I still maintain Rogue Explorer could have been a great game. Honestly, if it was less focused on bland Roguelike elements and instead was reimagined as a more robust Metroidvania, I think this could have been awesome. Sadly, as is, it’s pretty hard to recommend to most gamers. But if you enjoy simple, retro-styled games and want something affordable, you might want to pick this up.

Although Smashroom was at times too difficult for my liking (and/or abilities), it’s a pretty solid game. Killer art, great music, fun mechanics and combat, and an engaging level-up system make for a fairly polished experience. If I had to find something to nitpick about (other than the difficulty), I’d say that the controls don’t always feel as tight as they could. Sometimes it feels like you’re li’l shroom is a touch too floaty or slide-y when he shouldn’t be. And while it may not stand out as one of the greats of the genre, Smashroom is still a fun experience that platformer fans will likely enjoy.

Necrobarista: Final Pour provides a moving story about death, life, and how to move on. The short first-person chunks between chapters could be better, and I wish the Switch version were more stable, but the story is the reason to buy this one, and it’s excellent. With charming characters and a great sense of style, Necrobarista is worth your time whether you’re living or in the process of moving on.

Honestly, I struggle to find criticism for Haven Park. Is it the most stunning, groundbreaking game you’ll ever play? No, but it doesn’t need to be. While it feels like it draws some inspiration from the Animal Crossing series, it remains its own separate entity with its own identity. For a game about walking and fixing up campsites, it’s short, sweet, beautiful, and even at times, moving. It left me wishing for more, but in the best way possible.

Those hoping to fully LARP as a lavish lady of 18th century France won’t be disappointed with Ambition: A Minuet In Power. This invigorating visual novel has all the twists, trysts, romance, and intrigue you’d want from a game about high society on the cusp of the French Revolution. Will you help your fiancé free France from the ignoble nobles? Or will you lose your head in the process?

Mayhem Brawler is hands down the most fun I’ve had with a beat-’em-up since Streets of Rage 4. With its gorgeous graphics, satisfying combat, and plenty of replayability, it’s a slugfest that will keep you coming back for more. While the game probably would have benefited from a more engaging combo system, it makes up for this with a great selection of weapons and a colorful cast of playable characters. If you’ve finished Streets of Rage 4’s Mr. X Nightmare DLC and are looking for a new way to get your beat-’em-up fix, look no further. Mayhem Brawler will punch you in your face, and you’ll like it.

I can appreciate what Sumo Digital Academy set out to do with Zool Redimensioned. It’s a solid remake of a platformer which, while not as well remembered as the titles from which it takes its inspiration, has its own place in the annals of video game history. The updated mechanics and quality of life features are great. Furthermore, with two modes to master, existing series fans will surely get their money’s worth. But as welcome as these additions are, they don’t do anything to remedy the issues that plagued the original release. With random stage designs and lackluster enemies and bosses, Zool just doesn’t do much to stand out from the crowded platformer pack. Still, if you already have a soft spot for the ninja from the Nth Dimension, don’t hesitate to add this one to your Steam library. If Zool didn’t do it for you before, however, Zool Redimensioned isn’t going to change your mind.

All in all, Seed of Life has all the tools it needs to sprout a lovely little flower, but it’ll need to take special care to groom and care for itself to get there. There’s a good number of thorns in this garden, so you should approach with caution, knowing this. But you can see where Seed of Life tried its best to shine, so if you’re itching to take a hike through alien lands, Seed of Life is a charming enough indie gem to keep you well-watered for a few hours.

From Blair Witch: VR Edition’s unsatisfying attempts at terror to forgettable characters and absolutely poor graphics, you have plenty of reason to skip this hike through the woods. Throw in some game-breaking bugs and glitches to an already lacking experience, and your $29.99 is better spent elsewhere. Let this be a testament that horror games don’t always need a VR port to continue to be scary.

While it is my firm belief that ISLANDERS should be enjoyed by all gamers, I’d first recommend the PC version over the Switch port. If your only option is the Switch, then please — get this game. But if you have a PC, I’d start there instead (honestly, it’s so cheap you might as well buy it on both platforms). ISLANDERS is fantastic for a few minutes of play to chill out during lunch or wind down before bed. No matter which platform you choose to play it on, ISLANDERS is a simple, soothing strategy game that’ll make you rethink city builders — one island at a time.

The Space Invaders Invincible Collection offers a lot of ways to fight off alien invaders. They aren’t all winners, but enough of them hit to make this worth the time of any fan. Space Invaders Extreme and Super Space Invaders 91 alone will likely steal even more hours from me than they already have. If you’re wondering why this series continues to captivate players all over the world after 43 years, a few hours with this collection should clear things up.

Hades remains an absolute must-play modern masterpiece on the Xbox Series X. I’m thrilled to see new ports bring it to a new audience. With a wonderful story, memorable characters, some of the best voice acting around, a stunning soundtrack, variety that keeps things fresh even after dozens of runs, incredibly tight gameplay, and game design, which will allow even those who don’t usually care for roguelites to engage with it, this is a game that every player should try.

