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.

The shoot-’em-up incorporation doesn’t feel as fleshed out as it otherwise could be due to its notable brevity standing out compared to the rest of the experience. Nevertheless, there is a compelling narrative here with a diverse, captivating cast, making me wish this stuck to one genre instead of trying an oddly paced mishmash. Regardless, I still recommend checking this game out if its premise alone interests you, as it could be a potential diamond in the rough for those yearning to embrace it.

The stellar character designs, wholesome cast, and home base divergences add some well-appreciated flavor. Admittedly, I did find myself growing somewhat bored at points because of the short and repetitious gameplay loop. Still, it gets the job done, managing to be an ideal game for those yearning for a not overly committal experience.

Cuphead The Delicious Last Course is one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had, managing to serve as a primarily standalone accompaniment to an already masterful title. It’s emblematic of why I enjoy video games by providing challenges that demand continual and natural player growth, with unquestionably fair enemy design.

DNF Duel has so much to offer fighting game fans. The stylish rooster of characters pairs well with the exciting and accessible combat system. There isn’t much here for casual fans looking for offline content, but mastering any of the characters opens the door for competitive online play. Like most fighting games, this is a title that will live and die by its community, and luckily it’s one hell of a fun game.

Pocky & Rocky Reshrined is a fantastic remake of an acclaimed classic which deserved a wider audience, and this latest release is a great way to bring in new and old players alike. The story mode provides a satisfying and challenging experience where you come to grips with a diverse cast of characters and play styles, before diving into the endless replay value of two-player coop. Modern or retro, this is just a fun game to come back to again and again.

Fobia isn’t perfect, but it’s through those imperfections that I see a game that loves what survival horror was and tries to capture that magic. Even though enemies are quickly dispatched and the dark lighting can be detrimental to the puzzles at times, fans of the genre will enjoy their time rummaging through the halls of the St Dinfna Hotel.

Those who have waited for a proper rerelease for several of the fighting gems featured in Capcom Fighting Collection can rest assured knowing the collection delivers. What could be a decent Darkstalkers compilation is made even better by the inclusion of titles so rare that those that have played them probably haven’t in over twenty-five years. With the inclusion of adjustable settings and a museum that highlights the art and music of each title, it becomes an immensely solid collection. Even the pickiest of fighting gamers would be hard-pressed not to find several titles in this collection they can easily sink their teeth into for hours.

Compared to other Japanese-themed visual novels I’ve played, Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei didn’t impress me as much. The story did manage to find a middle ground with its visuals and cutscenes. but I left yearning for more character development, which is something its contemporaries in the genre are generally known for. However, if you’re the type that prefers a more bittersweet fantasy-style story, you might be able to look past its imperfections and see it as not an otome game, but a very-well made visual novel.

AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative is an easy game of the year contender. The game features an improved presentation of animations, music, fantastic characters, and writing that left me in half reeling and desperate for more. The pacing throughout the mystery was stellar, and the build-up to the conclusion will keep you on your toes. If you’re into mystery, adventure games, or visual novels, this is the game to get. Just limit your hype, lest you be rendered in two minds.

Corpse Factory is one of the most memorable stories I’ve read in a long time. It is a wild ride that provides substantive shock value and a compelling psychological horror experience. Just like a rollercoaster ride, it has plenty of downs, but those get outweighed by the thrills throughout. With true finesse, Corpse Factory winds us down the path of delusion in a fun and lively manner.

Neon White is a combination of genres that probably shouldn’t work, yet I had a fantastic time playing. Each stage tests your platforming skills, and new cards keep traversal fresh. The speed and level design are impeccable, but I couldn’t help but feel burnt out after multiple replays in some areas. Regardless, the character writing grounds you in this unique space and urges you to complete every optional mission to unlock everything this game offers.

The presentation feels like a Saturday morning cartoon, and you can tell it was made with great care and affection. For those looking to recapture the feeling of those 90s arcade cabinets, or who are simply looking for a fantastic beat ’em up, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge provides a radically fun time.

