Yakuza Kiwami 2 features a compelling cast of new and returning characters, chief among the unfamiliar faces being antagonist Ryuji Goda, who cuts a formidable figure and plays an excellent foil to gold-hearted Kiryu. While I enjoyed another romp through the small burrows of Tokyo and Osaka that feel now like a second digital home, returning to Kiwami 2 felt more in service of Kiwami 3, which will be here before we know it. The Switch 2 port is a serviceable one for sure, especially when considered against the PlayStation 4 version, and there isn’t a major sacrifice made to run around these punk-filled streets on-the-go. If you’re becoming a Yakuza collector or have never experienced the second game in the series, there may not be a better time.

The biggest test for me with LEGO Party has been longevity and I’m writing this review after having this game in family rotation for more than a month. It’s a hit, fully supplanting Mario Party. My oldest (7 years old) has played countless rounds by himself. We’ve played tons of rounds together as a family and LEGO Party has been a consistently fun time. I still don’t really know what the plot of Ninjago is, but I’m still having a blast playing this virtual board game.

As an adult playing this game, I’m bewildered. It’s a game of tag for two people. I don’t think it’s that great, but it’s weirdly charming. And I can’t fully knock it too much because my kids love it. They’re both grade-schoolers and one of them was Hello Kitty for Halloween this year. Their taste might not be fully refined, but this is the type of game that is made for them more than it is for me. They enjoy playing against each other (though they don’t understand why they can’t be on the same side) and they enjoy cheering each other on in the mission mode. Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party succeeds at what it’s trying to do, in that it’s a vehicle for young fans to engage with Sanrio characters in a familiar game. It’s not a great adaptation of that game, but who doesn’t love running around with Tuxedosam.

At the end of the day, however, this is the definitive way in 2025 to buy a trilogy of some fantastic games along with its DLC, new content, and other upgrades. If you’ve been thinking about getting into the Atelier series and don’t know where to start, this is a great place to begin your Atelier journey. If you’re already a seasoned alchemist, it might be OK to wait to see what else Gust is cooking up - or hey, pick up one or both of the other Atelier games released this year.

Reus 2 has the skeletal structure to be a game I’d love. It’s low stress, uncomplicated sim gameplay that scratches an itch for grand strategy like Civilization but breezy and bite sized. The systems are multilayered and play off each other well while also being approachable. The world and character design is cute and friendly, and that tone mates with a mostly constructive ethos (the battles are really a slim part of the game). I enjoy the act of building out the solar system and making better planets as I learned the best approach. It’s a shame that the way to navigate and read the game is so crippling for an otherwise fun game. Fingers crossed they consider some enhancements in the future.

NBA Bounce is a totally fine arcade sports game geared towards a younger audience. It’s cartoony and fun with a decent variety of modes and a solid local multiplayer experience. The gameplay and scope of the modes never elevates that far past competency, though. I left this game wanting a little bit more out of it, but I had a fun time playing it while the fun lasted. With the right local crowd, this could be a recurring arcade sports game, but outside of that, this is a sixth man of a basketball game - it’s a good complement more so than the main attraction.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a great package. Collectively I still think last year's remake of Dragon Quest III is stronger, but this is a fantastic companion and well worth diving into whether you've played the games before or just want to know the history and legacy.

All this makes it currently very difficult for me to recommend Two Point Museum wholeheartedly right now. While I adore the style, humor and general gameplay loop, it is now becoming a struggle to fully enjoy the game as it reveals its deeper layers. I wish to explore the depth of its gameplay and for that I will now refrain from giving the game a fully scored review. In part because it feels like I have just gotten the hang of its systems and controls in more depth. But also because I want to believe that the developers need a bit more time to optimize and finetune the game for the Nintendo Switch 2. In its current state, at launch, I would not recommend picking up Two Point Museum unless you’re willing to deal with its shortcomings in terms of both performance and presentation. I hope that the developers are able to take the time to get more acquainted with the Switch 2 hardware and use it to optimize the game. In particular I want to see them embrace the features that help a management game such as Two Point Museum thrive on Nintendo Switch 2. For now, this museum is, in my opinion, still undergoing renovations and I hope to see it reopen in the near future to make its exhibits shine. [Review in Progress]

I love that Katamari has not one but two new games in 2025 after more than a decade of remakes and little hope. It’s even better that the one on Nintendo Switch feels like the third game in a trilogy with the two original PS2 games (that are also available in HD remaster form on Switch). Once Upon a Katamari is a full-fledged fresh entry in a series that hasn’t had this kind of shot in the arm since HDTVs were a thing. Here’s hoping we get a more consistent drip of Katamari following this charming entry that largely understands why the first one was such a cult hit.

While it can be played perfectly well with a controller, the Switch 2 version does also have mouse controls, which are a great fit for all the scrolling and planting you need to do, in addition to GameShare functionality for the multiplayer modes. Its focus on being a remaster of the first Plants vs. Zombies means it doesn’t have all of the new plant types introduced in later sequels. Still, it’s a great tower defense entry point and a welcome reminder of how much we rely on Mother Nature, even during a zombie outbreak.

There’s still some structural issues with Persona 3, but it’s probably the most underappreciated member of its trilogy.

BALL X PIT is exemplary of what a great game should be. Combining simple to learn mechanics, with a lot of depth and variety into a strangely unique beast of a roguelike. Once it got its fangs into me, the game simply wouldn’t let me go. Above all what struck me the most is that it's a game that looks almost effortless in its brilliance. Yet, the attention to detail and the sheer amount of customization feels unexhaustive. I have gone back into this pit again and again over the last few weeks and I am still not getting tired of it. You’re even able to challenge your friends on leaderboards with the fastest time that can keep you engaged for long after you’ve reached the bottom of this pit. BALL X PIT filled a hole, or a pit if you will, for me that I wasn’t aware I had. The only thing I can do is keep crawling back out, shouting that others should join in, before I’m dragged back into its depths again. I don’t think I’ll be leaving the BALL X PIT anytime soon.