Spending time with the citizens of Shelmerston is incredibly charming and makes I Am Dead worth a look. With an unsatisfying conclusion and gameplay, which quickly grows a bit one-note, however, this won’t be a game for everyone. Still, if you want a charming little game to spend a quiet afternoon with, you could do far worse.

OCO was already wildly popular on mobile, so it stands to reason that a PC version would be received just as well. The minimalist 2D precision/rhythm platformer does not disappoint on PC, its controls, aesthetics, and gameplay all simple — just as fans like it. With bright, vivid colors that will hand-deliver dopamine to your brain coupled with chill beats and mesmerizing gameplay, OCO will cause players to get lost in its maze-like wheel for hours. Developer does not take responsibility for unmet work deadlines due to OCO’s addictive nature.

I really wanted to gush about Cardaclysm: Shards of the Four. But it’s just far too poorly optimized for Nintendo Switch. Hopefully, it runs better on PC, but I can’t confirm that. All I can say is it was a great premise held back by poor balance and mixed execution. I truly hope Elder Games learns from this release and makes an unstoppable card game in the future. As it is, I can’t really recommend this one, even to hardcore fans of the genre.

I’m a big supporter of shorter titles for the busy adult gamer, but Fire Tonight seemed to take the challenge to the extreme when they created this 40 minute experience. There’s a ton of quality packed into Fire Tonight, making for a great streaming or YouTube pick for content creators or just an easy, breezy game for those who want something a little more casual. Where the aesthetics are a sight for sore eyes and provide chill synth beats to relax to, there’s not a whole lot of replayability to be had here. But for the price of a cup of coffee, you could do a lot worse.

If you’ve got cash to burn, and if you’ve got a hankering for a zombie apocalypse meets free running simulator, you can’t go wrong with Dying Light: Platinum Edition. It’s got a load of stuff to keep you busy, including a decent campaign, stellar expansion content, and the myriad of bits and bobs they’ve released since 2015.

Spelunker HD Deluxe isn’t going to appeal to everyone. The game is unforgivingly difficult, and many of its more frustrating mechanics would have been better off left in 1985. However, those who can look beyond these quirks will find there’s plenty of fun to be had deep underground. With clever stage designs and an addicting loop that will have you saying “just one more go,” it’s bound to appeal to fans of the series or players who just want a good challenge. If you don’t find yourself in either of those camps, you might just want to remain topside.

Greak: Memories of Azur has a lot going for it. I just wish that its core concept of controlling three characters at the same time worked better. Too often, instead of being helpful, your siblings just end up getting in the way. If you can look past these sections, though, you’ll find a beautiful game with some great puzzles and a lot of heart.

Lost at Sea is the story of a woman desperately trying to keep her head above water in an overwhelming ocean of emotions. But it’s also the story of a game that is perhaps not entirely sure of what it’s trying to accomplish. It’s hard to face your fears when they send you right back to the beginning, thwarting your progress on a cumbersome island. It’s clearly not the next Myst, but it’s not like it’s trying to be. I’m not saying don’t get the game, but I’m not exactly saying you should get it either. One thing’s for certain: Lost at Sea is made from the heart.

With more polish and perhaps a bigger budget, FORECLOSED could have been a must-play techno-thriller. As it stands, it's a killer proof of concept that just misses the mark when it comes to nailing the fundamentals. Still, if you like the sound of a neo-noir adventure that hits like a strange fusion of Max Payne and Cyberpunk 2077, you'll certainly find that here.

Dodgeball Academia is a joy to play with hard-hitting balls to the face action. The tone of the story may be a bit too hyperactive for some, a shame when we’re talking about an RPG, but there’s still enough joy and genuine laughs to be found to be worth your time.

It's been said that good things come in small packages, and WitchSpring3 Re:Fine is about the best JRPG equivalent of that saying that you're going to find. Eirudy's adventure around Derkarr is a full JRPG experience boiled down to a breezy 10 - 20 hours, depending upon how you play and what kinds of things you'd like to do. If you're itching for adventure but don't have much time, or just have an appreciation for cutesy, easily digestible JRPG action, WitchSpring3 Re:Fine is probably worth your while.

I have to admit, it’d been a little while since I last fired up my PlayStation VR. However, now that I’ve experienced Synth Riders, I don’t plan on hanging it up anytime soon. It’s the kind of game you pick up and play for ten minutes and feel totally satisfied, or marathon for a solid hour and get a killer workout while soaking up all the sweet soundscapes. If I have one real complaint, it’s that the game only offers a handful of backgrounds to choose from. Still, with so much going on on-screen, you probably won’t be spending too much time taking in the scenery anyway. Synth Riders is Beat Saber for the VHS generation. If you’re a rhythm game junkie with a soft spot for synthwave, this is a must-buy addition to your PSVR library.

