Mixtape is one of the most personal and emotionally resonant games I’ve played in years. Its experimental structure and collection of strange mini-games won’t work for everyone, but for me, every part of it clicked. The music, visual style, and coming-of-age story come together in a way that feels incredibly intimate and honest. It made me laugh, reflect on my own youth, and at times left me surprisingly emotional. Even though the story is rooted in a very specific time and place, the feelings behind it are universal. Mixtape won’t appeal to everyone, but if it connects with you, it will stay with you long after the final song fades out.

Kiln has a clever core idea and some real Double Fine magic behind it, but right now it feels a bit too limited. The pottery mechanics are great, the multiplayer can be fun, but the game could really use more content and variety to keep things interesting long-term.

In the end, Duck Side of the Moon is one of those experiences that thrives on its identity. It knows exactly what it wants to be, a slightly odd but thoughtful collectathon with a duck in space, and it delivers on that vision without overcomplicating things. The combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and understated storytelling creates a cohesive experience that’s easy to get lost in. There are moments where the pacing could feel a bit uneven, and the point-of-no-return system won’t be for everyone. But these are relatively minor bumps in an otherwise smooth journey. The game balances humor and sincerity successfully. It’s a rather complicated mix, but one that Duck Side of the Moon handles with surprising ease.

Adorable Adventures is indeed very adorable, but could have been a bit more adventurous with its mechanics. It has a very clever core mechanic, but it could have used a bit more variation to really stand out. Even so, it’s still a fun little adventure, especially for younger players.

Space Control has personality, a fun sci-fi setup, and solid voice work, but it never becomes as interactive or chaotic as it promises to be. The world is fun to visit, and the humor works most of the time. That being said, the physical interactions lack variation to stay fun for longer periods of time. Overall, I think that the simple tasks and passive pacing hold the game back too much. In the end, it works better in short bursts than as a full game.

Invincible VS is more than just an arcade fighting game. It’s a tribute to the original material. The characters have been given great animation, and even feature (most of) the original voice actors. While some are missing from the roster, the replacement voice actors do a remarkable job. The combat and most modes are what you would expect from an arcade fighter, but the story mode is a great addition that puts all the characters in the spotlight. It is somewhat short, though. It’s more like an episode of a show instead of an entire campaign. A good fighting game needs a strong community to succeed, so the coming months will show if Invincible VS will be a hit. But if what I played is anything to go by, I think most players who come to this release because they love the show, will stick around because they will also fall in love with this game.

OPUS: Prism Peak is not a game that tries to win you over right from the start. It takes its time to develop, and you’ll need some patience. In return, it offers something that feels personal, sometimes uncomfortably so. It’s a game about looking back, about the things we carry with us, and the ways we choose to frame them. That doesn’t mean it’s without flaws. The lack of clear direction can occasionally break immersion rather than enhance it, leaving you momentarily disconnected from the experience. There are stretches where the pacing dips, where the balance between exploration and progression feels slightly off. But those moments don’t define the game. In a landscape where games often feel the need to constantly guide, inform, and validate (or throw you off the deep end over and over again), something is refreshing about a title that’s willing to step back and let you find your own way. Even if that means getting a little lost along the journey, because that’s what being on a journey is all about, no?

The Spell Brigade offers an interesting twist on the survivor-like genre. The more intricate map design combined with the quest system adds more strategy to runs, but the slow unlocking of these systems and the lack of enemy variety make the game sometimes feel repetitive. The safe choice to not deviate too much from genre staples also adds to this feeling. Multiplayer is fun, but the lack of synergy between players makes it feel like you are just playing next to each other instead of working together. The game can be used as a social experience when you and your friends love to play survivor-like games, but don’t expect any big changes to an already existing formula.

Pokémon Champions is surprisingly accessible without spending any money if you’re a casual VGC enthusiast. Launching with a few bugs and less content than fans of the series expected, it’s clear that we’ll have to wait for future updates to know where the series is heading in this purely online competitive Pokémon game. The fact that you can play the game without importing from Home by recruiting and tweaking stats on the fly makes this game a very competitive hub for the series. We hope future monetisation plans will not eventually wring out casual players from the game’s population. A tailored selection of Pokémon and items for this first season has both casual and competitive fans creating a brand-new meta for competitive play, and while it falls short in some areas, the game has the potential to become the ultimate generation-spanning battle arena for everyone.