Souldiers is great for those looking for a new action platformer with a dose of challenge. Unfortunately, the game’s easy mode does very little in the way of making the experience, well, easier, so there’s some serious difficulty here. Sadly, there’s nothing in terms of story or character to ground you in this adventure, but if you’re into the gameplay systems, be sure to enlist.

Meteor World Actor: Badge & Dagger is a short experience that, like its predecessor, doesn’t handle its heroines well. It’s a big shame because the series has an exciting worldview that should have at least one game deserving the status of a masterpiece. Maybe the next one can finally live up to all its potential. Nonetheless, I still recommend the series for its stellar world-building and gorgeous illustrations.

Metal Max Xeno: Reborn not only feels like a far more complete and polished game than its immediate predecessor, but it’s also true to the Metal Max experience. There’s no JRPG quite like this desert-punk vehicular combat RPG, thanks to its rich post-apocalyptic setting brimming with content and deep customization options. The best part is, that you get to save humanity from extinction at your own pace.

The Neo Geo Pocket Selection has been an enjoyable revival of titles that never made it to the mainstream despite their quality. Biomotor Unitron is one such title that I’m sure mecha fans would enjoy. What hurts it the most is that, beyond its repetitive nature and lack of narrative substance, the new package doesn’t actually try to enhance the experience, simply going with the features that every previous Neo Geo Pocket title had on Switch.

TOKOYO: The Tower of Perpetuity is a game worth having on your Switch digital library, simply because of its pick-up and play appeal, and also because it offers an experience that literally renews itself on a daily basis. Also, this is far from a solitary roguelike experience, as you’ll be part of an active community, one where everyone takes on an entirely new journey together each day.

fault – StP – LIGHTKRAVTE is one of the most visually impressive titles I have read in a good while, to a staggering degree. With a technically impressive background score and a solid story, I have been entirely sold on this series and want to read the rest of it very soon. I just need to find the time.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva Megamix+ is the definitive Miku experience. This version will likely have it all, and with a launch playlist of 250 tracks, I think it’s a must-own for those who skipped the Switch release. In addition, the PC version offers stable performance, great sound and gameplay options, and additional visual styles. It’s an excellent day for Miku fans, but I’m looking forward to the day when we get updated music videos.

Kao The Kangaroo is platformer comfort food, not boasting any exceptional traits but still managing to be a genuinely enjoyable time for crowds desiring a simple, low-stakes experience. The engaging puzzles and varying aesthetics aid in keeping the stages somewhat diverse in execution, though the superficiality of the powerups and combat needlessly pads out these areas. Moreover, the subpar voice acting and lackadaisical narrative don’t ruin the package, though they’re certainly aspects players won’t be clamoring for more of as they progress. Regardless, it’s a fun time if you’re yearning to punch stuff as a kangaroo.

Sniper Elite 5 excels at being an entertaining experience with a high level of tactical challenge that matches the player’s engagement. It’s a game that delivers on everything it’s trying to provide and doubles down with excellent sniping mechanics, gun customization, and gorgeous environments. It can be a bit overly complicated in some areas, and the random AI glitches can hurt the immersion, but this is the best entry of the series to date, and I don’t see it slowing down any time soon.

Furi is a game that will only appeal to die-hard action veterans who love a good challenge. Yet, thanks to this limited and intentional appeal that is clearly imbued with fervor, Furi cleanly sticks the landing and delivers a sublime boss-rush adventure with remarkable combative polish. I’ve played only a select few titles that have felt as fulfilling as Furi, and I wholeheartedly believe that those willing to give this game a shot and sedate any preemptive pride they possess will feel similarly by the end.

I did find that the AI enemies seem to flop around like more of a fish than a monster, but for the most part, they provide a fresh experience. Source of Madness takes the traditional roguelite formula and adds in its own spices showing that a genre that’s been beaten to death still has some life in it.

The balance between fun interactions with the Touken Danshi combined with the easy-to-understand Musou combat all adds up to a really nice experience, if you were looking to immerse yourself into this Sengoku Period history from an interesting perspective. If you’re a Japanese history nerd who also enjoys Musou games that definitely have you think outside the box, definitely give this one a try!

