Despite that, Balatro is an incredibly easy-to-learn deck builder with plenty of room for experimentation. Even after hundreds of runs, you’ll still encounter new options and combinations to twist your brain around. Even if roguelites and deck builders aren’t normally your favorite genres, Balatro is a game you need to check out.

And that’s perhaps how best to sum up my experience with this remake of Brothers – something is off. It’s the same great game at its core, but as a remake, it doesn’t do enough to justify itself, given that its headline addition of co-op play strips away the original’s biggest selling point. Even when played solo, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d rather be playing the original with its more fitting, painterly look. Having said that, Brothers is still a fantastic experience, and if this remake shines a spotlight on it again and attracts a new generation of gamers to Naia and Naiee’s touching tale, then that can only be a good thing. The story remains as poignant now as it did in 2013, and when enjoyed solo, Brothers continues to be a delight to engage with due to its novel dual protagonist set-up. On that basis, I’m glad this exists, even if, as an overall product and an attempt to reintroduce this world, it feels a touch misguided.

A Void Hope is a captivating experience with an exemplary presentation but esoteric storytelling. I finished it days ago, and I’m still thinking about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a game that so thoroughly creeped me out. It is oppressive, claustrophobic, and chilling. It’s worth playing for that experience alone, even if the unknowable story leaves you answerless.

I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to review Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley. Least of all, did I expect that it would make me a fan of the works of Tove Jansson and help me fall in love with the cozy game genre. While there are a few minor visual issues on Switch, this is still an absolutely charming and relaxing adventure with a good message for generations to come.

It would have been easy for Berserk Boy to be another disappointing modern platformer trying to relive the classics. Instead, indie developer Zu Ehtisham has given us an exceptional adventure full of heart, with complex and enjoyable platforming, fast-paced combat, and lots of replay value. While there are some very minor areas I would have appreciated refinement, this was ultimately an outstanding experience that shouldn't be missed.

The Thaumaturge is a thought-provoking and haunting RPG that expertly combines gameplay and narrative, leading to one of the most unique RPG experiences you’re likely to play this year. Its stunning setting and choice-driven narrative will undoubtedly stick with me for a long time as I reflect on the tough decisions I made with Wiktor as he comes to terms with this dark, fantasy-filled version of Warsaw. The combat arguably takes too long to reveal its riches, but once that initial barrier is overcome, it offers the same level of depth and choice present in other aspects of The Thaumaturge.

WWE2K24 is a worthy addition to this long-running sports entertainment franchise. The developers have done a good job of listening to the player's woes and tweaking the formula to make something not revolutionary, but meticulously refined. There’s a vast amount of single-player grappling goodness here to enjoy, and that’s even before you get to the online modes and the inevitably bountiful community creations to come. WWE2K24 doesn’t quite finish the story but still adds a few enjoyable new chapters.

Inkulinati manages to blend style and substance, creating a game that is mechanically simple yet has a ton of strategic depth for players to discover. If you’re a fan of board games, strategy games, or even just the art style, I’d recommend checking this one out. Who knows, you might be the next Inkulinati Master.

Normally, games in a state like this leave me middled more than anything, but Nous Wave Studio’s first attempt at a premium, stand-alone JRPG in a gacha-saturated market, while a bold move, was a fruitful one. While the characters definitely need more seasoning and flavor, I especially would like to see the worldbuilding done a bit more elegantly than just dropping hot loads of info shovelfuls at a time. Yet, for all the problems I had with the worldbuilding and characters, the combat and general gameplay can carry Ex Astris alone. The visuals are stunning for a mobile game, the mechanics and systems baked in are so much fun, and the overall aesthetic designs of the world of Allindo are vibrant and unique. While off to a slightly rough start, I feel confident in saying that Nous Wave Studio’s first release has a lot going for it that makes it worth experiencing for fans of the anime RPG genre.

Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition is a gloriously gritty tribute to Sunset Riders and classic vigilante cinema. If you’re a fan of retro gaming or just love a good run-and-gun, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. It’s a nostalgic blast to the past that’s great solo and downright irresistible if you’re able to wrangle up a posse of four like-minded vigilantes to paint the town red.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft takes a franchise that was flawed even in the 90s and does nothing interesting to update it. The new graphics are nice when they aren’t ruining the atmosphere of certain areas, but the modern controls somehow make these games a worse experience. There are plenty of great adventures out there starring Lara Croft. Her last trilogy was excellent, and even the 360-era titles, starting with Tomb Raider Legend, largely hold up. These original releases, though, have simply been eclipsed by far too many games at this point and are only really worth returning to if your nostalgia demands one more trip into these tombs.

As a fan of the rogue-like and monster catcher genres, Dicefolk is a treat. But while I love the design and enjoy the overall gameplay, the challenge could desperately use some retuning. But if you’re a glutton for punishment and don’t mind a ton of grinding, in that case, I can wholeheartedly recommend this challenging hybrid.

Anomaly Agent won’t leave you pondering its vast world or lore. Instead, it delivers a focused, high-octane blast of retro-infused action. The combat’s frenetic energy, the charm of its pixel art, and the genuinely funny moments of absurdity made it a blast to play from start to finish. While I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, those craving a quick hit of adrenaline-fueled, laugh-out-loud thrills will find Anomaly Agent a worthwhile escape. And hey, sometimes a little mindless, time-bending absurdity is exactly what you need.

