World Heroes Perfect returns as a chaotic and stubborn slice of SNK’s arcade legacy, blending a bizarre historical roster with fast, punishing combat that feels both dated and oddly refreshing. This updated release adds meaningful modern features like rollback netcode, Practice Mode, and expanded online options, giving the 1995 fighter a better chance to connect with today’s audience. While its brutal AI and unforgiving pacing may push away newcomers, there is a scrappy charm in its weird characters and high-risk matches that keeps it engaging. It is not a lost classic reborn, but it is a fascinating, frustrating, and occasionally rewarding relic that now has the tools to be appreciated on its own terms.

Kingdom Two Crowns makes for one of the more intriguing strategy games that I’ve played in some time. The mobile port looks and runs great, but suffers from a UI that doesn’t give the player enough unit information. Gameplay has a low barrier of entry and doesn’t require much to pick up and start playing. However, it’s trial and error experiences could have been retained even with a little bit of explanation to save the player an early death. Oddly enough, this is one of the more relaxing gaming experiences that I’ve had, which is why I find myself returning to my kingdom time and time again.

Alan Wake Remastered isn’t a purchase that anybody already owning a copy of the original needs to make in its current state. Still, it is a very welcome release for PlayStation owners who missed it the first time. Apart from the faces, every aspect of the original has aged beautifully in the time since, and its twisty, American-literature-flavored plot still holds up as well. It would have been nice to see some of Control featured here, and the fact that American Nightmare has been left out is disappointing, but if you’ve never experienced this journey for yourself, it’s a perfect time to jump into the cold waters of Cauldron Lake.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga brings Falcom’s cult PSP crossover to modern systems with surprising care, offering nostalgic charm for long-time fans of Ys and Trails. Featuring rollback netcode, new voice acting, and refined visuals, it’s a unique action-RPG fighter hybrid that excels in gameplay customization but struggles with its limited appeal and uneven storytelling.

Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon has enough content to keep players interested, whether they are puzzle aficionados or roguelike veterans. Unfortunately, the game suffers from over-complication of simple concepts but manages to stick the landing with addicting gameplay and a refreshingly simple story.

Artis Impact delivers a warm, character-driven RPG experience with charming worldbuilding and delightful side moments, but its unbalanced combat and uneven late-game pacing keep it from reaching its full potential.

Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden provides an engaging tabletop adventure fueled by a fantastical narrative. However, there is little to no challenge to be found in the encounters along the way, which weigh heavily on the epicness this story could otherwise provide. Still, this is an undeniably fun experience and stands out amongst any other title released today.

It feels as though Thomas Moon Kang had a clear vision of what One Step From Eden should be. Each system works well together to provide an experience that only this game can provide, even if another series influenced the core idea. It’s brutal difficulty surely won’t be for everyone, but roguelike fans will find a satisfying game loop of fast-paced action for many hours.

OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos presents a strange premise that ends up working thanks to the charming cast of characters. The writing for the characters was endearing and romantic as you find yourself immersed in this otaku group of friends. There are a few low points in the story where you feel like the plot takes a couple of steps back, but the conclusion makes it all worth it.

B.ark shines. The traditional 2-D animation is stunning, and gameplay gives off that retro shoot ’em up feel with modern sensibilities. Some features go underutilized and crowd the screen, but that doesn’t take away how excited and diverse the gameplay is. This feels like a Saturday morning cartoon and offers multiple difficulty options and characters to approach the shmup experience no matter your skill level. B.ark happens to be as strong as its bite, and it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 3 may not be what the hardcore simulation gamers wanted, but it opens the door for rookies and fans of the sport looking to play out their riding dreams. The new gameplay features come with a learning curve, respecting old and newcomers alike. With the official 2019 calendar of riders available, dedicated servers, new features on career mode, and various new additions, I really feel like everyone is invited to this race.

Pokemon Legends Arceus gives us the open-world Pokemon adventure that we’ve asked for, but on the terms of the developer. We had to trade memorable moments with our Pokemon party for an isekai adventure about completing a Pokedex, which is something I haven’t achieved since Pokemon Crystal. As such, this entire experience was enjoyable and exceeded my expectations about what a Pokemon adventure could be. This is something I would like to see more of and something worth playing now.

Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind takes a surprising expedition into the investigation portion of detective games. Providing more robust options to fully explore a scene empowers players to embolden their explorative horizons. Both the voice acting and Live2D models offer a lively setting even within the text-heavy genre. As a remake, Detective Club rediscovers both itself and what makes detective games fun.

Until Then offers a compelling coming-of-age story infused with supernatural elements. Set in a post-disaster town, players follow high schooler Mark and his friends as they navigate personal challenges and mysterious occurrences. Despite some narrative pacing issues and a lack of supernatural exploration, the game's immersive setting, relatable character dynamics, and unique visual presentation make it a captivating experience.

Prison Princess provides hours of enjoyment and two of the cutest princesses you could be trapped somewhere with. I didn’t know what I was expecting when I began my adventure, but I came out of it with a more than pleasant experience.

Road 96: Mile 0 is a deceptively dark adventure game that centers around player choice and questioning those in power. We see this world through the eyes of two unique protagonists who keep you invested in the overall narrative. There are some hiccups with pacing at times, and the writing can be a little forced, but the conclusion makes the entire experience worth it. Pair that with a musical runner and way too many minigames to count, and you have an excellent adventure just waiting to be your next game.

There’s a lot to love about Arknights. Within the game’s story, base-building mechanics, and resource collecting side missions, there’s a ton to experience, but I was hoping for a little more. A PvP mode or event story modes would have worked well here as well as have it more in line with other mobile games available.

Dying Light has found a new home and is worth returning to for both veteran fans and those touching down on Harran for the first time. Playing again made me excited for the sequel’s release and made me appreciate this title even more. This and more is what a port should do, so good luck and good night.

If you’re a passionate Ninja Gaiden 4 fan, then you’ll probably have gotten this DLC regardless. Still, for those on the fence, rest assured, there is genuine quality here, primarily geared toward enthusiasts. While I would’ve adored another stage or two as Ryu to even out the playable campaign, the new weapons and bosses are stellar inclusions that stand near this franchise’s cream of the crop. The Abyssal Road is another welcome implementation that I’m positive will keep dedicated players satisfied. Now, I’m eagerly hoping that Ninja Gaiden 4 wasn’t simply a one-and-done miracle, and that more new entries await us in the near future.

Gunbrella delivers on tight and responsive bouts of action. Although it’s a challenging platformer, you can enjoy it from beginning to end across an evening as you hone your Gunbrella skills and get your revenge. What’s more enticing is the story and characters who bring up interesting topics that make you question certain aspects of your adventure. The price is definitely right for this game, and I’ll gladly jump back in because it is so damn fun.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink showcases CyGames at their best. They don't attempt to reinvent the action JRPG genre; instead, they focus on putting their unique twist on the formula. The result is a responsive and addictive experience for solo and online play. For those wanting the most, the online quests offer an almost endless supply of action. At the same time, the story campaign serves as a general introduction to the mechanics but remains equally epic. There's room for improvement, though, and post-launch support will determine the lasting appeal of this experience, but for what it's worth, the wait was worth it, and I'm excited for future growth in this series.

Kimagure Temptation is a surprisingly solid title that offers not only erotic antics but also a compelling mystery, golden pieces of humor, and cute interactions. This is a complete package that, despite its short length, was rather enjoyable. It may only have one heroine, but Anneliese plays the role valiantly and becomes all one needs, but perhaps I’m just under her spell. Oh, well.

The straightforward nature of the quests might make the later parts of the game predictable, but the story delivers in the end. Developer Devespresso should be proud of the adventure horror that they’ve created here, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Rogue Flight is a standout space shooter that brings intensity and immersion to every mission, backed by a grounded narrative that raises the stakes. While its customization and strategic elements add depth, some aspects, like the overly challenging boss positioning and the lack of clear weapon stats, can interrupt the flow, occasionally feeling more frustrating than rewarding. Despite these points, the variety and visual style, along with a wealth of replayable modes, make Rogue Flight a must for shmup fans who want a memorable, challenging experience.

Cat Quest III offers an exceptionally charming and captivating adventure that redefines the series with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. The game features interesting quests, a lush overworld map, and a fun local co-op mode. Despite some issues with NPC impact, broken equipment systems, and balancing, the experience remains rewarding and approachable for players of all skill levels. Perfect for a joyful weekend adventure, Cat Quest III stands out as a delightful addition to the series.