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes doesn’t change the key ingredients of the Little Nightmares franchise, but puts you in the middle of the horrors. It’s very immersive, more direct, and sometimes a bit rough because of it. Not everything works perfectly, but it’s one of the most memorable VR games out there for sure.

Saros stands out as a must-play for fans of the genre and a worthy successor to Returnal, pushing roguelike shooters forward with confidence and style.

Ultimately, Shapez 2 is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s not here to tell a grand story or dazzle you with spectacle. Instead, it offers a space to think, to experiment, and to create systems that are uniquely your own. And in a landscape where bigger often tries to mean better, there’s power in not trying to do so. Because sometimes, all you really need is a few shapes, a handful of belts, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that, for once, everything is running exactly as it should. Excel, hidden in a ga- oh, no wait, that was Europa Universalis.

Tides of Tomorrow introduces one of the most interesting gameplay mechanics in years, but it’s not without its flaws. The story lacks some depth, and the gameplay loop can become repetitive a bit too quickly. That being said, it still stands out as one of the more unique games out there and deserves credit for that. If you’re looking to try something different, this might be worth your time.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream delivers on its promises. It’s a fun way to design a world with characters you’ve envisioned. Whether you want to base your creations on existing people or make something original, the Mii creation screen is detailed enough to make your wildest dreams come true. The city builder is also intuitive and easy to use, making city management feel great in practice. While interaction between Miis is clearly the star of the show, the lack of goals or quests can sometimes make the game feel a bit repetitive. However, if you are intrinsically motivated and able to set your own goals in a sandbox world, I have no doubt that you will be able to lose yourself in Tomodachi Life for hours on end.

The Day I Became a Bird is a wonderful adaptation of a delightful children’s graphic novel. The gameplay isn’t challenging, but it perfectly supports the concept of putting the story front and centre. The additional story elements that extend the gameplay also deepen the player’s connection with the story; they don’t feel like filler. I didn’t expect that a book could be adapted into a game with so much care for the original text while still creating something new. This is even true when the art style is changed to something more befitting of a game.

Despite a minor hiccup with a save issue, the overall polish and responsiveness from the developers leave a strong impression. For players who enjoy narrative- driven investigations with psychological depth, this is a journey well worth taking.

Gecko Gods by Inresin might not be perfect because of some camera and control issues, but it is a great showcase of great world and level design, taking some well-thought-out lessons from other games in the genre. Choosing a Gecko as the main character might be ambitious because of the wall and ceiling climbing that comes with it, but when it clicks, Gecko Gods lets the neurons in your lizard brain fire at full speed. With some great puzzles sprinkled in to keep the inner ape awake.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire is one of those rare games that feels fully formed, not just in its individual parts, but in how those parts come together. It’s a shooter, yes, but it’s also a character study, a stylistic experiment, and a love letter to a form of animation that rarely gets this kind of attention in games. It feels tailored for me, as a person, and it’s well worth the wait. By combining a strong narrative structure with expressive gameplay and a truly unique visual identity, it stands out in an increasingly crowded genre.

Replaced is a seamless experience that grabs your attention from the outset and doesn’t let go. The seamless platforming and combat make you feel like an action star in one of your favorite blockbusters, a sensation enhanced by the excellent 2.5D visual style, which sometimes uses camera angles inspired by movies to heighten the action. There’s no doubt that REPLACED will become a go-to reference for anyone wanting to show that pixel graphics can be just as beautiful as realistic 3D. This modern-day classic has already made its way to the top of my Game of the Year list, and it will be hard to dethrone.

Pragmata dares to be different and commits to it from start to finish. Its blend of action and hacking creates something that feels fresh and surprisingly natural once it clicks. Combine that with memorable characters and plenty of hidden secrets, and you’re in for a wild ride. It’s not flawless, but it’s one of the most original and engaging games I’ve played in a long time.

In the end, the game succeeds in expanding the Greedfall universe with meaningful ideas and player agency, but it falls slightly short of its full potential due to a lack of polish and consistency in key areas.

