Phantom Rose was able to get me interested in roguelikes, but after a lengthy play session, you’ll see everything the game has to offer rather quickly. Still, its design holds up, and its card battle system makes for a unique gameplay experience that you may wish evolved more in the later portions.

Jiangshi X Daoshi is well worth your time as it pushes what the idea of a visual novel can be. The animations, combined with a simplistic story, makes it a perfect entry point for pretty much anyone. It won’t leave you questioning your existence or provide a feel-good experience, but it does present a group of characters who you can’t help but want to hang out with, which is an excellent foundation for any visual novel.

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.

Fae Tactics is a wonderful adventure with a compelling narrative and a unique battle system. The developers took a chance on creating a memorable experience within the genre, and they accomplished it with the help of a great cast of characters and some incredible moments of gameplay. There are a few options that I wish were available, but whether this is your first to playing a tactical RPG or your hundredth, you will most definitely have a great time.

Crysis Remastered is not the best way to play Crysis, but it isn’t a terrible port. Still, calling the Switch version a “remaster” is a bit of a stretch. You’ll have to look past the dated visuals of the experience and maybe a few technical bugs, but if you’re looking to play Crysis on the go you’re covered. However, if you can wait, it might be better to wait for a more powerful console release (or just play it on PC).

Hellpoint ends up being for Soulslike fans who are just dying for more experiences within the genre, but if that doesn’t describe you, then you’ll be disappointed. The sci-fi nature of the game and its story offering allows it to find its footing right before it ultimately falls apart from its uninspired gameplay. There’s a decent experience to be found during some late-game plot offerings, but that will require you to be invested past the first boss, which is asking a lot.

Maid of Sker ends up excelling in its atmosphere, as it absolutely nails the feeling of tension during the more competent stealth sections. While it doesn’t move the genre in any direction, this is a horror experience that will make for a fun evening for genre lovers, but it might lose you with its narrative.

Othercide is a fresh take on the turn-based genre that presents a unique approach to the genre full of challenging moments of strategic combat. With the influx of similar titles, Othercide manages to stand out through its dark and gorgeous themes paired with a memorable narrative. There are moments of the gameflow that can be improved on, but I have rarely been this eager to jump back into a game suffering a loss.

Death Stranding is a great first look into Sony’s willingness to be more platform-agnostic. It also proves that Kojima Productions doesn’t have to regulate themselves to specific needs or restrictions of a console. While the developer didn’t entirely loosen its grips on its vision of Death Stranding, with the lack of standard PC settings, adapting to an open platform still couldn’t have been easy. Regardless, the end product is an uncompromised version of the highly anticipated original from 2019 and is the definitive way to play as Norman Reedus taking care of a baby.

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.

Megadimension Neptunia VII on Switch is perfect to play through if you haven’t already experienced this entry. The narrative holds up, but the same can’t be said for the dungeon design. The state of the Switch port is lacking modern quality-of-life updates, which does hurt the user experience, but the battle system makes it a decent RPG experience on the go.

Paper Mario: The Origami King might not be the RPG that I was hoping for, but the new systems and clever features made me forget all about that. The attention to developing a compelling plot within this fantasy world makes it a must-play experience for all Mario fans. Battles do inevitably become redundant, but that doesn’t overshadow this beautiful origami world begging to be explored.

Carrion is a unique game and one that is refreshing and fun to play. The gameplay is smooth, and the arcadelike aspect of hastily crawling around eating scientists is both humorous and satisfying. While there are portions of it that I found confusing and slow, the core gameplay was enjoyable enough to where I didn’t mind the negatives. Carrion has a little bit of everything, and I would recommend it to anyone who is tired of being the protagonist in distress.

Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is a great collection of some of the most iconic fighters released to date. However, it comes at the cost of probably playing single-player or local coop only given the limitation of the online features. Regardless, this was an awesome walk down memory lane and offers a way to share a series’ humble beginnings.