Blippo+ definitely isn’t for everyone, but I do think it is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re into FMV-like games or not, there is a spark of joy that can be felt in every program you come across. The overall story is fun and will keep you engaged over the six to eight hours of Blippo+ you’ll be watching. There is a variety on display here that is so rarely found in modern games of any type. The real stand out is that it shows a new avenue for what FMV-games can be about. Not just mysteries or dark tales, but fun and creativity are what drive Blippo+. There is no game like it I’ve played all year and is something that I will often be thinking about in the months to come. If you’re looking for a game that’s both passive and creative, you will simply need to tune in to Blippo+.

Platypus Reclayed is an excellently handled update that consistently delivers top notch visuals. It even includes the full original game if you’re feeling nostalgic. Level design comes with the occasionally odd difficulty spike in places, but in general provides a satisfying shoot-em-up experience. It doesn’t really push any boundaries in the gameplay department but handles the basics well. On very rare occasions the gameplay takes second seat to the visuals but most of the time they work together to create an memorable and enthralling journey.

There’s more to do after rolling credits the first time, but my main take away is just how good the combat feels and how gorgeous everything looks while you're doing it. Absolum is made by a team that understands how to make a great brawler, like Shredder's Revenge and Streets of Rage 4, so you can expect a similar level of polish and chops. I ended up clearing the game with every character because I was having such a good time, and with all the awesome games I still haven't played from September, that's proof positive that any beat-'em-up fan should absolutely be checking out Absolum.

At the end of the day I think there is an argument that Yooka-Replaylee is a more accessible entry point for this game than the original. But it is disappointing that I can’t say that more definitively. There are a lot of great quality of life updates but between stability issues and some questionable feature removal, it is hard to recommend this version without reservation.

Overall, there’s a bit too much holding Towa back from a recommendation. There are better Hades-likes out there, most notably Hades II: Melinoe Goes West. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool roguelite fan, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree will definitely fill your cup, but I think it’s too easy to walk away from.

I’ve never disliked the original game, but with a score of 7/10 it's clear that in 2018 I felt there was plenty for Castle of Heart to improve on. While it still isn’t perfect, Retold allows us to play this game likely as its developers always hoped it would be. While this is releasing as an entirely separate game from the original, anyone who purchased that 2018 Switch release can get a hefty discount on the Retold version, making it a very worthwhile upgrade. If you didn’t play the original, then I finally feel like I can very earnestly recommend this game. I wouldn’t have expected back then that Castle of Heart would loosely bookend my experience with the Nintendo Switch, but it has been a very pleasant surprise.

Candy Rangers just feels good to play. Simple clean visuals are accompanied by an incredible soundtrack that at times feels like a middle ground between Sonic Adventure and Pilotwings 64. The whole experience is buttery smooth and pretty snappy. This is a unique rail-shooter with a lot of legitimately new ideas that I’ve never seen elsewhere. There are some mild colorblindness issues to be aware of if that is relevant to you, and now and then progression feels a little padded, but it is hard to complain too much when Candy Rangers is doing so many new things and doing them well.

This love letter to all that is Formula 1 is a unique and fun way to pass the time and feed the beast that lives within each gear head gamer. The pros greatly outweigh the cons in analysis. It's retro enough to show the kids how it used to be done back in the day, yet modern enough to run at a smooth framerate in a handheld form factor. Still, this subversively styled game can be a difficult taskmaster with all of the race assists disabled and rule accurate settings in place. It's the tsundere waifu that will happily cook you dinner with a smile but will clobber you with a frying pan using all the force of the Incredible Hulk if you dare say it’s a little salty.

I’d imagine a lot of people going to this with ‘90s or ‘00s Nick nostalgia in their eyes could leave a little disappointed due to the overall simplicity, but this is an action RPG for the younger sect. More specifically, it’s an action RPG for adults with said nostalgia (and maybe some love for Diablo-esque games) to play with their children. It’s a serviceable dungeon crawler with a lot of love for the Nicktoons involved that is super cute and playful.

Ultimately, I think my biggest frustration with Storm Lancers is that I feel like it could be something more. It could have more variety in weapons and have more interesting builds. It could push the retro anime aesthetic harder in the UI and while playing the game to be more visually interesting. But it doesn’t. And this is the biggest issue with this game. Storm Lancers isn’t bad, but every element in it has been done better and could be done better. When I saw the trailer come up in the Nintendo Direct I had high hopes it could be a new favorite in a genre I love, but sadly it was just OK.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a totally fine attempt at blending an action RPG with a life sim foundation. The town building aspects are stronger than the action RPG component, but even if the combat left something to be desired, it’s an enjoyable game. The online interaction is largely a disappointment, especially because it’s an online structure that seems adversarial to the handheld half of the Switch. This won’t go down as a memorable Nintendo Direct shadowdrop, but it’s a game that has some heart, even if it gets lost in some of the repetition and online emptiness.

I went into Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac expecting a nostalgic trip through a delightful yet flawed 3D platformer of my youth. Instead I got a lovingly re-imagined overhaul that exceeded my expectations in every way. This is now just an excellent 3D platformer with no need for qualifiers. Level design is varied with a nice gradient of difficulty and one-off mechanics in nearly every level. Every good idea from the original has been preserved and everything around it has been improved. While it isn’t technically an incredibly long game, it is dense with content and replayability. The Switch 2 version itself runs great outside of a rare technical hitch. Last but not least, they credit the entire original design team. The biggest negative I can give to Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is that it makes it very hard to go back to the original.