I’d like to applaud Imagine Earth for what it’s attempted, which is to create a city-builder that stresses the importance of a self-sustainable civilization despite a seemingly never-ending supply of Earth-like planets. Fostering a future that asks humanity to consider its carbon impact before its capital gains is one we’ll need to see if we’re to thrive in the 22nd century and beyond, and it’s great to see a game where such a simulation can play out positively. Although the characters can feel a bit robotic and the peripheral mechanics could use better explanations, Imagine Earth is absolutely worth adding to any city-builder fan’s library, and that goes doubly so if Alpha Centauri and Civilization IV were your jam.

NEO: The World Ends With You does a lot right. It provides incredible style and a solid combat system. The story is entertaining, and the characters almost feel like old friends after how much we’ve been through together. Its many systems may seem daunting at first, but they provide a lot for you to chip away at. While I wish it did a better job of respecting the player’s time and that certain elements offered a bit more variety, any fan of the original will want to beat a quick trip to Shibuya. New players will still find a lot to like, but may be better served checking out the original first, or at least watching the anime adaptation released earlier this year.

Quirks aside, I had a tremendous time playing Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle. Not only is it a fun and complex card game, but it’s one you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy. The threshold to start playing is low, but actually mastering the game takes much more perseverance. Overall, this is a wonderful game with attractive artwork and tons of great features. While it can be frustrating at times, especially due to the luck of your AI opponents, I’d highly recommend it. If you need a new game to get lost in, look no further.

Abomi Nation knows exactly what it wants to be, and exactly the type of person that it wants to appeal to. And, best of all, it accomplishes everything that it sets out to do. While it might oversimplify its approach to exploration a bit too much, there’s no getting around the fact that Abomi Nation is a phenomenal Nuzlocke experience that Pokémon fans will not only love but immediately feel comfortable with once they begin playing.

Button City isn’t perfect. But it is a passionate indie project that really makes you feel something. That last part is especially rare the older I get. If you’re playing this for an extensive experience with amazing arcade games, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you enjoy games with heart and wonderful characters, you need to check this game out—a loving tribute to living through the ’90s.

City of Gangsters provides a brilliantly free-form gangsta’s paradise, where countless options are available to weave intricate criminal schemes. It can get repetitive during certain stages of expansion as you have the same interactions over and over, but if you can get over that then it’s pretty compelling. There’s an irresistible one-more-turn appeal that’ll keep you greasing palms and bootlegging hooch long into the night.

No Longer Home is a short, sad story about coming to terms with growing up and saying goodbye to college life, friends, and the family we create along the way. Although Ao and Bo must leave their uni flat and the happy memories they’ve created within those four walls behind, they’ll cherish every precious moment spent together. If you’re looking to experience the pain of parting while taking solace in the fact that home is truly where the heart is, No Longer Home will scratch that melancholy itch.

Svoboda 1945: Liberation is a fascinating deep dive into post-war Czechia that asks players to consider if everything is worth saving or if some things are better left in the past. Its use of mixed media, including FMV, historical footage, comics, and mini-games provides a unique approach to learning that I hope is replicated in many more educational games. Although the sheer amount of information can be a bit to take in for those completely unaware of the topic, it’s an educational experience everyone would be richer for having. If you love history and are ready for an emotionally impactful title that asks tough questions and dives headfirst into controversial conversations, be sure to check out Svoboda 1945: Liberation.

At the end of the day, SkyDrift Infinity accomplishes just what it sets out to do. It’s a fast, frenetic, and furiously fun arcade racing experience. With a wide selection of planes to unlock and addicting multiplayer (at least in local play), it’s sure to be a hit at your next gaming get-together. So if you’re a fan of the arcade racers of the 90s or simply missed SkyDrift Infinity when it was first released, there’s never been a better time to earn your wings.

It’s not often that you find a platformer with a lot of heart. Wonderful artwork, challenging and unique puzzle and level design, and a surprisingly moving story will keep you hooked and playing. If you need something short and sweet, give Macrotis: A Mother’s Journey a try.

From the beautiful art and ethereal music to the addicting gameplay and loveable cast, Fuga: Melodies of Steel is easy to recommend to any fan of turn-based, strategy RPGs. It’s got everything that players love mechanically, but it’s blended in such a fun and innovative way that it feels simultaneously fresh and familiar. Complete with an invigorating story set against a soundtrack that was more like .hack// than anything I’d heard in a long time (felt indescribably amazing to listen to), Fuga: Melodies of Steel should absolutely be on your radar. Just… try not to use the Soul Cannon; yeeting four year olds at enemies does not for a good war strategy make.

With its bite-sized campaign, this title probably isn’t going to keep you busy for too long. However, between the game’s various difficulty modes and an assortment of unlockable weapons to experiment with, there’s more than enough here to keep you glued to your Switch for a weekend. If you’re a fan of both twin-stick and bullet hell shooters and are looking for a game that scratches that score-chasing itch, Project Aether: First Contact delivers just that.

I appreciated the time I spent with Dreamscaper, and I think Afterburner Studios is a team to watch. That said, the game isn’t as polished yet as I would hope. It’s demanding and very grindy, leaning a bit too much on what I consider Souls mechanics. And given how much time is required to unlock enough features to succeed, I really think the best way to play the game is portably. Sadly, I couldn’t do that on my PC, though it did inspire me to buy a Switch edition shortly before writing this review. But if you’re a fan of rogue and don’t mind a steep challenge, I’d definitely check Dreamscaper out.