Despite the clear effort that went into build diversity and satisfying naval combat, Skull and Bones’s core gameplay loops simply aren’t enough to stop this ship from sinking. Mindless grinds, tedious busywork, and a complete lack of any meaningful gameplay hooks outside of the core combat result in an experience that feels incomplete despite the plethora of Ubisoft checklists that there is to work through in your time at sea. If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering with builds and doesn’t mind grinding for materials in a constant pursuit of that next upgrade for hours on end, then you may find something to like here. Otherwise, this is a voyage into tedium-induced insanity that you can definitely afford to miss.

It’s not often we see a Game of the Year contender so early in the year, but here we are. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unforgettable follow-up to one of the finest remakes ever produced. Deftly building upon the rock-solid foundation of its predecessor, it evolves the combat and progression systems in subtle yet exciting ways while setting you loose in a massive world that you’ll want to explore to the fullest. With countless activities to keep you busy and a gripping story that will leave both Final Fantasy VII veterans and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unmissable adventure.

I love horror games. I’m also a fairly forgiving guy when it comes to slip-ups. But there are times when you just have to call out a bad game for being a bad game. There’s a between a lovingly crafted game with a few hiccups here and there and a game that hasn’t had proper time and effort put into it. And, between its lackluster landscape and myriad bugs, Soviet Project falls firmly into the latter category.

Fixeight may not be as good as its predecessor, but it’s still a fun run-and-gun game in its own right. The main action still feels fantastic, and some of the boss battles are truly thrilling. If Toaplan had focused on what worked best here, we might have even gotten a must-play title. Instead, Fixeight is worth checking out for players who enjoyed Out Zone or are picking up these games in a bundle.

In some ways, Batsugun is a victim of its own success. It’s still an excellent shmup, but it stands out slightly less than it did upon release simply because so many of its best ideas have been stolen by so many other games over the last 31 years. Despite that, fans of the genre will find a game that absolutely holds up and is a blast to play even today.

Though I enjoyed the comedy and references in Dungeons & Doomknights, I feel its audience is limited by how inconsistently fun the experience actually is. Not only is it mechanically rough at many times, but the combat itself just doesn’t satisfy. Once I realized all this, I admittedly soured over the adventure. That said, if you’re a hardcore fan of new examples of classic games, you’ll probably find something to justify checking it out.

Still, despite a number of parts of Islands of Insight not connecting with me fully, what always did was the puzzles themselves. They’re so consistently engaging that I found myself ignoring the parts of the game that I didn’t love so I could keep engaging with them. Islands of Insight is a great game to jump into for ten minutes just to knock a few puzzles out before going about your day or to get lost in for hours as you try to solve every match 3 puzzle you can find.

Under Night In-Birth II is a fantastic fighting game experience when you focus solely on the core mechanics and how enjoyable it is to immerse yourself in the depths of its more intricate systems. Examining the package as a whole presents it as one that is perhaps a bit lacking on the content side, with there being a real absence of meaningful offline single-player modes to dive into, which in turn leads to a world that’s difficult to comprehend if you’re coming to this with no prior knowledge of the series. That being said, if you’re a fighting game purist who just wants a new fighting game to master that will offer hours upon hours of fun as you master its many interlocking systems, or you want something simple enough that you can enjoy a few casual rounds with friends here and there, then Under Night In-Birth II fits the bill almost perfectly.

Developer Ironwood Studios’ first go at the rogue-like genre has not only come out fresh as it gets but also put such a unique spin on a classic crafting/survival formula that I sincerely hope the term “road-lites” takes off. Hardly a pothole was hit riding along the anomalous, unstable ridgelines, with a perfectly-tuned balance of cautious material gathering, intense and atmospheric car treks, and wild sci-fi worldbuilding. I was absolutely enamored by the “car”-acterization of the humble station wagon that’s your mobile base, with the Quirk system being a highlight of the various gameplay mechanics that made Pacific Drive’s number one character stand out, just as it should.

I had an absolute blast playing GUNVOLT RECORDS Cychronicle for this review. Not only does it feature fantastic artwork and a variety of pumping tunes to enjoy, but there’s plenty of challenge for all gamers. Plus, if I know Inti Creates, they’ll find a way to totally outdo themselves in any future musical adventures. So, if you love the Gunvolt series and want a refreshing change of pace, this is absolutely the game for you.

While it could use more enemy variety and some areas that are more open, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a highly engaging action RPG featuring a love story I wanted to see through to its haunting conclusion. There are a lot of RPGs releasing in the first couple of months of this year, and with many of them being higher profile, it would be easy to overlook Banishers, but I hope players don’t do so. This is the exact sort of title we need studios to invest in more often.

More than anything, I feel amazing Metroidvanias need to strike a great balance between combat and exploration, where everything you accomplish is constantly bringing you one step closer to reaching the end of the game. I don’t feel that’s the case in Ultros. The rewind aspect of the game, combined with constantly losing platforming abilities and combat upgrades, makes the entire experience a painful slog. So even though I respect the ambition and creativity on display, ultimately, that’s not enough to elevate this game beyond its peers.

