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

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

I went into the review hoping for the best. And while ChainStaff is undeniably creative and visually appealing, I really wish that Mommy’s Best Games spent more time fine-tuning the gameplay, mechanics, and level design. If you’re a fan of retro-styled adventures and aren’t put off by complex gameplay, you might find this is the alien parasite you’re looking for. Less patient gamers, however, will probably want to skip this one.

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

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

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

I admire Pearl Abyss’ quick response to some of Crimson Desert’s issues, and I think there’s a real chance that it will eventually feel decent to play. At the moment, though, it simply doesn’t, and even with updates, I have my doubts that it will ever give me a world that’s engaging for anything more than its impressive visuals. There’s a lot to do in Crimson Desert, but so little that I actually wanted to do.

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

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

The core combat is still fun and fans of Scott Pilgrim will have a good time getting together and seeing all the references, but there are simply better beat ‘em ups available for you to brawl your way through.

With the making of footage in Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition underwhelming, the major selling point of this release is having access to a lot of different versions of one 30-year-old game. When the game is as fun as Rayman is that still doesn’t make for a bad package, particularly with the inclusion of all the extra level packs released in the years after it came out, but it can’t help but feel disappointing compared to many of Digital Eclipse’s stronger efforts.

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

If you enjoyed the original game, the content here is good and it makes a nice excuse to return to this world, if only for a little while. The price is right for what’s offered, but this prologue is hardly essential even for fans of the original game. If you missed that original game, this release serves as a reminder that it’s well worth your time.

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

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

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

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

I really wanted to give ANTHEM#9 a higher score. But even though I enjoyed the game, I feel that the lack of progressive upgrades, as well as the occasionally barebones storytelling, finicky interface, and incredible difficulty, made a higher score impossible. That said, if you’re eager for something utterly unique and want to support a new game developer, I’d definitely give it a shot.

High on Life 2 is a funny and ambitious sequel that is held back by technical issues and some mechanical shortcomings that the series still has not solved. The skateboard is fantastic, the writing is sharp, and the world rewards curiosity at every turn. But the gunplay lacks oomph, and the gameplay lacks depth.

Ultimately, due to this conflicting nature, Code Vein II is never quite sure of what type of game it wants to be, and as such, I was never quite sure if I was having fun with it or not. A lifeless open world filled with mindless combat encounters feels completely detached from the Soulslike nature of its character progression and spectacular boss fights that break up the otherwise mundane nature of the experience. It’s not a complete lost cause as the narrative is worthwhile, and for genre fans, the depth of the character progression and the payoff in the boss fights does prove rewarding when you see all your tinkering coming together, but the highs aren’t enough to make Code Vein II an easy recommendation for all but the die-hards of the genre.

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

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

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

I really enjoyed playing TR-49, but it’s too wrapped up in its characters for me to totally forgive the fact that I came away from it not caring about any of them. Still, the formula at the center of this one is a winner, and if you’ve already played some of the genre’s very best, TR-49 is absolutely still worth a look.

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

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

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

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

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

I was really hoping to enjoy my time more with the game, but ultimately Kotama and Academy Citadel fell prey to unclear mechanics and incredibly challenging progression. While the adventure is quite attractive and novel in many ways, this Metroidvania fan was hoping for something much more streamlined. Here’s hoping the next adventure from Atomstring Games builds upon to good here to deliver a true knockout adventure.

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

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

Though I didn’t hate the game, and enjoyed much of my time with EvoCreo, it also suffered from a lot of self inflicted wounds. If you’re going to port a mobile game to PC, it needs to optimize things for that platform. And that’s just not the case here...While I doubt I’d ever see this game on a Nintendo platform, I do feel it would be perfect as a portable adventure. Which is why it’s so frustrating that it’s not optimized for anything other than keyboard and mouse, and hasn’t been confirmed for Steam Deck. But if you can put up with various failings and want a fun, PC take on monster catching, then you might still want to check out EvoCreo.

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

As a fan of the indie and rogue-like scene, I really wanted to enjoy Morsels more. But I also can’t bring myself to say a game is better than it is. My hope is that Furcula finds a way to tweak and dramatically improve the game experience in future content updates. But until then, this is one rogue-like that won’t be making a lot of fans.