Some of the best games come down to a few simple mechanics. A lot of times, all that sets a great shooter apart from a mediocre one is the feel of mowing enemies down. Tons of games tried to play in the same space as Rocket League before it took the world by storm, but it just feels right. The Ramp takes this concept to an extreme and comes out on the other side with a killer bite-sized experience.

If you’re playing with others, I imagine you’ll have a great time with The Ascent. While it still isn’t anywhere near perfect, the beautiful graphics and solid gunplay should be enough for those who just want something cool to play with their friends. There’s plenty of loot to collect along the way, too, letting you each put your stamp on your character. If you have no one to play with, though, I wouldn’t recommend The Ascent. The game feels like it’s fighting against you the entire way. It never stops feeling like this game wasn’t meant for you.

No, it’s not perfect. With its clumsy dialog, touchy controls, and occasionally broken U.I., Within The Blade sometimes feels like a game that’s designed to work against the player. However, if you can overlook its faults, there’s an exciting and surprisingly deep experience beneath its many bumps and bruises. You just have to be willing to sift through the grime to uncover its finer parts. As for whether or not it’s worth doing so, that’s for you to decide.

The action and gameplay are solid. The music is fantastic. And Jason, Eve, and the rest of the cast’s story come to a satisfying conclusion. Yes, despite the seven-hour delay, I was still happy I played and beat this game. And while this may be the end of the Blaster Master Zero trilogy, I really do hope that Inti Creates and Sunsoft continue making Blaster Master games. There’s still a lot they can do with this series. So, what’s my recommendation? Buy it now.

The ultimate thing to keep in mind if you want to enjoy this game is that it is absolutely vital you play this like an old light gun game. Don’t go in expecting depth or length because there isn’t much here. It’s meant to play like an arcade game: short, sweet, and to the point. That’s the whole idea, and once you get that ingrained in how you play, it becomes the best damn arcade shooter you’ll play in a long while. No complicated systems, no power-ups, not even much in the way of plot. Just you, zombies, a bit of witty banter, and the fastest gunplay this side of the urban jungle. I’d say for a mere $20, Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever has more than enough heart to satisfy that arcade itch while leaving more than enough room to grow into something even better down the road.

It feels fantastic to finally play The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles; it was just as amazing as any fan would expect out of the series. The dev team has continuously created wildly clever and hilariously punny titles up to this point, and The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is no exception. Although I do feel that there is a bit more hand-holding in this series than previous games, it shouldn’t give any fans pause. In fact, if you are a fan, there’s literally no reason not to buy this game, and if you’re new to the series, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is mechanically well-suited to be your first foray into the franchise. When it comes down to it, playing The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is simply elementary — no objections here.

Cris Tales is a lot of fun, and a really solid title overall. It’s great to see that smaller indie studios are able to pick up the slack when it comes to delivering more classically inspired RPGs, and that they even have the creativity to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. While Cris Tales might be lacking a little bit here and there, anything bad is absolutely outshined by all of the good—you’ve got nothing to lose by checking this one out.

Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective is a wholesome, whimsical stroll through a lively and beautiful world of mazes. Its relaxed gameplay might not appeal to everyone, but it’s so charming that it’s difficult not to recommend it. As a final observation, this game made me smile so much that I had to briefly ponder my legendarily sardonic nature. There’s something to be said for an experience that creates such happiness.

It’s easy to point out what The Forgotten City does right — mechanics, progression, story, gameplay, dialog, quests, atmosphere, design, voice acting, etc. — but hard to say what it does best, because it’s all supremely well done. With a wildly imaginative concept executed perfectly and poignantly, The Forgotten City will please anyone with an interest in history, philosophy, mythology, or just a good, tight exploration story. The Forgotten City is my top contender for GOTY 2021 — a distinction I don’t foresee being toppled. This city without sin may not have any exits, but that’s just as well, since you won’t want to leave anyway.

Performance woes aside, Unbound: Worlds Apart is easy to recommend to any fans of the Metroidvania genre. With its outstanding presentation, clever mix of puzzles and platforming, and a truly unique hook, it’s a game that will keep you glued to your controller from start to finish. So if you’re looking for an enthralling adventure into a vibrant fantasy world, look no further. Unbound: Worlds Apart is a window into a strange and fascinating realm that you’ll want to explore.

Omno will provide most players with three or four pleasant hours. Despite a few frustrating moments, I really enjoyed most of my time with it. For a short game though, which doesn’t do much new and which doesn’t quite reach the level of similar titles like Journey or Arise, that can make for an uneasy recommendation. That’s the joy of Game Pass, though. When considering what to spend your money on, a few pleasant hours may or may not be enough. For those who can play it for no extra cost however, that makes this an easy game to check out. Players on other platforms may need to think about whether this is the right title for them, but Game Pass subscribers should give Omno a chance. I think you’ll be happy you did so.

