The combat is absolutely stunning and fluid as hell, while still easing players in with a slightly fast but very well-thought-out tutorial system. Just about every character has some quirk or charm to them, and the enemies, while a bit sparse as of launch, have potential for some awesome ideas. The gacha comes with a few bonus goodies to help net some early five-stars and ease in players into the combat with plenty of tools and characters. Those new to the series should still have a fairly easy time worming their way into what’s definitely going to stand out as a culmination of everything HoYoVerse has learned over their warpath dominating the gacha gaming niche.

I was really excited about Trails Through Daybreak, and I’m not sure that I got everything out of it that I was hoping for—especially when you pile on some of NISA’s head-scratching localization choices. But it’s still a Trails game at the end of the day, and Nihon Falcom always delivers when it comes to this series. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak may tread old ground in certain areas, but it’s ultimately an excellent JRPG experience with a phenomenal, character-driven narrative that’s absolutely worth your time.

I know that The Land Beneath Us might still be a hard sell for some people, but personally, I loved the game. It’s not only unique and challenging, but it eventually balances that difficulty with new features that open the experience up smartly. If you’re willing to put in the time, this is a rogue-like I would highly recommend.

Despite the lacking performance, it’s impossible to call Shadow of the Erdtree anything other than a masterpiece and perhaps one of the most generous slices of DLC I’ve ever encountered. In doubling down on what made the base game such a triumph and wrapping it up in an irresistible new map that begs to be explored, FromSoftware has created something truly special that ramps up the difficulty in a way that never feels unfair as a result of well thought out progression systems. Between new regions, enough new weapons to arm a small army, and an unrivaled enemy roster that trumps everything that has come before both in terms of design and difficulty, Shadow of the Erdtree is FromSoftware firing on all cylinders. We don’t know at this stage if the intent is to release any further expansions for Miyazaki’s masterpiece, but if Shadow of the Erdtree is to be it, then it’s as close to a perfect way to bow out as possible.

While #BLUD’s occasionally frustrating hit detection and repetitive late-game dungeons keep it from realizing its full potential, it’s still very much worth checking out, thanks to its entertaining writing, imaginative boss fights, and pixel-perfect presentation. If you’ve got a soft spot for the cartoons of the late 1990s or are simply looking for a fun twist on the Zelda formula to sink your teeth into, #BLUD should leave you satisfied.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble offers a great single-player experience, and if that’s what you’re looking for, I would absolutely recommend it. However, Monkey Ball has always been at its best during multiplayer mayhem, and that side of this release, despite offering some fleeting fun, feels like a missed opportunity. It’s great to see Super Monkey Ball back with a new game, but hopefully, any future entry will fully capture what made this series so beloved in the first place.

If Capcom’s latest Monster Hunter RPG has shown us anything, it’s that it has plenty of potential. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an incredibly engaging title with an addicting gameplay loop that expertly melds pre-existing Monster Hunter into a unique JRPG title that offers far more than its predecessor. The sky’s the limit for this spinoff, and I’m looking forward to seeing just how high it can fly.

If you miss games meant to be played on the go rather than simply able to be played that way, Monster Hunter Stories is worth checking out. That won’t be the case for most players on PS4, though, unless you happen to engage in regular remote play or own a PlayStation Portal. It becomes a bit harder to recommend as an option to be played at home when its simple design and lacking story struggle to stand out next to the wide variety of great RPGs on the platform. Interesting combat certainly helps, and if you’re a big fan of Monster Hunter, seeing its world in a whole new style will certainly offer some appeal, but Monster Hunter Stories will be hard to truly fall in love with unless you’re playing it the way it was designed to be played.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance brings plenty of additions to the table, including a separate narrative, new content, several quality-of-life updates, improved technical performance, and updated gameplay systems. It is a fantastically refined JRPG that seeks to achieve and expand far more than the original release did, as well as right many of its predecessor’s wrongs. This is the game’s second chance, and it’s well deserved.

Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files remains a classic series on the 3/DS now home in its remastered, complete state on the Switch. Its silly stories and charming characters provide hours of entertainment for gamers of any age but will especially delight those who remember the titles fondly on their original hardware. If you’re looking for a franchise to fall in love with but don’t want to break the bank, it’s an open and shut case — grab Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files for the Switch.

