Ubisoft Montpellier has successfully combined the expertise developed from the Rayman series with the combat of the Souls series, resulting in a truly enjoyable Metroidvania-style game with various quality-of-life features. Whether you're familiar with this kind of genre or not, it's a perfect game to start the new year with.

Bayonetta 3 broke anew its own action that had already peaked by previous titles. While refining the existing combat system, the game also tried to expand by adding new elements. The addition of a new element can be felt awkward, but they all fit together as if they were there all along. However, it is hard to believe that this is the title to closes the original saga, especially where it shows the most clumsy story in the entire series.

Ghost of Yōtei surpasses its predecessor in every respect—from its meticulously refined mise-en-scène to combat systems and polished side quests. Yet compared to the sharp conflicts that defined the earlier narrative, its more straightforward storytelling may feel somewhat simplified.

With its high production values and accessibility, ARC Raiders secures a strong position in the extraction shooter market. Having taken a step toward popularizing the genre, its long-term success now depends on careful post-launch planning.

Though its heavier focus on action initially raised concerns among longtime fans, the series’ trademark psychological horror and mystery remain intact in its new 1960s Japan setting. With Ryukishi07’s solid storytelling and layered replay value, it firmly retains the essence of Silent Hill.

The game blends a linear stage structure with Metroidvania-inspired design, adding value to both replayability and exploration. Its sharp action and striking artistic direction create gameplay so engaging that players may not even notice the underlying structure. More than just the revival of the Shinobi franchise, it firmly establishes itself as a game that is simply, and purely, fun.

Fantasy Life i is far more than just a healing RPG—the game is built on three solid pillars: town-building, combat, and adventure, each with surprising depth and polish. As long as you can embrace its childlike visuals and whimsical interactions, it offers a rewarding experience for players of all ages, allowing everyone to enjoy the game at their own pace.

Cairn goes beyond a simple climbing game, turning the human drive to endure pain in pursuit of a summit into play. Its meticulous physics give weight to the question of why we keep moving forward, delivering a thoughtful take on struggle and achievement.

While there are a few disappointing aspects as a character-based game, the concept of 'choice' with branching endings, challenging combat, and character relationships, coupled with the bleak world, makes it highly appealing and immersive. It's undeniably a gem worth not dismissing as 'just another furry-game' despite some shortcomings.

While the first title was also satisfactory, the evolution of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope is even more enjoyable. Strategic depth, world expansion, and hidden elements are all brilliantly implemented in the game. Ubisoft's attempt to depict Nintendo's unique humor was also plausible. This game can be considered as one of the best in many turn-based tactics games out there for Nintendo Switch.

Pragmata is a masterfully crafted experience that centers its entire rhythm on the captivating duo of Hugh and Diana. While the core plot may be simple, it is elevated into a beautifully atmospheric story through deep characterization and exceptional presentation. The game perfectly balances their unique traits—shooting and hacking—within a framework of exceptional level design and meticulously tight combat encounters.

Maintaining a live service for 20 years is challenging enough, but continuously improving and showing a better version over that time is even harder. World of Warcraft has achieved that difficult feat, and even with the release of its 10th expansion, it continues to evolve.

A huge improvement over its predecessor, also with new gameplay mechanics. While the story of young Jedi and adventure through vast, open fields both delivers captivating moments, slight frame drops here and there on the PS5 version may detract the overall experience.

Compared to Bethesda's previous works, there seems no major innovations have implemented, and the empty space and perplexing UI can be stumbling blocks. Even though, it is true that the game does offer various sources of enjoyment as an entirely new universe. Once you get past the somewhat uninspiring initial stories, you might discover yourself playing the game without realizing how time flies.

The simple addition of a "shield" has drastically changed the game. Combat has become formulaic, forcing players to constantly think on their feet and react specifically to green-marked enemy attacks. The game is certainly fun, but the instinct-driven, fully immersive combat that once defined the essence of DOOM has noticeably faded.

There’s a common dilemma that no matter how well it's done, a remake of a beloved original can never quite surpass it. However, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater faithfully recreates the original and, with its new camera system, offers a fresh perspective that makes it worth experiencing all over again. Still, some of the scenes from 20 years ago inevitably come across as awkward by today’s standards.

Frostpunk 2 has an irreplaceable charm. The distinct feelings of bleakness, solitude, and the desperate struggle for survival remain unparalleled, just as in its predecessor. The larger scale of the city, the conflicts arising between communities within, and the weighty decisions required to manage and mediate these tensions create a unique and engaging experience.

It is easy to misunderstand TUNIC as an adventure reminiscent of 'Zelda' for its cute, fairytale-like graphics and sound, But the reality is different. While the fox hero grows up overcoming boss battles, the unexpected difficulty stimulates you to challenge more. The catalog styled story and twist also show the game's charms.

An adventure with a classic JRPG-style combat and visual under the royal-road theme of 'a girl and monsters'. While the story can be seen as somewhat shallow and short compared to the developer's previous works, its emotional OST and compact storytelling with adequate visual have the power to pull the heartstrings.

Roboquest shows exceptional craftsmanship among high-speed shooter and roguelite genre games. While Easily enjoyable for anyone, the game is providing additional fun by adding depth to repetitive gameplay with various systems. However, the lack of unique and inventive fun exclusive to this game is somewhat disappointing.

Lies of P: Overture is a most welcome expansion for fans. From the story and boss battles to new weapons, it adds meaningful depth across the board. While it does have the inherent limitations of an expansion, it’s a must-play for fans, as it completes Lies of P’s narrative as a prequel.

The power to immerse into 6 hour gameplay originates from the great narratives of the game. Even though the animations and face expressions are a bit clumsy, The Forgotten City's deep story added on award-winning original mode is something that should not be missed by those who love mysteries and adventures.

The Alters is the title that best showcases 11 bit studios strength in narrative design. It delivers a compelling and immersive story that highlights how each choice affects the game and leads to different outcomes. It’s a well-crafted game where choices, consequences, and survival all come together seamlessly.

A Space for the Unbound delivers its story of domestic/school violence (and overcoming it!) with its own imagination and well written characters. The tiny little details in the game that introduce Indonesian culture not only showed the developers' affection for their home country, but also made me want to know more about the country.

The finale of the Atelier Ryza Series. With the rejoin of the original scenario writer, both story and the system side of the game have been positively improved. In particular, the Seamless Field gives you a great taste of exploration, while the real-time turn-based action combat adds excitement to the progress.

mimimi games successfully weaved fantasy and magic into pirate's age. While the UI and mission structure is a bit disappointing, unique art and attractive sound design, as well as strategy features with various sailors are making it a higher standard for 'stealth strategy' game.

ANNO 117: PAX ROMANA is not a typical city builder; it is a simulator that requires balancing supply and demand within a detailed economic system while also considering diplomacy. The result is a deeply engaging experience, though the high level of concentration it demands can be somewhat exhausting.

The Two Point series returns with a museum theme. Despite added complexity from research, exploration, and interlinked systems, it retains its signature casual charm, making it a great entry point for management sims. However, the cluttered UI struggles to keep up with the game's expanded depth.