Röki is challenging and captivating during each moment of gameplay. The narrative flows naturally alongside the puzzles, and the world acts as a beautiful set-piece that begs to be explored. Direction and backtracking can bring the pacing down a bit in the later parts, but the conclusion makes every obstacle worth it.

Panzer Paladin is inspired heavily by retro 8-bit games, but it ends up setting itself apart with its own distinct identity and gameplay. The robust number of weapons and abilities you can experiment with creates a unique experience whether you’re piloting the Paladin or taking on the level on foot. If that wasn’t enough, the added bits of post-game content gives more reason to get back into your mech and play again.

Necrobarista’s focus on death is approached in such a unique way that you can’t help but immerse yourself in its setting. You begin to feel as if you are a part of the group, which makes the idea of letting go so much harder. This is a visual novel experience that transcends traditional systems within the medium and is definitely worth your time. Some of the dialogue might go over your head, but this is an easy recommendation from me.

Ghost of Tsushima makes it easy to immerse yourself in this dark and historical setting. The story’s pacing is expertly tuned to how the player wishes to take it on, and the controls allow actions to be both fluid and responsive. The enemy AI could definitely use some attention, and the menus are exceptionally vast, but in the end, I was glad to find something that reminded me I was playing a video game because there were moments I forgot.

Nyan Cafe Macchiato is a visual novel that fails to execute a unique narrative within the genre but does a few interesting things to at least hold the reader’s attention. The illustrations are excellent, which makes it easier to bear with the lacking main protagonist and throwaway story scenes. If you’re looking for a light-hearted comedy with no real direction, then you’ve found it.

Forgotten Trace: Thanatos in Nostalgia has a great first chapter that may be overly wordy, but sets up a gripping mystery. However, it almost immediately turns into a mess due to poor pacing and character building. The timeline feature works to a point but fails to really capitalize on the system, which ends up doing nothing for the narrative. Hopefully, the sequel delivers a more promising structure for these characters to grow in.

Neversong is an aesthetically pleasing platformer with absolutely killer sound design and overall presentation. The six-hour adventure doesn’t overstay its welcome and is full of clever puzzles and interesting boss encounters. However, if you plan on playing this for the narrative, you’ll discover a decent set up that never pays off.

ATRI -My Dear Moments- is a beautiful visual novel about people trying to figure out how to live in a world that has been literally sinking around them. It plays on the environment of a nigh apocalyptic setting with cautious optimism, defying the angst that would usually permeate tales such as these without just ignoring the traumatic past of the protagonist. It’s a solid recommendation for any visual novel fan who wants a hopeful story with a unique delivery.

SINoALICE gives us a rather gripping narrative that mobile fans may not be accustomed to. The dark fairy tale themes are very much from the mind of developer Yoko Taro, and it works exceptionally well with the presentation. Unfortunately, that same genius isn’t found in the battle system outside of the standout online Guild Battles. It’s unlikely the current gameplay formula will change, but the game’s story and characters will surely keep you invested across future updates.

Neon Abyss is a mixed bag. While power-ups and synergies offer a fantastic variety, the same cannot be said of the Abyss and its design. There’s fun to be found here, but it ultimately doesn’t supply the addicting gameloop that other genre greats provide, making it tough to continue after an untimely death.

void tRrLM(); Void Terrarium is a roguelike dungeon-crawler that doesn’t punish the player after a death. Instead, it creates a challenging gameloop in more unique ways revolving around keeping a young girl alive. Each item crafted progresses the narrative as your terrarium becomes the set-piece of all your hard work. Even with a slow and almost confusing beginning, this game really shapes into one of the most accessible roguelikes that I have ever played.