A lot of players will find Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered International to be overwhelming, myself included. Even for those who don’t, if they played the previous version and don’t need one of the new language options, there’s little need to double dip. Still, if the idea of an open world that lets you create your own adventure is appealing, then this is a fascinating game that is worth a look.

Despite its share of rough edges, Skate Story still won me over. It leans more on style than substance, but that style is some of the most striking I’ve seen in years, and it carries the experience far. The problem is that the game rarely finds inventive ways to use its own brilliance, leaving it feeling like a journey that peaks too early.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 represents Treyarch doing what Treyarch does best: crafting rock-solid multiplayer and inventive zombies experiences. Coming just one year after Black Ops 6, there were legitimate concerns about franchise fatigue, but the game manages to be both familiar and fresh enough to justify its existence.

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

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

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

My complaints with Forestrike are ultimately quite minor, though. It’s an incredibly unique action game that requires a great deal of planning and foresight to see your way to the end. If you aren’t able to slow down and approach a game with patience than it won’t be for you but if you’re willing to meet it where it is you’ll find a compelling game which feels entirely singular.

Still, despite some minor complaints about the ending, I had an absolute blast with each episode of Dispatch. For the last few weeks, checking out the new episodes has become a part of my Wednesday schedule that I couldn’t wait for and now that the game is over I’m going to miss it next Wednesday. With excellent characters, an interesting world, and a mostly satisfying conclusion, my only real complaints are that I wanted more of it. More room to develop the plot and more of the interesting gameplay. Hopefully it won’t be too terribly long before we get more of Dispatch.

Lumines Arise is an absolute showstopper of a title for the PlayStation VR 2 and I suspect will play much the same in VR on PC as well. In any other context it’s still an excellent puzzle game albeit one that you’ll likely finish with rather quickly. Still, if you remotely enjoyed Tetris Effect then Lumines Arise is just as well made and is well worth your time.

I won’t go so far as to call The Namco Legendary Pack a must-purchase. The history captured here isn’t unique enough for that, especially when you consider only a handful of playable games have been added to the overall package. Still, what’s here is interesting, well presented, and offered at a reasonable price for the couple of hours of education and entertainment it can provide. If you’re a fan of Namco’s earliest works, it’s worth the price of admission.

This package of the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy is undoubtedly the best way to experience each of these brilliant JRPGS, with the additional content proving welcome if not quite essential. If you’ve never played through Ryza’s adventures prior to this repackaging, then this is undoubtedly the definitive way to do so.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the most complete version of a fantastic game that you’ll find on modern platforms and a must-purchase if you love the series and haven’t played it anywhere else recently. PS4 owners can even upgrade for a reduced price, which is probably worthwhile. It ultimately offers a pretty minor upgrade to the game’s recent packages, though.

Despite its issues, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a beautiful collection that modernizes these games in many compelling ways. In doing so, however, it loses the identity of the first game and only offers band-aids for the issues of the second title. These are still incredibly basic RPGs which will mostly appeal to long time fans of the series, but they’re likely the best versions of these classic titles.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with Majogami, I just feel it could have been better. Though I love the artwork and amazing style Inti Creates always brings to the table, I feel the gameplay was more than a bit jumbled. The simplest way to put it is that sometimes less is more, and I hope that next time, Inti gives us a pure, easy to parse concept with all their usual amenities. Still, those looking for witchy fanservice, gorgeous artwork, surprisingly deep replay value and epic boss battles have a great new adventure in Majogami.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection features an absolutely absurd amount of content, both when it comes to the games you can play and the documentary included as well. I’d have loved to see a bit more about what the Mortal Kombat team was going through during the tail end of the 90s, and there are certainly a few gaps when it comes to the games included that would be great to see filled in. Still, fans of the series will find that Digital Eclipse has made yet another great collection that entertains and educates in equal measure.

Even though it was slightly held back by some issues on Nintendo’s handheld, I’m still beyond happy I finally got to dive into Deathless. The Hero Quest on Switch. This is an incredibly well-made rogue-like deckbuilder that I would recommend even to those hesitant to jump into the genre. Whether you play it for the stunning artwork, unique Slavic story or just because you love the genre, this is one game every fantasy fan should check out.