Ultra Deluxe is easily going to be one of the finest gaming experiences of the year, despite its short length relative to most. This is a game that gets in, says exactly what its creators wanted to say, and then gets out…maybe. The most ridiculous elements of the original are still perfectly preserved here, and then amplified in the new content, letting the player experience exactly what they want to. I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong – Full Bloom Edition is the most complete and definitive way to experience this emotionally-charged sci-fi adventure. If you’re going to be picking this up on Nintendo Switch, make sure to play through the other games in order if you haven’t done so before. Collectively as a trilogy, OPUS is among the most memorable and essential experiences on the platform, and the latest shows how a humble vision can evolve into something amazing over time.

There is a promising premise presented here, but sadly, Waifu Impact fails to make an impact at all, let alone a splash. Even if the concept isn’t fully realized, there could always be hope for some notable systems. Unfortunately, this couldn’t pull off any of that, leaving me confused. Games can be cheeky but still present some value with how comically bad they are, Waifu Impact doesn’t even come close. With poor gameplay and visuals, this game is dead in the water.

Galeb, Emem, and Leysha have compelling enough stories to keep players invested despite these problems, even if it is difficult to find your next destination at times, or you find that you have built each of them in the same way. I know this game has the potential to rise above and give fans an exciting vampire narrative.

It’s honestly great to see a series that was once an expensive import hobby reach such a wide audience. Cotton Fantasy is a culmination of gameplay ideas into one generous package that is feature and content-heavy. If you’re going to buy one game from this cute-’em-up series, make it this one.

KamiYaba: Destiny on a Dicey Deadline offers cozy times with some cute characters, but it doesn’t manage to handle any unique plot point it brings up. The generic feeling and too frequent text issues are a big blunder, but players looking for just some fun with cute girls can probably overlook those issues.

The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is a memorable, impactful, and well-written mystery adventure boasting sublime voice work and live-action talent that elevates the experience to a new level altogether. Even when accounting for the not-so-subtly implemented drab padding and potentially unwieldy controls on consoles, those faults don’t detract from the riveting storytelling any curious detective should dive into. I’m sincerely hoping this title manages to perform well despite its undoubtedly niche appeal.

Despite its flaws, Seven Pirates H is an addictive and fun adventure. Underneath the fanservice exterior is a cute RPG, just don’t go into this expecting anything challenging or remotely intellectually stimulating and you’ll find yourself having fun.

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.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising should be played if you plan on diving into Hundred Heroes next year. Luckily, it’s a straightforward adventure through some beautiful environments and a well-crafted narrative. Furthermore, the very low price of admission for such a charming game made me enjoy it even more, given how far the developers were able to push the presentation. So, in case there was doubt, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising definitely rose to the occasion.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2 features two overlooked titles from this developer’s catalog. They are insanely fun games with deep systems, whether you’re in the mood for a tactical RPG or dungeon crawler. However, they lack modern options, limiting the appeal to a new generation of gamers accustomed to a higher level of development put towards these re-releases. For better or worse, these titles are exactly how I remember, but I still had a blast replaying them.

RiffTrax is the perfect game if you ever want to sit down with a group of friends, remote or in person, to have some great fun with redubbing old movies and funny clips. The fact that only one copy of the game is required is a big plus. Not only that, but the game is available for the low price of $10, and if you already enjoyed what its predecessor What the Dub had offered, you’ll certainly find a lot of fun in here. Playing this with the staff was also very fun, as we laughed at each other’s jokes for hours.

This samurai action-adventure embraces its contextual tone with a uniquely stellar presentation, a well-paced story, compelling positional and timing-based combat, and a cinematic flair that ties everything together. In all honesty, it's impressive how this game managed to richly condense such an experience within roughly 5 hours. I do wish that some boss fights were more challenging and that Aoki was given more focus, but those points don't take away from how enjoyable, and impactful Trek to Yomi was.