Deadly Premonition 2 might be fun for a tiny group of gamers, but I had a terrible time drudging through it. The B-movie esque plot and narrative scenes can be enjoyable in a cringy sort of way, but everything from the graphics to the controls makes it insanely hard to enjoy. Instead of wasting 20 hours with this game, I’d say you’re better off just going back and replaying Deadly Premonition.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 builds upon the foundation that the first entry laid out and made the entire experience more accessible without taking away the challenge for genre lovers. There’s room for balance when switching between single and cooperative modes, but there is nothing more fun than taking down demons with a friend in this adventure. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up.

Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris marks a new era of Sword Art Online games, both graphically and narratively. This is an adventure for fans and newcomers that truly builds upon this virtual world through new characters and hundreds of quests. The downside is that you may have to clear a lengthy first chapter to discover everything it has to offer, but luckily for those who do, there’s so much awaiting them. There’s still some quality-of-life work that needs to be done in terms of loading times and assist pop-ins, but as a fan of the previous SAO games, this entry simply blew me away.

CrossCode really impressed me. Instead of overly leaning on the retro-inspired graphics, the developers created an exceptionally unique and incredibly fun RPG experience. Thankfully, the console release doesn’t change that, even with a few controller issues. I highly recommend this as a must-play Action-RPG, and now that it’s on consoles, we have no more excuses on why we aren’t playing it.

Collar X Malice is an absolutely fantastic visual novel. It has a strong narrative and a compelling cast of characters to work within its intriguing mystery. The title uses a whole bag of interactive tricks to pull you into its uncertain world, and it works wonders, with the masterful visual style being the icing on the cake. Now I’m all caught up in anticipation for Collar X Malice Unlimited coming later this year.

Adabana Odd Tales is a romantic tragedy that follows many Shakespearian story beats. It puts a clever spin on Japanese folklore told through the adventures of two complex characters. While the mystery ends up working against the themes of the narrative, the beautiful illustrations and gripping conclusion make this game a truly enjoyable experience.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is the perfect farming simulation for Switch. It eases you into the genre but provides tons of special events and milestones to hit for those who invest the most time into it. There are more than enough reasons to make this your first entry in the series or revisit Mineral Town again.

With a wave of retro-inspired games released, it seems only fitting that an actual retro game finally gets some needed attention after all these years. Ultracore is like a time capsule of what made this genre so fun and addicting, however, the platforming mechanics didn’t age as well as the shooting action. Still, it’s clear from the first moments that this release was a labor of love and I am glad to have finally had the opportunity to play it.

F1 2020 is by far the most accessible simulation racer available, without sacrificing what genre fans love. There are dozens of menus to get lost in with customizable options, but also just as many accessibility features for newcomers. Sadly, the differences between My Team and My Career aren’t as vast as I’d have liked, but nothing really takes away from the fact that this is a damn good racer.

Catherine: Full Body on Switch offers the same great experience as the previous versions, with the added option to take it on the go. The narrative loses none of its thrill or tone, which is excellent for anyone who has been holding out this long to play. There’s something truly timeless about Catherine, and this Switch port only compliments that statement.

Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe is a great entry point into the gacha genre and the SaGa universe. The connection to the series told through a new adventure flows well with the game’s RPG mechanics. While the game’s story isn’t going to immerse you, there’s no pressure on the player to use real currency by stonewalling them with a high difficulty scale or intimidating PvP mode...If anything, Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe did such a fantastic job introducing me to the universe that I actually ended up buying Romancing SaGa 2 on my phone, so I can finally experience what this classic series has to offer.

Death Come True is an experimental piece of media that tells an incredibly intricate tale, which is only enhanced by the way it chooses to tell its story. The game aims to bridge the gap between visual novels, games, and film so that fans of all three forms of media could enjoy it. The developers did their best with the budget they had access to, but sadly, that came at the cost at some elements being untranslated and a shortened runtime. Still, this is a great experience and well worth it for any adventure lover.

