I can’t think of a game that does a better job of constantly applying pressure, leaving you with an overwhelming sense of dread, than Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes. There are enough scenarios and options to keep things fresh even after dozens of runs, and I really love the combat that leaves you truly fighting for survival until the last second. This certainly isn’t a game to play to relax, but for those who want an interesting management game that offers a unique feel, you’ll find it here, whether you’re a fan of Battlestar Galactica or not.

Those issues aside, though, I truly adored Sigma Star Saga DX. It’s fun, full of great characters and storytelling, and it’s a wholly unique hybrid of top-down exploration and Shmup combat. I enjoyed this adventure so much that I truly hope we get a modern sequel. For everyone who missed out on this adventure the first time around, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It’s one of the very best games published by WayForward.

I had a blast with The Rogue Prince of Persia. While I’ve enjoyed other games by Evil Empire, this was truly a game that showed what they’re capable of, and has me even more excited for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. This is a gorgeous, challenging, and fulfilling rogue-like adventure that’s very approachable. So even if you’re new to the franchise, this is a must-play adventure.

All things considered, though, I still had a lot of fun playing Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege. It’s a great ode to many classic NES series that plays like it was made during that era, which I suspect is the point. While the hint system is annoying and the bosses were a mixed bag, this is still a great adventure that any fan of retro games should enjoy.

That the ending is a bit unsatisfying and the game is fairly one dimensional doesn’t change that Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta offers excellent combat and a very fun story up until the end. With excellent foes, an interesting world, and unique insight into Adol’s character, this is a chapter in his life story that any fan of the series should absolutely explore. It does a satisfying job of providing a definitive take on this part of Adol’s journey.

Even though it’s too short, Dosa Divas is still an adventure I’m happy to recommend. It’s colorful, contends with some unique themes, and is all told through a colorful lens we need more of in gaming. So long as you can look past the shortcomings, this is a wonderful JRPG from Outerloop Games.

Pragmata is Capcom’s biggest swing at a new IP in years, and the wait was well worth it. Basing the entire combat loop around a real-time hacking minigame was a risk, but it stays engaging for the entire playthrough. I really hope Capcom gets to make a sequel, because there’s an amazing foundation here, and I’m not ready to leave Diana behind just yet.

Even though it wasn’t quite a perfect experience, I’m never someone to let perfection be the enemy of the good. People of Note is a stellar adventure, with an engrossing story, nuanced characters, deep combat and incredible music. While the puzzles can be a little frustrating, the combat could be a bit more compelling and I encountered some gameplay quirks, overall this is an adventure that’s incredibly easy to recommend. Here’s looking forward to Iridium Studios’ next performance!

Toxic Commando is a solid mix of the thrills of a co-op extraction shooter and the avaricious joys of the loot n' shooter. Every level has plenty to do and goodies to collect, with a good variety between high-octane driving sections and hard-fought point defence against waves of undead. Carpenter has displayed that his action-adventure chops are just as formidable in the gaming realm as they are on the silver screen.

Despite some issues that hold the game back, Death Howl is still a remarkable adventure. It stands apart from other examples of the genre, boldly mixing deckbuilder, tactics and Souls-like seamlessly. It’s a story with a heroine you’ll root for, set in a fanciful world full of strange creatures. The game will grab you emotionally, and force you to push past your uncertainty to reach the end. Just don’t expect this to be a simple or relaxing journey, since it will demand everything to reunite Ro with Olvi.

Tales of Berseria Remastered may be the least necessary or helpful remaster I’ve ever played, but it’s still a good RPG well worth playing for those who missed it the first time around. Too many one-dimensional dungeons and combat, which, at times, is too complex for its own good, stop it from reaching greatness, but its unique story and cast of characters set it apart from the genre and make it well worth your time.

Ys X: Proud Nordics may not feel essential as an update, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that this is still a very good game. While Ys X may be my least favorite of the three most recent Ysgames, those are fantastic RPGs, and Ys X isn’t far from the high bar they set. Fans of the series who missed this one the first time around will do well to jump in and sail these dangerous seas.

Despite some missed opportunities, Super Bomberman Collection is an incredibly strong group of games available at a super reasonable price. There’s no game in this collection that isn’t at least fun to play and the best games here are some of the best multiplayer titles ever released. Super Bomberman Collection is available now digitally, and while a physical release isn’t coming until August, it’s available for preorder now. Fans will get a wonderful dose of nostalgia and those who are new to the series could hardly ask for a better entryway into the world of Bomberman.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse may not be as consistently creepy as its predecessor, but it is just as enjoyable with an arguably more coherent storyline, singular goal between protagonists, and characters you want to invest in. The tricks we found novel in the first game are still surprising in the second game (despite our awareness of their existence), the writing still superb, and the aesthetics still engaging. If you’re looking for a visual novel to get utterly sucked into, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse beckons…

While its underwhelming boss battles and environmental design feel like a small step back from previous entries, Resident Evil Requiem is an equally terrifying and thrilling installment in Capcom’s long-running survival horror saga. With a lengthy campaign that blends the original trilogy’s tense, methodical exploration with the action-packed set pieces that define the franchise’s modern offerings, Requiem also delivers a gripping story, making it a must-play entry that honors the series’ survival horror legacy while pushing it forward in an exciting new direction.

