Monster Hunter Rise is a brilliant addition to the Monster Hunter lineup. It delivers incredible combat with newly added monsters and highly-desired mobility. However, it does suffer from messy systems, a mediocre story and can become quite grindy. Despite these flaws though, I have had countless hours of fun and will continue to do so. The co-op aspect just adds even more enjoyment to an already enjoyable game. I just wish the system UI had been redone for PC.

Cyberpunk 2077 has something special deep inside it, but its ambition falls short, leading to consistent issues that hinder the game's positives. Some areas hit where it should for an RPG, but the lack of meaningful choices make the main and optional quests feel hollow. Maybe with bug fixes and content updates, we will see the true potential of Night City.

The multiplayer action of Chivalry 2 has depth, replayability and, most importantly, it's fun. Torn Banner Studios have built upon the success of the original to create a game that could have a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. However, there is a distinct lack of variety in other modes and many key features are missing in regards to quality of life and accessibility. Modern multiplayer games are an everchanging experience, regular support and updates is a promise that the developers need to keep. Perhaps in a few months, the game will be in a better state with the inclusion of new modes, added customization and a greater parity between platforms.

I believe that if anyone is looking for a challenging experience, then Death Howl is the game for them. I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, but it did leave me with a lot of respect for the game. It has a clear identity, strong art style, and a combat system that'll really click for players who enjoy the grind. Like most souls-likes, I can see myself coming back to Death Howl when I'm in need of a mountain to climb.

Hogwarts Legacy is littered with small niggles which, when stacked together, make the game feel like it was released over a decade ago. While the castle is a large enough area to explore, the monotony of repeating quests and tasks makes the game feel last-generation and boring over time. Hogwarts Legacy could already use some DLC's in order to expand the size of the world, add more complex spells, and introduce a wider array of enemies. If you are a power-nerd looking for a new and complete RPG, you will have to wait for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, coming in April 2023. While most critics agree that Hogwarts Legacy is near perfect, due to the incomplete feeling of the game and lack of a solid story arc, it feels more Muggle than magic.

Unpacking is not a game for everyone, but the people it appeals to will fall in love with it. The game has its own unique charm, and players will find themselves breezing through the whole thing before they know it. However, that does mean the game is way shorter than it should be. With only 8 levels, they definitely could have made it to at least 13-15. The beautiful pixel art enhances the game's aesthetic, though certain items don't translate as well, leading to some confusion.

Betrayal At Club Low does a great job at providing a new take in the point-and-click adventure genre. Being able to choose your own methods of resolving the situation is fun and gives the player a sense of control. Failure is rarely permanent, and you can always keep trying until you succeed. There isn’t much in terms of replay value unless you are someone who aims for 100% completion. It’s a nice game for 2-3 hours, but you are likely not revisiting the game for anything remarkable later.

This triple pack of Atelier games will offer any fans of the series exactly what they're looking for, though they aren't the best starting point for a newcomer. In the time since their original release, the games have only gotten older, and poor load times and occasional framerate issues are something they really shouldn't suffer from. Still, these are cosy, quiet, heartfelt, and imaginative games, and it is nice to see them back.

FAR: Lone Sail could have been great. The game nails the emotional attachment to your vessel, creating a neat gameplay loop, combined with lovely art design and a beautiful soundtrack. However, the constant need to stop, combined with simple puzzles and conveying a dying world we can’t interact with created a dissonance which meant that attachment doesn’t extend to the world itself. It was enjoyable but not overly memorable.

NEO: The World Ends with You hits the highest of highs, but has its fair share of lows. At its best, it's a worthy follow-up to one of the 2000's most beloved RPGs. With style to spare, engaging gameplay, huge replayability and a strong plot, there's plenty to love with Rindo's trip to the Reaper's Game. Yet, we can't ignore the sheer tedium the game constantly displays, especially towards its back half. Repetitive missions, damage sponge enemies that are often stronger than bosses and an obnoxious time travel mechanic all bog down what could have been one of the best games of the year. If you're a longtime fan of the original, playing this is a no brainer. If this is your first time in Shibuya, you're better off catching up and keeping your expectations tempered.

Alisa: Developer's Cut is an amazing homage to the roots of the Resident Evil franchise. Recreating the feeling to a near-perfect T. However, emulating a game from the '90s so closely means it comes with all the problems from games of the time. Big fans of the genre will definitely enjoy their time, but casual horror fans may struggle to get invested.

Genesis Noir is a shooting star – an engrossing, mind-blowing marvel in the moment, but its glitter does fade away, and its story does not necessarily stir the soul. The interactive sections of the game gave slices of ingenuity in the storytelling of its world but ultimately lets down its fantastic visual presentation. Still, the ambitious and creative forces that banded together to create such a rich experience are worthy of admiration. If you enjoy artsy games with a whole lot of flair, the game is worth checking out for its style alone.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes stands strong as a dynamic take on the world of Three Houses however the repetitive gameplay and padded stories leave a challenge to even complete the game without using broken characters. The visuals can be very pleasing but the environments always feel the exact same. This also goes for the character interactions, which are dry as they will often repeat dialogue or say things unrelated to the story. Overall a fun interesting time is still to be had but only in short bursts. Fans of Three Houses will love this game but others will be left confused and bored.

Overall, Monster Camp is a great dating sim to play with friends. It doesn't do a lot to separate itself for the previous game and those who aren't fans of the humour will have a hard time enjoying it. That being said, it's a solid game that's made better by its style, writing and great characters. Those looking for something a bit different in the genre, take a chance with Monster Camp.