Mr. Driller DrillLand is the perfect bite-sized puzzle game for the Switch. Its western debut has been long overdue, but this release encapsulates all the zany characters and addictive drilling-puzzles for new and old fans alike. A few new attractions would have made this release a proper remake, but the added casual mode and updated visuals do enough to bring this series to puzzle-lovers everywhere.

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.

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.

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.

Alwa’s Legacy is a vibrant adventure that takes some of the best aspects of the genre and puts just enough of a spin on it to set it apart. Using magic, puzzle-solving, and exploration through the charming world of Alwa is a real joy. There may be a few hiccups in its control scheme and execution, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Zoe might not be the best with memories but this is one quest you won’t soon forget.

Pokémon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor also offers competitive features with a wealth of new tools and resources to make your battles even more interesting, and give you a helping hand with building new teams. Through this DLC, the metagame is almost certain to evolve, at least until the Crown Tundra expansion drops later this year. Oooh, I’m excited already.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia is an excellent strategy RPG with all the classic elements of the Brigandine series paired with modern gameplay mechanics. The entire experience is well balanced and addictive across many battles and phases and it is made better through the excellent character writing featured in each campaign, even if some interactions are a bit dry. If you ask me, this is a must-play SRPG for any Switch owner.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is fueled by its over-the-top arcade systems that consistently reward the player no matter how they tackle the races. This ease of access makes it a must-play, even to those who aren’t too familiar with the genre. Luckily for long time fans, the game has aged well over the years and still retains it’s core features on the Switch.

The Last of Us Part 2 has a lot to say about us as people after we connected ourselves to these characters in the first entry. The journey is one that is not for squeamish, but it was one that deserved to be told. As the player, we must once again witness the reality of this harsh world and those who are brought up in it...The Last of Us Part 2 is a masterclass in environmental design, and that cannot be overlooked. The messiness of the second act doesn’t overshadow how significant this adventure is.

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.

Flying Red Barrel – The Diary of a Little Red Aviator is a fairly average shmup that doesn’t do too much other than let you shoot down endless enemy ships. Outside of its charming presentation and unique boss encounters, there’s not much here to return to after you play through it a few times, even with the multiple endings. Still, if you’re a fan of 100% Orange Juice, then you’ll probably enjoy the change of pace.

Waking will have you eager to wake up within the first few hours. Its compelling self-reflective narrative is overshadowed by some of the worse adventure mechanics and systems that I have played in quite some time. Perhaps the game should go through some self-reflecting of its own and figure out exactly what it wants to be because this is a complete mess.

KukkoroDays is an incredibly average story that puts in a little bit of effort not just to be an ecchi visual novel. However, it’d be tough to catch that thanks to the game’s incredibly fast pacing. If you’re here for the qureate illustrations, then this is some of the best work they’ve put out, but the rest of the game will have you wishing that their storytelling was as good as their artwork.

Darius Cozmic Collection is a piece of history for shmup fans. The collection includes a full catalog of the series that allows you to experience some titles that weren’t easily accessible before this release. While I wish there was more history featured in the collection, it was a blast playing these games again, or for the first time.

Summer in Mara is a whimsical adventure that doesn’t require the player to micromanage their days. The balance of exploration, discovery, and farming-sim elements make this a charming way to spend an afternoon. Still, the repetition of it all will make long play sessions dull. While direction and pacing can be confusing, this game is exceptionally approachable to anyone looking for a farming-sim adventure with a low barrier or entry.

Beyond Blue is a concise experience. You can finish it in about two to three hours, and you can 100% it in less than five. While I really enjoyed all of the educational value that the game provides, if you don’t happen to be interested in the real-world ocean, there isn’t any reason for you to play this game. So, if swimming around for two hours scanning fish, watching educational videos, and learning more about the ocean sounds up your alley, Beyond Blue is perfect for you. However, the game’s subpar graphics, terrible technical performance, and melodramatic plot make it tough to enjoy the surreal adventure under the sea.