Modulus: Factory Automation is one of those rare games that feels completely confident in what it wants to be. It doesn’t chase scale, nor does it rely on pressure. It’s not here to overwhelm you with unnecessary systems. Instead, it focuses on intentional design, creative freedom, spatial problem-solving, and, in doing so, executes on all three with remarkable precision. For players who love factory games, puzzle design, or just the satisfaction of building something that works, this is an easy recommendation.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection gives these games the second chance they deserved. The core gameplay still stands, and the added quality-of-life features make it easier to get into. It’s not perfect though, and some rough edges are still hard to ignore. A great collection for fans, but definitely not for everyone.

Out of all the Forza Horizon games, this easily feels like the most iconic and diverse map so far, and I enjoyed every minute of it. [Hands-On Impressions]

Darwin’s Paradox! doesn’t always get the basics right, but it makes up for it with creativity and character. It’s rough in places, yet hard to put down once it gets going. A flawed but enjoyable game.

A more complete version of an already strong game, with enough changes to make it worth coming back to. A no-brainer for survival horror fans.

GRIDBeat! is a well-designed hybrid that understands both halves of its identity, rhythm, and dungeon crawling, and manages to fuse them into something genuinely engaging. It refines the genre in a way that feels fresh. The gameplay is tight, the music is integral, and the overall experience hits that sweet spot between challenge and satisfaction. Most importantly, it finds that elusive rhythm game magic, that moment where everything clicks, and you stop thinking and play. And when a game gets you there? That’s when you know it’s doing something right.

Screamer is a unique racing game that makes bold promises about its gameplay and storyline. The twin-stick approach to drifting and driving makes the cars feel like no other, and you can sometimes feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins during races. However, the story has a slow build-up, and while it is unique to have every character speak in their native language, it can also be tiring. A smaller selection of languages would have been a better choice. It’s also strange to include offensive driving and leave it out of most of the story mode. This wouldn’t matter much if it weren’t for the difficulty spikes in the opponent AI, which made me want to see them crash and burn in a fiery explosion. But when it’s just me and my car on the asphalt, the high-octane action even manages to bring a smile to my sometimes frustrated face.

Life is Strange: Reunion wraps up the story of Max and Chloe in roughly 9 hours. It’s best experienced in one or two sittings to maintain its emotional momentum. While it never quite reaches the high standard set by the original game, it remains an enjoyable and worthwhile conclusion. Just don’t expect particularly challenging choices or complex time-bending puzzles.

The Division Resurgence had every reason to be a compromise. A lighter version. A stripped-down experiment. Instead, it’s something far more ambitious; we got a mobile game that genuinely understands what makes The Division work, and manages to translate that into a portable format without losing its identity. No, it’s not perfect, and yes, the monetization lingers. But, we got touch controls, while solid, they can’t fully replace a controller. And performance will vary depending on your device. But the core experience? It’s shockingly intact. Ubisoft successfully brought The Division to mobile devices. There’s just one problem. My phone battery didn’t sign up for this (so keep that in mind when playing games like these). If you look past that small hiccup, you get a bold, content-rich mobile adaptation that captures the essence of The Division remarkably well, even if your battery life may never forgive you.

Super Meat Boy 3D is a return to form for the cube of meat brought to life. The levels are exactly what you’d expect: challenging platforming sequences that demand your maximum effort as a gamer. The gameplay is smooth, and Meat Boy himself is a joy to control, with the addition of a dash being particularly notable, while the wall run feels somewhat underwhelming. The transition to 3D works well, supported by a vibrant visual style and strong level design, despite a lack of musical variety. If you enjoy demanding platformers, Super Meat Boy 3D might be the perfect torture device.

So, to conclude! GRIME II is a fascinating, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately worthwhile experience. It builds on the original in meaningful ways, especially in its gameplay systems and world-building. The mold system, which absorbs enemies and turns them into tools, is a standout mechanic that adds both depth and identity. The world is rich, strange, and consistently intriguing. And the studio behind it clearly understands what makes this universe unique. But it’s not without its flaws. The lack of direct storytelling can make the experience feel distant at times, especially for players who prefer a more guided narrative. The difficulty curve, while not unexpected, can feel uneven. And the grind required for certain upgrades occasionally disrupts the flow. Still, there’s something here that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, maybe it’s the mechanics, or maybe it’s just the sheer commitment to doing something different. Whatever it is, GRIME II earns its place, not as a flawless sequel, but as a bold one.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park feels like the definitive version of one of the best modern Mario games. While returning players might have hoped for more new content, what’s here is polished, creative, and a lot of fun. If you missed the original release, this is an easy recommendation.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits feels right at home on Nintendo Switch 2 and still offers an adventure that’s well worth experiencing. While there are some minor technical hiccups and a noticeable visual downgrade compared to PlayStation 5, none of it takes away from the charm, atmosphere, and satisfying gameplay.