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.

Café Stella and the Reaper’s Butterflies is great at telling a narrative about a group of friends running a café. However, its casual disregard for the actual plot is a missed opportunity. You may come for the supernatural premise, but you’ll stay for the cute girls and comedy. I think the character writing is reason enough to play through this game, especially if you’re a fan of Yuzusoft titles, but if you’re looking for a compelling story, you may want to try one of their other titles.

Kaiju Wars can be an unforgiving experience, from missions that take all of your stamina to a story requiring familiarity with the source material. However, the gameplay is deep and nuanced enough to be exciting and rewarding. I am confident that Kaiju Wars will become a cult classic amongst a niche group of fans, much like the films that inspired it.

CrimeSight is a great social deduction game, and one that has surprised me quite a bit with just how high-quality it is. The sounds, the visuals, and the game design all mesh together into a thrilling social deduction game that you can play together with a couple of friends. It offers just the right mix of advantages and disadvantages between each of the three roles: Sherlock knows nothing but can move a lot, Moriarty knows everything but can’t do a lot, and Irene…well, she’s basically the assistant for Moriarty. If you were wanting a change of pace and wanted to play this with your friends, I can certainly recommend it for a game night.

Ganryu 2: Hakuma Kojiro is a game with instant playability and one that you can easily jump right into with smooth and addictive gameplay. There’s a sense of rewarding challenge and progression to the game that’ll make you want to keep revisiting over and over. No doubt this game is old-school tough, but the journey to mastering the levels and nailing that perfect rhythm and flow is what perfectly captures the unique magic of this timeless 2D gaming genre.

When going through the motions of Lila’s Sky Ark, you can find yourself entranced by the world’s vibrancy and the alluring atmosphere. But once you’re done being mesmerized, you start to feel disenchanted by the gameplay. Nothing feels fully immersive or exceptional, but nothing also feels abysmal or detrimental. As Lila, you wade through your journey and come out the other side feeling slightly satisfied. It was an above-average ride that you may not try again, but not one you regret.

There are more intricate and enjoyable fanservice games out there, like the Neptunia and Senran Kagura franchises. Pretty Girls Rivers is occasionally enjoyable to look at and listen to, but that’s about it, and you can tell I’m just spamming filler words at this point to reach a word requirement.

If a strong narrative is required to keep you invested in a game, it’s probably not the one for you, but for those out there who love the steady feeling of progress for its own sake, it’s a lot more fun than the idle games clogging the market and trying to scratch that same itch.

UuultraC is another unique BL title from ADELTA and it’s easy to see improvements to the Kurosawa Rinko artstyle. However, the messy delivery of its plot keeps it from living up to its potential with a confusing narrative style that hinders the experience more than it does improve it. Even so, fans of the genre are likely to enjoy this wild ride and should give this experimental work a try.

The House of the Dead: Remake is a welcome return of an arcade classic on a less than an ideal platform. On paper, it would make sense for this to work on Nintendo Switch, but the gyro functionality of the Joy-Cons just doesn’t lend itself to the experience as smoothly as one would hope. Diehard fans are probably better off dusting off their Nintendo Wii, while most Switch owners will need to fiddle around with the controls before they can appreciate this classic.

Its predecessor may have been an unremarkable release 30 years ago, but Andro Dunos II manages to execute decent gameplay variety in a well-designed shmup adventure. It allows players to choose how they want to play, and with easy upgrades and clean level design, this is a nice alternative to all the bullet hell craziness out there.

