story. The Necron late-game balance collapses under a single exploitable unit combination, and two hundred missions cannot hide that the textual events cycle through the same four options from start to finish. For a genre that too often mistakes complexity for depth, this is still one of the more honest tactical designs in recent years — just not a consistent one.

Nitro Gen Omega manages to win you over thanks to its strongly defined identity and its ability to blend strategy and storytelling in a coherent and engaging way. Some noticeable limitations remain, however: the depth of the combat system, while interesting and full of possibilities, can feel somewhat hard to read during the more hectic moments, making it difficult to immediately grasp all the variables at play, while certain animated sequences tend to repeat with some frequency, gradually losing part of their impact over time. Despite this, the overall experience remains thoroughly enjoyable, capable of entertaining and leaving a positive impression — especially for those who appreciate the genre and are looking for something with personality.

Vultures - Scavengers of Death pulls off an incredibly ambitious gamble, successfully blending the claustrophobic resource management of 90s survival horror with the deep, punishing mechanics of a turn-based tactical game. While the narrative is intentionally kept barebones and the code suffers from a few minor technical hiccups, the core gameplay loop is captivating. The brilliant implementation of noise management, anatomical targeting, and the strategic synergy between the two protagonists create a tense and highly rewarding experience. A clever, nostalgic, yet refreshing take on the zombie apocalypse that strategy fans shouldn't miss.

"Navigate toward the light when you don't know where to go." And this sentence probably describes in a coherent way the experience we lived: a voyage across the northern seas to accomplish a daring, courageous mission that shows just how strong a father's love can be. Will: Follow The Light, despite occasionally uneven pacing, puts an interesting story on the table, enriched by the solving of various puzzles and seafaring navigation that will make the player fall in love. A shame about some overly rigid sequences and gameplay mechanics that perhaps feel anchored to a previous generation. That said, our recommendation is to give the emotional waves of Will: Follow The Light a chance and let yourself be carried away by the mysteries this voyage brings with it.

Forza Horizon 6 is the pinnacle of the series in every respect. Technically, it builds on the already impressive performance of its predecessor (and goes even further on PC), leveraging its core formula and expanding it with explicitly tourism-focused activities. The car roster is very extensive, as is tradition, and the customization options further expand the range of driving styles, from pure arcade to semi-simulation. Forza Horizon 6 is the full realization of a gaming philosophy whose influence on racing games will endure for a long time.

Tales of Arise - Beyond The Dawn Edition remains the great game it already was upon its 2021 release, carrying over the many strengths and few flaws of the original edition. One of the most interesting entries in the Tales Of series arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 complete with its expansion, and it manages to do so competently, even though there are some technical limitations that are understandable, though not entirely painless. Bandai Namco Entertainment enriches the console’s catalog by showing that it took the adaptation process seriously, even if the gameplay conversion is simply identical to what we have already seen, without taking advantage of the specific features that make Switch 2 a unique gaming machine. Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn allows those who never played the original to experience the adventures of Alphen and Shionne on Nintendo’s hybrid console, but it does not offer many reasons to start a new playthrough if you have already thoroughly experienced it on other platforms. An excellent action JRPG with solid gameplay and a story that holds up almost all the time, presented here in its least performant version, yet still enjoyable.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is yet another demonstration of how Nintendo continues to be uniquely capable of transforming seemingly simple ideas into memorable experiences. Behind its vibrant colors and accessibility lies a surprisingly deep adventure, one that blends platforming, exploration, puzzles, and environmental interaction with disarming naturalness. But it is above all the extraordinary art direction that leaves a lasting impression: every scenario, animation, and detail feels as though it stepped straight out of an interactive fairy tale, giving the game an unmistakable personality and an enduring charm from start to finish. This is a game that aims not merely at immediate fun, but at that sense of continuous wonder that has always been the true strength of Nintendo's philosophy. Once again, the house of Kyoto has hit the mark, delivering a magical, creative, and personality-driven title destined to resonate far beyond its apparent simplicity.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the Batman game the medium has been waiting eleven years for. TT Games delivers it without betraying either the franchise or those coming from the Arkham series: the narrative holds through the credits, the mechanical system grows with the player, and every hour spent in Gotham returns something tangible. Stealth remains the package's structural weak point, and the PC port carries a technical debt that a studio with these ambitions shouldn't allow itself. Everything else is Batman done right: with respect for the source, without paralyzing reverence.