While the Switch may not be the best place to play The Outer Wilds, it still offers an experience absolutely filled with wonder on Nintendo’s platform. Switch owners who still haven’t had a chance to explore its mysteries now have one less excuse not to do so.

Tiger-Heli is a perfectly fine shooter. It controls well and has a solid enough loop. While it might have been revolutionary and offered something truly new back in 1985 though, that’s simply not the case in 2024. It’s short and doesn’t do anything that a million games in the genre haven’t done better in the years since. This is the sort of game that’s great to see included in a collection, so its historical impact isn’t forgotten, but it is hard to justify as a solo release. You can buy the latest set of Toaplan releases in a bundle, and if you do, give Tiger-Heli at least a quick play, if only for a glimpse of how far the genre has come from even a solid game of its era. As a standalone release, though, there are simply far better options.

While most of Vimana is fine, the minor issues that are here do get old as you play more of the game, and there’s little about it that stands out from a million other games in the genre. The few somewhat unique aspects at play here feel entirely inessential. It leads to a game that is perfectly playable and fairly enjoyable at times but which is hard to recommend except perhaps to shmup novices who want a solid-looking game with a killer soundtrack that feels possible for them to beat or to genre completionists who want to check out a game from a popular developer in the genre which is finally able to be played at home.

Had more care been given to crafting a more handcrafted campaign that relied less on repetitive busywork and more on the cinematic set-pieces that we know the looter shooter genre is capable of when done right, then this may have been a different story, and the admittedly enjoyable combat would have had the chance to shine more had the activities surrounding it been remotely enjoyable or creative. As it stands, though, this is one of the worst campaigns ever to grace a videogame, never mind a live service, with an endgame that does the unforgivable and asks you to continue grinding out the same content that you’ve just slogged through.

Tekken 8 offers a ton of ways to fight whether you want to head online or you’re looking for a fully featured single-player experience. A lot of them are just okay, but when you have this much variety, something is bound to stick, and even when some of its modes weren’t blowing me away, the fantastic combat at the center of this experience did. This isn’t a massive evolution for the Tekken series, but fans looking for their new fix will get what they want, while new players will find perhaps the most accessible Tekken yet.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a triumph and one of the most mechanically deep and rewarding action-RPGs in recent memory. It’s easy to pick up, yet difficult to master combat feels great in motion, and it’s all in service of a world and cast of characters that are more than worthy of your time and attention. Between the substantial single-player portion and the incredibly generous multiplayer offering, there’s a wealth of content on offer for those wanting to really invest and dig into the game’s many progression systems. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what the result would be if Tails of Arise and Monster Hunter had a baby, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is the answer, and it’s glorious.

Persona 3 Reload adds a ton of updates that make it look and play better than ever, ensuring this is the best version of the game, even if certain fans will miss a few additions from previous re-releases that weren’t included here. It doesn’t, however, fix some of the core issues with the original game, such as a dungeon that is rarely exciting to explore, too many social links that are frustrating to complete, and poor balance between its available time periods. Fans of the series will still have a blast revisiting it, and those checking it out for the first time will find a lot of the same things they loved in the series’ later entries. At the end of the day, though, the reason Persona 3 has never been quite as popular as the two games that came after it isn’t due to it coming out at the wrong time; It’s because it just isn’t as good as they are.

Despite treading similar territory, I still feel that Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II is an exceptional horror VN. This entry is streamlined and manages to produce quality scares and tell a haunting and memorable story across seven chapters. It features outstanding artwork, quality sound design, and even some reason to return in the form of multiple endings, gallery unlockables, and an optional extra chapter. Fans of horror need look no further – your new obsession is here.

Despite some very minor annoyances, I really enjoyed my time with The Legend of Steel Empire. It’s a classic old school Shmup brought to the current era with upgraded art and funky music. Fans of the genre should absolutely check it out now that it’s available on Nintendo Switch.

Despite its engaging concept and moments of brilliance, the game is held back by these shortcomings, making it a journey of both delight and disappointment. This ultimately leaves Phantom Abyss feeling like a treasure chest that’s only partially filled – it has its share of gems that shine brightly yet leaves enough space to make you wonder about the treasures that could have been.

Kingpin: Reloaded is a very problematic remaster of a shooter that wasn’t exactly a classic even in its heyday. Though there are some nicer textures and quality-of-life improvements, there are plenty of bugs, glitches and missed opportunities as well, so the source material isn’t elevated above its mediocre status. There’s little to value here unless you’re desperately devoted to millennial shooters and willing to be forgiving to the developers as they continue to patch the game’s problems. It turns out that when Kingpin was being reloaded, the magazine was filled with blanks.

Occasional pacing issues aside, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a fantastic follow-up to one of the best games in the series’ history. Its refined combat is snappy and satisfying. The three in-game cities are filled to the brim with activities to keep you busy, and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio’s penchant for weaving a compelling narrative remains unrivaled. Throw in a pair of unbelievably feature-rich games within the game in the form of Sujimon League and Dondoko Island, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an adventure fans of the series can’t afford to miss.

