Ratcheteer DX is an enjoyable little adventure while it lasts, falling shy of being something truly great thanks to its own constraints. There are some enjoyable ideas here and the gameplay is rock solid though, it does a lot more things well than it doesn't.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a polished co-op zombie shooter that prioritizes satisfying gameplay over originality. It delivers massive undead hordes, strong weapon feedback, and chaotic defense sequences that shine when played with friends. While the story and characters are shallow and some progression systems need refinement, the core gameplay loop of exploring open maps, gathering resources, and surviving overwhelming waves of zombies remains consistently fun. Toxic Commando may not reinvent the genre, but its excellent game feel and spectacle make it an enjoyable experience for co-op shooter fans, especially at a discounted price.

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.

Romeo Is a Dead Man is a wild, genre-defying action-adventure that throws players into a surreal blend of space drama, time travel, and chaotic combat. With stylish presentation and layers of gameified systems, it challenges traditional narrative and gameplay structure in favor of an unapologetically experimental experience. While not every design choice hits perfectly, the overall effect is hypnotic, unpredictable, and deeply rooted in Grasshopper’s signature punk energy.

Rhythm Fighter finds a good home on Switch as it melds together music and mayhem for short bursts of gameplay. The sheer variety with all of its characters, randomness, and potential systems make it a perfect fit for the handheld. Still, the gameloop isn’t as addictive as I could have hoped for, with some mechanics not leaving a lasting impression.

Bladed Fury’s console debut has not gone unnoticed. This is a great game that takes clear inspiration from Vanillaware action games. It’s mindless hack-and-slash with a purpose and is exceptionally fun in short bursts. I ended up playing for the challenge and boss battles alone; the environments and plot were engaging enough to see the adventure through until the end.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 1 is a brilliant idea in concept. Nippon Ichi has a large library of games that deserve to be readily available to modern players. However, they need to take the advancements found in recent remasters and apply those options to these titles. Phantom Brave is a lengthy and beautiful JRPG with its remastered assets, but Soul Nomad & the World Eaters really doesn’t compare, and it shows from the second you boot of the game.

R-Type Final 3 Evolved feels more like an R-Type Final 2.5 than a full-fledged sequel. If you have a copy of R-Type Final 2, then it’s worthwhile exploring the updates made to that release first. If you are interested in the release as a PS5 exclusive, then it’s probably worth waiting a little longer to see how the promised features pan out. This game isn’t really a sequel, and it doesn’t quite feel like an evolution, either.

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication delivers an intriguing blend of horror and puzzle-solving set against a rich backdrop of Taiwanese lore. While the game excels in creating a spooky atmosphere with its well-designed puzzles and immersive ghost stories, it struggles with pacing due to its heavy reliance on cinematic sequences and lengthy dialogues. These elements often reduce player agency, making it feel more like watching a movie than playing a game. Additionally, the ghost encounters, although initially thrilling, tend to become repetitive and less frightening over time.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a worthy resurgence for this beloved spinoff series. While the messy narrative pacing and poor framerate bring the adventure down a few notches, the addictive and rewarding gameplay loop with player freedom at its core more than offsets those flaws. You can spend countless hours making your ideal team to your heart’s content and engaging with the post-game content after clearing the main story. Further, Dragon Quest IV fans will get more out of this journey than most, but newcomers who exhibit patience can still find themselves invested and enthralled. Ultimately, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince proves that this series can prosper, and with the promise that they’ll continue, we’re excited to see where it goes from here.

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.

Greak: Memories of Azure has a gorgeous presentation and world to discover, but the added features, although unique, require a specific type of adventure fan to enjoy. Things just become overly confusing, and my muscle memory never seemed to adapt to the constant demand for accessing the menu and switching between characters. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great game, but some elements are largely unnecessary.

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.

The thing with sitcoms is that they’re implied to keep going unless we’re told otherwise. If a show ends on a cliffhanger, the audience expects that unless the series is canceled, there’s more to come, and eventually, things will end on some kind of satisfactory note. If not, they’ll be left speculating what will happen next. When placed next to its influences, Fall of Porcupine is a mostly-pleasant time despite technical shortcomings, but the ending feels like the network brought down the axe a few episodes too early.