It’s engaging, challenging, disturbing and full of intense storytelling. For gamers who persist through the adventure, you’ll find a unique experience that’s unforgettable. Just don’t expect to sleep well after you roll credits.

When all is said and done, Lovish is a spectacular game. It’s colorful, creative, funny and easy to play in short bursts. Not only is this one of the best games I’ve played from DANGEN Entertainment and LABS Works, but it’s just engaging and very easy to recommend. Any fan of retro or platformers absolutely needs to own this crazy love letter to the genre.

If, for some reason, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN isn't one of your new favorite Suda51 games, you at least can't deny that it's greatly benefitted from Grasshopper Manufacture's decades of experience in producing the Kill the Past universe. In some ways, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN feels like a sort of culmination of it all, bringing in the best bits from other titles and improving upon the rest. ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is as easy to recommend to Suda51 newcomers as Lollipop Chainsaw while providing a plethora of KTP easter eggs for long-time fans to discover. ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is to Grasshopper Manufacture as The Great Wave off Kanagawa is to Hokusai -- the game is only this good (and believe me, it is GOOD) because of all the incredible experiences that built it. Play ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN on whichever platform you must (PS5 felt fantastic), but to be clear: PLAY IT.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is essential as a complete narrative package. It takes the heart of the series, Kiryu’s struggle to find peace, and gives it the presentation it deserves. Dark Ties puts the spotlight on an underutilized and misunderstood antagonist in a campaign that is over all too soon. If you don’t mind some of RGG Studio’s choices regarding casting and delisting Yakuza 3 Remastered, then I’d say this is a must-play.

Gripes around accessibility aside, Team Ninja can comfortably take a bow, having finally achieved the full potential for this wonderful series with Nioh 3.

Honestly, I could keep on talking and talking about Woolhaven, even now. It’s just a massive addition to the core game, and it stands on its own two feet incredibly well. I beat the original in 20 hours, and am 20+ into this DLC. There’s new characters, Fleeces, Curses, Tarot Cards and Relics, with the gameplay loop more addictive than it’s ever been.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a shining example of why this iconic series endures. Its development team understands that you don’t need overly complex progression or to reinvent the wheel in the storytelling department, and the result is one of the purest, most endearing JRPGs I’ve played in recent memory that both fans of the original and newcomers will enjoy in equal measures.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade offers a fantastic journey on the Switch 2 which is a must-play for anyone who still hasn’t been able to dive into this modern take on an all-time classic. It comfortably sits among the most impressive experiences I’ve had on Nintendo’s latest system thus far.

I have my issues with some of the pacing choices in MIO: Memories in Orbit, particularly in the game’s early hours, and I think some of its systems don’t add much to the overall experience, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a beautifully made Metroidvania which always feels excellent in your hands and which makes a lot of smart design choices. Fans who have finished Silksong and are craving their next fix should absolutely give it a look.

While I’m a bit surprised by the fact Cross Blitz still has more story to tell, I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t a fan of the game. I had no real familiarity with the developer, Tako Boy Studios, before playing this game, but now I’m definitely a fan. This is a robust, complex and challenging digital card game, and one I’d be happy to play on consoles. Here’s hoping it finds a satisfying way to end this journey sometime very soon.

Not only was MARVEL Cosmic Invasion more than worth the wait, it’s easily the best beat ’em up I’ve played all year. It’s clear Tribute Games is amazing at this genre, and they seem to be improving with age. This is a colorful, creative and varied experience with lasting replay value. While it wasn’t quite perfect, assuming that glitch I encountered gets fixed, you can add another .5 to the overall rating. This is a wonderful adventure, and one every Marvel true believer has to play.

R-Type Delta is an incredible SHMUP that sits among the very best of its era, or any era for that matter. Its high level of difficulty and low level of adaptability may turn some players off, but genre fans who haven’t gotten a chance to play it absolutely need to check it out.

Despite my issues with the adventure, GIGASWORD is still a tremendous Metroidvania experience. It’s frankly hard to believe this was made by a solo developer, it’s that good. Not only is it one of the best examples of the genre I’ve played in recent memory, it’s also a game that’s a glowing love letter to the NES era of gaming. Here’s hoping the issues I mentioned above get fixed so that everyone can fully enjoy this puzzle platformer.