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.

I feel like I can go on and on about SaGa Frontier Remastered that would extend far outside the scope of this review, but if I could sum it all up, I’d say this is the best non-linear JRPG of our time. This does come with a load of nuanced challenges that will push your patience and understanding of the genre. However, after a few hours, you’ll feel the same way. The remastered version only makes the series more approachable with updated visuals, autosave capabilities, a new protagonist, and additional scenarios. I couldn’t have asked for a better version of this game to return to.

During my time with Genshin Impact, I fell in love with it. After only a few hours, my thoughts about what this adventure was faded away as it truly evolves into a unique experience. There’s a fine level of detail that went into crafting this beautiful world, and you can’t help but want to see every inch of it. Although the grind and the gachas systems are present, this is a game that I will gladly return to again and again. Regardless, all of this is available for free, so nothing stops you from finding out for yourself.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes the advancements of the series found in Odyssey and applies it to a whole new setting. As brutal as the period of Vikings is, there's something beautiful about this adventure. Every action is rewarded with some great moments of storytelling, and aside from a few narrative roadblocks tied to the player's level, there's an amazing world here just waiting to be discovered.

If you’ve never played this defining entry of the franchise, the PlayStation 5 port is the best way to do so. Alternatively, if you’re a veteran fan or achievement hunter, this release has a separate trophy list, allowing for another Platinum if that’s your jam. Ys IX is also scheduled to receive a native PlayStation 5 version next year, and while the improvements probably won’t be as substantial as with VIII, I hope it turns out as well as what’s happened here.

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.

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.

of the Devil Episode 1 is a compelling and gripping first chapter that you should not miss if you are a fan of mystery thrillers. It has a sense of style that is excellently cinematic, and it's narrative has characters that are morally complex, even at this early juncture. If Nth Circle keep this up in following chapters, then of the Devil is going to be one of the finest games in the entire genre.

Horace is a challenging platformer with strong core mechanics and inventive design, all of which gradually build up into something truly amazing and satisfying as a video game. Its homage to the heart and soul of video games as an art form and its deep insight into human nature all come together to make it an experience that is both memorable and important.

Despite the narrative not being that captivating, the heart of this experience, the boss battles, are some of the most challenging and satisfying I’ve ever faced. Add in a compellingly compact skill system, an intense soundtrack, and exceptional movement, and you have an absolute must-play for the boss-rush genre that mustn’t be overlooked.

Suzukuri Dungeon offers an unexpectedly light-hearted narrative with a charming cast of villain characters who are each memorable in their own way. The gameplay sections of strategic dungeon customization kept me engaged for multiple playthroughs to access the additional routes. It’s this blend of gameplay and decent scenario writing that makes it an easy recommendation from me.

Street Fighter V has had a long and crazy journey, but it's great knowing that it's ending its third round on top.

For new players, Monster Hunter Rise is potentially the best place to start, with Sunbreak adding even more to the package. It’s the icing to the already wonderful cake of the base game, and the new features give returning players more ways to approach the hunts. There’s a layer of accessibility that makes this entry continue to be friendly to new users, but veterans might wish for the higher difficulty found in World or 4 Ultimate. On the other hand, if you just want to fight cool new monsters with friends and explore vivid landscapes, Sunbreak is an incredible experience.

Yomwari: Lost in the Dark promises much in its presentation and delivers on every aspect, and will assuredly become a cult classic among horror veterans.

Life Eater by Strange Scaffold and Frosty Pop stands out in the simulation genre with its innovative approach to gameplay mechanics and narrative integration. The game excels in creating an atmosphere filled with suspense and dread, backed by a strong audio-visual presentation that immerses players in its unsettling world. The strategic elements of managing time and suspicion while solving puzzles to successfully carry out dark rituals offer a fresh take on the simulation genre.

Creature Keeper stands next to the solo-developed indie greats that came before. The synergy of systems that all work seamlessly together across the entire adventure shows an unnatural talent to reel in indie ambitious and focus on what makes this game fun and unique. The narrative rivals other retro adventures that open with an unassuming quest that uncovers so much more about the region and characters, creating a playing experience that I will gush about for years to come. Menu navigation and other quality of life adjustments are needed, but I can’t deny that I was having an amazing time discovering Creature Keeper. Now, time to listen to the soundtrack again.