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots brings classic arcade golf gameplay to modern platforms with smooth mechanics and plenty of modes, but stumbles with bland visuals, uninspired character design, and an overreliance on AI-generated assets that sap the series’ trademark charm

There’s a good game here to sink your time into, and I look forward to doing so. I just wish Bandai Namco had poured a little bit more special sauce onto it to differentiate it from the pack. There’s a ton of potential with a property as massive as Gundam, and I can’t help yearning for a game that did little more than just meeting my expectations.

My Hero Academia: All’s Justice delivers an emotional and content-rich sendoff for fans of the series, blending memorable story arcs with deep combat systems and multiple engaging game modes. While it doesn't reinvent the arena fighter formula, its fan-first design and attention to character moments make it a standout anime adaptation, even if technical hiccups and a steep learning curve may deter newcomers.

Wizard with a Gun is an engaging action adventure that seamlessly blends roguelike and crafting elements. It initially feels slow in the opening hours, but players who stick with it will find themselves deeply immersed, enhancing their base and character. This game offers an enjoyable experience even if you’re not a survival genre enthusiast. Plus, its multiplayer functionality adds significant replay value, making it a well-rounded gaming choice. Don’t be deterred by a sluggish start; Wizard with a Gun has much to offer.

Tormented Souls knows what it wants to be during each moment of gameplay, and that’s shown in its puzzles and deadly enemies. The developers prove they are fans of the genre as the game feels like it was created to even test their skills. The lack of direction works for what they are going for, but some elements just feel like they unnecessarily pad on the game’s runtime. Still, this game is gorgeous with genuine moments of survival horror. Caroline has what it takes to become a recognizable face in this beloved genre.

Cris Tales is a fantasy adventure akin to a fairy tale in both narrative and setting. It’s an amazing experience accompanied by memorable characters, an addictive battle system, and wonderful discoveries. Every moment of the gameplay pushes the RPG to new heights, which is only hindered by lengthy load times and lack of direction for some missions. However, if you’re looking for a callback to retro RPGs, this is one game you absolutely need to play.

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.

Tanuki Justice is an enjoyable and welcome retro release, one that recaptures the magic of ninja action games like Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden while adding some bullet hell shenanigans to provide a different type of challenge. There are some mechanical imperfections and omissions which do hamper the intended fast-paced ninja action. Still, the experience as a whole tends to shine through thanks to its vibrant presentation and strong level design.

Cotton 100% undoubtedly has some interesting charms and cool boss battles, but there isn’t much to it as a classic shooter. This 2021 release does the absolute bare minimum to preserve this oddity from the ’90s. If you need to try one game from the franchise, you might as well pick up the Saturn Tribute release of Cotton 2. As for this curious SNES shooter, it’s not among the games you need to play before you die.

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.

The PC version of Daemon X Machina is perhaps the best way to experience this high action game. Flying through the air and shooting down enemies at up to 200 fps looked and felt incredible. While the story might leave you scratching your head, this is undoubtedly an incredibly fun game to play.

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.

Phantom Abyss offers a thrilling gaming experience, but it won't keep you hooked for hours on end without a group of friends to tackle the temples alongside you.

Persona 5: The Phantom X delivers a visually slick and narratively familiar mobile RPG experience that expands the Persona universe with charm and competent combat, though technical issues and uneven monetization may dampen long-term enjoyment.

Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust is a lacking experience that doesn’t provide enough substance on a gameplay, character, or story level to justify its existence. At most, I found some enjoyment in the new combat ideas and the dialogue between Frey and Cinta, yet their executions only reach a surface level. After the credits and accompanying conclusion, which also contains blatant sequel bait that will likely never be fulfilled, I wasn’t left feeling any more invested in the land of Athia than I previously was.

Mighty Goose is a guns-blazing run-and-gunner that wears its Metal Slug inspiration on its sleeve. With hectic combat and a colorful design, it’s a fun action experience that knows how to use its comedy vein well. If you’ve ever felt the need to play as a powerful space goose, your prayers have been answered.