Atelier Resleriana is in a lot of ways a love letter to the rest of the series. While Atelier Yumia was looking forward, Atelier Resleriana shows that Gust is more than willing to look back at the things that made the series beloved in the first place. While I really enjoyed my time with Atelier Yumia, I think Atelier Resleriana will be my favorite Atelier game of the year. This is a review in progress due to the fact I’m not quite done with the game and can’t speak to the completed story, but I think the gameplay and characters show just why so many fans like myself have fallen in love with the Atelier series. It incorporates classic Atelier gameplay with fan favorite characters while still including fresh gameplay ideas. While this was definitely made with existing fans of the series in mind, Atelier Resleriana is something that new fans can also appreciate as well.

It will take me dozens more hours to see all of what Hades II has to offer, and that’s not even considering some specific endgame challenges it adds after you complete your first run. I am fully invested in squeezing all of the story juice from this delicious fruit, and that’s primarily due to how masterful the gameplay feels. Moving, dashing, attacking, and casting are all incredibly satisfying, and it’s rare to see any video game so skillfully combine gameplay with aesthetic and story. Without a doubt, Hades II lives up to its predecessor, and surpasses it in a number of ways. While it can at times be overwhelming in terms of collectibles and crafting materials, there are also so many ways to enjoy the experience, through options like God Mode and Aim Assist, or just grinding out in-game achievements and other unlockables. Ultimately, my first complete run through the first Hades signalled the end of my time with that game, but for the sequel, it felt more like I was just getting started.

If you recognize Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles as a labor of love, and the result of a desire to perfect an already formidable RPG, this release is a major achievement. It's not definitive, but there's no question that it's the best way to experience a seminal title in the tactics genre. Certainly, it could have opted for more graphically impressive visuals, but it opts for faithful over brave--classic over contemporary. And I'm good with that. The job class system remains a standout, and the plot–as heavy as it is–stands as one for the ages. There is no better time to hop on a Chocobo, and delve into an RPG of and for history. One of the most replayable Square Enix games has never been more worthy of the title.

Your overall enjoyment of Wizordum will depend heavily on what you’re looking for. It doesn’t do much to separate itself from other shooters of this style. It feels very much like a middle ground between Wolfenstein and Heretic. It does that very well and is fun to play, but I would have liked to see it bring in a few more unique ideas. Progression also feels a little flat. Each individual level is well made but I rarely felt like they were getting harder or more complex as I went. This is a solid and well made first-person-shooter, if not a revolutionary one.

No, you’re not going to get a substantive exploration of the politics of pandemics or a deep exploration of human nature, but there’s enough information littered about that at least paints a picture of people in the throes of their annihilation. The game does a good job of keeping some mystery throughout while unfolding the world at an effective pace. The combat is harrowing, and I could feel the pang of dread in most encounters. The game is workmanlike – it’s unlikely to dethrone your favorite survival horror–but there is a meaty and reasonably enjoyable experience to be had here.

Overall, it’s nice to see NBA 2K26 have feature parity on Nintendo with the best version of the game again. You have to make some concessions playing it on Switch 2 as opposed to PS5 or Xbox, but it’s still impressive for what it is on this platform. Even with longer load times and slightly lesser visuals, NBA 2K26 is a gigantic game packed with a ton of variety. You can shoot hoops in all sorts of ways. You can roleplay out your dreams of running an NBA team or try to carve out your path as a player, whether it’s in the NBA or WNBA. Hopefully this is the start of another dynastic run for the series on Nintendo platforms, because what’s here is great.

Some stuttering, some janky animations, and even a softlock put a damper on my time with it, but Wander Stars is a relatively fun romp while it lasts, particularly if you're in it more for the RPG mechanics over the plot.

Even if you are locked into the Nintendo Switch eco system, it is still a competitive field and while Rally Arcade Classics does a lot well, it doesn't do them better than say, Art of Rally or the V-rally series, even if RAC does offer more game modes and locales. The end result is an above average racing experience. It’s definitely not a bad game but it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi that would keep me returning in lieu of competing titles. If you have played out your digital copies of the aforementioned games and hunger for a new experience, Rally Arcade Classics is indeed worth your time and money for a quick rally romp on the go.

WWE 2k25 is a game with a solid, satisfying gameplay foundation, a flashiness befitting the product, and options galore to play your way. It also has game modes that aren’t all that compelling, a questionable presentation of their superstars’ appearance, a silly amount of self-importance, and a user interface that rivals the worst design this side of Sakurai menu screens. For me, returning to wrestling games with WWE 2k25 is like returning to your hometown after being gone for a decade. The bones are still there, you can see the resemblance in the local landmarks, but the people are different. You meet with friends to reminisce, but the dive bar is now a flashy speakeasy with a cover fee.

Upon completion I instantly wanted to jump back in for another helping. I could easily see level pack DLCs or a second iteration on a yearly basis, and I would gladly sign myself up. I even put this in front of my 70-year-old non gamer mother to enjoy. It’s that easy of a recommendation for all puzzle lovers, and at $9.99, it’s a steal. I’ll suggest this game to anyone in earshot. So I have to ask: is this seat taken? I have a game to tell you about that you’re gonna love…

Gradius Origins feels like a more niche collection in some ways. Fighting games are at a relatively high point in popularity, so it makes sense that the Capcom’s of the world would pump out collections of their huge library. Side-scrolling space shooters haven’t hit the same kind of resurgence, so what we’re left with is a series of similar-playing shooters wrapped in a best-in-class collection of features that make them just close enough to playable. I appreciate the level of effort that was made for Gradius Origins, it has been treated with a kind of reverence that makes me think M2 truly cared about preserving these games. That said, in practice it feels more like a niche history lesson rather than a source of deep fun.