Master Magistrate is an excellent detective adventure that is continually engaging during every moment of gameplay. The cast of characters is full of interesting voices and personalities who keep this mystery grounded. This is further enhanced with the game’s visual presentation, which makes it stand out effectively as it carves out its own identity within the genre. Where it falls apart is found in some of its delivery, but that won’t hinder the overall experience. If you’re in the mood to gather clues and solve cases, then you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition offers the best way to experience this timeless RPG for again or for the first time. The improvements to the game’s graphics, UI, and battle system make many complaints about the Wii release a thing of the past. Furthermore, the added Future Connected story content bridges the gap of loose story arcs and paves the way for the future of the series. It was a joy to once again group up with these characters and set out to uncover the mysteries of the Monado as this is truly one of the standout JRPGs of this generation.

Warborn has a great foundation of SRPG mechanics and beautiful animations. However, I never once felt connected or concerned about my units or challenged after the first few minutes of a match. Each campaign plays out relatively the same, and after hours of gameplay, you’ll feel like you are merely playing the same mission over and over. I enjoyed the overall aesthetic, but nothing about the gameplay held my attention.

Outbuddies DX is a far more accessible version of this Metroid-inspired adventure. However, there’s still a lack of direction that causes many moments of frustration, which stem from the game’s complex control scheme and maze-like design. Regardless, if you’re looking for a challenging and intuitive retro adventure, then look no further than Outbuddies DX.

Persona 4 Golden on PC is the best thing that could have happened to this game. Once held to Vita exclusivity, many new gamers can discover all the great moments that this adventure has to offer. Add in the inclusion of a few PC-only graphic enhancements and Japanese audio, and you now have the definitive version of this timeless RPG.

Desperados III doesn’t have a groundbreaking plot or outstanding graphics. Still, its gameplay mechanics end up making it one of the best tactical campaigns that I’ve ever played in a while. I had a blast getting the most out of each character’s unique skillset even during some of the more difficult missions. In the end, this will satisfy any craving you’ve had over the past ten years for the Desperados series.

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.

KartRider Rush+ presents a racing experience that’s been profoundly lacking on mobile devices. It’s packed with great courses and challenging gameplay fueled by a truckload of content to unlock. Still, you can expect to find pay-to-win systems. This sadly hurts the game’s free-to-play model, which drifts heavily towards those who pay for a head start.

Disintegration seemed to be in a hurry to introduce itself to the world, and this ended up hurting its campaign. The plot won’t hold your attention, but the unique gameplay mechanics of FPS and RTS systems will surely keep you invested across each map. When it works, Disintegration is a hell of a fun time. Here’s to hoping that the multiplayer mode evolves with the community.

Ultimately, Demon’s Tier+ is a charming twin-stick shooter that doesn’t take a whole lot of skill to get into. Its entry-level mechanics make it approachable to new fans of the genre, but skilled players will quickly discover how to take advantage of the game’s systems and get through it without much trouble.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is a game where it’s more about the journey than the destination. Every portion of the map presents a new discovery, and that becomes wildly satisfying across the 20 hours runtime. The story elements and flimsy side-missions don’t always help with the overall engagement, but that doesn’t really matter when the battle system is just so much fun. Still, if you’re looking to play the best version available, I’d point you to the PC release, but either way, this is one adventure that I encourage you to go on.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a solid compilation of some fantastic games. No, not all of them are winners, but the vast majority are engaging simple versions of the best tabletop games around. Though the single-player experience might be slightly lacking, Clubhouse Games is undoubtedly one of the best local multiplayer experiences on the Switch.

Evan’s Remains is a beautiful game that blends puzzle and visual novel elements together to tell a gripping narrative. However, some dark themes emerge from this with a few convenient “ah-ha” moments that don’t really match up with what is revealed to the player. Still, the journey is one that is most difficult to put down as you find yourself anxious to uncover everything it has to offer.