There are so many different metaphors that I could use to describe El Shaddai‘s leap onto the Switch. It’s a bit of Heaven and a bit of Hell. It’s a rose with plenty of thorns. It’s a… well, you get the picture. Regardless of how many metaphors I throw out, the best way to sum this game up is to say that El Shaddai Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster is a visual masterpiece that is, very unfortunately, bogged down by shallow combat and mediocre platforming. It’s too bad that they never made a proper sequel to this game. I’m sure that they would have perfected things eventually, given enough time. Ah, well. Maybe someday. Maybe someday…

I never thought I’d be the one to review Megaton Musashi W: Wired, but I’m glad I was. Not only is it an ambitious adventure with a surprising focus on story, but it also features a dearth of content to explore, characters it’s easy to empathize with, and tons of in-depth customization. Most everything managed to feel streamlined and easy to grasp, and some small issues aside, I found the game quite enjoyable. Despite the hefty price point, I’d say this is yet another Level-5 game that’s a must-play for fans.

I had an incredible amount of fun with Samurai Warriors 4 DX and will continue to do so as I go about trying to max out my bonds in the expansive Chronicle mode. While it is undoubtedly a title that shows its age technically, Samurai Warriors 4 DX is a perfect slice of Musou action for anyone craving the simplicity of decades gone by, where you could switch your brain off and bask in the glory of hundreds of enemies being sent flying with very little need to engage the brain. With a massive roster of characters, a generous helping of story content, and a dangerously addictive Chronicle mode, if you previously missed out on Samurai Warriors 4 DX, then this PC release serves as the perfect chance to get in on some classic Musou action.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is an absolute blast and an asymmetrical horror title that leans brilliantly into its ridiculous source material by creating an experience that prioritizes chaos over being overly competitive. The new player experience may not be the most welcoming, but it’s worth preserving through the initial struggle, as what IllFonic has created is an entry to the genre that takes some of the best elements from the studio’s past work while putting an original spin on tried and tested mechanics. In a genre that has arguably become oversaturated, this is a video game that has done the unthinkable by making Killer Klowns from Outer Space seem relevant again in 2024. Here is hoping the relatively niche nature of the IP doesn’t turn new players away, as with the right support, this is a title I cannot wait to dedicate many more hours to going forward.

Even though I managed to return Kuon to the world of the living and her loving owner, I found myself a bit disappointed with Umbraclaw. While it’s a novel and fascinating adventure, it’s also held back by some poorly utilized systems, frustrating save functionality, and often inconsistent and overwhelming difficulty. While I enjoyed it overall, it failed to stand out from recent spectacular entries from Inti Creates.

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip is equal parts derpy and adorable (aderpable?), delivering a steady dose of randomness and coziness over the course of its roughly three-hour playtime. Still, if the charm’s swayed you over, there’s a healthy amount of collectibles to add a couple more hours in. I’ll admit the humor was hit-or-miss, and sometimes the characters didn’t feel all that noteworthy, but chances are the ability to screw around to your heart’s content with no penalties or deaths in this short but sweet sandbox are the real fun to be had. After all, when an NPC flails about when punted with a wrench, it’s awfully hard not to laugh.

A lot has changed in the indie scene since Braid first came out, but a game like this never actually goes out of style. While I may not agree with its narrative direction, there’s no denying the impressive quality that helps this game. And, even now, I don’t think that I’ve ever played another game quite like it. Whether you’re a seasoned Braid veteran or a complete newcomer, Braid, Anniversary Edition is an enjoyably challenging puzzle-platformer that’s absolutely worth your time.

Venture to the Vile is both familiar and utterly unique. It’s a twisted Gothic story full of mystery, monsters, and big moral questions. Throw in gorgeous art, killer music, and well-balanced gameplay, and you have one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played in a while. Just get ready now to get utterly lost in the moody little town of Rainybrook, because it won’t let you go anytime soon.