Minishoot’ Adventure offers a unique mix of twin-stick shooting and classic adventure that works surprisingly well. It doesn’t try to impress with visuals or complexity, but instead focuses on delivering a charming and rewarding experience. Some repetition holds it back slightly, but at its price, this is an adventure that’s absolutely worth your time.

The gaming landscape rarely sees a PvP first-person extraction shooter like Bungie’s new Marathon. It blends fun, engaging gameplay with fast-paced matches and smartly chosen mission structures. Tao Ceti IV feels like a vision of the future that we haven’t already encountered in sci-fi, boasting a unique visual design and a futuristic soundtrack that shapes the atmosphere like no other. I really hope this game finds a consistent player base, because I want Marathon to stick around and show me more of its world for years to come.

It’s haunting, flawed, but undeniably memorable. And that makes Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake not an easy game to recommend universally, but it is an easy game to respect. It captures a horror style that feels increasingly rare in the action-horror landscape: slow, careful, and deeply unsettling. Its story lingers, and its atmosphere suffocates while the core mechanic remains as unique and compelling as ever. At the same time, it doesn’t escape the limitations of its design. Combat can be awkward, difficulty spikes feel punishing, and its systems aren’t always as intuitive as they could be, especially for newcomers. But for those willing to meet it on its terms, this is a haunting experience that you’ll remember after completing it. All in all, it’s a beautifully reimagined classic that excels in atmosphere and storytelling, but struggles with clunky combat and accessibility, making it a better fit for seasoned horror fans than first-time players.

Hermit and Pig is a whimsical adventure RPG that kept me engaged throughout. The unique take on turn-based combat creates a sense of urgency, and I can only praise the decision to make conversation look like a battle. Even though combat became a bit repetitive for me after the halfway point, the story kept me engaged and made me laugh out loud. If you’ve ever thought about searching for magic mushrooms yourself, don’t! Stay inside and play this game instead.

Project Songbird starts off feeling like it could be a new entry in Life is Strange, but quickly takes a much darker turn, evolving into a focused and unsettling psychological horror experience. Over the course of its roughly 5–7 hour runtime, it delivers a journey that leans heavily on atmosphere, introspection, and a constant sense of unease...Fans of psychological horror will appreciate both the subtle and more direct nods to genre staples, while the game’s more personal themes help it carve out an identity of its own. It’s not without its rough edges, but Project Songbird still stands as an impressive achievement from Fyre Games… and a strong reminder of what a solo developer can deliver.

Crimson Desert is an ambitious and visually impressive sandbox that excels in delivering exciting combat, player freedom, and a richly interactive, immersive world. Its bold vision and emphasis on exploration and player choice stand out as its greatest strengths, offering a unique and experimental experience with countless ways to approach the world. However, clunky mechanics, sometimes overwhelming systems, and a weaker narrative hold it back from greatness. While it may not satisfy those seeking a deep RPG or story-driven experience, it remains a rewarding adventure for players who highly value freedom and immersion, even if it won’t appeal to everyone.