Strawberry Vinegar ends up being incredibly straight forward if not a little messy with some of its story elements. I thought the writing was comical and engaging, but then the pacing would be hurt by Rie’s unbalanced characteristics and overly mature attitude. In the end, it’s a visual novel about food and friendship, and you’ll get plenty of that here.

Real life Plus: Kaname Komatsuzaki will cost you both your valuable time and money, with next to nothing in return. You’ll be able to clear it at least once in just half an hour, experience some terribly paced attempt at storytelling to set up some H-scenes, and then wonder why you spent $12 on this. Unless you’re looking for a title with some good H-art and nothing else, I can think of no conceivable reason to pick this one up.

If you have the option to play The Outer Worlds on any other console, I suggest you do that. If you don’t have anything other than a Switch and still want to check out the Halcyon system for yourself or simply want to play the game again on the go, this port gives you a chance, though don’t expect the best version of the game.

The TakeOver has next to nothing special about it. Aside from its stellar soundtrack, everything else about the game screams “mediocre:” its gameplay, its art style, its modes… nothing about it stands out. While it isn’t necessarily bad, it has the makings of a game that will be completely forgotten about in a few days. Unless you are simply dying to play another beat em’ up on the Switch, The TakeOver probably isn’t worth your time.

Liberated presents an affectingly grim dystopian narrative stylized in a viscerally dark comic style. Transitioning from panels of illustrations to action scenes never gets old and is extremely enjoyable. Some in-game graphics are sadly dated with lengthy load times, and the short runtime of the adventure might leave some wanting more, but if you’re looking for a cautionary tale as compelling as it is cynical, Liberated is the comic and game for you.

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.

Dungeon Defenders: Awakened is an accumulation of the feedback and skills that this developer has received throughout the series. The gameloop of stopping hordes of enemies in their tracks just works, but if you’re a fan of the series, then you’ll be getting more of the same with this entry. Still, this is the most balanced and prettiest entry to date and a hell of a good time with friends. For that, I’m eager to see how the title grows post-launch.

Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling is a game that may look like other RPGs you’ve played, but it offers an entirely unique and memorable experience. The game’s quirky cast of characters fuels this adventure for more than 50 hours, while the narrative makes it easy to stay engaged and want to see this story through until the end. Now that it’s on consoles, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be playing it.

Those Who Remain leaves much to be desired and never pays off, no matter how many notes you read. Sure, there’s a decent narrative to discover within the game’s dark themes, but that is overshadowed by the sloppy structure and poor control scheme. It’s a shame because I really felt like there would be some kind of pay off at the end of this supernatural mystery, but I was left in the dark.

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.

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.

Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen gives western players the missing piece to this almost 20-year-old story. The updated visuals and balance of narrative and battles creates an experience that's more approachable to new fans, but still true to the series.

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.

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.

Arrest of a Stone Buddha requires patience from its players; without that, it loses all of its core concepts. Still, getting passed the lengthy in-game day cycles are merely rewarded with shootouts full of cheap deaths and confusing mechanics. It attempts to add a layer of immersion that doesn’t really work as a game since the fundamental interactions with the world aren’t all that interesting...Sure, the soundtrack and art direction capture the depressing atmosphere, but other parts of the game aren’t as effective. There are definitely some good ideas and commendable risks taken here, but sadly they don’t come together to achieve the emotional impact intended.

Timelie is an approachable time-manipulation adventure that only borders on the line of overly complicated or too straightforward. It strikes a perfect balance with its mechanics and even introduces unique elements into the formula that make it stand out in the genre. The open narrative and lack of enemy types leave a bit to be desired, but this is one of the best time-based puzzle games that I’ve played in years.

Saints Row: The Third Remastered is the definitive way to play the best game in the Saints Row series. Running through the streets of Steeport has never looked better, but the game still manages to show its age in some areas. Regardless, the enhanced graphics, hilarious story, and timeless gameplay make this remaster worth checking out for long time fans or those who have never touched a Saints Row game in their life.