I spent an embarrassing amount of time playing Legend of Homebody, but I have no regrets. I feel like I saw a peek into the daily routine of a freelancer trying to find what works best for them, really giving their all into this lonely yet rewarding lifestyle. The translations really should have been attended to better, but that doesn’t stop Legend of Homebody from being simple, addicting fun. If you’re looking for a different kind of casual strategy game, you could do a lot worse than Legend of Homebody. Can you make the freelance life work for you?

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a stunning showcase for the Xbox Series X. It makes a stronger case than any other game on the system about what the next generation of gaming can bring. While a little more direction and a better interface would have been nice, my head has been stuck in the clouds ever since my first jaw-dropping flight. I can’t think of a better time for the sort of freedom it provides. If you have an Xbox Series X, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Despite the occasional moments of frustration the game provided, Eldest Souls is an experience no fan of the Soulslike genre will want to miss. From its unforgettable boss battles to its deceptively deep and engaging progression system, it’s the kind of game that will get its hooks deep into you and keep you coming back for more. While the game only features ten boss fights, it’ll easily take players about a dozen hours to make their way through the story. And those who do make their way to the end credits will unlock a New Game + mode, which dials up the already considerable challenge even further. If you’re eager for a challenging boss-rush with a killer aesthetic, look no further. Fallen Flag Studio’s latest offering will swallow your soul.

Overall I really enjoyed B.ARK, even though I suspect the best way to play is with friends in local multiplayer. That said, it’s still a solid shmup even in single-player. When you throw in colorful art, an interesting premise, and decent replay value, you have a very solid game. I personally feel this is the best offering from Tic Toc Games yet, and I hope it’s a sign of things to come from the small team. Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I still need to beat the boss rush…

I wish I could sing the praises of Trigger Witch. It’s not a bad game, and I did enjoy my time with it. I just felt it was held back by the scope of the adventure and the aforementioned problems I encountered. As a fan of Reverie, I was hoping this could be another stellar indie from Rainbite. Here’s hoping their next title manages to deliver on the promise of this small indie team.

Last Stop tells a wonderful story that is well worth your time. There’s just so little that feels like a video game in it. Most of what is here feels like it’s included because someone was afraid players had too little to do. At its best Last Stop feels more like watching a solid season of TV. That’s not inherently a bad thing. A few sequences, however, show how embracing the gaming format is able to enhance it, and definitely left me wanting more. As long as you go in with the right expectations, though, I think you’ll find a lot to like.

Sniper Elite VR is a bit of a mixed bag. Hands down, the game offers the best sniping experience you can find in VR. So if you’re an armchair assassin looking to bag some bad guys, this is a game you won’t want to miss. But, on the other hand, it’s just a shame that things start to fall apart whenever you get up close and personal with your enemies...If you’re a fan of the Sniper Elite franchise and are looking for a fresh perspective on its blend of stealth action, Sniper Elite VR delivers the goods. Just don’t expect the same sense of polish and scale as its flat-screen offerings before you undertake this mission. Viva la revolucion!

Despite a slow start, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD proves worthy of its place in the series. While a bit of trimming at the start would make a stronger game, once it got going, I never wanted it to end. If you like Zelda games and haven’t played Skyward Sword, you owe it to yourself to try this one. For veterans of the game, you’ll find a ton of quality of life changes making this the definitive version. Even if you were put off by the original release, you might find this time that you fall for this legend.

It's fairly reasonable to say that I have a fondness for the Samurai Warriors franchise, and in terms of actual combat this game also delivers in spades when it comes to style and intensity. One also accepts having to slog through the drawn-out and sometimes tedious process of acquiring resources (to upgrade player stats and weapons for greater combat effectiveness) -- but the one thing that made the drudgery more bearable, like the interactivity and humor behind the process in Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada, is sadly lacking in this game. In spite of this shortcoming, Samurai Warriors 5 is still an exhilarating and visually arresting adventure through the chaos and political vortex of Sengoku period Japan.

Do Animals Dream? is unlike anything I’ve ever played. Its cute exterior masks an intensely serious interior. You’ll question what you think you know about what you eat and why. And you’ll likely be very uncomfortable during most of your experience. Yet the discomfort is a compelling factor in the game. Push through it, and keep an open mind. While I doubt it will convert anybody to veganism, it may make you connect more with your food, which is never a bad thing.

World’s End Club feels a lot like the child of extremely talented parents. Where the Zero Escape and Danganronpa series aggressively delivered their respective themes and elements that hooked players, World’s End Club inherited their genes but not their experience. The framework is there and shines as strongly as ever, but if you’ve already played its predecessors, it feels less like an equal and more like both franchises dialed down in volume. There’s an exact audience for World’s End Club: teenagers who want to experience what Zero Escape and Danganronpa have to offer but aren’t ready for heavy technical reading or the mental anguish of executing classmates. It’s good, it’s sweet, but it’s immature. And honestly? That’s just fine.

Mina & Michi is undeniably cute, but that’s simply not enough. After the charm wears off, its gameplay is just too basic. It might be a good fit for younger gamers who need help, though. Let them control Michi while you do the rest of the work, and they’ll enjoy themselves. If you’re in the market for a breezy action game that you can complete in an afternoon, then check it out. It might be a good fit for speedrunners, too, as it has a built-in clock for that exact purpose.