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.

Amnesia: Memories is a decent otome, with plenty of its usual heart-throbbing twists and turns, but unfortunately, its user experience ages like a rotten apple on the Switch. I can’t count how often I became frustrated rather than fascinated by the love interests. Still, there’s a lot to be said about the insanity of the routes that motivated me to uncover this unforgettable mystery.

Saints Row IV: Re-Elected on Nintendo Switch is a fantastic port of a good game. Though it has not aged all that well graphically, the hilarious story and addicting gameplay of the original release translate incredibly well to Switch. Those looking for a sandbox game to play on the go will find a great one in Saints Row IV: Re-Elected. However, its $40 price tag is a bit high for a seven-year-old game.

Clea 2 is much improved over the original, mitigating many of the deal-breaking issues, and as a result, is much more enjoyable. While better, it’s ultimately still very similar, a quirky 2D survival horror with a familiar story and weird gameplay, so consider that when deciding on the purchase. In the end, Clea 2 is a charming and engaging survival horror that’ll make for a fun evening and another engaging game from InvertMouse.

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.

Demon Slayer: Sweep The Board offers a delightful twist on the party game genre by infusing it with the charm and style of the Demon Slayer universe. The game is well-suited for family play, featuring a variety of mini-games that, while sometimes lacking in creativity, provide enough entertainment for casual gameplay sessions. The board game mechanics, including item use and goal achievement, add strategic depth, making each round both fun and unpredictable.

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is a surprisingly robust and faithful adaptation of the beloved anime, delivering an expansive story mode, deep character exploration, and a combat system that blends accessibility with strategic depth. Though it suffers from occasional animation hiccups and minor visual bugs, it stands tall as one of the best single-player anime fighting game experiences in recent memory—especially for longtime fans of the series.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a visually charming and narratively ambitious roguelite that explores themes of sacrifice, time loops, and divine responsibility. While the world-building and character interactions show genuine heart, the gameplay struggles to support the story’s weight. Repetitive run structures, a tedious weapon durability system, and emotionally flat consequences undermine what could have been a standout experience. It’s a game full of good ideas, but one that ultimately lacks the cohesion and polish needed to make its ambition truly resonate.

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.

Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend is a great piece of retro RPG history made readily available for modern gamers. The added options add a layer of accessibility lacking in the series, but it still retains its minimalistic design and leaves progression in the player’s hands. Bottom line, this is an amazing collection for RPG fans, and you won’t be disappointed spending an afternoon pretending your switch is a Game Boy and going on an adventure.

Possessor(s) is a visually arresting 2D action-adventure that blends fast-paced metroidvania combat with a character-driven story. While the relationship between its two leads is compelling, the broader narrative lacks the same impact. Combat remains the highlight thanks to varied weapon types and strategic enemy design, though some balancing issues and uneven dialogue can drag the experience down. It’s a game with strong mechanics and bold style, even if it doesn’t always hit emotionally.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central is an updated sequel to a cult Dreamcast classic that goes much further than the bare minimum on almost every level. The song list is incredible, the graphical style is exciting, and the asking price is right on the money. It’s an excellent party game to add to your Switch lineup. Still, I can’t help but wish some consideration had been given to the surprisingly extensive single-player mode for what the average player will be able to do, given the title’s chaotic nature and the lack of perfect accuracy.

Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood is a solid adventure game. It features gorgeous art and intuitive puzzles with the curious concept of multiple paths depending on your actions. A few mechanics could definitely be refined with added optimization, but fans of the genre will easily have fun during this adventure as Scarlet.

ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree is a title that has the definition of “jack-of-all-trades, master of none.” It does a lot of things, but it doesn’t stick the landing most of the time. The story is very short, and while the soundtracks are good, I wasn’t a huge fan of the rhythm portions, especially because of their severe disconnection to the main tale.