This isn't simply an assassin's creed in a Star Wars coating. Outlaws carves its own path. It can stand among the lineup of not just great Star Wars games, but third person action games in general. It may not be revolutionary but what it does, it does so incredibly well. Back when I played it last year, I was already entertaining that particular opinion but revisiting the game on Switch 2 has convinced me of this. It's a shame that Outlaws was overlooked last year, but perhaps now it is time for a reappraisal of what Star Wars Outlaws is, rather than what it could be. I am genuinely of the opinion that in ten years we'll look back at Star Wars games and go: “you know what, this Outlaws game is pretty fantastic”. Just know that you've heard it from me first.

Particle Hearts isn’t a deeply complex game, but it balances what complexity it has in gameplay with an impactful story. I found it easy to simply sink into. I was always equally as excited to reach the next challenge as I was to unfold a little more of the story. There are moments that very genuinely hit and caused me to simply pause for a moment and absorb the storytelling. The world it creates is enchanting and against all odds holds up almost flawlessly on Switch. This is the level of narrative adventure that even with a few blemishes, I can’t help but fall in love with.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion has a neat premise and fun ways of customizing your character and your Arsenal to meet the different combat challenges found in its world. It’s unfortunate that the world itself feels lifeless at times, with repetitive enemy encounters and side missions. The best moments are when you come across a gigantic Immortal that you just know will require the combined might of co-op partners, be they real or NPC, but you make a solo attempt anyways, only to be smashed to pieces, which is a humbling experience. Those interested in online multiplayer will be glad to know that the whole campaign is playable cooperatively, but I did not have a chance to check out the cross-platform multiplayer for myself, and I am concerned that online play could further compromise how the game runs. If you’re not afraid of a bit of jank and some performance hiccups, Titanic Scion offers a good time in short bursts. That said, the cracks begin to show through a little more during longer play sessions, and ultimately the sequel appears to have taken only baby steps ahead of its predecessor.

My experience with Super Mario Party Jamboree is likely an uncommon one for some reviewers, but especially as the Switch 2 ages, it probably won’t be completely unique. Unless you expect to get a lot of mileage out of the specific Mario Party additions to the game, including the goofy camera support, faster Frenzy mode, and novel Tag Team mode, you’re likely better off just playing the original Switch 1 version. The barrier for entry for the Switch 2 Jamboree TV content is very high and while I’ve been digging most of what’s added to it, the new additions are on the whole middling. This might be the most fun I’ve had with Mario Party since the Wii, but I also would much rather have a brand new Mario Party game on Switch 2 than this weird frankenstein.

Shuten Order is a game that takes so much time to say so little. There are so many video games in this video game, and yet not one complete video game. The multiple routes being able to happen in any order hurt the mystery-driven story more than they help. The varied gameplay styles are underdeveloped and rarely make it feel like you’re playing anything other than a linear visual novel. The writing is boring at the best of times and actually insulting to me as a queer woman at the worst of times. This game clearly wants to swing for the fences, but it doesn’t accomplish anything other than striking out every time it steps up to the plate.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a charming and addictive breath of fresh air to the farming sim genre. I spend dozens and dozens of hours with the game and know that I could spend more if I wanted to. It adds new, fresh ideas to the genre while refining classic gameplay. While there are some elements I’d personally change, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is an easy recommend to anyone looking for a new farming game to sink their teeth into.

In a world where seemingly the vast majority of classic anime adaptations boil down to arena brawler after arena brawler, it has been wonderful to see Cobra get a more in-depth approach. What results is an enjoyable game that conveys the anime’s story not only in its cutscenes but throughout its level design as well. It is clearly a game made by a team with legitimate admiration for their source material. It has some small issues with enemy balance and a few minor presentational blunders, but it's hard to ignore the charm and passion that exudes from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening.

Overall, though, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a charming and addictive breath of fresh air to the farming sim genre. I spend dozens and dozens of hours with the game and know that I could spend more if I wanted to. It adds new, fresh ideas to the genre while refining classic gameplay. While there are some elements I’d personally change, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is an easy recommend to anyone looking for a new farming game to sink their teeth into.

Herdling has most of the pieces of a strong and unique narrative adventure, but comes up a little short where it matters. It rarely gives you moments to form any specific attachments to its characters. The world certainly has some cool setpieces accompanied by a soaring soundtrack, but at the end of the day I struggled to care. There is still a well crafted world and some interesting mechanics at play, but the storytelling causes it to fall short of the genre greats.

And Roger is a short game, but mostly because I was simply unable to put it down after playing through the opening chapter. Walking the tightrope between some of the darkest subject matter we can experience in life, toying with the expectations of the player and yet still showcasing the warmth and love of human connections during these dark times. It’s especially challenging to explain why And Roger is probably one of the most memorable experiences of the year. For a tale like this, to be told in this particular way just makes sense. It’s medium and message working hand in hand and building on one another. No fat needs to be trimmed, no minigames for the sake of expanding the time spent with it. And Roger might be another one of the perfect examples of why games aren’t just art, but elevate our conception of what art can be, and how it can explore our own humanity. Frankly, it’s a fantastic feeling to be reminded of every once in a while and I’d urge you to seek it out for yourself.

OFF is among the curios of independently developed video games that appears to have had a noticeable impact on the indie landscape. It's worth playing as a reminder of how far smaller, more unique RPGs have come in the last two decades, but its gameplay and story aren't captivating enough to warrant a full recommendation. While I respect how its niche-ness is part of its identity, you really need to value that aspect prior to diving in. My overall impression is that I'm happy to have experienced it and glad to have another piece of video game history on the Switch eShop. But once I've turned it OFF, I'm ready for something with more meat on the bone.