Chinatown Detective Agency is clearly a game that is aiming high, and I can appreciate its attempt to revive a genre closely tied to my childhood. But a game that creates this many roadblocks in the way of progress, some that make it nearly impossible without a guide, and some that are likely unintended, needs to be critiqued. This title feels unpolished and unfinished, and while I could see it eventually getting heavily patched to resolve its many issues, it will cost $25. With that price point, I expect far more quality control.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim on Switch is just as great of an instant classic as it was on PS4. While the new content (extra weapons) is essentially insignificant, if you haven’t played the game yet, this new version is a great chance to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind work from Vanillaware and Atlus.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has become one of my favorite JRPGs, and I regret not playing it sooner. This is a must-play game for any JRPG fan. From its remarkably well-written narrative that will stay with you for years, to the approachable yet still involved combat mechanics coupled with an endearing presentation, I fell in love with this title far more than I thought I would.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is an enormous offering that feeds your nostalgia for both Star Wars and LEGO. No matter how old you are, if you're a Star Wars fan, there is something here for you to fall in love with. No corners were cut, and every event is delivered with the utmost character to the brand without it feeling tacked on or half-developed. The additional upgrades, exciting boss encounters, and gorgeous environments will easily make you forget about the strange voice-over.

Lost Judgment The Kaito Files is a fantastic solo outing for Yagami’s sidekick, granting players a greater degree of endearing Kaito introspection alongside a mystery drama with thrilling action. While what’s offered here will likely not blow you away, this experience is one of substance and a reason to return to this series. The short runtime and high pricing may turn some away, but Kaito fans everywhere will leave satisfied when the credits roll.

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.

Weird West is a generally enjoyable game that balances an excellent atmosphere with visceral Western-styled combat. It has some bugs that could be fixed in the future and has a noticeable lack of voice acting, but for the most part, it’s a genuinely unique and exciting game. If you’ve ever wanted to be a cowboy and Van Helsing simultaneously, there’s finally a game for you.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a good time certified with Nintendo’s seal of quality. If you’re a Switch owner, you simply can’t go wrong with jumping into this one. It may not do anything groundbreaking, but as a platformer, it unites several ideas into excellent level design pacing, with everything coming together smoothly for an adventure that you’re sure to enjoy.

The PC version has a few added features, but quite honestly, they are par for the course when it comes to PC gaming. That’s not a bad thing, as you have options to customize the graphics and performance of the game to your heart’s content, but I found nothing to really gush over. Death Stranding has always been a beautiful game, but playing on an UltraWide monitor might give you a better idea of the sheer scope of this experience. It’s a testament to some fantastic graphical leaps that have happened in recent years that still manage to impress me in this newest release.

Ikai is a light horror experience providing genuinely qualitative puzzle design. Unfortunately, its presentation is somewhat lacking, and its brief playtime may not be enough to satiate some crowds aside from scant collectibles. Regardless, if you’re yearning for a simple but effective horror title, you could do much worse than Ikai.

Evenicle 2‘s translation has a handful of typos and inconsistencies. Most of the text is an enjoyable, funny read, but these minor errors can be frustrating. Also, keep in mind that while the sex scenes are a significant selling point, Evenicle 2 offers a streamer mode option in the menu that censors those events while keeping the audio and text intact. Evenicle 2 is an excellent eroge RPG with an impressive cast of characters and an engaging story. It oozes charisma, and any fan of the genres should give it a try. Come for the sexy characters drawn by Nan Yaegashi. Stay for the bonds you create along the way.

GTA V is the high-water mark for the developer as a whole. Playing it feels almost as new and refreshing on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 as it did when playing it on the console’s grandparents. The upgrades are gorgeous, the city is alive, and this game is still fantastic.

Despite the usual pains of being a Switch port, Crystar finds a new home on this console. Every system of this moody JRPG provides a unique experience that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. I’d highly recommend this version to those who have yet to play, but keep in mind that this game is as niche as they come, so it’s best to keep that in mind to know what you’re getting yourself into.

Rune Factory 5 is a thrilling, addicting experience boasting countless events and mechanics that will hook you for hours on end. It excels at making players feel accomplished and satisfied with their feats while also providing recurring goals to pursue. Further, its likable, extensive cast aids in the pleasant friendliness of the simulation genre. The over-simplicity of its gameplay ideas and its deficient performance and graphical presentation can disenchant some players. However, if you manage to look past those factors, Rune Factory 5 is a standout Switch release.