Constance is a strikingly personal and mechanically rich 2D metroidvania that balances intense combat with emotional storytelling. Developer btf delivers a hand-drawn world full of challenge, exploration, and introspection, pushing the genre forward in a year filled with high-profile competition. With its innovative paint-based mechanics and layered narrative, Constance is a rewarding journey for players willing to engage both their skills and emotions.

Endling: Extinction Is Forever is a visually beautiful game with a heart-touching journey and a unique perspective. The simple controls allow you to take in the world and manage the stress of the situations without it being overly complex. The developers have done a beautiful job creating situations that make you feel attached to your fox and her babies and generate stress as the world around them changes. This is a lovely addition to any gaming library and had me gripped for hours. If you want a fresh survival experience, look no further.

Yakuza 0: Director's Cut doesn't add a ton of substantial content to the original, but it does present the best (and best-looking) version of the game that finally broke the series through outside its home country. Featuring an incredible combat system that remains in the top tier across the franchise, and an emotional dual-protagonist story, it's a no-brainer if you're only just now hopping on the Like a Dragon train.

Persona 4 Golden is a terrific JRPG through and through. It contains a must-experience narrative, thrilling strategic combat, addictive customization, tons of optional content, and an endearing cast; all you could want from the genre. Furthermore, its shortcomings, like the mediocre dungeon design and unnecessarily long start, are relatively minor, not drastically affecting the quality of the experience. Regardless of your history with Persona or JRPGs in general, Persona 4 Golden is worth the time if you stick with it, as it’s near the heights of its contemporaries.

Tokyo Necro fits in perfectly with other Nitroplus-developed titles. This world of cold, zombies, and technology may have somber, darker undertones, but it’s also one of hope for people’s efforts to be their better selves. This contrast and the hype-inducing 3D action scenes make it a highlight in its genre and a must-play.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an amazing JRPG that offers an exceptional monster collecting experience combined with a great story. The added narrative doesn't lose focus on what makes the Monster Hunter series so addictive and only enhances the experience. This game successfully built on the systems present in the original and improved them for a brand new adventure. While the performance can be questionable, I enjoyed every second of my time exploring the world with my Monsties by my side.

At the very least, the remastered add-ons contribute toward newer players learning the ins and outs at their own pace. With this launch, I sincerely hope the rest of the older Valkyrie Profile games make their way to modern platforms with similar treatment, too, as this is a criminally underrated series.

Bakeru is a delightful modern 3D platformer that captures the essence of classic titles like Goemon. With its vibrant world, challenging combat, and engaging exploration, Bakeru stands out as a must-play for genre fans. Despite some minor shortcomings in its combat mechanics, the game’s overall execution and nostalgic appeal make it an unforgettable experience.

Echoes of Wisdom is yet another stunning entry in the Zelda franchise and those looking for a new Zelda experience but also clamour for something different should give this title a definite try.

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time is a love letter to both Hololive fans and retro platformers, blending fast-paced action with beautifully designed levels and a charming story. Featuring Ouro Kronii and her time manipulation abilities, the game delivers engaging gameplay, clever stage design, and plenty of Easter eggs for fans. While some mechanics feel underutilized and navigation can be disorienting, Chrono Gear shines as a must-play indie gem for both VTuber enthusiasts and platformer lovers alike.

It’s worth emphasizing that this DLC is, at its core, meant for those who enjoy Dead Cells rather than strictly Castlevania fans. Playable Richter aside, the rest of this content is more Dead Cells greatness. Still, the highlights of the Castlevania franchise have been encapsulated and reimagined succinctly, transparently displaying the Dead Cells’ developers’ love for the classics that inspired them.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Visions of Four Heroes delivers a surprisingly rich and emotional expansion that reimagines iconic characters through alternate-history storylines. With four robust campaign routes, new weapons, and meaningful combat refinements, this DLC rewards long-time fans while giving returning players plenty of fresh content to explore. Although some design choices feel disconnected from the base game's systems, the narrative depth and gameplay enhancements make this a standout Musou experience for 2026.