Scott Pilgrim EX follows the beat ’em up genre without pushing its boundaries, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. Instead, it focuses on delivering exactly what fans want: fast-paced brawling, memorable characters, stylish pixel art, and a soundtrack that keeps the energy high from start to finish. There are a few rough edges, though, since some stages feel slightly longer than they need to be (especially with the quest directions being a bit ambiguous sometimes), and multiplayer combat can occasionally become visually overwhelming. But those issues rarely get in the way of the game’s core strengths. At its best, Scott Pilgrim EX captures the feeling of sitting on a couch with friends, controllers in hand, laughing at the ridiculous chaos unfolding on screen. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of game you need.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun was already one of the best stealth strategy games ever made. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition presents it in its most polished and accessible form yet. It brings a combination of thoughtful controls, stable performance, and the flexibility of handheld play, making this version an excellent way to experience the game; whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning after years away. More importantly, the core experience is still just as strong: a slow and deliberate mix of patience, planning, and well-timed tactics. Few games reward careful thinking quite like Shadow Tactics, and even nearly ten years later, it still holds up incredibly well.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 definitely succeeds in what it set out to do: bringing a beloved entry in the series to a new generation on the current systems while giving longtime fans a polished reason to revisit Kiryu’s story. The visual improvements, detailed recap system, and fluid/simple combat make the experience welcoming and entertaining, while the series’ signature blend of intense drama and absurd humor remains as charming as ever. At the same time, some elements, like the Dark Ties chapter and main character development, feel like missed opportunities to dig deeper into the emotional core of the story. Still, thanks to its engaging combat, memorable characters, and improved presentation, the remake stands as a solid entry in the franchise. It may not reach the heights of the very best Yakuza titles, but it’s a worthwhile journey for both newcomers and returning fans.

Collector’s Cove offers a relaxing, cozy gameplay loop that easily made me lose track of time, especially thanks to its tropical atmosphere and laid-back pace. Unfortunately, a lack of variation and a few technical hiccups prevent it from reaching the heights of the genre’s best entries. Still, if you’re looking for a cozy game on a budget, this might be the one for you.

Pokémon Pokopia feels like a bit of a radical step for the franchise. By removing battles and focusing entirely on creativity, cooperation, and environmental restoration, it reimagines what a Pokémon game can be. What did we get? A game that feels comforting yet ambitious. How? Well, it may look simple on the surface, but it is surprisingly deep once you start experimenting with its systems. Cozy gamers will find a well-filled sandbox, full of charm, while Pokémon fans will discover a world that finally lets them live alongside their favourite creatures rather than command them. And perhaps most impressively, Pokopia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the games that inspired it. It combines both the warmth of Animal Crossing and the creativity of Dragon Quest Builders, but it ultimately becomes something entirely on its own. Pokopia is one of the most refreshing Pokémon games in years. And if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make some more houses for my Pokémon.

Tales of Berseria Remastered brings one of the best stories in the franchise to modern consoles, but the Nintendo Switch version never quite feels like a true remaster. Content-wise, there are some welcome quality-of-life improvements, yet graphical hiccups and a capped framerate prevent it from fully living up to that label. It’s still one of the strongest stories the series has to offer, but sadly not the best remaster.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection demonstrates that the series has really come into its own in recent years. With its engaging story, strong visuals, and excellent soundtrack, it immerses you in a wonderful world filled with unique creatures. The Monsterpedia offers a great mix of classic monsters and newer additions from more recent titles. Combat can feel a bit random at first during clashes, but once you unlock the Rite of Channeling, you can customize your Monsties to your heart’s content. If you’re looking to dive into this vibrant world and push back against the encroaching threat, this is an easy Recommendation.

Resident Evil Requiem is the new blueprint for what survival horror should be. Capcom really delivered with its dual perspective, offering extreme horror on one side and over-the-top action on the other. It’s the perfect marriage of the two Resident Evil styles, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. There are small letdowns in the story that prevent me from giving it a perfect score, but this one is a no-brainer nevertheless. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is a must-have.

Planet of Lana II stays true to its original vision while carefully expanding upon it. Instead of starting over, Wishfully tweaks it all while addressing critiques of the first game and delivering a more varied, more in-depth experience without sacrificing its familiarity and fitting charm. The added mobility, more layered puzzles, and greater variety in environments help the sequel feel more dynamic overall. Anyone who enjoys thoughtful platforming puzzles wrapped in a cinematic, emotionally driven story will find much to appreciate in Planet of Lana II.

Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is a promising debut for Quillo Entertainment. The game looks and sounds great, and its hand-drawn art style makes it stand out from other indie games. While the initial story isn’t particularly original compared to other titles in the genre, its twists and turns become more creative and entertaining the further you progress in the game. That said, the minigames could have done with a bit more work and polish. This could be due to the long development cycle. However, a bit more focus on which minigames to include and how to present them would have elevated this title from good to great for me. If you want to experience Apopia for yourself, you can buy it on Steam for Mac and PC. There is even a demo that includes the prologue, so if you’re hesitant, you can see if the game satisfies your sweet tooth before buying it.