Once Upon a KATAMARI is still really fun, but it doesn’t quite live up to the dream of what I wanted a new Katamari game to be. The developers clearly put a lot of thought into how they could mix up the series’ formula, and they did a great job of putting players in new situations, but too often, I just found myself wishing for more of the old style of stages. Still, if you’ve already played the earlier games in the series and want more, you’ll have a good time with Once Upon a KATAMARI.

BALL X PIT takes a classic genre and perfectly updates it for modern audiences. Runs are relatively short, but they’re addicting in the sort of way where you’ll constantly find yourself wanting just one more. There’s an absolute ton of variety, and I expect players to have a fantastic time figuring out which of the game’s many heroes are their favorites. Even after playing dozens of hours, it kept finding new ways to amaze me. Don’t be surprised when you can’t stop playing BALL X PIT.

I liked ILA’s story a great deal as well, and think it explores emotionally challenging situations in a mature way, which will work for all ages. I also believe, though, that the overall experience doesn’t fully come together in a satisfying way. With some more interesting puzzles, a bit of work on the skating sequences, and slightly better pathfinding, this could be a real winner. For now, it’s a nice enough game that doesn’t reach its full potential.

Little Nightmares III is a solid sequel that honors the franchise’s horror foundations but stumbles with excessive caution. It’s a nightmare worth having, but one that feels hauntingly familiar. In a series built on unsettling expectations, familiarity is its scariest weakness. For series fans seeking more puzzle platforming in The Nowhere, Little Nightmares III delivers exactly that—no more, no less.

On the whole, I do think Varlet is worthy of a playthrough for genre die-hards, but it would be best experienced having been snapped up at a heavy discount, which I have very little doubt won’t be far away.

Battlefield 6 has an enjoyable, but brief single-player campaign that ends just as it is getting really good. The campaign feels like an extended tutorial for the diverse systems in multiplayer, which provides a potpourri of vehicles and tactical options to do battle with, but doesn't exactly break the mould. Battlefield 6 just can't quite reach the heights of Battlefield 1 or add much spice to the decades-old, oversaturated contemporary military FPS genre. Battlefield 6 is a return to form, but not an elevation of that form.

Absolum does a fantastic job of expanding what we would usually expect of a beat ‘em up, keeping it fresh and interesting to play over dozens of runs. It looks, sounds, and runs great, and it plays phenomenally. It may not quite have the kinetic impact of my very favorite brawlers, but this is a game that dares to push beyond what fans expect from its genre and succeeds on all counts.

You won’t find many strategy RPGs that are better than Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles in any year. It looks fantastic, it plays wonderfully, and it tells an incredibly compelling story. If you’ve never been able to experience this classic, it’s a must-play, and even if you have, this is a game well worth giving another try. I’m very glad I did so.

Dying Light: The Beast succeeds by understanding what made the original special and refining those elements rather than reinventing them. This is comfort food gaming at its finest: familiar mechanics executed with polish and focus.

The problem, ultimately, is that this is a collection of really lackluster titles. Even the best game here isn’t worth your time. It’s hard to recommend to anyone because they’re not even bad in an interesting way; they’re just poorly designed. If you are somehow the rare person who has spent the last 30 years holding a torch for this annoying bobcat, then this is the collection for you, but everyone else should stay away.

Despite my frustration with the 4th stage and occasional difficulty with the game’s balance, Platypus Reclayed is still a very unique and enjoyable Shmup overall. It even features two-player co-op, a feature I wasn’t able to try out. I’d say fans of the genre will still find something to enjoy here and will likely find the challenge easier to deal with. But if you’re not confident of your when it comes to shooters, you might want to try another adventure.

Baby Steps, at times, struggles to walk the tightrope between frustration and satisfaction, but it stays on the rope at least as often as I was able to keep Nate on a thin wooden plank. I could have done without losing quite as much progress as I did at times, but I still spent most of my time with Baby Steps with a huge grin plastered on my face, and even now, I want to explore this bizarre creation further.