People of Note is a vibrant turn-based RPG that blends classic JRPG structure with inventive rhythm-based combat and a standout musical identity, delivering a heartfelt story about ambition and friendship in a richly stylized world. Its Songstone customization system and flexible difficulty options modernize familiar mechanics, while its soundtrack and vocal performances elevate nearly every moment. Although its late-game pacing and limited animated storytelling hold it back from perfection, the experience remains consistently engaging, creative, and full of personality.

Minds Beneath Us by BearBoneStudio is a haunting sci-fi adventure set in a dystopian future where humans are used as internet infrastructure. This narrative-driven game offers a compelling storyline, atmospheric visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Despite its clunky save system, the game's deep societal critique and immersive experience make it an unforgettable journey. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking sci-fi adventures, Minds Beneath Us delivers a powerful message about the future of humanity and technology.

In summary, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Star Ocean franchise, catering to both newcomers and devoted fans. While the narrative might have its shortcomings, the game compensates with its enthralling customization, eye-catching visuals, endearing character relationships, and extensive replayability. The engaging combat, paired with a splendid soundtrack, adds an extra layer of enjoyment. This remake successfully maintains the essence of the original, cementing its status as a revered title in the realm of JRPGs. Here’s hoping its direct sequel, Blue Sphere, receives similar treatment. Also, for those wondering, yes, the Bloody Armor is here and as broken as ever.

Cyber Shadow is a beautifully crafted retro action experience complete with formidable enemies and crushing precision platforming. Abilities like the bullet deflect and dash strike provides the classic ninja experience without overloading on reused mechanics. On top of that, the length and replayability options give players a healthy serving of content tosing more time into refining their skills. If you are up for a humblingly difficult but intensely fun 2D side scroller Cyber Shadow just maybe the challenge you’re looking for.

League of Legends: Wild Rift is the quintessential competitive mobile MOBA that you should be playing. It differentiates itself from its PC counterpart by offering simplified modes and rebalanced champions. This allows it to be more accessible to newcomers and feels great during long play sessions. There’s definitely room for updates and refinement, but what’s offered now is a great mobile experience.

Astral Ascent ticks all the right boxes for a must-play action roguelike experience. The character progression, boss design, and addictive replayability combine to deliver a highly polished and rewarding package. While the story elements and characterizations may not fully live up to their potential, the voice acting partially compensates for this. Ultimately, the gameplay in Astral Ascent stands out as some of the best in the market, offering brilliant responsiveness and speed that all action lovers should prioritize.

In the ever-evolving world of Remnant, The Awakened King DLC emerges as a delightful expansion, adding depth and challenge to an already fantastic game. Gunfire Games has once again demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the player experience, and Losomn, with its grim and captivating atmosphere, serves as a compelling backdrop to this new adventure. While the narrative could benefit from more cinematic moments and crossplay remains a distant dream for multiplayer enthusiasts, the sheer enjoyment of exploring procedurally generated dungeons, unlocking new archetypes like the Ritualist, and conquering formidable foes makes this DLC a must-play.

Kirby’s Dreamland Deluxe was already a charming title back on the Wii, but this updated release allows old fans a chance to return to Dreamland to discover updated features and new players an opportunity to play a standout entry in this series. This release presents many improvements and additional content creating a memorable experience for all who play, even if it isn’t as genre-defining as Forgotten Land.

Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved is a tightly crafted indie mystery that succeeds in laying the groundwork for a compelling series. With a focus on accessibility, charming writing, and steady pacing, Armonica delivers a memorable first entry that favors story and clarity over difficulty. While some systems lack polish and a few moments feel overly guided, the game’s heartfelt approach and strong character work make it a standout for fans of narrative-driven adventures.

I found myself marveling at the innovations this game presented, in sheer awe of the style and environment, and thoroughly impressed at the magnitude accomplished by this one-man studio. Mundaun is an interactive piece of artwork, rich in details, folklore, and mood. It is a must-play for fans of the horror genre and those looking for new experiences.

What Battlefield 2042 lacks in a single-player campaign, it makes up for in the sheer amount of content that it delivers to fans from all generations of the series. It’s a walk down memory lane that provides hours of that Battlefield action that you’d expect. You may have to spend a few of those understanding the UI and gun customization features, but with the inclusion of Hazard Zone and Portal, the possibilities of enjoyment here are endless.

