Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley offers an immersive journey into the Moomin universe. The game artfully combines exploration, puzzle-solving with Snufkin's musical instruments, and stealth mechanics against authoritarian obstacles, embodying the spirit of adventure and rebellion. Through interactions with well-loved characters and visits to iconic locations, enriched by a hand-drawn art style and a captivating soundtrack, the game provides a deep, engaging experience.

Threshold delivers a tense and immersive experience with resource management, branching endings, and PS1-inspired graphics. Though some elements can feel overly ambiguous, the game’s smart design and dark atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of psychological mysteries and unique storytelling.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a beast, a science experiment so absurd in narrative design that nothing else compares. It is phenomenal and seemingly impossible to follow up. I need as many people as possible to experience its magic. I have already started a replay.

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.

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 A Spider’s Thread enhances the base experience, adding a new mode and refined systems. It gives players a reason to return to the adventure to finish for the first time or play through again with new missions and added story context. A Spider’s Thread mode also tests player skills through creative challenges and adorable interactions with cats.

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

No More Heroes is a game that sounds like it could be fun, and then on closer examination, looks bizarrely empty, full of padding, and shallow in terms of story depth. However, when you actually experience it, you’re left with an experience that experiments with just how much it can employ the concept of “less is more.” It’s got a down to earth yet absurdist narrative that is incredibly rewarding with an extremely cool and satisfying combat system providing an unstoppable feeling. Some games really do live up to their hype, huh.

The Rogue Prince of Persia blends refined parkour mechanics with roguelite progression in a compact yet stylish experience from Evil Empire and Ubisoft. Though light on boss variety and biome diversity, its movement-first design and satisfying combat make it a standout in the genre.

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.

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

The Outer Worlds 2 is a confident and evolved sequel that deepens Obsidian's signature blend of player agency, narrative impact, and dark satire. Set in a galaxy divided by ideology and shaped by choice, it refines nearly every system from its predecessor while introducing dynamic flaws, factional politics, and layered exploration that rewards curiosity. Though some visuals and early customization options fall short, its storytelling, companion design, and flexible mission structure shine across dozens of hours.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a must-play for long-time fans wanting to see how Kazuma Kiryu’s story ends. The game was released on more powerful hardware and brought the series up to a new generation’s standards. It does the same with this PC release, but sadly much of what held it back narratively before is still present today.

Espgaluda II is an acquired taste within a genre that was already an acquired taste, to begin with. It doesn’t take long to see why the love for the game is so divided. Its complicated play and scoring systems take some getting used to, but the Switch port is far from ideal despite being feature-packed. This is merely something to hold you over until Live Wire ports DoDonPachi Resurrection.

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

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle has some great gameplay moments, even though it misses the mark on what the original did so well. The adventure hosts some great boss fights, a responsive combat system, and an unlockable difficulty mode that makes the entire experience even more enjoyable with the addition of a kick-ass soundtrack. Still, it remains in the shadow of its predecessor. It’s less goofy and more absurd and ends up being a heavy-handed retelling to correct the original’s plot. If this weren’t a sequel, I would have been praising it far more, but it spends most of its time desperately struggling to figure out what its own identity is.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a must-play experience. Sega has hit it out of the park with a Sonic-themed mystery adventure visual novel boasting captivating storytelling, fantastic character interaction, as well as a stellar presentation and soundtrack of similar quality. I had a big ol’ smile on my face from beginning to end, and can’t recommend this game enough. The fact that it’s free is almost criminal. Sega making another entry like this is wholly up in the air, but I’ll be hoping with all my heart that they do.

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.

There’s no doubt that the F1 series feels like a yearly iterative experience, but Codemasters has done an outstanding job with F1 23 because it improves upon last year’s title in almost every way. The increased accessibility options, enhanced driving mechanics, and welcome return of the Braking Point story mode are all steps in the right direction for the Formula 1 gaming community.

Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle is an addicting deck-building card game on its own, but this game delivers an added campaign that makes it an adventure. Exploring the city, completing sidequests, and battling for deck codes and supremacy make each moment of playing fun. If you’re a fan of card games in general and want to try your hand at a new one, it’s a fantastic experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.