At its core, Discounty is a fun experience. The gameplay loop of running a supermarket is satisfying, and I enjoyed my time quite a bit. My hesitation is that I think it’s about halfway there between being a fun indie shop sim and being an indie game with a message, and I wish they could have pushed their narrative just a bit further to be more memorable. Discounty is still worth playing, but it makes me want to see what the developers can do next. While the ideas and the gameplay are there, there’s some untapped potential as well.

At a glance, Madden on Switch 2 isn’t visually impressive, but after playing a ton of the game docked and handheld (and also coming off of years on PS5), it plays totally fine. The load times are kind of long. Sometimes crowds load in weird. But the gameplay, easily the most important part, is not an issue. It’s evident to me that the team at EA Sports tried to do what they could to make a solid version of Madden early in the life of the Switch 2. It’s rough around the edges, but it’s the most feature parity a Madden game has had on a Nintendo platform since the age of the GameCube. I hope that, unlike Madden on 3DS and Wii U, we get to see EA Sports take another crack at bringing Madden to Switch 2 because the initial release captures the fun of the game and future releases could refine and improve all of the technical aspects.

It's enjoyable for a little while to see the numbers go up and down as your profits soar and your inventory dwindles, but there's so little variety in the main loop that I didn’t feel compelled to discover all of the areas and associated characters. As a background game for the cozy-inclined, it offers a fairly passable experience, but Tiny Bookshop is far from a page-turner.

Heretic + Hexen is a fantastic collection of one very good game and one absolutely incredible game. The added content both new and old only serves to strengthen these two titles. That being said the clumsy save system and somewhat limited options for how these games are presented on a modern TV do lightly mar the experience. Even a CRT filter would do wonders for translating the visuals at a higher definition. But given that the previous best way to play this on a home console was to dig out a Nintendo 64 or put up with compromised versions on Playstation or Saturn, this is still certainly an improvement overall. Hopefully down the road we can get the rest of the Heretic/Hexen series as well.

This campfire simulator is probably the most extra a game of this scope and type can be, and yet its focus on social elements makes it a delight to return to. Oink Games decided to try something very different here, but has remained true to their design philosophy. No, I did not think I’d recommend a fire-building simulator in 2025, but frankly this one ignited something in me that I wasn’t expecting. Now how long will it take for the true pyromaniacs to start speedrunning this game?

Like its predecessors, Toree Saturn plays great. But at this point I’m ready for more from this little bird. It's clear that the developer skill is there to do more with these games but they seem to be stuck retreading the same ground. It is well executed, but if you’ve played other games in the series, you know exactly what you’re getting here.

Take a moment to sit down, put on a headset, drink a cup of tea and get lost in this artwork. It’s something you’ll remember.

If you like short and comedic games then Time Flies comes highly recommended. You’ll have seen most of what the game has to offer in a few hours, but it has a high “Wait, I need you to play this game for five minutes”-factor that makes it a lot of fun to show to friends and family. It is rare that a game is so sharply tuned that I can be satisfied with having fewer levels to play through. Time Flies is such an easy recommendation to just about anyone who plays games. Your time with it may be short, but it is certainly well spent.

Tales of the Shire is a really solid idea. It should work. There are great ideas here and some solid writing. This feels like the early access version of what could eventually be a very good game. But right now, it isn’t. Instead it is a shallow glimpse at what could be. When you factor in significant performance issues that even the Switch 2 can’t seem to brute force, and constant stability problems, it becomes very hard to recommend this game. I really want to like Tales of the Shire. I think there is a reality in which it could potentially get better in time, but it just isn’t there yet.

Obviously the simplest solution to get some Uchikoshi-helmed escape games would be if the Zero Escape trilogy were cleaned up a bit and brought out on modern Nintendo hardware. But in lieu of that, No Sleep for Kaname Date will probably keep you up for a bit as you try and puzzle through some of the nastier puzzles.

Donkey Kong Bananza tries a lot of new ideas, and the vast majority of them not only work, but revolutionize the idea of a 3D platformer. There are definitely problems along the way, and it is a long way from perfect, but I can’t argue with how much pure fun there is to be had in playing Donkey Kong Bananza.

I really love these games, so much so that I’ve completely ignored the otherwise fatal latency issue by playing them exclusively in Handheld mode. After all, isn’t the Switch 2 just a very large PSP? I do wish they’d built in auto-saves, but…I guess I can live with it. Your own mileage may vary on that point. Go forth and get your pata pon.

The undercooked mystery backdrop is a small blemish because they nailed the writing and character development. Even an underwhelming soundtrack can’t diminish the heart on-display through emotionally raw dialogue and facial expressions. Give yourself the experience of reigniting those moments that were powerful at the time but seem small in retrospect. Allow yourself to feel the volatility of teenage life through the eyes of Mark. Play Until Then.

Split Fiction is, in a lot of ways, the best this studio has ever delivered, but is still far from flawless in its execution. The plots from all previous Hazelight games have consistently been an issue and this game is no exception. Its tone and characterization are pretty flat, with a lot of cringe moments to take away from the experience. Fortunately, one thing this studio has learned is to keep the action moving, and providing tons of set piece moments to override any bad taste the dialogue could ever leave. The puzzle mechanics work well as long as you can communicate with your partner with patience and the set pieces are a rollercoaster ride of excitement. It also helps that this runs perfectly on the Switch 2. Split Fiction can really test relationships, but whenever a new Hazelight co-op adventure drops, I’m always down for the thrillride.