Cultic - Chapter Two is a one-man-band developer showing they're capable of more than a one-hit-wonder, with this brilliant second instalment of mayhem that brings back the best of 1990s FPS design into the 2020s. Whether it's inspired level design, awesomely powerful weapons or thumb-blisteringly tricky battles, there's plenty to whet the appetites of those hungry for pixellated blood.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter may be missing a bit of the charm of the original English translation, but it makes up for it with a deeper and more fully realized combat system, a ton of style, and the most fully realized version of an incredible game. New players couldn’t ask for a better place to start, and returning players will be thrilled to find the developers nailed this reimagined take on a classic.

While the story of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion may not have connected with me, and the action may not be breaking any new ground, it is ultimately a ton of fun to play with fast-paced action that is instantly engaging yet offers enough variety throughout to keep my attention. Anyone who loves customization will be in absolute heaven and should absolutely check this one out.

For fans of the various properties here, Super Robot Wars Y is a no-brainer. Even as someone unfamiliar with a lot of these properties, it was still cool to see the few characters I did know show up and interact with each other. I can only imagine how cool that would be if I knew the rest of this crew. Still, after playing it, I’m curious to check out a few more of these series because so many of these characters are likable and grabbed my attention. Even beyond the characters, there’s a ton of quality strategy RPG goodness here for anyone who enjoys the genre. Super Robot Wars Y may not break any new ground there, but it’s well executed and will keep you busy for a very long time.

The overall experience is a game at war with itself. Triangle Strategy is a fascinating, yet flawed gem that will absolutely delight some while frustrating others in equal measure. It offers tactical depth, political complexity, and visual splendor, but demands patience for its sluggish pacing and incessant dialogue.

For all its shortcomings in the combat and enemy variety departments, Hell is Us is one of my favourite games of 2025, and is sure to be close to the top of my rankings when the time comes. Hands down the most refreshing experience I’ve had on console in quite some time, Hell is Us takes years of tropes and bad habits built up by the industry and discards them in favour of player agency. It’s a game that I hope finds its fans, as while I anticipate it being an incredibly polarizing experience, we need more experiences like this to stand alongside the AAA junk food that is undoubtedly satisfying, but frequently hollow. If you’re like me and want to reprogram your brain to not instinctively climb a wall or squeeze through a gap that might happen to have yellow paint splashed across it due to years of being indoctrinated by video games, then please take the time to sample the delight that is Hell is Us this summer.

Herdling offers interesting mechanics and a fantastic soundtrack on any platform. It also has a fantastic style that should be a strength, but the Switch version in particular looks so washed out that it dulls the appeal of this part of the game. I’m not saying to avoid playing Herdling, but if you have any other options, I’d definitely recommend checking it out on another platform.

Despite a bit more repetition of songs than I would have liked and the curious lack of a VR mode in a game that seems perfectly designed for it, Fresh Tracks is a blast to play with a killer soundtrack and incredibly well-designed mechanics. Any fan of rhythm games should absolutely check it out.

Like Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4 before it, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance proves once again that Lizardcube knows how to bring Sega’s most beloved properties to the modern era with its crisp, combo-driven combat and fast and fluid platforming action. Whether you grew up with Joe Musashi or are stepping into his tabi boots for the first time, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a spectacular evolution for the series that cuts through the competition.

Put simply, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a ton of fun. Not only does it add neat little tricks like how dancing draws items closer to you, but it features challenging boss battles, clever puzzles, and an engaging cast of characters with stellar humor constantly on display. If I weren’t already a super fan of the series, this game would have helped make me one. It’s a blast from the past that’s perfectly suited for modern gamers, and a game I highly recommend you check out.

Primal Planet may not be the best Metroidvania ever made, but it features an incredibly cool world and satisfying gameplay. It doesn’t hurt that it offers some genuinely beautiful pixel art on top of that. It’s not an absolute must-play, but fans of the genre digging through the loads of solid but uninspired games being made these days will find that Primal Planet rises above most of the pack.

I admit I wasn’t sure what to make of OFF at first. It’s a perplexing and weird little game full of charming characters and peppered with quirky humor. Ultimately, though, I feel this is still a must-play RPG. It’s not only memorable, but it features some robust new content I won’t spoil, but which is worth experiencing for yourself. So if you don’t mind putting up with brain-crushing puzzles and occasionally unoptimized combat, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.