Slow Damage is a game that I would absolutely not recommend for the faint of heart or if you’re not a fan of extreme violence and blood. Still, I can definitely see just how it shines as one of Nitro Plus’ best visual novels in the BL genre, even as someone who isn’t very familiar with it. The great translation combined with a story that packs a solid thematic punch and, quite frankly, a shockingly good soundtrack all made the wait totally worth it, even though I had my gripes with the typography and UI. I truly cannot truly describe the “feeling” I had when playing it, but if I had to pick two words for it, I would say it was “truly euphoric.”

Death’s Gambit: Afterlife is the product of a dedicated team that wants to provide the best action experience possible. This revamped version offers plenty of new systems for returning fans and puts its best foot forward for new players. There’s great attention to balance in this Souls-like Metroidvania that supplies enough challenging encounters and deep customization for all players to enjoy. It looks like the Afterlife ain’t so bad after all.

Planet of Lana II is a confident and carefully crafted sequel that expands on the original’s cinematic puzzle adventure with smarter systems, deeper mechanics, and a more personal story. By blending machine control with Mui’s new possession abilities, the game delivers layered puzzles that grow naturally in complexity while maintaining its quiet, wordless storytelling and striking visual atmosphere. Though it occasionally loses some of the original’s sense of journey and features a few minor technical hiccups, this sequel refines what worked and builds something richer, more ambitious, and consistently rewarding for returning players.

Ghostrunner 2 embodies the epitome of a well-executed sequel. It doesn’t overshadow its precursor; instead, it leverages the original as a foundation for expansion and enhancement. The world-building and character development represent a significant leap in quality, and the unwavering pace of action propels it into a class of its own. The introduction of new abilities, expanded non-linear level design, and refined movement mechanics render this game a must-play for those looking to hone their 3D platforming skills.

Fate/stay night Remastered is an excellent official English debut for visual novel and Type-Moon fans worldwide after a two-decade limbo of existence. The well-implemented script, gorgeous 16:9 visuals, and in-depth customization options make this debut of the Fate series its best iteration yet.

Gnosia takes the rules of a social game and turns it into a single-player science-fiction experience. Each loop will present you with more questions and slowly feed you answers to what is a compelling and unique narrative. The game is fueled by an amazing cast of insane characters and over-the-top mechanics that make it fun no matter how long you play.

Lunark is one of the best 2D cinematic platformers I’ve ever played. Regardless of its retro inspirations, it makes its own impact on the genre with fun action, story delivery, and puzzle design. Much like a classic sci-fi film, I was immersed in this experience from beginning to end. Don’t miss out on this truly standout video game.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a game that almost suffers from its own perfection — every individual idea really is a perfect combo of the lessons learned from Xenoblade 1 and 2. But together, it can’t quite maintain a consistent quality. These are some of the highest highs the series has ever given me, but the occasional lows make for a game that’s only ever so slightly flawed to perfectly work.

Homura Hime is a thrilling action title that pairs weighty, expressive combat with a surprisingly heartfelt narrative about exorcists battling corrupted archdemons. Its combo-driven melee system, flexible Blessed Shots, and high-pressure enemy mechanics create some of the most engaging fights in the genre, while strong level design and meaningful progression keep the momentum steady.

Hashihime of the Old Book Town Append is a game that deserves its cult following, offering an intriguing mystery story with multiple layers of interpretation. Though not all routes are as well developed, this is a visual novel that all BL fans should give a try. Now that it’s available on the Switch, there’s more reason to head down the rabbit hole of this mysterious adventure.

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.

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.

Wolfstride is a stylish RPG for people who love the atmosphere from old-school anime such as Cowboy Bebop, Ashita no Joe, and its recent-ish spin-off Megalobox. Its story goes from unabashedly comedic to dramatic in a heartbeat and manages to remain consistently compelling. While the gameplay could have offered further variety, this is one title where the story and atmosphere are enough to make it resonate with practically any audience.

MAMIYA is a game I’ll have a hard time forgetting. Going through it all again may produce additional layers of interpretation and knowledge that didn’t click the first time around. It’s a dive into a depressive, sorrowful and mad world that breaks people, one that I can even see myself coming back to from time to time.

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.

Mortal Shell takes what you’d expect from Souls-clones and adds heaps of creativity along with unique systems and features that make it a whole new experience. Each moment of gameplay is an adrenaline rush as you progress further in the nightmare. There may be a few moments of confusion, but this one’s for the masochists out there who are looking for something to really immerse themselves in and discover for themselves.