I admittedly thought Shadow Labyrinth was a dumb joke game when it was first announced. As Bandai Namco showed off the game though, it is clearly made by people who want to just make a fun game with the wild Pac-Man lore as a mechanical overlay. I had a blast exploring this dark corner of the Namco multiverse that is essentially Pac-Man’s mid-life crisis. Shadow Labyrinth is assuredly the most interesting Pac-Man evolution since the hero’s 20s. Sometimes the biggest series left turns wind up being a hell of a good time.

I thought I knew what I was getting into with Misc when it was pitched to me as a Chibi-Robo-like. In reality that deeply undersells what the game has to offer. The focus on shifting that design to something that more closely resembles a Mario 64-style 3D platformer is a match made in heaven. The constantly changing level variety and natural drive to 100% each area had me absolutely hooked. Now and then the platforming or level design would slow things down, but never enough to prevent me from pushing through to see what was next. Misc. A Tiny Tale is an easy early pick for my personal indie of the year lineup.

You can see everything the game has to offer in about two hours and I think that works in this game’s favor. It makes for a short, but (bitter)sweet experience that is a fun pick-me-up if you’re looking to waste some time in between other titles.

This is a very straightforward HD release of System Shock 2. This remaster does little to modernize actual gameplay, and playing with a controller is simply not ideal. On a technical level it does exactly what it sets out to do and does it very well. The game itself remains an important release that would lead directly into iconic titles like Bioshock and thus makes for a fascinating historical curiosity. But it is important that you approach System Shock 2 from the right perspective, keeping in mind its ambition at the time of its original release.

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition is a good, faithful port of a classic PC game, for better and for worse. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s an enjoyable way to play it despite the clunky controls, but if you’re a new player you should expect a steep learning curve. The classic Worms games are neat to play around with for an hour or two, but are not worth buying the game just to see.

The slightly more detailed and enticing menus and buildings of New Shores made me fall a little harder for it than I did the original ISLANDERS. You still retain your overall score from island to island to shoot for a position atop the online leaderboard, and that “one more run” feeling is as strong as ever given the simple gameplay and the constant dopamine drip of numbers going up and card packs unlocking. ISLANDERS: New Shores is almost certainly going to enjoy a lengthy stay on my Switch’s home screen as a way to settle into bedtime vibes at the end of the night. It’s a fun, approachable puzzle sim that should hook fans of the original back in while also bringing even more people to these chill island settings.

I had some trepidation when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 was announced. While the 1+2 remake was excellent, Activision’s track record with the series since the mid-2000s has been spotty at best. I’m thrilled that the skateboarding in this game feels just as good as it did 20+ years ago and that this goes beyond just a simple remake, with so many fun and enjoyable post-game challenges that builds off of the foundation. Something is lost in Tony Hawk 4’s transition to the 2-minute timer, but I still had a great time saving Painter Neal from the shark in San Francisco. And the quality of the original levels Iron Galaxy made makes me hopeful for the future of the series, whether it leads to a brand new game or an attempt at remaking Tony Hawk’s Underground. Regardless of whether or not you bring nostalgic baggage for the format from the fourth game, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is an excellent video game that will keep you kickflipping and reverting to increasingly higher scores for a long time.

There’s nuance to the stories with some slight serious undertones that flesh everything out and the story is even funnier when you push the characters to hate you instead. It’s a top notch presentation, but for me personally, I’d do better with a more pared down cast as opposed to throwing in everything including the kitchen sink… their name is Sinclaire and they have a pet dog named Sudsy.

What ties Missile Command Delta together is the overall mystery and with that, the game becomes greater than the sum of its parts. The turn-based Missile Command adaptation wouldn’t stand strong by itself, but combining that with the bunker exploration, endearing characters, and generally strong writing makes a fun adventure that will make you consider an arcade classic in a new light.

Puyo Puyo and Tetris are still incredible puzzle games and the fusion of the two is oftentimes electric. The expansion of multiplayer via GameShare is awesome. Stll, the value and cost of entry for this Switch 2 game is a barrier for entry. This is a great game let down by the harsh realities of a new console launch.

Tamagotchi Plaza isn’t an experience I would recommend on Switch or Switch 2, and I struggle to find many redeeming qualities outside of its colorful world and quirky-looking citizens. The mini-games are much more often boring, repetitive, or inscrutable than fun, and the gameplay loop becomes recognizably thin within the first 30 minutes of the game. From what I’ve seen of the DS titles, there’s more charm and incentive to revisit or play through those than this modern reincarnation. While I’d think that younger players might be able to get into Tamagotchi Plaza, the lack of mini-game tutorials/directions is certain to push them away instead. No amount of Tamagotchi nostalgia would be enough to make this plaza a place you want to visit.

I don’t think that Battle Train is going to hit the same level as some of the greats in the genre, but it’s worth playing just the same for fans of deckbuilding roguelikes to see something new and unique being done in that space. It’s funny, unique, and really, who doesn’t like trains and explosions?

Ruffy and the Riverside is a delightful adventure whose charm takes precedence over its jank and repetition. It performs well on Switch 2, which is where I reviewed the game, and has a lot of content for completionists to sink their teeth into. Some of the puzzles can be frustrating or obtuse, but the unique swapping mechanic makes for a fun departure compared to other 3D action-adventure experiences. It may be a bit Ruffy around the edges, but this Riverside is one that I was happy to dip my toes into.

Nobunaga’s Ambition is the black diamond ski slope of strategy games which makes it a hard pass for those interested in the genre but still running the bunny slopes. Those who like the genre and are willing to invest the time will find a robust and fulfilling game, one that I’m eager to get back to even as I write this.