Say No! More does a great job in giving the player some casual and lighthearted fun. With some satirical and colorful scenarios about corporate work culture, the adventure provokes themes of self-advocacy and helping those around you. You can easily tell the game is full of heart and humor. Despite its shortcoming of being a one-time deal, Say No! More is an experience worth picking up.

Otxo is a stylistic and action-packed top-down roguelike that stands out with its unique visual style and dynamic gunplay. Developed by a solo developer and offering a challenging yet rewarding experience, it captures the essence of intense action and strategic combat. The game’s focus on weapon swapping and the strategic use of the focus mechanic for precision targeting introduces a layer of depth that keeps each run exciting.

Disjunction is a tough but speedy stealth adventure that kept me thoroughly engaged. Character’s abilities, narrative choices, and more strategic elements really give players some interesting variety and options on how to approach gameplay. There are some questionable control choices, but nothing that will hinder the experience. For those looking for a sneaky cybernetic stealth-adventure, Disjunction shouldn’t go unnoticed.

The Coin Game captures the chaotic charm of classic arcades with a surreal sandbox island packed with carnival-style games, side hustles, and nostalgic activities. Its Survival Mode delivers a surprisingly deep progression loop as players juggle earning money, exploring the island, and chasing arcade highs. While the intentionally rough presentation and janky mechanics can be frustrating at first, the game’s quirky personality, huge variety of activities, and addictive gameplay systems reward players who stick with it.

Sucker for Love: Date to Die For delivers a compelling blend of horror and romance through its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging story. The game's approachable design and detailed world-building create a rich, enjoyable experience, though the ease of navigation and lack of challenging puzzles may not satisfy all players looking for a more rigorous adventure.

Code Vein II takes a confident step away from its soulslike roots, delivering a more accessible and narrative-rich experience that focuses on character development, unique systems, and an expansive open world. While its combat may lack the depth hardcore fans crave, the emotional storytelling and worldbuilding elevate it beyond a typical action RPG. The game leans into player agency with meaningful choices and multiple endings, though some design and technical issues hold it back from true greatness.

Dark Deity manages to be a competent and entertaining SRPG by offering a decent narrative fueled by the influences of classic entries of the genre. It utilizes systems that fans love while introducing quality-of-life mechanics to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. There are many familiar elements about this adventure, but it’s one that I found to be approachable and full of charm.

In the end, Meteor World Actor offers a well-defined atmosphere with worldbuilding on a level that matches some of the best in the genre. Sadly, the character routes are underwhelming, but that doesn’t compromise everything it has to offer leading up to the conclusion. I’d love to see a proper continuation of the tale of these fascinating characters who live in a city eternally covered by the darkness of the night.

MOTORSLICE delivers a compelling blend of high-stakes parkour and streamlined combat, creating a rewarding gameplay loop that thrives on precision and mastery, even if its narrative ambitions fall flat. The movement system feels weighty and deliberate, making every jump and traversal decision meaningful, while the integration of chainsaw mechanics adds a distinct layer of creativity to both traversal and combat. Overall, MOTORSLICE stands out as a strong action-parkour title that excels in gameplay but stumbles in storytelling cohesion.

Smelter scratched any itch I had to play a new and fulfilling platformer. Through its tight and responsive controls, challenging level design, and non-intrusive combat, this is a must-play title for any who desire a new experience in this genre. The strategy elements can either be a turn-off or further enhancement depending on the player, but I still think the game is worth playing with that risk in mind.

Hindsight offers a look into a life that could very easily be one of our own. It’s a glimpse into a very personal subject that many people can relate to and handles it with maturity and grace. As a game, it offers a short, bittersweet ride that might be too costly for some. But as an ‘experience,’ it delivers satisfying emotional catharsis and is a poignant reminder that we don’t always know the whole story regarding our friends and family.

Claire a la Mode is a chaotic indie platformer that blends speed, colorful level design, and playful energy into a sugar-fueled challenge. With tight controls, clever character variety, and an arcade-like replay loop, the game keeps you coming back for just one more try. Its wild tone and unpredictable boss fights create a funhouse of surprises, though a few design quirks may leave some players frustrated.