Honestly, I had much more fun with Momodora: Moonlit Farewell than I expected. Not only is the game beautiful and full of wonderful art and music, but it’s well-balanced, challenging, and engaging. Though the experience isn’t overly long, and I managed to get about 60% of the Steam achievements in one playthrough, there are some reasons to return, such as an enhanced boss rush post-game and Arrange Mode. If you’re at all a fan of Metroidvanias and are looking for a new obsession, look no further—a truly outstanding final entry in a great indie series.

Clive & Co’s first adventure into the world of DLC is good, and if you like the game, then you’ll almost definitely enjoy venturing into the Sagespire. There’s absolutely no denying that. But, given that it’s an extension of Final Fantasy XVI, it needs to be great—and I’m not quite sure that it reached that status. While there’s no denying that Echoes of the Fallen features a unique premise and a new stage to explore that’s every bit as challenging as it is breathtaking, you wouldn’t really be missing out on anything if you decided to skip it. Hopefully, the next piece of DLC will bring about a little bit more excitement.

Maybe that’s enough, though. Making one of the greatest SHMUPs ever released available to more players isn’t exactly nothing, and Radiant Silvergun still deserves that distinction even after all these years. Those just getting into the genre may want to cut their teeth on a few more forgiving titles before diving into this one, but SHMUP veterans should be ready for one of the most exciting games in the genre.

Altogether, I really enjoyed playing Bahnsen Knights, and feel it’s a good way to end this current Pixel Pulps trilogy. Though it’s not perfect, and makes some of the same missteps as previous games, it’s still well written and full of angsty sights and sounds. I highly recommend playing it on Nintendo Switch, since it’s the closest you can get to replicating the feel of holding a book in your hands and choosing your own adventure. A rousing apocalyptic finale well worth your time.

Whether you have played these games previously and are simply excited to see them released from the shackles of Nintendo’s handheld ecosystems, or you’re jumping into the insanity that is this sequel trilogy for the first time, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is an unmissable courtroom drama.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is, in many ways, a new direction for this series, but there’s enough pulled from the past that it very much still feels like a Prince of Persia game. With excellent combat, some of the best platforming you’ll find in any Metroidvania, a fantastic world to explore, and a series of incredible powers to unlock, The Lost Crown keeps getting more interesting as you make your way through it. Fans of the series, the genre, or simply great games will want to check out Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.

Despite initially relying a little too much on trial and error, Howl is an absolute delight once its mechanics click. What initially appears as a simplistic tactical RPG soon morphs into a devilishly difficult puzzle game that begs for repeated playthroughs as you gain a greater command of new mechanics and the core gameplay loops. Whether you’re after a tactical RPG that does things a little bit differently or a puzzle experience that gets increasingly rewarding the more you invest yourself in it, Howl is an easy recommendation.

I’d consider the smoother gameplay, more detailed story mode, and more interesting art style a fair trade-off for this extra content. There’s enough content in House Flipper 2 right now to keep players busy for a long time. I have a lot harder time accepting the major bugs the game currently features, though. In time, House Flipper 2 may well morph into one of the best examples of this sort of simulation title, but for now, there’s still work to be done.

I went into Ultimate Ninja Storms Connections expecting a competent arena fighter, and while I definitely got that, what I didn’t expect was an experience that thoughtfully packaged together the greatest hits of Naruto’s early years in a way that would serve as an entry point to the Naruto universe. The result is an experience that is both welcoming to newcomers, while still catering to seasoned fans with the expansive character roster and standalone story that may appeal to series veterans more than it did me. With substantial single-player modes and competent online net code that rarely faltered, Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is a well-rounded package that should impress both fans of Naruto and those simply looking for a solid arena fighter.

I really wasn’t sure how I would judge Fearmonium in the end. The game found all sorts of ways to challenge me, both good and bad. The combat wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked, and the comic panels are rough, yet the game premise is unique, and the world is fascinating. Ultimately, I truly feel there’s a solid and worthwhile experience here. Once the aforementioned glitch is patched, I can fully recommend it to fans of the genre.

Looking at how much time I’ve spent doing runs on this, even without the expectation of making it very far, is a testament to Trinity Fusion’s staying power. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if a game can get me to procrastinate writing a review because I’m too enamored with playing it, something has gone very right. Eventually, you’ll go enough rounds that rooms and setups might start looking the same, and not every build will go out as planned due to the luck of the draw throwing you a bad weapon or useless perk. But all of that probably won’t deter a rogue-lite fan who can see the fun in the stylish and fluid combat, and sci-fi sightseers will be in for a treat with all the beautiful backgrounds and wild alien lifeforms. Angry Mob Studios has struck a damn fine balance between fun, progress, and style here with Trinity Fusion, so here’s hoping some rebalances and tweaks will grow out this multiversal menagerie even more into the stellar juggernaut it’s well on its way to becoming.

Despite having some real issues with it, though, Astral Ascent simply feels great to play, and that goes a long way in a genre that lives and dies based upon exactly that. If you’re going to ask players to make run after run through the same areas and repeat the same challenges, you need to feel good on a visceral level. Astral Ascent nails that and is the exact sort of game I want to keep running through. In some ways, it feels more like a great Early Access game that needs a bit more polish than a truly finished product, but what’s here today is still well worth a look for fans of the genre.