Against the Storm is enthralling and balances its difficulty with its rewards very well. That being said, if you’re not the type of person to find joy in managing an ever expanding deluge of resource types, you’ll likely be overwhelmed. The learning curve, even with a reasonably well handled tutorial, can be steep. This is only exacerbated by often-times awkward controls, though other elements of this port are very well done. This isn’t going to be a game for everyone, and it's almost certainly better played on a PC, but if you’re looking for a city builder that you can sink endless hours into on your Switch or Switch 2, Against the Storm is among the best options out there.

It’s certainly a fun game, the period piece vibes are immaculate, and I hope it’s successful enough to lead to a remaster of the sequel that my sister tells me was even better (or maybe even a third entry in the series), but unfortunately I wasn’t quite as wowed by the remaster as I was hoping after twenty years of putting the game off.

Hungry Meem reminds me a little bit of Pikmin except clumsier. The zoomed-in dungeon perspective makes it difficult to position the storage bag so that the Meems will act how you want, but even then they can struggle in a multitude of ways, like eating the foods you want to bring back because they’re hungry little Meems. Much like raising toddlers and kids who seemingly have bottomless stomachs and insatiable desire for snacks, so too do the Meems that you rely on to progress forward in the game. This means that you are constantly juggling enjoyable but fleeting moments and frustrating considerations, and the end result is one that’s hard to recommend. It’s a little fun once you figure out how to get what you want from it, but Hungry Meem takes a bit more than it gives, and ultimately it serves up a feast that filled me up after just a few courses.

The anime art style may not be everyone’s cup of tea but that’s a small thing that is easily overcome by everything else this game does right. In a year that we have Silksong incoming, I feel like Ender Magnolia is at serious risk of getting overshadowed but don’t sleep on this one. It’s a top to bottom fantastic experience.

I found Kunistu-Gami: Path of the Goddess to be a very big surprise. I was half-afraid that most of the time the systems would be overwhelming as I’m neither big on tower defence nor real-time strategy games. But the way in which Kunitsu-Gami eases you into its mechanics and world is incredibly enjoyable. I loved bringing this world back to life and tackling one or two stages every night for an hour or so. It’s a game best played in segments, rather than one long binge. While I did find the boss battles to be a bit too difficult and some of the core gameplay can be a tad repetitive, Kunitsu-Gami really manages to become a fresh combination of action and real-time strategy. It’s absolutely not for everyone, but if this combination or setting sounds like it may be something for you, you just may find a hidden treasure of a game here. It’s great to see Capcom taking a big swing with something that feels so original. Here’s to hoping that there’s more games from the studio that will follow this particular path.

Squeakross’ biggest triumph in my eyes is how newcomer friendly it is. The tutorials (that are relatively easy to blow past if you consider yourself a Picross Pro) review foundational nonogram strategies that I’ve previously seen go over the heads of people I explain them to. Squeakross is one of the best Picross games I’ve ever played from a vibes and playability standpoint. It rules.

The game itself remains a remarkably deep RPG with well written characters, even if the story itself doesn’t grab you right away. This is a largely successful version of the game with a few caveats but it is certainly one of the best ways to play Cyberpunk 2077 on the go.

While veteran players will almost certainly derive more multiplayer enjoyment from Switch 2 launch titles like Split Fiction or Fast Fusion, Survival Kids provides fun for the whole family, and it plays that role to a T.

The core game, its story and worlds are absolutely worth exploring, but the Nintendo Switch 2 version is heavily compromised. Perhaps it could be more effective to complete this game and mission while donning the guise of another games console.

Yakuza 0 is one of my favorite video games, and everything I love about it is fully intact for the Director’s Cut. It’s the perfect introduction to the story of Kazuma Kiryu, and you can’t go wrong with using this version as your starting point. That said, the Director’s Cut is easily skippable for existing fans unless you’re invested in the brand new English dub or extra languages the game has been translated into. The changes made to the story by the new cutscenes make me believe this is a worse version of the game than the original PS4 release that I played, but that is by a very small amount. If you’re a Nintendo fan who’s been looking for your chance to get started with the Like A Dragon franchise, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition is an example of taking a great game, bringing it to a platform with minimal compromises on the TV screen, and putting it in the palm of your hand to take on the go. Would I like the Switch 2 exclusive modes to be more robust? Sure. Do I wish the World Tour mode didn’t come with some performance hitches? Of course. Would I like someone to make a Switch 2 controller with a competent D-pad? Absolutely. Ultimately this is the best possible way to start the Switch 2 launch: with a re-introduction to the godfather of fighting games.

I was nervous for Fantasy Life i, because I truly loved the 3DS original and was not that optimistic that Level-5 could capture the same magic a decade later. For the most part, they did. This has the addictive gameplay loop of completing quests and furthering your lives in tandem. This has the seemingly endless parade of adorable touches filled with cute writing. In a way, even the ambitious scope that threatens to sometimes take down the whole thing is reminiscent of the original and the era that its developer Level-5 was going through with the success of Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch. If Fantasy Life i is representative of what they’re going to be doing going forward with the likes of Professor Layton, I’m becoming more and more hopeful that they’ll be able to reach their old heights. Fantasy Life i is enjoyable even with its occasional slips. I’m happy to be back juggling my multiple jobs of Angler, Paladin, Blacksmith, and Artist.

Aspects of Mario Kart World might still feel rough around the edges, but the vibes are immaculate. This isn’t the single-player aspect I’ve been wanting for all these years but it’s a wonderfully chill option I didn’t expect. I don’t believe Mario Kart World needs a rigid structure tracking every P-Switch or Peach Medallion. This game is best experienced as a playground, not an obstacle course, even if the mayhem that unfurls on the racetrack is rife with obstacles. I’m looking forward to regularly playing Mario Kart World as a staple of the Switch 2 library. It’s playful and fun in all the best ways.