Conscript is a powerful and haunting survival horror game that effectively combines historical authenticity with classic gameplay mechanics. The game’s setting, narrative, and atmosphere create an immersive and emotional experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Conscript is a shining example of what indie developers can achieve, and it is a title that should not be missed by fans of the genre. While I had a fun time playing, the historical nature of the experience has resonated with me the most, making this an easy recommendation.

Project Wingman is an amazing air combat adventure from a team of developers who truly love the genre. Its campaign is fairly predictable, and you may wish for more planes, but the gameplay is just too damn good to overlook. There’s a noticeable layer of quality found in each mission that transcends into the Conquest Mode, which will keep you coming back for more.

VenusBlood Frontier International does have some faults when it comes to accessibility and menu organization, but after a few hours, it’s a bit easier to understand. There’s a lot here, and thankfully Loki’s determination and cunning schemes make the story all the more gripping as his army grows, and he is closer to his goal.

Hunt the Night is an incredibly challenging and fun action game. Progression relies heavily on the player’s skill and understanding of enemy attack telegraphs to avoid damage. Sure, you’ll die a lot, but the knowledge gained from each encounter will keep you alive until the boss fights. Puzzle also has some depth to them, requiring players to be immersed in the world to solve the trials. Luckily, this is easy, thanks to the detailed lore found throughout the game world.

Even though the game lacks conveniences that are now ubiquitous in modern RPGs, I don’t think their absences worsen the experience. I certainly enjoyed Dungeon Encounters and would recommend it to anyone looking for an exploration-rich RPG, where all you do is explore an everlasting labyrinth. And hey, maybe you can bet with your friends on which floor you can get to before dying! (No? Just me? Aw.)

Fate/Samurai Remnant Record’s Fragment: Yagyu Sword Chronicles features a brief narrative that is a welcome revisit for fans. This character-focused murder mystery boasts an intriuging new Servant in the form of a younger Yagyu Munenori who has fresh dynamics with the main cast. Further, some new gameplay tools spice up familiar battle contexts. Even though the price can seem steep, there was clear effort and thought poured into this supplemental experience.

Ground Zero delivers a deeply nostalgic yet modern survival horror experience that captures the tension, mystery, and personal discovery that defined the genre’s roots. With branching paths, layered level design, and challenging combat systems, it rewards patience and curiosity while occasionally frustrating with clunky menus and oversized environments. It stands out as a game built for replayability and exploration, even if some design choices slow the pacing.

No, I'm Not a Human is a haunting psychological horror experience that masterfully blends paranoia, morality, and surreal storytelling. Through tense decision-making, unreliable information, and eerie visual shifts, Trioskaz delivers a uniquely disturbing game that challenges your instincts and sanity, even if some mechanics frustrate.

If Found has an incredible story to tell about finding your place in life with an added dose of science fiction, there are themes of acceptance and discovery, but the core of the story revolves around Kasio accepting who she is. Sure the conclusion is a little rushed, but that won’t stop you from feeling immersed in this truly beautiful game.

Class of Heroes 1 & 2: Complete Edition preserves the series’ challenging and micromanaging systems for everyone to play. It’s a great way to enjoy an afternoon, but approach it with reservation because even though I find this type of experience cathartic and addictive, its demand for player understanding isn’t the most user-friendly. Wizardry and Etrian fans will feel right at home here, but newcomers should approach with caution. So, if you’ve been waiting to enroll in the Class of Heroes, now’s the perfect chance.

Consume Me successfully tells an important and deeply personal story with tact. Supported by lovely graphics and a generally humorous undertone, the narrative is well told and gives a hopeful outlook on life. Unfortunately some of the cutscenes and minigames get a bit repetitive with time, but Consume Me remains very enjoyable.

Split Fiction is a wildly imaginative co-op adventure that thrives on unpredictability. Hazelight Studios masterfully blends platforming, puzzles, and genre shifts into a thrilling yet sometimes overwhelming experience. While its narrative structure can feel disjointed, the inventive gameplay and forced collaboration make it a must-play for co-op fans.