Okay WiZmans World Re;Try is a modern revival of a cult Nintendo DS JRPG that pairs an intriguing mystery in the isolated city of Wizarest with a flexible and conceptually rich Anima Fusion system, but repetitive dungeon design and extreme difficulty swings undermine its potential. While the story setup, elemental customization, and boss encounters hint at a deeper tactical experience, the moment to moment loop of grinding, linear maps, and uneven balance makes progression feel more exhausting than rewarding.

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a simulation farmer's dream game. It has everything the series is known for with a refined and streamlined system to make gameplay easier and more manageable. The list of materials to gather and things to do is vast, which makes the eyesore of the new item machines weigh on the experience so prominently.

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.

Sand Land revolutionizes the concept of anime-licensed games by delivering an experience that combines thrilling vehicular combat with a compelling narrative and expansive world exploration. The game not only adheres to the source material’s spirit but also expands it in meaningful ways that engage both gamers and anime fans alike. With its beautifully crafted environments and deeply immersive story, Sand Land sets a new standard for what anime games can achieve.

Cozy Grove definitely lives up to its namesake as a cozy gaming experience, one designed for short bursts of play, where playing a little each day allows you to get more out of it than longer play sessions. The basic gameplay loop is limited, but the charm of the game world and the basic premise provides a relaxing sense of achievement. While it doesn’t replace Animal Crossing as your next time-sink, it does enough to provide a lighter and less demanding alternative.

Circus Electrique is enjoyable not only for its accurate depiction of the Victorian era aesthetic but also for its distinctive class and combat system and flexibility found in creating lineup combinations. The idea behind the game’s creation is innovative, but what it offers in creativity lacks execution. Several thematic elements make it stand out from typical genre tropes, yet I can’t help but feel that it would have been better served if it had focused on polishing its foundation.

Fairy Tail covers some of the best story arcs from the series, but sadly that requires players to chug through uninspired quests to witness them. Luckily, the battle system is engaging, and that character interactions are consistently entertaining. This is a game for fans, and it shows during every moment of the gameplay, which might turn away newcomers in the long run. Still, I had a great time hanging out with the Fairy Tail guild and helping them return to their former glory.

Star Trek: Resurgence is likely going to be a sleeper hit. Releasing in the middle of some of the most high-budget titles of the year, it still managed to captivate me with a memorable and exciting space adventure. In addition, it does more with its characters than other narrative adventures, with a complex dialogue system and excellent scenario writing. With that said, your only goal now is to do right by your crew and go where no man has gone before.

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays is as over-the-top as you’d expect from a semi-political mech game where teen pilots bite off more than they can chew. Every mode and option is there for the player to immerse themselves into this experience, and I simply couldn’t get enough of it. I hope to see more of the SD Gundam G series come west, but for now, this is the perfect introduction for those who haven’t played it yet.

Project Warlock is a gem that borrows influences from the greatest FPS titles of our past and throws in a unique presentation with an added dose of magic. The arsenal of weapons and spells allows you to approach the action how you wish, and it continually feels rewarding. There’s plenty of replay value here for those who’d like another go at the hectic carnage each level provides, so it’s an easy recommendation from me.

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.

Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files offers a delightful dive back into the charming and bizarre world of Mackenzie and her adventures. While the game shines with its engaging storytelling and character dynamics, the graphical presentation and simpler puzzles might not appeal to all. Nonetheless, the collection provides a comprehensive and accessible experience, making it a valuable addition for fans of the series and newcomers alike, especially those looking for a lighthearted and whimsical puzzle adventure.

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.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a revived, gratifying 3D platformer that any fan of the genre should consider picking up. Its consistently engaging level design, well-implemented difficulty, and unique boss battles provide a rewarding experience. Even when considering some level design oddities, there are no vital drawbacks to embracing this delightful journey. Here’s hoping the sequel receives similar treatment.

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.

Ride 4 is not the must-own motorcycle racing game for your brand new PS5 due to its high barrier of entry and non-user friendly systems. The PS5 upgrades might be appreciated by returning fans of the last-gen version, but it doesn’t warrant the headache these races induce on the player. From my experience, I was locked out of any fun this game might have offered. As such, I really can’t recommend Ride 4 to anyone.