The Silver Case 2425 may contain some of SUDA51’s oldest work, but that doesn’t stop it from feeling like a fun, fresh, and (appropriately) frightening experience for those who have yet to play it (and even those who already have!). If you haven’t delved into the world of SUDA51 and want to check this game out, just know that you’ll be getting into something wonderful and weird, and that it’s not going to be your fault if you find yourself not understanding everything at first. And if you DO know what SUDA51 is all about… well, then, enjoy.

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle reflected on what made the first game great and took exciting risks to see the next one soar to new heights. Did it recapture that winning formula? It all depends on player preferences — if you enjoy more streamlined fights and a deeper storyline over free-roaming freedom, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is certainly a step up. If not, that’s okay; much like how bad pizza is still good because, hey, pizza, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is still a No More Heroes game, and that’s all that really matters anyway. Just be sure to play it on the Wii or the Switch instead of PC if at all possible.

Dariusburst: Another Chronicle EX+ is a lot of fun to play in the moment. While I don’t love every design choice the development team made, I completely see what so many fans love about it. This Switch port, however, is a cheap one, not doing a great job of utilizing the platform or providing the sort of content expected of a home port. If you’re desperate for more Darius on your Switch, it’s not a bad option. With two different Darius collections releasing last year, however (One for the series’ arcade history, another for its console history), and with Darius Cozmic Revelation on the way, which will include this title and a remaster of the excellent G-Darius, there may be better options for you to enjoy killing robot fish on the go.

Ragnarock is a near-flawless game and a phenomenal experience. If you’re looking for a Beat Saber killer, this is it. It’s clear that so much love went into creating Ragnarock, and you can feel the developer’s dedication with every single beat. If you’re a fan of rhythm games and are looking for something to blow the others out of the water, you’re obligated to pick up Ragnarock. For the power! For the glory! For the horde!

Observer: System Redux weaves a moving story, both fascinating and relatable. With fantastic updated graphics, stunning audio, moving voice acting, and a memorable environment, this is a tale worth experiencing. I just wish it actually played better. The few times you actually have to do more than walk from room to room, the game falls apart. Thankfully they don’t make up a huge chunk of Observer, but they grow more common as you get deeper into the game. If you’re okay with that, though, and have time for an interesting cyberpunk story, Observer is worth your time.

Ultimately, I had a fantastic time with Risk System. It’ll require your utmost concentration and patience, but it’ll reward you with an exhilarating ride.

The PC version is by far the prettiest of the three, but without the original control scheme, it’s hard to recommend over the Switch remaster or even Wii original. If PC is your only option to experience what is otherwise an incredible game, then by all means grab it; just know there are better ways to play No More Heroes.

While I wish it took longer for content to start repeating, Wildermyth proves that a procedurally generated story can still be deeply moving, with memorable characters and relationships. What’s here is already well worth your time, but if the development team keeps working to provide more content, this could become one for the ages.

I relished the time I spent with Death's Door. Not only was I captivated by the visual style, but the gameplay was dynamic, clever, and well-balanced.

If you've never gotten into the series and want to start, or are like me and love Undead & Undressed so much that you just want to know what came before it, then Hellbound & Debriefed is absolutely worth your time.

Cotton Reboot! breaks out the witch’s magic and makes a thirty-year-old game feel fresh and new. While not every update lands perfectly, and some content is worthy of a warning, this is an adorable shooter that looks and plays great. Here’s hoping Cotton can return with even more magic soon.

Streets of Rage 4 continues to be everything you would want from a modern beat ‘em up. With excellent controls, smooth gameplay, beautiful animation, and a stunning soundtrack, it is well worth your time. For existing fans, nothing in the Mr. X Nightmare DLC is going to blow your mind. This isn’t a huge addition. It’s a bonus, some new content to push you back into the game. It won’t change anyone’s opinion about the game as a whole, but if you already enjoy raging through these streets, these new characters and survival mode are great additions.

The ideal player for A Tale of Synapse: The Chaos Theories is one with a controller, a fervent love of niche concepts, and a godly amount of patience. I’d even go as far as to say being fluent in French would likely benefit the player as well, so they may enjoy the title in its original language in an effort to bypass the clunky English translation. The background art is surely beautiful, the puzzles themselves are decent, and the idea is certainly interesting, but, as the adage goes, it’s not about the idea but the execution of the idea. That $17.99 can be better spent elsewhere.

Ports can be great, but it’s important to know the distinction between “can I port this to the Switch” and “should I port this to the Switch”. In the case of Kickerhino World, the answer to the first question might be yes, but the answer to the second is most definitely a no. This game’s already been around for years, and it somehow plays worse now than it ever has before. Not by leaps and bounds, no, but worse is still worse when there’s as little gameplay going on as there is in a game like this. It may be free of ads and those all-too-pesky premium currencies, but it’s still not worth the money.