I Am Dead takes players on a whimsical journey through a colorful and cute narrative that plays on themes of death and discovery. Each chapter gives us a new piece of the puzzle, making it tough to put the game down, even if the game’s systems become repetitive across long play sessions. You’ll get the most out of this adventure by taking your time, and you’ll be glad you did as you splice through each new object to uncover all the secrets hidden within.

Velocity Noodle managed to be a great afternoon platforming skill test that offers some brief bouts of fun gameplay within the genre. The minimalistic approach to the genre allowed it to squeeze the most out of its core systems and push the player to speedily get through every hazard. While lacking a core narrative and a bit more diversity in its level design, I still enjoyed this challenging experience.

Blaster Master Zero 3 is the perfect way to cap off this series for long-time fans. It’s highly encouraged that you play the previous titles, given that the challenge here is significantly higher than the previous entries. This game will test your 2D action skills to the fullest with unique upgrades for both Jason and G-Sophia SV through difficult platforming sections, dungeons, and bosses. However, as a reward, you’re treated to an amazing finale of an over-the-top narrative about a man named Jason who followed a frog named Fred into a portal.

No Sleep For Kaname Date delivers a quirky, lower-stakes interquel in the AI: The Somnium Files series, leaning into fan-favorite character dynamics and surreal humor. While it lacks the intense twists and scale of its predecessors, its heartfelt moments, clever puzzles, and strong voice acting make it a charming—if lighter—entry for longtime fans.

Death of a Wish offers a unique take on the action-adventure genre, set in a dream-like world plagued by nightmarish creatures. The game weaves a story of revenge and self-reflection through the journey of Christian, a fighter battling against a corrupt cult. Despite a narrative that takes its time to unfold and minimalistic "scribble" visuals that challenge navigation, the game's depth shines in its combat system.

Minecraft Legends became an enjoyable and addictive experience for my return to this franchise. That could be because it was essentially a very fined tuned and comfortable RTS experience, but plenty of Minecraft charm is still found throughout the campaign. It pushes your knowledge of the systems and strategy during the later levels and is likely not for younger fans, but I enjoyed the challenge and expanded lore of this series.

Void Bastards is a fantastic roguelike with a stellar atmosphere and art style. Where it lacks in FPS mechanics, it makes up for with its addictive gameplay loop. The Switch port might not be the prettiest version available, but the short levels make it perfect for quick sessions. Those looking for a darkly funny roguelike will find almost everything they want in Void Bastards.

TYPE-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is a visually distinct and emotionally layered escape room adventure set in a warped version of Shibuya. It combines supernatural puzzle mechanics with character-driven storytelling. Despite an early misstep in its protagonist bait-and-switch, the game delivers a compelling loop of memory-based puzzles and psychological exploration, bolstered by a major translation overhaul that significantly improves the experience.

With a charming and polished presentation, engaging and challenging card-based mechanics, and a wealth of content to get stuck into, Dungeon Drafters is a real treat for card game lovers. The challenge might be off-putting for some, and a whole game centered around cards might not be the easiest to market, but the experience leaves itself open to those willing to give it a chance. Ultimately, Dungeon Drafters merges its ideas into a perfect, synchronous game that is easy and fun to learn while also challenging and satisfying to master.

Sky the Scraper is a quirky and compelling indie life sim that combines text-based narrative choices with chaotic window-cleaning mechanics. Developed by a small team, the game thrives on its replayability, existential themes, and rewarding progression systems, despite a steep learning curve and heavy reliance on RNG.

Rainbow Six Extraction can be fun in a casual setting, but it caters mainly to the hardcore tactical shooter fanbase. This isn't a bad thing because it's fun as hell. Everything you do in a match is rewarded with a constant stream of in-game items and new areas, but this is only after a few hours of finding your bearings in zones and understanding mission types and operators. However, after that, the game opens up exceptionally well, with so much promise to continue with additional content and ways to strategize with friends.

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is a solid tactical adventure with an endearing cast that delivers a charming narrative. The simple yet robust gameplay systems provide a satisfying experience where character growth and customization are at the forefront. For tactical diehards, Refrain Chord may not scratch that itch, but Fairy Fencer fans or those simply wanting to play an intro to the genre should give this a shot.