Fallen City Brawl has its strengths, with its crunchy combat, a solid variety of weapons, and a fantastic soundtrack. But those high points are often dragged down by inconsistent visuals, a lack of polish, and some frustrating design decisions. With more time and refinement, it could’ve stood alongside the genre’s modern greats like Streets of Rage 4 or TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. As it is, it’s a decent but uneven experience that genre fans might still enjoy, especially in co-op, provided they go in with tempered expectations.

Despite these concerns, I’ve had a lot of fun with Abyssus, and I imagine I’ll continue to do so. It’s not the most complicated game I’ve ever played, and it has some balance issues, but it just feels so good to blow enemies away and to chain abilities together that can cause massive havoc around you. I’ll just make sure that when I come back to Abyssus, I’m consistently doing it with a crew of friends who are all ready to cause even more of that mayhem with me.

Ra Ra BOOM has some weaknesses. Its story doesn’t really connect, and the melee combat lacks the sort of flow that the best games in the genre manage. Still, its twist on genres, which combines various gameplay styles into one interesting experience, is largely successful and makes it worth a look for beat ‘em up fans.

Killing Floor 3 is a decent night with friends and a weak successor. It chases trends that do not fit the series, ships with a campaign that does not shape the action, and leans on grind to stretch content that should have been deeper instead of longer. Fans will find flashes to enjoy. Most players will bounce to other co‑op shooters that respect their time.

Earthion is one of the most impressive retro-style shooters in recent memory. While Ancient’s latest offering doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers on all fronts with tight controls, satisfying combat, and a few smart updates to the classic formula. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned shmup veteran, there’s plenty here to enjoy, from the clever upgrade system to the solid weapon variety and striking stage designs. The fact that it was built for the Genesis makes it all the more impressive, but even judged by modern standards, it more than holds its own. If you have any love for the genre or retro games in general, Earthion deserves a spot in your Steam library.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to 2D for Ninja Gaiden. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait decades to see the series follow up on it. I genuinely loved every single level. The team at The Game Kitchen does a fantastic job of continuing to build upon established mechanics while also finding new ways to twist them and entirely new twists to throw at players through the game’s four acts. Any fan of action games needs to check this one out.

Shadow Labyrinth has some ideas that really connect, but the game they’ve been placed within rarely feels more than serviceable. Once you gain some power-ups and can take advantage of the full suite of abilities you have, it’s fine, but seldom interesting, and, considering how unique its premise is, that’s a problem. There are much worse games in the genre, but there are so many better options available that I expect Shadow Labyrinth will be mostly remembered more for just how weird it is, rather than the journey it offers.

I wasn’t sure if Donkey Kong Bananza would hold up to my hype, but thankfully, it absolutely did. Not only does this game reinvent Donkey Kong for a totally new era and console, but it manages to bring it to the present with style to spare, and even makes the game part of the broader universe seen in Super Mario Odyssey. Throw in tons of replay value, some really fun cameos and surprises aplenty, and you have one must-own adventure and the first truly great game in the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Its opening hours may frustrate you in how risk-averse those initial sections seem, but bearing with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers ultimately reveals a deep experience that proves there’s still room for more soulslikes when the quality is there.

Parts of The Drifter don’t fully come together in the end, but the journey to get there is one of the best I’ve experienced in a point-and-click game in years, and its setup for playing on a controller should become the new baseline for the genre. Add in excellent voice acting and killer atmosphere, and this is a game that anyone who enjoys the genre should absolutely check out.

I’m not sure these games are quite up to carrying this package. Dragon Breed is still a fun game and worth playing, while Mr. Heli is an interesting time capsule that I’m glad I checked out, but neither of these is a lost classic that modern players desperately need to play. They range from fine to pretty good, but that’s only enough to recommend Irem Collection Volume 3 to big fans of the genre.

As a gamer who grew up when so many movies were relegated to shlocky video game adaptations, I can confidently say TRON: Catalyst is not that. But even though this is a faithful and creative game experience, it’s also one that’s not always well balanced and feels a bit too padded out for this gamer. That said, diehard fans of TRON will probably find plenty to enjoy in this neon-hued adventure.

Genres have bled into each other so much over the years that it can be hard to classify a game like Final Fantasy XVI. Some fans of the series still long for a return to traditional turn-based RPGs, and this definitely isn’t what they’re looking for. When judged for what it is, rather than what some want it to be, Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent action game with a mostly compelling story and great characters. If you haven’t had the chance to play it elsewhere, this Xbox version offers an excellent opportunity to check it out.