Scarlet Hollow is a masterfully written horror visual novel that blends eerie storytelling with deep player choice. With a richly detailed world, compelling characters, and a haunting atmosphere, it offers an immersive supernatural mystery experience. Though still incomplete, its branching narrative and impactful decisions make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven horror.

Super Dungeon Maker gives players the tools to create their own retro dungeon crawlers but does it in a user-friendly way that gives anyone playing the chance to create or play these nostalgic dungeons. This release out of Early Access has all the tools someone needs to make the dungeon of their dreams, so here’s to hoping the community stays strong.

The Plucky Squire was truly a delightful and charming adventure, filled to the brim with clever jokes, beautiful graphics and a range of fun gameplay mechanics. It does not overstay its welcome, and instead offers a polished experience from start to finish. Even though it sometimes holds the players hands a bit too much for my taste, I had a fantastic time and wish I could play it for the first time again.

Lilja and Natsuka Painting Lies by Frontwing is a kinetic visual novel that explores the profound bond between a blind painter and her lively assistant. Through a beautifully illustrated journey, the duo navigates challenges that fuel their creative spirits, all while delving into deep philosophical themes. The game stands out with its strong character development and stunning visual presentation, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Lkyt. is an incredible visual novel about the tragic experience of warriors fighting with all their might against impossible odds. This fascinating samurai BL may not be for the faint of heart due to its dark nature and some gory details at a few times. However, for those willing to take the plunge, it offers an unforgettable experience among the best the visual novel genre can offer.

Heaven’s Vault is one of those extraordinary adventure games that will likely become more legendary in time. Much like the ancient Empire that players must uncover in the game, Heaven’s Vault is rife with intricate details where players are likely to notice something new each time they revisit the immense nebula. While not all of its gameplay ideas are effective, and Aliya as a protagonist can take a while to become likable, the adventure as a whole is staggeringly epic, one that makes you feel like a providential participant in a dynamically evolving narrative.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 delivers an emotionally charged conclusion to CyberConnect2’s tactical RPG trilogy, blending heartfelt storytelling with refined combat mechanics. With its branching timelines, impactful choices, and upgraded strategy systems, it stands as a strong finale, though a few pacing and difficulty issues linger.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a warmly updated remake that blends traditional farming sim mechanics with modern quality-of-life upgrades, offering a deeply satisfying and endlessly charming cozy game experience for both longtime fans and new players alike.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arrives on Switch 2 as a technically impressive and emotionally rich reimagining of Midgar, blending fast-paced combat with a thoughtful narrative expansion. The port runs exceptionally well on Nintendo’s new hardware, maintaining its cinematic presentation and smooth performance. While some pacing issues and a weaker DLC chapter hold it back slightly, this remains a must-play RPG experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadows Refrain is an essential visual novel for any fans of the genre. Its theme of memories forms a fascinating exploration of the meaning of life and being human. A thoroughly poetic experience that proves to be thought-provoking and emotionally resonating.

Piofiore: Episodio 1926 is much more than just a simple fandisc, packing a profound story that can be treated as a full-blown sequel. It successfully establishes a sense of continuity from the ending of its predecessor. Still, this means it’s hard or even impossible to enjoy without playing 1925. Regardless, I hold it in high regard and would recommend it if you’re in the mood for a story that manages to be heavy but also lovely in equal proportion.

Nitro Gen Omega captures the spirit of explosive 2000s mecha anime while delivering a surprisingly deep tactical RPG beneath its stylish presentation. Its layered management systems, strategic combat flow, and pilot relationship mechanics make every mission feel meaningful, while the fast-paced presentation keeps the experience engaging even during downtime. Though the game demands patience and careful resource planning, players willing to learn its systems will find a rewarding mech RPG where every choice matters.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a fantastic action game that delves further into the world of Three Houses. While it’s easy for anyone to pick up, it’s definitely aimed at veterans who have extensive knowledge of the original, and you’ll get some just as ample playtime. Of course, it’s a Warriors game, so expect everything that comes with that genre, a non-issue because this game is so good.