Speaking purely in terms of dress-up sims, Fashion Dreamer is excellent. While I would have liked a bit more customization in terms of your actual Muses, there’s very little to dislike about the borderline-unlimited number of outfits that the game offers you. As an entire experience, however, I couldn’t help but find the game lacking. While Fashion Dreamer doesn’t disappoint when it comes to letting players express their inner fashionistas, the fact that there’s so little to do outside of creating outfits for people makes it hard to stay motivated for long periods of time. Sure, I’m happy to spend hours creating outfits… but I need something to do afterward, you know?

MassHive Media’s potion-crafting simulator is a good game and I enjoyed playing it. It could have been great if they had just let it simmer for a bit longer, though—a fact that I found regretfully painful to deal with. While there’s no denying that Potion Permit offers a fun time for those interested and a top-tier level of visual polish, its overly simplistic approach to certain mechanics, combined with a lack of post-game content, means that players probably won’t find themselves staying in Moonbury Town for long.

Much like Tevi herself, the game is a bit of a work in progress. There’s good and there’s bad, but overall I feel the good outweighs the bad. It’s a fun, challenging, original game with amazing art and wonderful characters. Yes, there’s also elements that felt rougher, but none so egregious it held the entire experience back. If you’re willing to put in the time, you’ll find a great adventure here.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a wonderfully whimsical—and, at times, delightfully dark—new entry into the Dragon Quest Monsters franchise. While its graphics were more dated than I’d have liked, and I did find myself wanting a more free-roaming experience, I’d be lying if I said that I was anything but happy with how this game turned out. I truly hope that Square Enix continues putting their all into making DQM better and better with each new entry. Happy 25th Anniversary, DQM!

Ready or Not is an excellent tactical shooter that really immerses you into the role of a heavily-armed law enforcer, with all the split-second life-or-death decisions that entails. There are some annoying niggles in the single-player campaign and a few conspicuously missing features so there’s room for improvement, though it’s overall fun. It’s definitely a slower-paced shooter that requires a lot of patience for success, but if you’re willing to put in the effort to be a perfectionist policeman, Ready or Not will be right up your precinct.

For me, the hallmark of a good puzzler is reaching a zen-like state with the game. That happened early for me with Colored Effects and didn’t let up until I hit the end. I wish there were more, but that’s not a complaint from me. At such a low price point, and with solid execution, there’s no reason not to spend your weekend with this excellent little indie.

Salt and Sacrifice isn’t completely perfect—it suffers from some weird decision-making regarding boss speeds and invincibility frames, and it doesn’t come with the same kind of polish that larger companies are capable of applying to games. Fortunately, none of this really stops that from making it a solid game. All-in-all, Salt and Sacrifice proves itself to be a worthy successor to Salt and Sanctuary, and its focus on Mage hunts helps it to stand tall as a unique (and fun!) 2D soulslike.

The Pale Reach is a hard sell despite its minor price tag. The perils and tranquilities of the icefields, the new threat of the Urghal, and new fishes, diaries, and characters spruce up this expansion. However, The Pale Reach fails to provide more than just a passing journey through a glacial uncharted region due to its sparse one-hour length and lack of exciting new features. If you want more DREDGE, this is for you, but if not, this expansion won’t win you over as it’s too slight to engage over the long haul.

Overall, the Switch port of Firefighting Simulator – The Squad is a bit of a mixed bag. Graphical issues and AI quirks aside, the game still delivers where it counts: the fundamental mechanics and the thrill of multiplayer gameplay. Despite its repetition and simplicity, it does a decent job of introducing players to the nuts and bolts of firefighting. The game truly comes alive in multiplayer, where teamwork elevates the experience, capturing some of the excitement and challenge of the job. It’s not perfect, but for those with a keen interest in firefighting and a willingness to overlook its technical issues on the Switch, this game can be a solid pick.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ends up feeling a bit more like a large update than a true sequel, despite what some of those involved in its development would insist, but at the end of the day, I’m not sure I care. At its core, this is still a fantastic fighting game filled with content. Some of that content may not exactly be new, but when almost everyone missed it the first time around, I’m glad that it will get another chance to build a community. Outside of the strange changes to the story mode, this is a better game than the original in every way and well worth the time of fighting game fans.

As spirited as Christmas itself, Lake: Season’s Greetings is a lovely piece of prequel dlc that harnesses everything that makes the base game so pleasant and easygoing to play. The new characters are memorable, the delivery gameplay is conveniently chill, and the short runtime ensures it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Sure, not much has changed, there are a few bugs and the Christmas theme isn’t quite fully baked, but whether you enjoyed the original Lake or Season’s Greetings is your first foray, you’ll certainly find cozy comforts in Season’s Greetings-time to warm yourself by the fire and play this exquisite-if-light piece of dlc.

The latest Persona 5 spinoff could be called a lot of different things. Strange? A bit, yeah. Minimalistic? Compared to the rest of the series, definitely. But you can also, undoubtedly, call it creative. And, most importantly, you can very easily call it fun! So long as you can get past its slightly odd presentation in the beginning, Persona 5 Tactica promises an enjoyably unique experience that only serves to build upon the world of Persona 5 established by its predecessors. Regardless of whether or not SRPGs are normally your thing, any self-respecting Persona fan owes it to themselves to snag a copy of P5T as soon as they’re able.