Sunderfolk’s attempt at bringing the tabletop RPG experience to the living room TV screen is difficult to find fault with. Its clever use of mobile devices does a great job at capturing the tactile nature of true tabletop gaming, resulting in a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the full game night experience. The story may be a little generic, and the standard difficulty option may be a little undertuned, relative to how successful Sunderfolk is in achieving its vision elsewhere. For anyone, like me, who struggles to find the time or motivation to unpack their favourite tabletop behemoth and endure the inevitable setup and breaking down phase, Sunderfolk is a truly wonderful alternative that works better than it has any right to.

Rematch may not be the most complex game ever, but it offers a unique take on multiplayer football, which, with the right team, can be an enormously fun time, at least when things work. Currently, however, there are too many issues, and the community has too little interest in playing the game correctly for me to recommend it to most. If you have a crew of friends who all want to play together and love the sport, then it becomes an easier game to recommend, but most players may want to wait and see what updates Sloclap has planned for Rematch’s future before jumping in.

GEX Trilogy is ultimately a good collection of the main GEX games, but it’s not a very good game because none of the games it collects are very fun. Those with nostalgia for the character will surely find some enjoyment in revisiting his adventures after all these years, but anyone who didn’t enjoy the character twenty five years ago will be better served checking out the many better platformers available on modern platforms.

Despite some issues, it’s fantastic to see HITMAN World of Assassination available on the Switch 2. This release would simply not have been possible on the original Switch and is an excellent example of what its successor can offer. These are wonderful games and while this may not be the best version of them, their flaws are easily overlooked if this is the only way you have to play these games or if you really want to play them on a portable. That said, if the plan is to play mostly on your TV, I’d consider any of the other systems you can play these games on first.

So, will I be returning to Rainbow Six Siege X regularly? I’m not so sure. The wall to climb is steep, and it still doesn’t cater to the tactical, single-player-minded fan I’ve always been. Yet, I can’t deny that it’s a successful refresh. For current veterans or returning players who already know what they’re signing up for, this is the best version of Siege there has ever been. It’s a modern, polished, and brutally challenging tactical shooter. Just know that the fresh paint does little to soften the blows.

Mario Kart World makes some strange choices in leaving its open world a bit empty and the way it links tracks, but the core racing is better than ever and there’s a ton of content to keep players busy until Nintendo further expands the game. Knockout Tour is perhaps my favorite online mode a game has offered in years, even if I do wish it were easier to enjoy with friends. Ultimately, if you’re buying a Nintendo Switch 2 at the moment, you’ll want to buy this game.

While the minigames in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour are the highlight of the experience and do offer some brief fun, the rest of this package too often feels like busywork to give it a strong recommendation. It’s certainly a relatively cheap entry point, and in a vacuum, there’s enough content here to be worth the cost. If you really need to be convinced of the Switch 2’s unique features, it may even be worth your time. In an age where there are hundreds of excellent games available on the system at this same price due to backwards compatibility, however, it becomes harder to recommend picking this one up for most players.

Elden Ring Nightreign blends Soulslike combat with roguelike mechanics, resulting in a mostly dynamic cooperative adventure. However, the game’s lack of crossplay and duo support makes grouping inconvenient, and reuses too many assets while offering somewhat shallow progression.

On one hand, Starlight Legacy might not blow the world away with any huge innovation or captivating ideas. But everything here is rock solid and well made, and this is easily the best game I’ve played from eastasiasoft in years. I’m also happy to see there might be potential sequels in the works. If you’re a fan of retro JRPGs and want something fun and inexpensive, this is the game for you.

New escape sequences are the highlight of No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES. It’s a shame that its low-stakes story makes it hard to really connect with the overall experience. If you just want to hang out with the series’ cast, you’ll get that here, and there’s definitely joy to be found in doing so, as a lot of members of this cast are fantastic. Despite this, the overall story ultimately feels held back by being stuck between two established stories, and the entire experience feels afraid to take any risks. Fans of the series will have a nice time with this one, but it certainly doesn’t offer a good point of entry for new players.