Whether you’re revisiting the game from 2004 or you’re a young trainer who would like to know how the pinnacle of classic Pokémon plays like, FireRed or LeafGreen is the way to go. You’ll find them on the eShop for $20 each. The price is up for discussion, and I leave that up to you on some forum, but I do understand that the decision raises some eyebrows. The reason they’re not included in the NSO is probably because that system allows “rewinds and save states”. Something GameFreak isn’t keen on. And with the addition of the Pokémon Home compatibility, which will be able to receive Pokémon from these re-releases, it’s only fair. Home will probably be able to send Pokémon to the upcoming Pokémon Champions game, which will be a competitive game in the series, so I understand the fairness in teambuilding that is implied with this decision. Now we need Pokémon Emerald to complete the set of Advance games to fully explore the classic Pokémon feel.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is an enhanced version of a good JRPG that could have elevated it to greatness, but it left me wanting more on some of the promises made. The story remains the game’s highlight, with intriguing plot development, great new characters and locations, and a dungeon as icing on the cake. However, the combat feels repetitive and button-mashy at times, so some new mechanics would have been welcome alongside the further skill mastery and mana hold. The graphics are also a mixed bag: the character design and cutscenes are great, but the muddy textures sometimes made me wonder if this was a current-gen game. This may be limited to the Switch 2 version that I played, but I think Ys X: Proud Nordics would have benefited from more development time and a longer break after the first game, which is still fresh in the minds of most fans.

Tokyo Scramble starts with a few interesting ideas, but it never manages to make them entertaining. Between the messy story, unclear stealth, recycled enemies, and a gameplay loop that quickly wears thin, this ends up feeling unfinished. I kept waiting for it to click, but in the end, it simply didn’t.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is still a fantastic RPG, and the jump to 60fps on Switch 2 genuinely makes a huge difference. Sadly, the strange upscaling in handheld holds this version back from feeling truly definitive. Docked looks great, portable less so. With a patch, this could easily be fixed, but right now it feels like an upgrade with rough edges, and that’s a shame for a game this iconic.

High on Life 2 is bigger and louder than the first game, but it also feels more considered. Movement finally matters and feels tight while exploration feeds back into progression in meaningful ways. The humor is still relentless, but it’s paced better, and the world gives you more space to exist between jokes. It’s not flawless. I ran into performance hiccups on Xbox, and not every gag lands. Some fights still drift into visual overload. But I never felt bored, and I never felt like the game was coasting on novelty alone. If you enjoyed the first game’s energy, this gives you more of that but with better flow and stronger structure underneath. If you already hated the talking guns, you won’t last long here.

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition does Ubisoft’s old mascot proud. It is one of the most complete packages for those who want to revisit Rayman’s history. It includes five versions of the original title, extra levels, and a prototype. There is plenty of gameplay and even more time to spend with the character, especially if you watch the history documentary. It is a little strange, however, that Ubisoft didn’t include the complete original soundtrack for this game. On the plus side, though, a whole new generation can now discover Rayman and hopefully inspire a new release… For now, though, let’s keep our fingers crossed and enjoy our trip down memory lane.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is not a game you rush through. It doesn’t hand you the ending, it invites you to dive for it, piece by piece, like a diver searching for a lost pearl. Its pacing can be deliberate, its story demanding, and its branches sometimes unfurl more slowly than players might expect, but there’s elegance in that patience. This is a game that doesn’t rely on cheap scares or gimmicks. It leans into mythic depth, human emotion, and story mechanics that respect the player’s intelligence. It draws you into a world that feels real, yet steeped in the uncanny, and it stays with you long after the ending, gently urging you back for another dive. And please, search for the True Ending. It’s so worth looking into the mechanics behind it. Trust me.

Halfway through the game, I stopped comparing it to the big God of War entries and just let it be what it is; that helped a lot. Some fights could’ve hit harder. A few bosses are cool in the moment but don’t really stick. The map made me circle back more than once, wondering if I missed something obvious. And yet… I kept going. It’s not spectacular. It’s not one of those “you have to play this” entries in the franchise. But it’s a solid, surprisingly thoughtful Metroidvania with Kratos at the center, and once I met it on its own terms, I genuinely enjoyed my time with it.