The Eternal Castle: Remastered is a fun cinematic platformer that sparks imagination and frustration as you make your way through the minimalist levels. The developers have taken the genre and made it their own by implementing more action-centric elements and branching paths. The Switch version sadly has a few bugs that will send you to an early death, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to see this mission through until the end.

Legends of Runeterra is the CCG that I’ve been waiting for. Instead of relying on League of Legends franchise, it builds off of it, which allows it to stand out in the sea of other games available. The unique match layout and simplistic card presentation make this the perfect entry point in the genre, but I’m also waiting to see how the developer builds on this success with balance updates and support.

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.

Much of what holds back The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners on PS4 is the hardware. The game does its best to work around these limitations, but it only ends up hindering the overall immersion. Sure, the story is lacking in its narrative as you go through the game without any real attachments to the characters, but there’s just something so satisfying about kitting out and heading into a zombie-infested world.

Machina of the Planet Tree: Unity Unions is much too ambitious for its budget. The developer had an idea for what they wanted this game to be but could not pull it off. There’s not much here outside of mindlessly going through missions with the objective being “Defeat All Enemies” for an hour until the credits roll. I can’t recommend this game; I don’t care how cute the main protagonist is!

Victory Project has a problem with pacing, and it all stems from its flimsy foundation. Everything that happens comes off like a string of coincidences that will cause any player to roll their eyes. It makes the entire narrative more like a day time soap opera than a visual novel full of shocking discoveries, romantic outings, and near-death experiences. Still, it has its moments until the story reminds you of the character’s age difference for what seems like the 50th time.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix is a great rhythm game that brings the series to the Switch for fans new and old to sink their time in. The additional modes and features provide a steady flow of content that gives players a variety of ways to experience this musical adventure. On top of that, everything is kept accessible, with multiple difficulty options and tools to help players improve their tapping skills across a fantastic list of playable tracks.

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.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered has its ups and downs. It features a fantastic story full of humor, likable characters, and enjoyable boss fights, but its outdated graphics and less than stellar controls hold it back from being the hero that we all wanted it to be.

As tough and crazy as Jet Lancer can be, it’s so cathartic to blast away hordes of enemies while dodging every obstacle in sight. Jet modules and weapon combos provide a great deal of customization and can fit countless different play styles. While there are some issues with difficulty scaling and score based levels, there is still plenty here to love. Whether you’re a seasoned shoot ’em up pilot or a rookie to the genre, Jet Lancer will take you on a wild ride.

Huntdown takes you back to the days of classic arcade 2D action games but utilizes modern tools to perfect the genre. From the beginning to the end, this game is an absolute thrill. The attention to detail in the environments and the ever-changing rollout of enemies play a huge part in keeping each moment of gameplay fresh with a high level of intensity. You might lose track of character once or twice in the carnage and die, but that just means you get to go back to the nearest checkpoint and destroy everything again.

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.

Someday You’ll Return is a horror adventure that takes full advantage of its environments to immerse the players in a supernatural narrative. However, direction ends up being an issue as one missed item will require aimless backtracking that removes you from any tense elements. Instead, you are quickly reminded that you are still playing a game. Nevertheless, if you’re up for some interesting Czech lore with a strong cast of characters, then this is one game that you’ll easily enjoy.

John Wick Hex is a unique experience that marks a return for movie licensed games. It does just enough to stand out and provide an enjoyable adventure for fans of the series through some solid strategical action sequences. It’s not going to leave your heart racing as the films did, but it will provide you with a few hours of entertainment across its various levels.

Ministry of Broadcast is a well-made cinematic-platformer that does a great job presenting its dark humor themes through haphazard means. Sure, the game is incredibly linear, and there are some annoying puzzle layouts, but the overall experience is one that kept me coming back for more. The developer clearly had a vision for this adventure, and it shows during every minute of gameplay.