Felix the Cat is certainly a mixed bag; both literally and metaphorically. If you’re a diehard fan of Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer’s iconic anthropomorphic cat or just want to settle down for the afternoon with some easy retro platforming, you’ll probably enjoy Felix the Cat. Its repetitive tendencies, dull level design, and overall lack of challenge may put most others off, however. I’m not totally sure who wanted Felix the Cat ported to modern consoles if I’m being honest. But, it’s like I’ve already said—I’m always in favor of saving old games from obscurity.

As a fan of tactical games, deckbuilders, and rogue-likes, I was beyond frustrated by Re:Lord – Tales of Adventure. Even if you set the AI aspect aside, the game is poorly written, badly balanced, and just not fun to play. Hell, I’d go so far as to say it doesn’t even satisfy the low threshold of being a tactical adventure. Even though it’s an affordable experience, I can’t in good conscience recommend this to even the most desperate of deck-builder players.

There’s a lot to like about Phantom Fury. The retro stylings and atmosphere are instantly engrossing, the weapon variety is great and it’s overall entertaining. Sadly, it’s weighed down by various bugs and niggles, and it’s not so jam-packed with secrets, one-liners and references as Ion Fury. This is why it’s a good game, but not quite the classic it could have been. Nonetheless, if you’re eager to rediscover the high-octane thrills of Millenial shooters, Phantom Fury doesn’t just hit the mark, it blasts it to pieces and makes a smug quip.

Some may write off Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II as more of the same, and they’re not entirely wrong. While the experience has evolved and improved in pretty much every way, this certainly feels like a natural follow-up to Senua’s first journey. Yet where it most stands apart is in the way Senua’s personal journey has influenced her world. There’s still inescapable horror, but there’s also great beauty here which is what will stick with me the most.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER, but in the end, it exceeded the original adventure in practically every conceivable way. This is a truly fun and well-made sequel, full of beautiful artwork, compelling music, and fantastic voice acting. Amidst all that, there’s also insightful and memorable storytelling that simultaneously makes the reader view many real-world issues and ethical dilemmas through a different lens. Highly recommended, even if you haven’t played the first game.

I really was hoping Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The Princess From Another World would continue the positive trend of the last game’s success, but sadly in some ways this felt like a small step backwards, at least in terms of gameplay. That said, this is a very ambitious and visually striking entry in the series, and even though the balance isn’t great, you can always use the cheats to make life easier. If you’re curious about the series, I’d still say it’s worth checking out.

On one hand, Biomorph is a great addition to the Metroidvania genre that gets by with great combat and a huge world that boasts some clever-level design along with rewarding town-restoration mechanics. Despite that, I couldn’t help but come away feeling as though it was somewhat of a missed opportunity. The core mechanic of morphing into enemy forms is a wonderfully novel take on Metroidvania progression, so it’s a real shame that this novelty is devalued by a lack of incentive to revisit forms once you’ve exited the biome they’re initially found in. On the whole, though, if you’re craving a well-designed Metroidvania that nails the fundamentals while at least attempting to put its own spin on the genre, Biomorph is an easy recommendation.

While there are five games in the Rose & Camellia Collection, none of them are that long. You can finish the whole series in an afternoon. While the insane tone and style are highly entertaining, the lacking controls hold this collection back from being essential. Still, I’m glad that someone looked at this series and decided to preserve it for future generations. Nobody needs to play the Rose & Camellia Collection, but for the right price, you can have a few entertaining hours with it.

Botany Manor is a short but sweet exploration experience that serves to lower one’s blood pressure with serene garden sound effects, bright and airy visuals, and a relaxing soundtrack. The perfect game to play in a single sitting or boot up at random when feeling a little frazzled, Botany Manor is an experience that is easy to love and hard to put down until finished. If you’re looking for a Myst-like exploration experience but want one full of nature, whimsy, and peace, look no further than Botany Manor.

Indika is a game that resists tidy conclusions. Its unsettling world, ambiguous narrative, and deliberate frustration left me with more questions than answers and forced me to reevaluate my expectations of what a game can be. This lingering unease is central to its power. Indika uses the medium in a daring way, blending unsettling visuals and subversive gameplay with philosophical themes. Its dreamlike setting and unreliable narrator constantly force the player to confront the limits of their understanding within the game’s constructed world. Though the experience may feel opaque at times, this enigmatic quality is the source of Indika‘s enduring impact.