Fantasian Neo Dimension breathes new life into the original Apple Arcade release with an engrossing narrative, intuitive turn-based combat, and a stellar English dub. While its innovative Dimengion mechanic and character-driven storytelling shine, minor performance hiccups on the Switch and lackluster sidequests hold it back. This is a must-play for RPG fans seeking a modern classic.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon might be a return to form for FromSoftware, but the series is brand new for players who only recently discovered them within the Souls-like genre. Armored Core VI has everything to stand on its own within the developer's current lineup of titles and the other entries of this series. It excels in fast-paced mecha action by providing an experience only Armored Core can deliver. Similar to the intricate ACs you'll surely create, this game is refined to its core offering highly challenging action with plenty of options to fit your playstyle. Armored Core VI is a must-play mecha action game, no matter your knowledge of the series.

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.

Subnautica: Below Zero offers an amazing world of discoveries through a mysteriously captivating campaign to uncover. Every moment exploring is rewarded through stunning environments, and I wanted to continue my adventure if only to see a little more. There are some moments of confusion through resource management, but once you dive in, Subnautica: Below Zero won’t have you coming up for air any time soon.

Gravity Circuit redefines the 2D platforming action genre with attention put on melee action systems that benefit all other aspects of the experience. Your skills are constantly being pushed to the test, but you aren’t allowed to get too comfortable as new abilities are unlocked with ever-changing level gimmicks keeping you on your toes. One look at this game in action, and it’s no surprise that it’s a must-play release of 2023.

Dandy Ace is a colorful, magical action roguelike that’s consistent in its design and fascinating in its unique theme choice. With its card combination system for skills at the forefront, it can offer some good hours of fun and experimentation during battles.

OFF’s re-release reaffirms its status as a cult indie RPG, blending surreal storytelling, eerie visuals, and a memorable soundtrack into a uniquely compelling experience, despite combat that still feels underwhelming.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a wholly satisfying gameplay experience that offers some of the series’s best multiplayer mayhem. The tweaks might seem minor, but they result in much better execution of an already amazing game. Also, the inclusion of Bowser’s Fury just makes this re-release that much sweeter. You can tell real effort went into this updated version, and it’s one adventure that I appreciated and enjoyed from beginning to end.

The Talos Principle 2 is a beautiful, carefully crafted experience. It will appeal to both fans of challenging puzzlers as well as everyone looking for a storyline that will make you question deep, philosophical topics. I only wish it leaned more into storytelling via its puzzles rather than mostly text and dialogue, especially with so much of the game being spent on them. In the end, however, The Talos Principle 2 truly lived up to my high expectations and proved itself to be a worthy and thought-provoking sequel.

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.

Chivalry 2 brings out the hero in all of us as we race towards death with our friends by our side. There’s something about the chaos and immersion that draws you in for hours. Thankfully the servers held up across matches full of battle cries and deaths at the hands of my allies. There’s never a dull moment, no matter your skill level.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a package featuring unconventionally gripping character arcs and quintessential Ace Attorney shenanigans. The compelling strife of protagonist Apollo Strife is the throughline pushing everything forward, alongside an engaging multi-faceted central cast that makes the world immensely more well-rounded and full of depth. Despite the inconsistent quality across this release's several mysteries and episodes, some of the franchise's best are showcased here in newly defined form. Further, the trilogy-exclusive features, such as the extensive art gallery, music player, and ease of accessibility with plenty of playable languages, make this another Ace Attorney homerun. Still, those who have strong attachments to the original trilogy may find it difficult to become endeared to these experiences.

Lost Judgment is yet another home run for RGG Studio. It boasts an engaging, jaw-dropping narrative with emotional mysteries connected within an immense web of interconnected conspiracies. Additionally, the game's bold nature in tackling darker themes that can sharply resonate with young adult audiences is remarkably well done. Add on the expected and addicting side activities, minigames, and varied gameplay loop, and you have a sequel that manages to establish its own sturdy identity coupled with non-intrusive elements of the past.

Nekopara Vol. 4 gives the fans exactly what they want while also focusing on a few emotional story beats of Kashou trying to gain his father’s respect. It’s a unique angle that adds to these characters’ relationships and shows that the developer isn’t getting too comfortable. There’s a layer of quality here, which can easily be found through its design and comedic writing.