Last Time I Saw You is a standout narrative adventure that doesn’t force you to relate to the main protagonist, but instead weaves in the stories and struggles of a young group of friends and how they plan to tackle life. Following Ayumi’s lead down a quest for love is an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, but the path forward does require some personal pacing to avoid backtracking exhaustion. If you need a nice dose of nostalgia, you’ve found your game.

Ring of Pain takes a mashup of genres and brings them together for a dark and challenging adventure. The most important takeaway is that it works and provides some great gameplay moments for hours with many new ways to approach encounters. Sure, there are a few high moments of difficulty, and a few systems aren’t completely newcomer friendly, but there’s definitely enough here to keep you entertained for hours of dungeon-crawling and deck-building.

Battle Train is a clever and chaotic deck-building roguelike from Terrible Posture Games that trades guns for customizable trains in a game show-inspired world. With strategic depth, quirky charm, and explosive gameplay, it's a hidden indie gem that occasionally stumbles over its own ambitious systems.

While the game may be a little slower than one may expect for the genre, Samurai Bringer is a curious feast of customizable samurai action. Players willing to give it some time and effort will be able to find a compelling reward for experimenting with its moveset combination options.

Sonic Origins is an ideal package for newer fans to dive into to learn more about the franchise’s beginnings. Sadly, a myriad of odd design choices and bizarre technical hiccups personally brought down this package more than a few notches. Of course, I could have been more vexed by these issues than the average fan, so I may be an outlier. Still, if you’re a dedicated classic Sonic fan, you may want to purchase this package during a sale or investigate whether the console versions fare any better.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a great game no matter which console you play it on. It’s a gorgeously fine-tuned Metroidvania that focuses on skill-based combat with an extensive map that begs to be explored. The Switch version is held back by its graphics and load times, but the performance holds up to deliver the action that players will be coming back to time and time again.

The truth is, even if 2020 didn’t need Serious Sam 4, it’s here anyway. The game considers loyal fans through it’s added levels of customization while acknowledging new fans with some narrative moments to get to know this insane cast of characters. Some aspects feel dated in the graphics and AI, but when hundreds of enemies are running your way, none of that matters because all you can think about is what weapon you’re going to use to take out the trash.

All Stars was made for fans of this series specifically, but outside of that, you might be hardpressed to continue your idol adventure. The admittedly complicated team preparation can be quite a turn off for some if you think this is just another rhythm game. However, RPG fans could find something substantial here, assuming you can embrace the idol culture. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll definitely love what All Stars has to offer. The game is regularly being updated with new content, including songs, costumes, and events, so try to hold onto your money while you can.

Resolutiion is an engaging and fun action-adventure that delivers an enjoyable experience in the genre. From the very beginning, you’ll feel as if you’ve played it all before, and this is just more of the same. However, it ends up setting itself apart through its clever environments, progression system, and narrative, which was enough to keep me engaged throughout the entire adventure.

Destroy All Humans is a faithful remake of a great action-adventure series from our past. It brings the series to a new generation while retaining its classic quirks and gameplay systems. In many ways, this works, but not without noticeable systems appearing dated. That said, I was happy to have the chance to get beamed up to invade Earth once more.

Jeanne at the Clock Tower is a fun romp through time with interesting spins on both familiar and obscure characters. The plot loses steam partway through, and the obligatory sex scenes feel out of place, but the lovely art and soundtrack bolster some fascinating worldbuilding that should satisfy fans of the genre.

Itorah is a great time for those yearning for a simple action platformer with little to look out for. While it may be an underwhelming Metroidvania venture for those seeking a more intricate experience, it’s endearingly crafted with clear love that permeates from its breathtaking presentation.

Threefold Recital masterfully combines a rich eastern-inspired aesthetic with innovative gameplay and heartfelt storytelling. While minor localization issues and gameplay limitations detract slightly, the compelling tale of three beastlings navigating a magical yet futuristic world makes this indie adventure a memorable journey.

Getting through Kowloon High-School Chronicle will make you feel like a true adventurer. It’s not user friendly at all, though, and you’ll be stumbling on the controls hours into playing. Still, similar to the relics you discover in-game, this adventure is a product of its time and really fun to play. I think it holds up in many ways in terms of illustration, character interaction, and unique puzzles that make it a must place for western fans of the genre.