With improved graphics and fantastic use of the DualSense, the PS5 is the best place to play A Plague Tale. This is a unique, interesting story which is well worth your time. I just with that playing it was more interesting. Long sections of the game are only saved by strong atmosphere and your connection to these characters. Linear gameplay and controls that don’t hold up well in intense moments lead to frequent frustration and a game which feels like it goes on longer than it needs to. If you know what you’re getting into, however, there’s still enough good in A Plague Tale: Innocence to be worth your time.

Boomerang X doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it gives an underrated weapon the spotlight it deserves. With tight controls, frantic combat, and plenty of options, I had a fantastic time from beginning to end. I’d love to see what else DANG! can do with a boomerang, but this is an adventure worth taking.

Wave Break is a frantic, over-the-top skateboater with style and moves to burn. Its campaign mode is a welcome addition, and online play and a park editor add variety. All the pieces are here for a sublime tricking experience. The only thing missing is the Steam version’s features, most notably local play. The game is practically screaming for it, and the gameplay perfectly lends itself to local matches.

Indigo 7: Quest for Love is an earnest, enjoyable attempt at a new puzzle game. It’s fun, it’s quirky, the art style is endearing, and the gameplay is solid. Honestly, I’d be giving this game a higher score if it didn’t have some bugs and issues that pop up here and there.

Even with multiple goals to accomplish, secrets to uncover, and potential endings to see, Overboard! isn’t going to last you months. This is a relatively short game. You might run through it thirty times, but many of those will take ten to fifteen minutes. Others might take thirty minutes to an hour on the long end, but this is an appetizer, the sort of game to be savored over a long weekend rather than obsessed over for months. That’s not a slight. That weekend will be filled with fascinating twists, especially considering you know from the very start what actually happened. Overboard! is a wonderful voyage, well worth your time. Just make sure you don’t go over the rail yourself.

Despite at times significant performance issues, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox works well enough when it matters on the Switch. Players able to spend their time on Balduq on another platform will want to consider doing so, but if your only option is to play on the Switch or you really want to play on the go, Monstrum Nox is still at its core one of the best action-RPGs I’ve played in years.

Is Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition worth picking up? It absolutely is for the price it’s being sold at. It’s a little over 30 quid/dollars and with the DLC and took me about 20-25 hours to get through with a young puppy in the house. It obviously includes the base game, but also comes with the story DLC that came out with the expansion pass. Both add new narrative beats to the game. But where Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition really lets itself down is the execution of the world it is based in. Sure, crafting an arsenal to butcher hundreds of faceless bandits is fun. But Metro Exodus’ complex post-apocalyptic world has such a deep lore, begging to explored properly.

Curved Space tries new things in the twin-stick genre. I appreciate the attempt, but most of those new things don’t work out. Playing it is often uncomfortable, and too many of its weapons are duds. At times the fast-paced shooting can be enjoyable, but even that is too often broken up by pacing issues. I’m all for destroying spiders, but I’d rather do so without feeling sick to my stomach.

Everything about Space Jam: A New Legacy – The Game feels as cheap as its price. What’s here isn’t really bad, but it isn’t good either, and it’s over before you know it. If you’re desperate for something to play and need to kill a half-hour, you can do worse. Free is definitely a competitive enough price. Otherwise, if there’s anything in your library or on Game Pass for subscribers that you’ve been meaning to get to, you’ll do a lot better to spend your time playing that.

There’s room on the market for mindless action, especially when it can be played with friends. I’m glad a game like Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is on Game Pass because that’s the perfect way to get a group of friends playing together. I just wish that once they gathered, they had something better to play. Unfortunately, despite some parts of the game looking and sounding nice, there’s little else to recommend it. With awful AI, weightless combat, an unengaging story, and loot that feels inessential, the entire game is a slog. The biggest fans of Dungeons & Dragons may find a bit of fun with friends, but they deserve better than this.

Backbone gets off to a great start and it definitely has a lot to say. Great visuals and a stunning soundtrack made me want to give it the benefit of the doubt, to ignore its issues. As it goes on though, Backbone loses everything that made it interesting in its early hours. What replaces it is so different that its hardly even the same game. Different doesn’t have to mean bad, but the changes and ideas thrown around in the second half are too underdeveloped to overlook. Perhaps a sequel can allow the development team to further delve into its many themes. I liked enough of Backbone that for most of its running time I was enjoying myself. In its current state though, it’s hard to enthusiastically recommend.

Despite any perceived difficulties experienced in Narita Boy, all can be forgiven if you enjoy a world that immerses itself completely in the tech of a bygone era. There’s something to be said about racing against the digital wind on a CRT-horse in a pixelated world that looks like the SNES Star Wars game but feels like that infamous Battletoads level. If you know that exact vibe I’m talking about, you gotta check out Narita Boy. After all, the fate of the Digital Kingdom rests in your hands.

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos is by far one of the most impressive visual novels I’ve ever experienced and sets the bar for how the genre should work in VR. I’ve never felt so completely and utterly immersed in not only a game and its world, but in an anime. From the larger-than-life story to the amped up music and visuals, ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos took my breath away time and time again, pushing the limits of what I knew about VR visual novels. If you have a VR headset, a little bit of patience for a slow-burn story, and 20 – 30 hours to really get into everything it has to offer, you’re more or less obligated to pick up ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos.

