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.