Through its fun stages, weapon variety, and unique spell system, Flynn: Son of Crimson makes for a fun platformer to have in your catalog. There’s enough present to enjoy one time through, but added effort was provided to add a bit of replay value to the adventure. It may be tough to find a good indie platformer given the size of the genre, but there’s a genuine adventure waiting for you here.

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.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced delivers one of gaming's most cinematic and immersive experiences, with breathtaking visuals, unmatched audio design, and thoughtful refinements, though its restrictive player agency and linear design may not appeal to everyone.

Fire Emblem Engage is a solid entry in the franchise. It’s easily the best Fire Emblem game from the modern generation (awakening onwards). I enjoyed my time so much that I’m already returning for my second, more relaxed playthrough on maddening. It’ll take a while.

Christmas Tina: The Ephemeral Views of Winter is a fantastic adventure that makes the most of the visual novel medium to tell a compelling narrative about some fascinating characters. It’s an introspective story where our duo will need to confront themselves if they want a chance at confronting each other. It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made me want to listen to Michael Jackson songs for some reason. If there’s any visual novel I absolutely want to reread from this year when I get the chance, this is on the top of the list.

Anonymous;Code takes some understanding of the Science Adventure series to wholly appreciate, but its world-building is what I would regard as some of the series’ best. It acts as a culmination of ideas seen throughout numerous titles, creating an unconventional experience that is extremely rewarding. Despite a few stumbles found in the cast and the ending needing a bit more time to be fully realized, what’s here is an immaculate story with brilliant pacing that makes every scene and interaction meaningful and necessary. The fantastic English dub and presentation only serve to help matters. I have no idea where the Science Adventure series will go from here, but after seeing the sheer love and ambition poured into Anonymous;Code, I’m more confident in this series than I’ve ever been.

ASTLIBRA Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist provides a remotely similar experience to the base game that has become a smash hit in RPG circles. Yet, the roguelike structure, new protagonist, and reassortment of gameplay progression makes this just as, if not more addicting then the previous adventure. Fans of the original game should play this DLC followup as soon as possible, while those unfamiliar should give Revision a try first.

Cult of the Lamb has the addictive nature of most roguelike titles that will cause you to burn off several hours of the day. You’ll slowly hunt down heretic rivals through roguelike mechanics with the added layer the customization found in the village sim systems. As you keep the cultists satisfied, their loyalty grows, and you’ll fight the urge to become the twisted being who executed our poor lamb that started this adventure.

Iwaihime plays the long con with its narrative and convinces readers that it’s not the unique horror thriller they were promised. However, that all changes when it shows its hand, and you are taken through some gripping story scenarios that will send several chills up your spine. This worked well with the game’s presentation, aesthetic, and blend of romance and horror. I couldn’t recommend this more.

It may have taken me almost 20 years to become a Pikmin fan, but consider me sold on the series. Pikmin 3 Deluxe is just a joy to play from beginning to end. The game has several timers that keep you on track, but it rarely makes you feel rushed. There’s an added layer of accomplishment across each task you complete or day that passes where you don’t lose any Pikmin. While some systems show their age in terms of environment and controls, there’s a lot that makes it must play for Switch owners looking for a chill co-op experience.

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.

Despite its few peculiarities and performance issues, Cities: Skylines II successfully upholds the legacy of its predecessor and raises the bar for the city-building genre. Whether you’re a seasoned city planner or a newcomer ready to embark on an urban adventure, Skylines II offers endless possibilities and countless hours of creative enjoyment.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a masterclass in action combat, delivering thrilling boss fights, diverse level design, and tight mechanics that rival the genre’s best. While the narrative and side characters falter in depth, the fluid progression, customizable skill trees, and satisfying difficulty curve make this a standout soul-like experience—even for players unfamiliar with the Dungeon Fighter Online universe.

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.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a thrilling return to Gotham in VR, delivering immersive combat, clever gadgetry, and atmospheric exploration that rivals the series' best moments, even if some stealth segments fall short of the franchise’s usual polish.

Metal Slug Tactics doesn't quite reinvent the strategy genre, but it does offer up a lot of addictive, explosive and satisfying action. The core of the Metal Slug series lies comfortably within this new genre along with plenty of familiar sights, sounds and characters that will please fans. A great take on turn based strategy and one that feels distinctly true to its roots.