Ghostwire: Tokyo blurs the line between the first-person shooter and horror genres. It blends the two so naturally with the help of excellent level design, interesting characters, clever mission types, and some tense action. I had a great time exorcizing the streets of Tokyo. There are some growing pains in the opening chapters, but this game opens up in some bold ways that will keep you engaged until the final yokai is vanquished.

Relayer is an exceptionally niche SRPG that may slide under your radar if you aren’t explicitly looking for it. I would say it’s a game made for fans of the genre, but the mechs and sci-fi narrative open it up to a broader fandom. The SRPG features are accessible, and the systems for customization are deep enough to enjoy, no matter how familiar you are with these games. However, the narrative and pacing are weak, which weighs heavily on the enjoyment as it requires a level of investment that you will likely never have.

Far: Changing Tides offers a unique experience sailing across a drowned world. The world itself is beautiful and can draw you into it with its colors and mystery. Regrettably, the shallow gameplay, no story to speak of, and long periods doing nothing mar an experience that could have been memorable. Nevertheless, there is something here for those who want a calming adventure with little action. Sadly, I can’t see myself ever coming back to revisit this drowned world.

Gal Gun: Double Peace is exactly what it looks like, so you’re bound to know if this game will fit your library. Despite the evident dullness emitted by the gameplay loop’s repetition and lack of challenge, the cast is likable with humorous and charming writing. Plus, there is an impressive degree of content here for those who find themselves invested in the experience. This is also a perfect Switch game, making it an ideal title to play on-the-go for strangers to glimpse at and admire.

Tunic has a couple of issues, but it’s nothing major enough to stop me from thoroughly enjoying the game. It’s a pleasant and relaxing throwback to older Zelda titles with enough secrets to keep you busy for a good while. If the visual style and 16-bit inspiration appeals to you, I’d say Tunic is definitely worth your time. Just get ready to get lost, or stick to a GameFAQs page.

Phantom Breaker: Omnia is a cacophonic mess, and if you’ve got local friends and want to play a janky anime fighter, then this is literally the best game of all time. The lack of basic quality-of-life additions found in modern fighting games, as well as aged and clashy sprite work almost feels lazy when every other addition improves the experience. It makes me question why the game wasn’t rebuilt entirely to start. The only way this game is remotely feasible online is through using Parsec on PC, as the game will not be getting rollback netcode. Despite all of this, I really enjoyed the game and had a total blast playing. Probably due in part to being able to play as some of my favorite fictional characters and I hope I’ll be able to play it with some friends down the line, as well as 100% the title. But I think I’m going to be one hell of an outlier with this experience.

ANNO: Mutationem is an exciting and welcome addition to the world of cyberpunk gaming. The amount it presents within the short timeframe is astonishing. There's always something to keep you attentive, whether it be the gorgeous pixel art, the enjoyable boss fights, or the deep narrative. Yet, ANNO does well to not overstay its welcome and instead presents a beautiful experience that engulfs you into a different reality.

Triangle Strategy is a terrible name. It tells little about the game besides that it has something to do with triangles and strategy. This name ultimately fails to share anything that implies the adventure offers an incredible narrative, fantastic combat, and possibly the best implementation of choice and morality I have seen in a video game.

Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is an undeniably stellar action game boasting addictive mechanics that will cater to a myriad of crowds. Even when accounting for a few minor critiques, the combat is some of the best the franchise has to offer. Further, its clever writing choices and conclusion will undoubtedly be lasting and impressionable for those engaged by the narrative.

The Cruel King and the Great Hero is a cute RPG, I can’t deny that, but it, unfortunately, doesn’t fully invest in any of its features. The combat is tacted on, the story is predictable, and missions feel like unnecessary padding. Still, the charm is there with a more laid-back narrative than your thrilling style RPG. If you’re someone that just wants to wind off and take a break from stories that make you grip your head in fear and confusion, then perhaps this game is for you.