The skill system and balance are fine-tuned to offer each side a chance of victory, but the current state of the game for this review does come with a few moments of crashes and glitches. None of these take away from the fun and anxiety-inducing matchups players are bound to have.

Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a challenging game which generally incorporates both the good and annoying elements of a Souls-like experience. Still, it manages to stand out thanks to its strong dark fantasy presentation, rich Lovecraftian lore, and gameplay systems that offer methodical combat and plenty of features to make the adventure satisfying. It’s a difficult game, for sure, but it doesn’t forego quality-of-life features for the sake of being difficult, and so in this sense, many players outside of the Souls fandom can get something out of it.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered is a fantastic remaster of one of the best Call of Duty campaigns ever made. The lack of substantial content might make the experience barebones, but it’s enough to provide you an afternoon of well developed FPS action. While playing, it’s easy to see how the series has evolved over the years mechanical, but the responsive and tight controls that it is known for shines during each moment of this unforgettable campaign.

Super Meat Boy 3D successfully translates the series’ signature precision platforming into a new dimension, delivering slick controls, inventive level design, and strong replay value through its Light and Dark World structure. While it does not quite reach the brutal highs of the original, its accessible difficulty curve and satisfying movement make it an engaging evolution that still captures the core spirit of the franchise.

Knockout Home Fitness ultimately sets out and accomplishes what it’s trying to do. It’s a pretty entertaining workout experience that actually breaks a sweat. While I wish there was more to unlock and movement accuracy isn’t always consistent, it still had me invested in a daily workout. However, while Knockout Home Fitness isn’t on the ropes, it is not the undeniable champion either.

Hoa doesn’t want to be a challenging, head-scratching puzzle adventure, and that’s okay. What it provides a gorgeously designed experience with a brilliantly executed soundtrack. The gameplay never hinders the player’s progression through this beautiful world made even more immersive due to its beautiful sound design. It’s easy to lose yourself in moments of gameplay as everything comes together for a wholesome experience.

The Medium provides the best classic survival horror experience through modern gameplay systems that I have played in quite some time. It does this all without relying on action and gore but instead builds its excellence through atmosphere, environments, and narrative. There's some refinement that could help the overall experience, but this is a gripping adventure whether you're in reality or the spiritual plane.

Shantae and the Seven Sirens stays true to classic entries but pushes the series forward with the inclusion of unique abilities and new characters. Thankfully the game’s smartphone roots don’t appear to hold back the console experience, and we are left with one of the best Shantae games to date. The load times and lack of direction might cause a few points of frustration, but not enough to make this experience any less enjoyable.

Spelunker HD Deluxe doesn’t quite live up to its namesake, given how it is largely based on a release from over a decade ago, where the core game itself lacks the charm of the series by design. The awkward mechanics haven’t aged very well, but the premise of the level design and progression can be interesting and even rewarding at times. Unfortunately, the experience as a whole feels needlessly frustrating and dated, especially when you’re fighting against the controls for the most part.

A Void Hope delivers a captivating adventure set in a dark, 1980s-inspired world, blending metroidvania elements with puzzles and exploration. The story, centered around a mysterious illness, unfolds through the journey of characters Gilda and Keegan, offering a mix of exploration, minimalistic combat, and environmental puzzles. Despite its brief duration and some navigational puzzles, the game's engaging narrative and atmospheric retro soundtrack create a memorable experience.

In terms of pure enjoyment, Steel Seed gets the job done with tight stealth design and meaningful upgrades that can utterly alter your approach to enemies, but its lackluster narrative and peculiar action incorporations can make the experience feel dull and unfocused. If you’ve been craving a new stealth adventure, Steel Seed may scratch that itch, though you’ll need to temper expectations before diving in.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed is a stellar remake of a beloved classic. As you deal with the KGB, hippies, and strange humans alike, there’s nothing quite as entertaining as watching Crypto continue his crusade to destroy all humans and become ruler of Planet Earth. This will definitely hold you off while we wait for a true sequel to the series.