Nioh 3 proves to be more than just another Souls-like entry in an abundant genre. Nioh 3 turns out to be an experience that was both rewarding and deeply engaging. Its greatest strength lies in its combat depth. The dual-stance system—Samurai and Ninja—creates a dynamic back-and-forth that forces players to think, adapt, and master timing rather than rely solely on button-mashing. The KI system, switching between stances, varied weapons types, Ninjutsu, martial arts abilities, talent tree, and expansive build options ensure that no two battles feel the same. Boss fights are challenging yet fair, offering flexibility and strategic freedom that make victories feel earned rather than frustrating.

With Gear.Club Unlimited 3, nothing gets reinvented, but plenty gets refined. The addition of Japan, a tighter Career flow, Highway Mode, and deeper customization give the game more variety and confidence, while Switch 2 finally lets it run the way it should. It’s an accessible racer with enough depth for car fans and competitive players alike, and an easy entry point for families. Not groundbreaking, just solid, polished, and comfortable in its own lane.

Styx: Blades of Greed successfully brings the goblin anti-hero back into the spotlight with refined mechanics, strong vertical level design, and flexible stealth gameplay. The addition of Quartz abilities adds fresh tactical options, and the semi-open environments encourage exploration more than ever before. However, while the game plays smoothly and offers a consistently enjoyable stealth experience, it rarely dares to surprise. The core loop begins to feel repetitive, and the innovation expected after such a long hiatus simply isn’t fully realised. For fans of the series, this is a worthy continuation. For the genre at large, it’s a solid entry rather than a defining one.

If you’re buying a Switch 2 primarily for family play and social sessions, this is a top-tier pick. It’s one of those rare Nintendo titles that comfortably spans age groups: kids giggle and learn quickly; adults find the depth keeps giving. If you’re a competitive player, the ranked mode and crisp core mechanics offer a rewarding ladder to climb, though the lack of lab-grade analytics might push power users to third-party tools for deeper study. In short: Mario Tennis: Fever is easy to learn, hard to master, and, most importantly, built to be played with other people. It preserves Mario’s charm while delivering actual mechanical depth. Whether you want short bursts of chaotic couch fun with your kids, a mini-tournament with friends, or a longer grind in ranked matches, the game gives you all of it with Nintendo’s usual polish. It’s charmingly domestic, deceptively deep, and a multiplayer delight, making it a solid must-play this year. Just ask yourself this: Do I want to fork over 60-70 bucks for a tennis game? Because it’s still a tennis game, even though it’s one of the best tennis games Nintendo has ever put out.

Crimson Capes is a game overflowing with ideas, systems, and artistic ambition. Its combat mechanics are deep, its world is thoughtfully constructed, and its visual style stands out in an increasingly crowded genre. Unfortunately, all of that potential is weighed down by a difficulty curve that actively undermines enjoyment. If Poor Locke manages to rebalance the experience, Crimson Capes could grow into something special. As it stands now, playing it feels more like work than discovery. So I’ll wait until people who are probably better than me at this game work out how to beat the bosses I’m stuck on, and I’ll revisit the game later. However, this leads me to give this game, in its current state, a grade lower than I initially thought.

REANIMAL is Tarsier Studios at their darkest, and at their most confident. It takes familiar ideas and expands them into something bigger, scarier, and more deliberate. It’s not perfect, but its atmosphere, co-op design, and standout set pieces left a strong impression. One of the most memorable modern horror games I’ve played in a while.

What ultimately defines The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is its willingness to lean into the messy, unpredictable chaos of its themes. This is a game that thrives on unevenness, unfair boss fights, delightful absurdity, random map generation, and moments that make you throw your controller only to pick it up again with stubborn determination. It isn’t polished to a sheen, nor does it always feel fair, but it understands its own tone and purpose, and the developer acknowledges this throughout the game. Fletcher’s Quest is a game that feels like its own critique: uncomfortably familiar to anyone who’s lived through crunch, burned out, or felt their own creativity turn into an adversary. Well, hello, therapy and burnout, good to see you again, but gamified this time.