Let’s get real, 2022 is already a crazy stacked year when it comes to RPG releases, and so Potato Flowers in Full Bloom is not something you want to pick up right away. On a sale, and if you really needed a downtime RPG, then this game might be your thing. As it is, this is a charming and minimalist adventure featuring engaging turn-based battles, even when the sum of its parts doesn’t add up to anything extraordinary.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a great anime fighting game with plenty of depth for competitive players while remaining accessible for newcomers; all brought forward to modern platforms. More competitive players may want to wait until the eventual rollback update, but this new release easily revives this series for a few more rounds.

WWE 2K22 gives players a ton of content right out of the box and is backed by the lavish assets from the WWE archives. If you’re a wrestling fan, chances are you’re probably going to have fun diving into the various modes and match types. Although there’s no shortage of things to do or ways to play, having too many ideas often means that most of them aren’t executed to their full potential. At the heart of it all, this is a wrestling video game experience that feels inherently cumbersome, buggy, and dated.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Dawn of Ragnarök brings us a huge dose of Norse Mythology and a much-needed fantasy element to the expansions of the base game. The campaign is intense with a strong conclusion, and the added powers provide new ways to approach combat. So even with some of the typical growing pains of a new open world to explore, if you were waiting for a good time to jump back into Valhalla, this is it.

Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster is the return of a classic any fan of the RPG genre should experience at least once. While these remasters still feel like the bare minimum that such classic games deserve, this is an excellent opportunity to feel the magic of Final Fantasy.

There are plenty of dropped or underexplored threads and lots of bugs still left to fix, but Cyberpunk is finally approaching what was initially promised to its audience. It’s certainly no Witcher 3. Still, for the first time, it feels like it’s crossed into the territory of a game worth getting lost in, with the potential for more polished additions in the future. In another universe, this was the original launch date for a much more feature-complete version. By contrast, in ours, Cyberpunk 2077 may finally be able to stand on its own feet as a solid gaming experience for those willing to give it a chance.

Chocobo GP isn’t the Chocobo racer from my past, but it is just as whimsically unique as ever. I’m still unsure if it’s a game for children or older Final Fantasy fans; maybe it falls somewhere between. There’s some balance needed, and the tracks have no identity, but you’re playing a game where a bird is wearing rollerblades, so find fun in that. Just be sure to turn down the volume when you get to the menu; oh god, now the song is stuck in my head again.

Beat Souls tries to break the mold of its peers in the genre but feels lost in many ways. The music choices feel safe and don’t stick out. The art looks pretty but can be draining to keep track of notes, especially on greater difficulties. Add the lack of unlockable extras to keep striving for, and you get a game that is all style, no substance. There is something here that could have been special, but it failed in innovating.

Shadow Warrior 3 has one goal in mind, providing players with an enjoyable and intense experience of slashing and shooting through hordes of enemies. Admittedly, the scope does become a bit too narrow-minded at times, as you sacrifice the potential for solid storytelling, pacing, and novelty. Nevertheless, I can’t deny just how fun it was to brutalize the waves of monsters and become the biggest dick I could ever be.

With a compelling cast and good use of a setting, Hello Lady! offers a gripping narrative. Its protagonist’s peculiar mannerisms are a fascinating example of a colorful, brilliant choice that profoundly impacts the plot. It’s an engaging, theatrical mix of action and plot twists, though its verbose antics might not be for everyone.

Sol Cresta is a retro shmup for the modern gamer. It excels at everything it wants to provide to players and more, but sadly it doesn’t teach them how to access it. However, once I figured out how to actually play, I found it to be one of the best shmups in recent times. It forgoes the familiar aspect of the genre and instead aims to shake things up by introducing unique systems. I didn’t want to stop playing, but there’s plenty of room for improvement.

Variable Barricade was a great experience that subverted my expectations multiple times. From its unique flowchart system to the constant comedy punchlines, I could not stop playing. The interactions across every route kept me playing for hours. I said this once, and I’ll say it again: An otome game truly gets my high praise if it manages to make me lose track of time and keep going nonstop until I feel fatigued. And, Variable Barricade managed to check all of those boxes. So, if you’re looking to wind down with a comedic romance, look no further.