Just like farming itself, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin can feel like a laborious game of highs and lows, but the rewards are there for those willing to put in the time and work. It’s unique blending of different gameplay styles results in a memorable balance between thoughtful farming and mindless action, but I wish some more effort was made to have the two meet in the middle. With that said, Sakuna delighted with its entertaining characters, stylistic flair, and ambition to experiment with creative ideas.

WWE 2K25 is far from a perfect game. 2K and Visual Concepts continue to get more ambitious with each passing year. And while that's certainly commendable, WWE 2K25 is a great showcase for the flaws in that mindset. The core of the game they're building on needs serious work, and several modes need a lot more TLC than a few updates a year. However, there is plenty of fun to be had here, and players can definitely make the game last until next March.

Blood West is a perfectly standard take on the western horror genre, offering new monsters, takes on firearms, and the aspect of being part of the undead. Will you be able to free the land from the evil curses brought on by the settlers? or will you become just another vengeful spirit roaming these hardened lands, a ghost of the past. Either way its up to you to decide with your knife, bow, and plenty of fire power to settle the wild west!

Should you be looking for a "Best of" collection of Mario Party goodness, Superstars should be your go-to. Though its flaws are pretty apparent, those keen on rose-tinted perceptions will find a lot to like with the newest iteration. Even those simply in need of some fun with a group of friends will have a good time with what's on offer, so long as it's local multiplayer and not online. It's a nice callback to the brighter days of the franchise, complete with a lot of trinkets from the past. May not be kind to solo players, however.

Dry Drowning delivers the right mood in an atmospheric detective visual novel. It highlights nail-biting player choices that brilliantly impact the story and gameplay. Dry Drowning wraps up an interesting story with various elements, pushing art and sound to elevate the mood of the narrative. All these features work hard to deliver, but despite its strong character, a clunky UI and difficult text throw a wrench in this visual novel experience.

UFC 5 officially marks the UFC franchise joining the ranks of every other sports game in 2023. Like a dog that is repeatedly fed the same meal everyday, this game's player base is forced to settle for a play experience that is virtually similar to UFC 4. Using a new graphical engine to release the same game from 3 years ago but with the number 5 on the cover this time feels a lot like putting a hat on a hat. This is a lateral movement for the series, which to be fair, is better than a step back.

Intelligent Systems have come close to perfecting the look and tone of Paper Mario with The Origami King, but at the cost of landing on a gameplay identity that encapsulates the series' legacy while providing fun innovations to the formula. As such, this game falls below the plethora of first-party Switch games that have taken their series to new heights, but that doesn't mean it's a soggy, crumbled piece of paper either. Paper Mario: The Origami King is a hilarious, dazzling joy ride, that frustratingly doesn't solve all of the issues from recent entries.

With my disappointment in Half-Genie Hero in the foreground, it's a bit easier to enjoy Shantae and the Seven Sirens's good points in relation to its abundantly minor issues. Controls are fantastic, the pacing is solid, and it harkens back (somewhat) to what made Pirate's Curse so beloved. Some may decry its simple difficulty, but for me, so long as the journey is immersive, other aspects can be excused. Neither a perfect game or a perfect Shantae game, Seven Sirens has enough magic to make it a welcome addition to a franchise with a bountiful future ahead of it.

Ultimately, Time Loader is a beautiful-looking, wonderful-sounding game, with some fun gameplay. It's let down by a story that focuses on a character without making them engaging, the lack of challenge that comes with the puzzles, and everything being in service of the game's least engaging aspect. It is unfortunately quite a short game as well. My initial run-through clocked in at about 2.6 hours. So a recommendation here is really based on what you want for your money. If you're fine with slightly un-challenging, hand-holdy at times gameplay and a story that looks pretty but doesn't go anywhere, pick it up! If you want a little more bang for your buck, maybe wait it out to see if Flazm adds anything interesting. Honestly, this game has a lot of potential to be good, if they just rework the story and maybe add some challenge levels.

Wreckfest is a promising title from Bugbear, which fills the gap left by dormant vehicular combat franchises such as Burnout. PS5 upgrades mainly come in the form of beautiful visual improvements, including a sharp 4K resolution and creative implementation of the DualSense's features. The game will be a blast for PS5 players who are jumping into it for the first time, but owners of the last-gen version might find the upgrade a little wanting.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is a mixed bag of nostalgia. As a groundbreaking piece of hardware at the time of release, I’d highly recommend SNK fans to check this out. As games, time has taken its toll on most of them. Ranging from solid to nearly unplayable, these games hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Fighting fans or those who want to carry a fun golf title around will be satisfied with their purchase. Retro RPG players will find something to love here too. If you want that Metal Slug fix, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Overall, the selection is a strong start. With some key titles missing, a second go-around with included improvements will be a welcomed addition when it eventually releases.

Life is Strange: True Colors has received DLC in the form of Wavelengths which, as this review reveals, is a calm yet enjoyable slice-of-life experience that focuses on Steph Gringrich. If pretending to be a DJ and finding out more about the folks of Haven intrigues you, Wavelengths is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

This is absolutely a quality game, you won't miss your $20, but is it high art to be revered among the greats? Probably not. It's a fun, stylized roguelike with just enough variety to get by, but lacks the substance it needs to make a lasting impression. Most will probably get about 25 hours out of it and move on to something else. Great value for the price, but likely not something you'll come back to time and again.

Cuddly Forest Friends is a delightfully cozy experience with many adorable moments to be had. The animals are quite charming, the minigames are pretty enjoyable, and combined with the darling cutscenes all make for a snug time. Although, because of the high pricing, lack of difficulty, and repetitive gameplay, I can't recommend it to anyone but younger audiences or casual players.