KarmaZoo doesn’t nail every animal form you get to control, but far more often than not, new forms were a joy to unlock, and its pace kept me looking forward to what was coming next. Throw in strong controls, an excellent look, and a game where players both have to and will want to work together, and you have a winner. Anyone looking for a game to play with others without having to dedicate hours every day should absolutely check out KarmaZoo.

Coming from the ranks of Dota 2, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story caught me off guard. It’s almost unfair how this League of Legends adventure manages to weave such an enthralling narrative, making me, a Dota fan, momentarily question my loyalties. It stands as a shining example in the League of Legends universe, offering a heartwarming tale that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike. The game’s strengths lie in its compelling narrative, beautifully crafted world, and thoughtful sound design, all of which come together to create an immersive and emotionally impactful experience. While Song of Nunu may not pioneer new gameplay mechanics or offer extensive replay value, it triumphs in delivering a narrative that is both engaging and meaningful. More than just a game, it is a fun-sized odyssey that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the heart and spirit.

Despite not enjoying the direction taken with the randomized roguelike map progression, the moment-to-moment gunplay and chaotic nature of the original are retained in full and feel better than ever in Alien Hominid Invasion. Played solo, it can be a bit of a slog, with difficulty spikes that don’t feel tuned for solo play, but when teaming up with up to three other players, it’s an experience that shines as you aim to make sense of the chaotic firefights with friends alongside you. I didn’t think it was possible, but the developers have done it with Alien Hominid Invasion and created a sequel two decades after its predecessor that manages to make the series feel fresh all over again.

My nitpicks aside, there’s still a great game in Alina of the Arena, especially for hardcore fans of rogue-like deckbuilders and tactical warfare. The biggest hurdles to get past are the game’s UI quirks and the overall difficulty, but if you’re willing to persevere you’ll find a deep and satisfying combat system and a good amount of replay value. It’s especially fun for handheld gaming on Nintendo Switch.

My experience with this game was a strange one, I’ll admit. I was intrigued by the premise, despite it wearing its inspiration on its sleeve, and wanted to see where things would end up. Sadly, it left me more confused and disappointed than anything else. While Inescapable: No Rules, No Rescueentices its players with more complex route-building elements and a few wild moments here and there, it never goes as far as it should. I had fun with the game, but, given how close it is to Danganronpa, I’d suggest that you’re better off playing that.

All in all, I’d have a very hard time recommending the Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection to anyone that isn’t a die-hard fan of the series or someone with a lot of nostalgia for these games in particular. Most of the entries are sparse in content and not all that fun to play, with the NES Jurassic Park game and the Game Boy version of Jurassic Park 2 being the only ones I was able to stomach for very long. Sure, it’s kind of cool that there’s save states, a rewind button, and in-game maps now, but it really doesn’t do much in relieving these overall tired and unfun games. Still, if nostalgia is your friend, you might want to check out the Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection.

This game isn’t entirely what I was hoping for from a Super Bomberman R sequel—it re-uses a lot of content, and its Story Mode could use a little work. Still, there’s definitely more good than bad when it comes to this game. So long as you aren’t bothered by its just-okay single-player experience and reliance on Super Bomber Man R Online content, Super Bomberman R 2 is a great game that’s sure to be a blast for you and your friends.

Cobalt Core was a wonderful surprise for me, and is absolutely one of my favorite games of the year. It marries two disparate genres effortlessly and has a deep but easy-to-understand combat mechanic, engaging and lovable characters, and a mysterious plot. If you love rogue-like, deckbuilder, or Shmup, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Overall, Haunted House is a solid game. It has mad Scooby Doo vibes (in the best of ways), an enjoyable and rewarding level of difficulty, and is addicting enough to make you want to dive back in again and again. The ever-changing layout of each section of the house, as well as the ability to rescue Lyn’s friends and use them for a new run (with each friend having their own unique stat parameters) means that there’s plenty of variety to keep you on your toes. If you’re in the market for a cute, spoopy, addicting game, I can’t recommend Haunted House enough.

Modern Warfare 3 should not exist in its current form. This world, these characters, and modes such as zombies deserved better, especially after Modern Warfare 1 and 2 laid the groundwork for a spectacular third entry with two carefully crafted reboots. If you’re purely in it for the multiplayer, then there may just be enough here in the nostalgia of revisiting old maps to warrant a purchase, but that is the only grounds on which Modern Warfare 3 might prove an acceptable product. For anyone looking for their next action-packed campaign fix or hoping to see the zombies mode return to its former glories, you should absolutely avoid this year’s entry.

My small complaints aside, Yohane the Parhelion: BLAZE in the DEEPBLUE is still one of my favorite games from Inti Creates. It’s an incredibly solid Metroidvania with gorgeous artwork, amazing music, and a deep and fun combat system. While it’s disappointing there’s no bestiary and frustrating there’s not much in the way of postgame content, it’s still a very worthy adventure.

Even when it frustrated me at times, though, Jusant consistently had me wanting to keep going up. Whether it was uncovering another bit of lore about this world, seeing what beautiful scenery was over the next ridge, or simply the joy of finding that next handhold, Jusant kept me engaged from start to finish. A sequel that offers a longer experience that better utilizes its abilities could be even better, but anyone wanting to see how compelling a game can be without needing to bring combat into the equation should absolutely check it out.