Lamentum is equal parts frightening and enticing, serving up a scintillating world filled with Lovecraftian horrors and remnants of old school Resident Evil and Silent Hill. It is a must-play for any fans of the genre looking for challenging gameplay, deep mythos, and an alluring narrative.

Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani is a decent otome, but not one that I would recommend to everyone. While I appreciate the English release, the story fails to find its footing in the early moments, which is a shame because the conclusion is exciting. Further, the romance comes off more platonic than genuine on some routes, but I enjoyed the ghostly premise and charming cast.

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.

As you search for Charlotte May, you start to learn what kind of neighborhood Dahlia View really is. There are hidden truths lying everywhere in this community. Unfortunately, despite a proven premise, a pretty presentation, and a promising protagonist, there was no substance to fully immerse me in the narrative of Conway: Disappearance at Dahlia View. The plot was predictable, the slow pacing was punishing, and the lack of music made it difficult to trudge through.

Little Nightmares III delivers a visually stunning and atmospherically rich experience that stays true to the franchise’s eerie roots, but struggles to carve out a bold new identity. While Supermassive Games captures the chilling tone and handcrafted environments fans love, the game falters in pacing, emotional depth, and narrative clarity. Despite its potential, the journey through The Nowhere feels restrained, leaving players both intrigued and underwhelmed by the end.

Golf With Your Friends on Switch is probably the worst way to experience this game. When compared to the PC version, you are missing a lot of value for your dollar. The game costs $20 on Switch while it only costs $10 on Steam. For twice the price, you are getting half the game, and honestly, that makes this version not worth it. However, I still highly recommend Golf With Your Friends, just make sure you get the PC version.

White Shadows doesn’t miss a beat and has players uncover its dark narrative through clever platforming and light puzzles. There are moments where the pacing slows down, but the nightmare of this adventure is expertly delivered without heavy dialogue. By the end, developer Monokel had me questioning what the hell I had just experienced, but I engaged during every moment.

Pronty grows well in a giant garden of metroidvanias, though it doesn’t fully blossom. It presents flaws that can dampen the experience yet is unique and innovative enough for those familiar with the genre. The challenges of the various boss fights are fun to tackle, even though the standard combat can be mundane. Further, the introduction and narrative may be lackadaisical, but the pacing picks up to keep you engaged. And the style of the game is remarkable, even if the ambiance can be dim. Regardless, this is a solid and enjoyable metroidvania that excites me to see what potential future lies for the developers at LIGHT18.

Actraiser Renaissance is a surprise return of a long-lost classic, but one which falls flat in execution in more ways than one. It has moments of brilliance, and there is undoubtedly substance and depth in its many systems. Still, all the moving parts don’t come together cohesively or logically, and it ultimately feels like two completely unrelated games taped together as one, with neither fully complementing the other. Old school fans will no doubt find the experience worth investing in after the tedious start, but for most other players, there are just plenty of far better alternatives.

Lords of the Fallen is a reboot done right. The experience as a whole immerses you in its unique dual-world system while capturing the essence of robust customization, challenging combat, and dark fantasy. Despite some technical flaws, this game takes on a challenge of its own as you reluctantly push forward into nightmarish battles. The highly detailed environments encourage you to press on, which is made easier thanks to responsive controls and unique enemy types that test your abilities.

Clockwork Aquario at times feels pretty average, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be entertaining. Playing with a friend can actually heighten your experience if you revel in messy and chaotic gameplay. While short and lacking on a ton of additional features, it does present what is advertised; a gaming experience nearly lost to time, completed as close to what was originally intended. So for those looking for classic arcade gameplay, there is certainly some fun to be had here, especially with a competitive friend by your side.

Last Stop serves up a strong narrative, mixing existentialism with the lives of ordinary people, but it forgets to be a game at some points. The interaction and story bits keep you invested at the cost of choices and navigation segments that do nothing for the adventure. At its best, Last Stop should be enjoyed as a casual narrative-focused experience, but asking anything more of it may have you exiting before the end of the line.