My Hero Academia: All’s Justice packs in a lot of content and lets fans play through the final arc of one of the biggest anime and manga series around. There’s plenty here to keep fans busy, unfortunately, the overall quality doesn’t always keep up. Recommended for fans but not for everyone.

ANTHEM#9 doesn’t chase mainstream appeal. It complicates the familiar, bends genre expectations, and asks players to think more deeply rather than just play harder. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and it’s proudly distinctive, which are qualities that will delight some and frustrate others. There are rough edges: the UI occasionally buries information you want to see, and the early learning curve can feel opaque. But these are the trade-offs for a game that dares to be smarter than its peers. In a climate that often favours easy accessibility, ANTHEM#9’s refusal to dumb down its systems is both its greatest asset and its biggest barrier. For strategy lovers, deck-build aficionados, and anyone who enjoys the sweet tension where puzzle and combat collide, ANTHEM#9 is a gem worth digging into.

In Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Square Enix once again proves its ability to do a remake justice. The new orchestral soundtrack and handcrafted visual style not only elevate the immersion, but also make the game more enjoyable. The changes that streamline both story and gameplay also make the transition to newer hardware much more enjoyable. Combined with the deep accessibility options that let you adjust the difficulty and the episodic structure of the separate islands, this makes for a long RPG that even the busiest players will be able to enjoy at their own pace. If the quality of recent Dragon Quest games sets a new standard, I can’t wait to see what the teams at Square Enix will show us next.

As a remaster, Fighting Force Collection does exactly what it needs to do. Both games run well, look as good as possible, and are presented in a way that respects their original form. There are no game-breaking issues, no lazy emulation shortcuts, and no technical excuses. This is a competent, respectful revival. Where the first Fighting Force remains the clear highlight: still fun, still chaotic, and still best enjoyed with a second player on the couch. It’s proof that good core design can outlast technical limitations. The second game? It’s… fine. Functional. Interesting in a historical sense. But also a strong example of why some games are better remembered than replayed. And that’s okay. Not every classic needs to be reinvented, and not every sequel deserves the same reverence as its predecessor. The Fighting Force Collection succeeds because it lets you experience both and decide for yourself. So, what you get is a solid, enjoyable remaster anchored by a genuinely fun original game, slightly dragged down by a sequel that time hasn’t been kind to. Yes, it’s worth playing, worth remembering, just maybe not worth revisiting everything.

I Hate This Place has a strong identity and some genuinely compelling ideas. Its early hours make effective use of sound, darkness, and isolation, and its visual style gives it a personality that’s hard to ignore. But the systems underneath don’t push back hard enough to sustain that tension. Survival becomes comfortable, and for a horror game, that’s just a shame and something I can’t ignore. I didn’t hate my time with I Hate This Place, but it could have been so much better.

2XKO is a fun arcade fighter and a great introduction to the genre for newcomers. The Fuse tag-team mechanics offer a fresh take on the existing formula and provide plenty of strategic depth, whether you’re playing alone or with a friend. Match and lobby creation is seamless, even when playing cross-platform. The free-to-play model doesn’t restrict access to major content. Everything can be unlocked by playing; it just takes longer to unlock characters this way. However, if you enjoy playing it as much as I do, spending time on it won’t be an issue. If you want to try out 2XKO, it’s available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Code Vein II clearly wants to be more than a continuation of the first game. The shift in structure gives the world more room to breathe, and the combat still rewards players who like to adjust, experiment, and find their own rhythm. But that extra space comes at a cost. The open world softens the pressure that once kept everything moving forward, and the technical rough edges tend to show up exactly when clarity matters most. I enjoyed my time with Code Vein II, even when it tested my patience. I just kept thinking how much stronger it could have been with a tighter focus.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains a deeply comforting experience, and in 2026, it’s still easy to get lost on your island. The free 3.0 update adds meaningful content and long-requested quality-of-life improvements that certainly offer more than enough content for both new and returning players. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition itself is more modest, focusing on stability, visual clarity, and convenience rather than new gameplay. Together, they form the most complete and comfortable version of New Horizons to date.

Big Hops isn’t trying to reinvent 3D platforming. It’s refining a specific sensation; that satisfaction of staying in motion, of choosing flow over correction, and of trusting your hands to figure things out before your head does.