I had hoped to give a glowing review of Dark Deity. After all, it does quite a bit right, and manages to streamline many things successfully. Unfortunately, it ultimately was held back by the various poor design choices, glitches, and copious similarities to Fire Emblem. While the latter didn’t bother me, I feel the game could have been a bit more original. That said, this is absolutely a game worth playing for any tactical RPG fan, especially once it’s been patched a bit. Here’s hoping the next game from this upstart team is the polished gem I thought Dark Deity could have been.

Paradox Error is so concerned with crafting a meta, fourth-wall-breaking experience that it completely neglects the platformer genre’s fundamentals. It is as dull as it is frustrating. Aspects of its design are unnecessarily hostile to the player. There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of better platformers out there. Aside from a morbid curiosity, there’s little reason to suffer through this one.

Empire of Angels IV is a perfectly fine game. But you may have noticed that’s a recurring theme of this review; the combat is okay, the story is okay, and the artistic direction is okay. The game does everything just fine, but it doesn’t particularly excel in any one area. If you’re looking for a nice casual game with a pleasant level of challenging content, but aren’t looking for anything deep and engaging, I think you’ll enjoy this game. You can pick up and play whenever without really forgetting much of the story or what you’re doing.

Mario Golf: Super Rush isn’t an unplayable game. The core golf is actually quite good, despite some changes, which will have a mixed reception from players. Almost everything around it, however, is either poorly thought out, lacking any personality, or lacking in content. Perhaps down the line, more content will fill it out enough that you can have fun playing only the parts which work, but Camelot has a lot of work to do to get this one to par.

A strikingly immediate game that covers dark subjects most titles wouldn’t dream of approaching, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! left my jaw on the floor multiple times. I won’t tell you why, or when. You’ll know when you get there. I was at times happy, sad, and truly horrified.

It’s stunningly gorgeous, intuitive and creative, and a delightfully unique little puzzle-platformer. If I had to find something “wrong” with Out of Line, I suppose that it’s perhaps a little on the short side (it can be beaten within just a couple of hours). The default controls are also not ideal; the keyboard keys work just fine (A moves you to the left, D to the right, W jumps), but paired with having to click the mouse buttons to throw and retrieve your spear in conjunction just didn’t feel very smooth to me. Thankfully, that was easily solved by simply using my PS4 controller. These are honestly minor complaints, though. The game is beautiful and oddly moving, considering the complete lack of dialogue. If you need something a little different from your standard platformer, give Out of Line a try.

Pathway has a lot to offer. It’s got aspects of a tabletop roleplaying/board/resource management/strategy game all in one. And while that may sound like a confusing mash-up, it’s executed quite well. Really, my biggest complaint is the steep difficulty curve, as each mission seems significantly more difficult than the one before it. While there are options to reduce the difficulty, even still it felt needlessly hard at times.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX places me in a bit of a difficult position. On the one hand, I feel fairly confident that fans of the original game will be able to come into this and receive a heaping helping of soul-warming nostalgia. The graphical updates are pleasing to the eye. The updated music may not always carry the game’s tone that it is playing over, but it still sounds great. And there are even a few added levels and slight tweaks to previously existing ones to surprise players. For those people, my numeric rating would be more likened to a 4 out of 5. However, for folks like myself that are experiencing this for the first time for any reason other than a history lesson will be confronted with annoying controls and a somewhat serviceable but unexciting adventure that, in this reviewer’s opinion, didn’t quite stand up to the test of time.

Scarlet Nexus does so much right that it’s a shame some of these troubles hold it back. They feel like the sort of things tied up in creating something new, problems that exist due to a lack of budget or different groups working on the game not being entirely on the same page until later in development. Still, despite these flaws, Scarlet Nexus brings an impressive new world to life while featuring deeply engaging combat. That’s no small thing. Fans of the genre will find a game well worth their time. I only hope that in a few years, we’ll be playing an even stronger sequel which irons out these nagging issues.

Fossil Corner takes an extremely simple scientific concept and turns it into an utterly addictive puzzle mechanic. Sure, it gets repetitive and maybe doesn’t offer much in terms of fossil diversity, but I dare you to tell me that you can just play one round (newsflash, you can’t). If you’re looking for a puzzle game that you can zone out to after a stressful day, Fossil Corner is your game. Just… keep an eye on the clock if you intend to go to bed at a decent hour.

I suppose it's fitting that Zed should be the protagonist of Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny because, much like a zombie itself, this game feels lost and incomplete. I know I've been harsh, but none of this has been fun for me. I wanted Disgaea 6 to be the best Disgaea yet. But it isn't. What makes this even more ironic is that Disgaea 6, by normal SRPG standards, is fine. It's really not bad at all. But Disgaea games have never been "normal SRPGs." They're Disgaea games. And, as far as that's concerned, Disgaea 6 can't so much as hold a candle to its predecessors. That's not something that I can overlook so easily, especially after a six-year wait.