Novelty is a steep challenge, and Ebenezer and the Invisible World succeeds admirably at showing us something new and exciting. The game features a cool concept married with challenging and invigorating gameplay. The problem is that it’s still shackled by glitches and occasionally poor game design. While the adventure is expansive and easily could take 10+ hours to get through, it’s a little hard to wholeheartedly recommend until many of the issues mentioned above have been addressed.

For what is ultimately a walking simulator, The Gap is largely successful. Its story is moving and told in a compelling way. You feel for these characters, none of whom are villains. They’re all just trying to do their best in impossible situations. For some, that means pushing back against the seeming inevitability of their lives, while for others, it means accepting it and making the best of things. It’s a relatively short game, but that does stop it from wearing out its welcome. The Gap’s puzzles, while varied, rarely prove challenging or mechanically interesting. Only once in the game did anything take me more than a few minutes to figure out. Ten hours of this would be too much, but for a few hours where you’re consistently moving the plot forward and finding new information, it manages to provide a satisfying experience.

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a cute, competent hidden objects game full of whimsy and wonder. It has so many charming scenes that delight while keeping things casual yet mildly challenging. Although I wish the hint system was a bit more refined and the music more calming, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with this wholesome hidden object game. If you think you’re good at finding metaphorical needles in haystacks and want to put your skills to the test, you can’t go wrong with Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic.

Demeo Battles captures the essence of its tabletop inspiration in a virtual space, providing a welcoming entry point for those new to the genre. Its accessible mechanics and VR implementation make for an enjoyable, if not particularly deep, gaming experience. Despite its limited progression system, Demeo Battles shines when played with friends, especially in VR, where the camaraderie of a shared physical space can turn a simple match into a memorable event. However, for those seeking the richness and depth found in more complex strategy games, Demeo Battles may feel like a lightweight contender—a game that, while enjoyable, lacks the strategic layers and casual replayability that could make it a mainstay among the titans of D&D media.

I enjoyed revisiting the world and characters of Tales of Arise. Seeing how they’re doing a year later and how this world is finding a way to come together is interesting, and the early hours of Beyond the Dawn are mostly a good experience. Once again, though, the further things go, the less satisfying the overall experience is, and some strange design choices make this content feel strangely isolated. Big fans of Tales of Arise should certainly give this a shot, but it’s far from mandatory even for them.

Cuisineer is absolutely a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The dungeon crawling is simplistic yet enjoyable, the management elements are a touch too simplistic, and the sidequests are a touch repetitive. Yet, it all comes together to provide an experience that’s absolutely full to the brim with charm, and, most importantly, one where you always feel like you’re making progress. It doesn’t matter whether you’re stocking your cupboards with ingredients, selling meals and raking in the cash, upgrading your furniture in order to allow more patrons to feast, or hunting down that next bubble tea upgrade – Cuisineer always carries this sense of forward progression that so many cozy games tend to miss on. Could you possibly go and find games that do each of these individual elements better elsewhere? Sure, you absolutely could, but it all comes together in Cusineer to provide a consistently rewarding experience that cozy gamer fans everywhere should be checking out this winter.

There’s still a ton of things to like about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Insomniac wisely kept the formula that worked so well in place and expanded it, removing a lot of what didn’t work and filling it in with new side content to leave players with plenty to do. There are few open-world games that are anywhere near as engaging, in large part because so few of them can capture the genuine joy of simply moving through the world in the way these games do. That so much of the game’s content has been broken down into its best parts makes it all the more frustrating, though, when the game continues to make a few major mistakes it’s been making since the very first entry. Still, any fans of the first two games will have a blast returning to this world in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

More than anything, I’m torn by how it would have only taken a little more effort to make RedRaptorshine. Things like having comic book panels to buttress the dialogue, or making the bosses more memorable. As it stands, the game is relatively fun but sadly doesn’t do anything to differentiate itself from the pack. It just felt very generic and uninspired. That said, the game is very affordable, so if you’re looking for a basic Shmup, you might enjoy RedRaptor.

While Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name undoubtedly suffers due to its smaller scale and a heavy reliance on the Akame Network to pad out its 12-hour story, there’s no denying how good it feels to see the Dragon of Dojima back in action – especially with the grab bag of gadgets he has at his disposal. And while this spin-off’s story is over a bit too soon, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s penchant for spinning a compelling narrative shines through, showing Kiryu at his most vulnerable and setting the stage for what’s sure to be a momentous follow-up when Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches next January.

Whether you’re pondering the meaning of life and existence or racking your brains solving some carefully crafted puzzles, The Talos Principle 2 takes everything great about the first game and refines it to perfection. Croteam spins philosophy in just the right light, asking hard-hitting questions in a lenient and digestible manner while presenting the player with a wealth of ways you can respond to them. But if you’re just here to solve a few puzzles, there’s no skimping on the quality here at all, and you’re free to skip right through the plot if you want to get straight to the mind melting.