Greedfall The Dying World delivers a rich narrative prequel with standout companion writing and meaningful choice-driven quests, set in a visually striking world that captures the identity of the original while expanding its scope. However, its ambition is undercut by inconsistent combat design and a range of technical issues on PS5, including crashes and performance drops, making the experience feel unpolished despite its strong RPG foundations...Unfortunately your time with the game will likely be brought down by it's slow and messy combat system and the various technical issues that it has. While these issues can be fixed in the future through patches, I suggest holding back from buying the Dying World until a least a few future sales near the second half of 2026, but otherwise if you love RPG's as much as I do then it's a fun game to dive in, just beware of it's current flaws as you explore certain dungeons and fight against enemies.

Watch Dogs: Legion Bloodline is a great story expansion that highlights how much better this series is with a true protagonist leading the charge. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same hindering hiccups of the base game and lacks true character growth, but there’s something for fans of the series. I was surprised by just how much content is here, making this reunion with Aiden a welcomed one.

Full Metal Schoolgirl is a chaotic third-person shooter that mixes anime aesthetics with a rogue-lite gameplay loop reminiscent of Earth Defense Force’s wild energy. While its janky design and questionable progression systems hold it back, the game delivers surprising depth through satisfying combat, quirky humor, and an addictive upgrade loop. It’s a niche but memorable experience for those willing to embrace its eccentricities and grind-heavy structure.

Ninjala has a ton of potential to become the next big multiplayer experience. While its single-player experience leaves a little to be desired, playing online with others is a ton of fun. There’s a nice balance found in the game’s premium items, but much of what it does right can be found in the free offerings. Hopefully, continued support by the developer will iron out any rough patches to make this a longlasting online experience for Switch owners.

Volta-X manages to be a competent robot fighter, full of unique systems, and a design that will surely excite lovers of classic kaiju media. Its pacing makes it difficult to engage in its initial offerings entirely, but it ends up shaping into an enjoyable real-time strategy combat game. Through its blending of interactive team management features and one vs. one mech battles, I’d say Volta-X is worth checking out, at least for a few rounds.

At times, Loot River shines like the burning platform that you just trapped all your enemies on, but that flame gets extinguished pretty quick. Loot River‘s creative mechanic keeps it afloat, but its final presentation feels like it landed short of its full potential.

VituaVerse is an incredibly challenging point-and-click adventure that is targetted towards lovers of the genre. This allows the game to feature more complex puzzle designs, which will put a player’s skills to the test. There’s a real lack of direction as the developer doesn’t fully take advantage of the features that they have, but that ends up adding to the satisfaction of getting through a complicated puzzle.

Metallic Child is a rogue-lite with a grand narrative of saving Earth through some truly addicting action systems. The fast-moving structure of dungeon exploration is complemented by engaging combat mechanics and ever-changing challenges. The challenge becomes easier to manage in the later hours. Still, the repetitive gameloop weighs on the experience if you aren’t in the mood for lengthy dialogue and cheesing your way through encounters using the same combos.

Inescapable: No Rules, No Rescue may not be the death game it appears to be in its marketing or early gameplay. Still, it keeps players engaged throughout the narrative with intense moral choices and deceptive twists. The initial sense of security gives way to unpredictability, making players question their decisions. While the game occasionally demands player assumptions to piece together events, it offers an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. The game’s diversity and immersive character development shine, even though it takes time to reach the darker, more thrilling aspects. With such promise, it’s exciting to anticipate what Dreamloop Games will offer next.

Final Fantasy VII Remake INTERmission is a must-play for those jumping off from the base game solely to introduce Yuffie and other assuredly key elements and characters. Gameplay-wise, there is an enjoyable depth to the battle system with better use of the environment. Still, the poor difficulty balance and forgettable supporting cast weigh heavily on the experience throughout. You’ll ultimately buy it for a few extra hours in Midgar, but stay to hang out with Yuffie as we inch closer to Part 2 of this Remake effort.

Grime is a Souls-like experience that’ll cleanse your pallet between the more significant releases of the genre. It mainly acts as filler, but it also keeps your reactions to tense action gameplay in top shape for whatever you’ll play next. The atmosphere really sells the dreary adventure with the help of an excellent artistic design, a stellar soundtrack, and engaging combative mechanics. Still, there’s a noticeable lack of boss spectacle and challenge required to at least cause a few fist clenches.