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.

Maneater does a great job of giving players a compelling and rewarding shark RPG. The entire campaign concludes with your shark being an absolute tank, which is when the real fun begins. The mission structure is repetitive, and the controls take some getting used, but in the end, this a game about playing as a shark and eating things in an open world. If you know what you're getting yourself into, you'll find yourself in a sea full of possibilities; if not, then you might consider this to be a shallow experience.

Conclusively, while I certainly enjoyed my time with Boyfriend Dungeon, the sudden end to its narrative and the half-empty world map left me feeling like I had just finished an Early Access game rather than a full experience. I don’t generally have an issue with brevity in games, but the end to this one just left me craving more because I loved the cast, the representation, and the addictive leveling system. I definitely recommend this title to those who want to dip their toes in the water of dating sims, but a lack of challenge and a rather shallow conclusion end up holding it back from being a must-play experience.

Cotton Reboot! is one for the diehard shmup historian. The core experience is largely based on a dated shmup design, which will be noticeable to newcomers and genre veterans. It’s a welcomed preservation of a rare and oft-forgotten Japanese cult classic. Still, some of the choices in the visual presentation make the reboot experience far more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Nevertheless, better shooters are available and even better Cotton games on the horizon, making Cotton Reboot! one for the connoisseurs and collectors.

Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX is a very fun game that requires some patience to discover everything it has to offer. However, these systems are timeless and exceptionally balanced to provide nearly endless enjoyment. There are plenty of ways to spend your time playing with no wrong way to enjoy raising your monsters and proving your skills in tournaments. Nostalgia might play a role here, but I think these games are a blast.

If the change had happened much sooner, with enough time to properly convert this game into the “premium” product that Gameloft intends for it to be now, I think there would have been a lot more changes. But, if you’re the kind of Disney fan who can look past a few oddities and inconveniences to see your favorite characters chatting it up in a cafe or hanging out with you while you tend your farm, it’s got enough magic to be worth it.

As a port of a game from 2015, Zombie Army Trilogy on Switch is a great way to play the wacky spin-off. It’s visuals take a hit, but the game runs wonderfully on the console hybrid. However, I would have liked to see some quality-of-life improvements addressed in this version. Sure, the shortcomings don’t make Zombie Army a bad experience, but it does show its age in many ways. Fortunately, the Switch takes nazi zombie killing on the go, and that’s more than enough reason for me to recommend it.

No Straight Roads is such a good game in concept, but the mechanics hold back this gorgeous adventure from being something great. The world feels empty, and the level designs become a repetitive mess. However, if you can look past that, then you are rewarded with some stand-out character writing and fantastic animation work. Call me when No Straight Roads gets its own Netflix series.

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.

Katana Kami is a must-play for roguelike fans. The game loop of earning money by day and fighting monsters by night creates a fantastic gameplay experience. Still, there are some features that could use some clarity and confusing menus do more harm than good to its accessibility.

Billion Road has a lot of potential to be a great party game. While it can be fun in short bursts, it quickly becomes dull due to a lack of variety.

Namco Museum Archives Volume 1 and 2 offers players a variety of games to play, and yet, most of them are space shooters. However, the games that the collections do contain provide both a sense of nostalgia and new memories as you are now able to play a few titles that weren’t available before. It does the minimum of what a collection should do, without including special concept art or an interactive museum setting. Still, it’s fun to be able to have easy access to these titles to play again or share with friends and family.

Mercenaries Blaze: Dawn of the Twin Dragons is a great entry in this SRPG series that takes retro systems and adds modern elements to make it stand proudly next to the greats. Its story doesn’t stick, but it also attempts to tackle some significantly difficult topics. Thankfully, the battle systems and accessibility options are sound and make this game a joy to experience.

Risk System is a decent Switch shmup that offers short and sweet stages and unique boss encounters making it perfect for the console hybrid. Still, its boasted risk system could have been better implemented without the need for unfair deaths as you learn its nuances. Regardless, the challenge is addictive, albeit repetitive, and the lack of credits only forces you to jump right back in and try again.