Having finished Bravely Default multiple times on 3DS, it’s safe to say that the primary experience and story are intact with the Switch 2 release. If you’ve never played a Bravely Default game, this is a decent way to do so if you happen to have a Switch 2 and not a 3DS–although you can buy a secondhand 3DS and Bravely Default game for much less than the cost of Nintendo’s newest console. The visual upgrade is nice on the whole, but I personally prefer how the characters looked on 3DS, and how the cities and towns popped off the 3DS screen. The inability to set the encounter rate to 0 from the outset is a bit disappointing, and the added mouse-focused mini-games don’t offer much in the way of entertainment. Nonetheless, any turn-based RPG fan worth their salt needs to be able to say that they’ve played Bravely Default, and Flying Fairy HD Remaster represents a fantastic way to christen your Switch 2. If you’ve already played it through once or twice on 3DS, my recommendation is a little less resounding.

This is an excellent light puzzle game that, while a single-player experience, is also something I’ve had fun playing with my kids, passing a controller around. Wilmot Works It Out rules, and runs well on both Switch and Switch 2.

Fast Fusion is the deepest and most mechanically interesting game in Shin’en’s Fast series, and one I’ll be going back to on a regular basis. The level design is the best it's ever been and when combined with the fusion system, makes for some great replayability. While I have some minor critiques of the image scaling implementation, the technical package overall is excellent. The Switch 2 has certainly come out of the gate as a racing powerhouse but don’t let Mario Kart World take all your attention. Fast Fusion is another great entry in this sci-fi racing series.

My primary impression of Welcome Tour is that it’s more robust than I had initially expected, and it provides a comprehensive, hands-on experience with all of the upgrades offered by the Nintendo Switch 2. I’m eager to return to the game in small bursts to finish off more advanced versions of the mini-games I’ve unlocked, while also being a good student and “studying” for the numerous quizzes that help you learn about the new console and features. Just as the name implies, this tour lingers and doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, it does feel like it may have served as a very effective pack-in title, perhaps just outside the pantheon of those I mentioned earlier. I get it, though: in a world where many don’t have the patience for or interest in multi-page manuals, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour fills a role. Ultimately, I come away with a better sense of the capabilities of my new Nintendo console, and that at the very least helps ease the pain of my poor wallet.

Having previewed it earlier this year, I was delighted to see Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma deliver on its promise of being an approachable, varied adventure that expedites some of the slower, more mundane trappings of the farming game genre. It deftly blends multiple systems without overcomplicating them, and provides ample freedom for players to explore its world at their own pace. The farming and construction mechanics are designed for expedience and ease of use, exchanging realism for simplicity, a real bargain given the satisfying main story and likeable characters. Even the helper/partner Woolby ended up growing on me by the time I had rolled credits. Guardians of Azuma may do as much to spoil farming games as invite players to earlier Rune Factory entries, but it’s a worthwhile dance that marches to the beat of its own, confident drum, and I’m hopeful we’ll see more like it.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is another grand slam of a game from Pocket Trap. This is a brilliantly designed top-down adventure that is one of the best 2D Zelda-esque indie games of the entire Switch era. My teeny-tiny complaints only lie with the combat, but the delightful puzzles and joyous yoyo parkour more than make up for some occasionally tiresome battling. We might be days away from the Switch 2, but be sure not to miss this absolute gem of a game.

The nicest thing I can say about the Switch version, is that it was significantly worse a couple weeks ago. But even with the multitude of patches that were released during the review period, Trident's Tale still just isn’t really in a playable state on Switch.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is another mix of great hits, fun curiosities, and a few games that feel more like filling out a roster than anything. That said, Capcom vs. SNK and Power Stone are more than worth the price of entry alone, and fighting game fanatics will at least enjoy experiencing some oddities that they wouldn’t have otherwise.

As a pleasant distraction, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade fits the bill with challenging boss fights and three characters that feel different enough to play as. While the slow progression and plain dialogue mean that you really need to enjoy the combat to see this roguelite through to the end, fans of quick-paced, action-focused games where you’ll need to start over again and again may find a more satisfying experience here. There wasn’t quite enough nuance or uniqueness to keep me coming back for more Legends of the Demon Blade, but I had a good time with what I played.

Saga Frontier 2 Remastered is a unique, complicated relic of its time. A compelling cast of characters in a game that gives you glimpses of their personal struggles while focusing more on the long arc of history. A fresh feeling, flexible combat system tied to a series of dungeons that are thematically interesting but fundamentally humdrum. Special features and additions to this remaster that highlight its beauty, give better accessibility to weapon stocks, and give the tempo a much-needed speed boost, but feels incomplete compared to its remaster contemporaries. Ultimately, I had a gratifying experience playing this game in full and checking it off my bucket list, but it’s a game which should be seen more as an incremental improvement and way to preserve it on modern consoles than something that’s likely to draw in a new crowd.

Considering how sim focused MotoGP 25 is, it was a fun foray into the sport of professional motorbiking. It is engaging to play, and even as I realized how bad I am at MotoGP games, that did little to discourage me as I found myself enjoying the challenge of improving my lap times. If you are a hardcore high diff player, there is lots to like here, but for the rest of us, Milestone S.r.I made great strides in broadening the appeal, allowing newcomers to remain somewhat competitive. Even so, it is still a challenging ride in a world of arcade-y offerings that improves on its previous entries. Do yourself a favor though and play it docked with a Pro Controller, which feels like how it is meant to be experienced.