Wanted: Dead is a commendable effort from this team and a sign of much better things to come. It is unapologetic in what it wants to be, and so despite all of its quirks and faults, it offers a charming and memorable action game experience that is backed by a captivating presentation. Come for the brutally effective combat but stay for the utterly surreal game world filled with fun distractions and addictive carnage. With this debut title, 110 Industries takes us back to a time when a standout vibe made up for a lack of polish.

While Paradigm Paradox doesn’t stick the landing when it comes to setting up its premise, once you’ve gotten deep enough in its tale, you’ll start to appreciate and create a sense of fondness for each character. Even though the individual routes sometimes had some somewhat unfavorable endings, in my opinion, not to mention the countless editing mishaps, I enjoyed and even laughed at the interactions between the love interests. All of the different points of view were amusedly worded.

While Monochrome Mobius tells a captivating narrative with an endearing cast, the poor story pacing and lack of engagement with the combat, despite its neat ideas, make the experience one that can overstay its welcome. Fans will undoubtedly have their fill here, though.

A must-play game for any fan of SpongeBob. Its witty dialogue and constant references to the show makes for hours of entertainment during every moment of gameplay. Looking past the aged mechanics and lacking multiplayer mode will provide you with a substantial 3D platforming experience, which is something that I can’t say we get too much of. I can only hope this quenches the series’ thirst so that we can get a much need adventure that only builds off the foundation that this game established so many years ago.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons may seem like a side dish to the main course, but it still manages to be a fun beat ’em up experience. The combat mechanics are responsive, and the ever-growing challenge across each stage makes subsequent playthroughs unique, further defined by the characters you choose. One thing is for certain, even after all these years, Double Dragon remains just as cool as ever.

Million Depth is a standout indie strategy RPG that blends atmospheric storytelling with innovative mechanics, delivering a uniquely layered experience beneath the Earth's surface. Players control Moma in a future where humanity has fled underground, navigating branching routes, emotional story arcs, and a hybrid combat system that defies genre expectations. While its complexity may overwhelm early on, those who persist will find a rich, replayable game filled with strategic depth and narrative intrigue.

Alruna and the Necro-Industrialists is a tightly crafted retro Metroidvania with Game Boy Color aesthetics, blending whip-driven combat, compact room-based exploration, and sharp environmental commentary. While its stiff controls and overt messaging may divide players, its clever level design and replayable structure make it a compelling handheld adventure.

Disc Room is a straightforward arcade game that is fun to sink a few hours in as you reach a heightened sense of being. Weaving in and out of blades that are inches from you and pulling off some split-second dodges is panic-inducing but also pretty rewarding to your gaming ego. Even with a repetitive gameloop and some not-so-useful abilities, I had a great time maneuvering through this daring adventure while solving puzzles and facing death head-on.

BUSTAFELLOWS season2 is a sequel to a great otome game that manages to be a worthy follow-up when it comes to showing interesting sides to the characters, but is a hard recommendation for anyone who hasn't yet dived into the original and doesn't fix a significant issue its predecessor also had in the lack of subtitles of voice-only dialogues.

Heading Out delivers a captivating narrative-driven experience, distinctively blending racing and adventure with a choice-driven storyline. Set against the backdrop of a visually stark yet intriguing open road, the game challenges players with moral dilemmas and strategic decision-making that significantly impact gameplay. While the main attraction lies in the enthralling scenarios and robust character interactions, the repetitive racing mechanics and less engaging driving portions may detract from the overall experience.

Uppers was almost the game that got away, but now that’s it’s here, I can’t say that I’m completely excited about it. What’s important is that it features a robust battle system and a zany story that will satisfy the developer’s fans. Furthermore, as perverted as they are, the game mechanics can be an insanely fun distraction as you button mash your way through each level. Thankfully, this PC port is clearly the best way to experience this four-year-old brawler for those who waited.

Metal Unit takes chances on the roguelike genre by making the player feel like an absolute powerhouse. The variety of different items, loadouts, upgrades, and exploration-based stages makes the experience enjoyable for hours. Although it has a nonsensical narrative with a control scheme that does become uncomfortable over time, it offers enough unique features to be a worthy roguelike.