Mineko’s Night Market is a charming narrative-driven game fueled by crafting and resource collecting. Its silly, snarky writing is smile-inducing, its unique aesthetics are inviting, and its core loop easy to comprehend yet oddly challenging to complete. Although I wish there had been more of the writing in favor of the mechanics, I can’t fault Mineko’s Night Market for giving us this delightful romp across a whimsically magical island. If Mineko’s Night Market calls to you, grab it — you’re sure to get plenty of enjoyment out of it.

Alan Wake II is a masterfully made horror title filled with audacious storytelling and some of the best moments in any game released this year. The moment-to-moment gameplay may not be quite as satisfying as some of Remedy’s other titles, but its atmosphere is perhaps the company’s best. After thirteen years of waiting, fans finally get to see what comes next for Alan Wake. It was worth the wait.

If you fancy a jaunty mail-centered platformer you can do much worse than Mail Time. It’s not quite priority mail, but manages to avoid being returned to sender. So open this envelope up and you might find something appealing inside.

Overall, My Time At Sandrock is a great game. There’s tons to do, and it’s got plenty of depth. If I had played it on, say, PC or PS5, I’m sure it would have run fine (or at least serviceable). But I didn’t. I played it on the Switch. And the Nintendo Switch Version of My Time At Sandrock is a crunchy, crusty, stuttering mess that I very much recommend that you stay away from.

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a true treat for both series veterans and newcomers alike, going far beyond the scope of traditional remakes and bringing The Second Story to a brand-new, and completely wonderful, level.

More than just a cynical cash-in, RoboCop: Rogue City does an excellent job bucking the trend of mediocre movie tie-ins to give fans something spectacular. It’s a bloody and visceral love letter to 80s action herodom that leans hard into its source material and even builds upon themes only touched upon in the films. Add a satisfying amount of content in the form of a robust skill tree and a wealth of side missions, and you have a game that no RoboCop fan should miss.

I know that mature games have been taking a beating lately, and I hate to add to that. But I really cannot recommend Another World Mahjong Girl, unless you’re already an expert at Mahjong or really enjoy ecchi. I know eastasiasoft is capable of much better than this, but the lack of a coherent tutorial or explanation of the game made it almost unplayable for me as a rookie. Unfortunately, no amount of great artwork can fix that deficit in the game, much to my chagrin.

LogiKing is a novel concept and a fun enough experience, but I can’t shake how barren it feels. In many ways, I think this game would have fared better as a technical demo than a full-fledged game you have to pay for. While I can respect the overall polish and strategy present in the game, ultimately, I was disappointed there wasn’t more to do.

Those are minor missteps, though, in an otherwise fantastic release. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is easily the most interesting a 2D Mario title has been since the 90s, and any fan of platformers absolutely needs to play this game. The Switch has had a fantastic year for first-party releases, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands alongside the very best of them.

I’ll be entirely honest here: Little Goody Two Shoes’ striking art style alone could sell the game. The ’90s anime stylings are superbly recreated here, feeling like a fever dream of an anime VHS tape you watched way back when. The four main maidens of this tale are well-spun and memorable, and even the more minor side characters all have their points of interest, helping tie together the short but sweet adventure all the better.

Prison City is a fun, albeit mixed experience. While I applaud the modern retro revolution that’s taking place and love the style of the game, the gameplay itself is hindered by control issues and the often unforgiving challenge of the game. Sure, you can turn down the difficulty, but I feel the default should be well-tuned enough so that the game is a balanced challenge. Despite that, if you’re a fan of retro-styled games and want to try something new, you might very well enjoy it. Though for those on the fence, I’d say wait until Prison City comes to consoles next month.

Ion Fury: Aftershock‘s road to release was long and, at times, seemed uncertain. Now, after numerous delays, I’m happy to report that this expansion was well worth the wait. Developer Voidpoint and 3D Realms have succeeded in delivering fans an explosive, feature-rich update with tons of stages to explore, new enemies to butcher, and a sleek new ride to help them get around its cyberpunk world. Throw in a soul-crushing new difficulty setting and an arranged mode that breathes new life into the original release, and there’s never been a better time to step into Bombshell’s combat boots and gib some techno cultists.

In some ways, Front Mission 2: Remake is an improvement on the first game’s remake. It looks better, and the gameplay has a bit more depth and complexity, even if it isn’t a significant upgrade. In the end, though, I actually had more fun with that original title, thanks to a more compelling story and far better localization. It’s nice that Front Mission 2 is finally officially available in English, but this is still much more a remaster than a remake.

The final echoes of the Viking horn resound with a mixture of satisfaction and a yearning for more. Land of the Vikings embarks on a voyage to encapsulate the Viking ethos within a city-building scaffold, achieving a serene yet engaging gameplay experience. However, the game’s reluctance to venture into the deeper waters of strategic complexity and narrative engagement leaves a trail of unexplored horizons. With a more polished narrative, enriched combat mechanics, and a more layered progression system, the game could transcend from being a calming voyage to an exhilarating exploration of Viking sagas entwined with the intricacies of city-building.

Gastro Force attempts to play to old-school gamers' nostalgia with its lo-fi visuals and classic maze shooter gameplay. Unfortunately, it's hard to imagine even the biggest fans of retro FPSs will have the intestinal fortitude to stomach its mercilessly repetitive campaign, especially when there are so many better boomer shooters available.