Atelier Sophie 2 offers a heartwarming and nostalgic adventure. While most of the cast is new, the game doesn’t shy away from providing a narrative that both new and returning fans can enjoy. Its battle system is highly addictive as it evolves throughout the game, mirrored by the updated synthesis system with streamlined options and quality-of-life improvements. There are some low points in this adventure, but Atelier Sophie 2 proves traditional JRPGs can still flourish in this modern world.

Although challenging and grand, Elden Ring brilliantly immerses players in its fantasy world. The game rewards every type of player, from the curious explorer to the action-hungry warrior; you'll find something to love about this game. Even after 30 hours, there are still many adventures that await me in The Lands Between. This is an evolution of every Soulslike game that came before, and although brutally challenging, I couldn't put it down for a second.

Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! exceeds in storytelling and presentation, and gets some points considering I can attend a virtual Vocaloid concert. However, the grind it takes to acquire items and higher scores might be more than some are willing to invest. Still, the music is what we’re here for, and this game definitely brings the best beats to the party.

River City Girls Zero is a fine and largely inexpensive preservation of a long-lost title from the massive Kunio-kun chronology, even if the actual title itself is far from being a lost classic that you need to play. At best, the game serves as an interesting origin story. So unless you’re a diehard completionist, then you’re probably better off just waiting for the eventual launch of River City Girls 2.

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.

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.

Monark puts a spin on the high school JRPG design by offering unique gameplay and combat systems for fans of the genre. The narrative heightens this experience with a memorable cast and plenty of mysteries to uncover. The spike in difficulty hurts the experience as the balance of vague puzzles and encounters slows the pacing down to a crawl, but genre veterans might enjoy the art of grinding and not notice this too much.

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires is a great representation of the Empires series with a few modern elements to entice seasoned players. Its strategic systems are addicting, with combat being delightfully simple, instilling the gratifying sense of mayhem the franchise is known for. It’s a moderately enjoyable time-sink, yet it lacks an identity that can make it difficult to recommend to casual series fans who want more out of their experience. At the very least, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires isn’t an erroneous existence like the original Dynasty Warriors 9 since it provides genuine entertainment, even if not sincerely lasting.

Infernax is more than just an ode to black sheep titles that it’s paying homage to. With well-crafted platforming and combat, it surpasses many of the games that inspired it. Further, it is intentionally challenging without relying on cryptic padding or cheap deaths. Those looking for a retro action-adventure without the dated feel will have a bloody great time with Infernax.

The King of Fighters XV is as good as it gets and feels like a complete package even at launch. Sure, it may not reinvent the wheel for the genre, but it perfects its unique gameplay formula and easily offers the best character roster the series has ever seen. With robust online options, deep gameplay systems, and stellar and stylistic presentation featuring unforgettable music, this is one fighting game that will be in regular rotation on any gaming platform. What was once innovative in 1994 succeeds at feeling just as new and exciting in 2022.

Cogen: Sword of Rewind would likely only satisfy those yearning for challenging action-platformer regardless of its reception. You could do much better with the genre, and I hope the development team learns from these efforts to potentially make a far more fulfilling game in the future. With an especially meager playtime to boot, there isn’t much-instilled replay value with this gameplay quality nor enough bang for your buck. At the very least, Kohaku is pretty cute.

Rise of the Third Power is a wonderful 16-bit adventure that offers a charming world to uncover. It’s nostalgic to the core, but it may be a bit too familiar for hardcore fans. I was hoping for more diversity in the narrative themes and environments, but as a package, this is one adventure that I couldn’t step away from. For those seeking a retro-inspired experience, you can’t go wrong here. I was going to make a math pun, but decided against it.

Breakout Recharged might be the least interesting of all the games Atari has chosen to revamp. This is as basic as a video game can possibly get, as even the new bells and whistles added in this modern remake don’t do a whole lot to make the core gameplay feel any more interesting than what it was back in 1976. Unless you’re a retro enthusiast, you’re better off accidentally stumbling upon one of many Breakout clones out there for free.