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.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles brandishes its cultural and historical context alongside its thematic story cohesiveness in an elegantly refined and bold manner that ultimately results in an undeniably masterful duology. Whether you are a veteran Ace Attorney fan or completely new, this is the height of the franchise that is worth playing in its entirety.

Eastward will fulfill any action-adventure needs that have been missing in your life. The character writing is fantastic and enhances the more emotional moments as the killer Miasma rears its ugly head. This game is an investment, but you’ll be left with a genuinely standout gaming experience full of action, exploration, memorable characters, and a fantastic final chapter. So do yourself a favor and play Eastward.

Coral Island may take inspiration from many other whimsical sim adventures, but it’s presented in such a neatly packaged and polished manner that it feels oddly fresh, invoking nostalgia in a way that lingers in my memory. Whether it’s the beautifully illustrated characters available for romance or the excuse to explore the ocean’s depths in search of treasure, I couldn’t put Coral Island down. It swiftly became one of my favorite titles of the year. So, sit back, relax, and maybe even find love; regardless of your chosen path, Coral Island offers an experience that farming fans should not miss.

Aether & Iron pulls players into the role of a well-written anti-heroine and a gorgeously-drawn art deco setting, and adds turn-based vehicular combat and a simple-but-effective RPG system to create a fantastic debut title for developer Seismic Squirrel that feels thematically relevant to our modern struggle. Its worldbuilding leaves a bit to be desired, but if you can take it for what it is, it delivers on its promises very well.

PowerWash 2 is a near-universal improvement on its already-great predecessor, fixing nearly every little frustration players might have had with the first title. It misses a few small steps in its additions to the formula, but delivers an overall more polished experience that feels like a major upgrade.

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.

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.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three of the most genre-defining releases in 3D platformer history. It brings these games together and makes them easily accessible to give gamers a chance to experience these titles for the first time or the hundredth. I’m left wishing that there was more included with the releases such as additional options or extras, but it’s undeniable that this is a must-play for Switch owners.

For a video game to demand the player derive their own meaning from it is asking a lot. This makes Sky: Children of the Light a challenging proposition even as a free release on Switch. For many, it may be a few hours of wandering about before they are put off by the aimlessness of it all. Still, at least for its niche audience, they will likely self-select into this unique gaming community. Sky is a pointless online video game experience driven by the player’s own subjective interpretation, but that’s perhaps the entire point.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is one of the must-play adventure games of 2022. It builds on what was lacking in narrative and gameplay elements of its predecessor and provides players with a heart-racing sprint of an experience. The low points of the pacing are merely used to catch your breath until the next encounter as you see Amicia's own innocence fade. Coincidental set pieces aside, there's a lot to love about this game, and I urge you to find out for yourself. However, this may not be for you if you have an uncontrollable fear of rats.

Ever17: The Out of Infinity is a legendary visual novel that blends gripping storytelling, intricate character routes, and mind-bending twists. Originally released in 2002, this HD rerelease modernizes the experience while preserving the atmospheric tension that made it a cult classic. With its multi-protagonist perspective, immersive soundtrack, and layered narrative, Ever17 remains a must-play for visual novel fans—even if some script changes and added content may divide purists.

Synergy is a charming and strategic off-world city builder by Leikir Studio, blending survival, exploration, and resource management in a beautifully alien setting. With its relaxing yet challenging gameplay and rich atmospheric details, it's a standout addition to the genre for both casual and dedicated city-builder fans.

Adventure of Samsara is a challenging 2D metroidvania from Ilex Games that reimagines Atari’s classic Adventure with a modern twist. Set in a mystic pixel-art multiverse, the game features demanding combat, strategic platforming, and a subtly philosophical story. While it succeeds in creating a distinctive atmosphere and tight gameplay loop, it’s held back by uneven level design and minor mechanical frustrations. A niche but rewarding experience for fans of old-school difficulty and stylized worldbuilding.

Magical Delicacy is a delightful blend of platforming and cooking, wrapped in a charming pixel art style. Despite some progression challenges, the game excels with its engaging exploration, memorable characters, and rewarding cooking mechanics. It's a cozy game that brings a unique twist to the "Metroidvania" genre, making it a must-play for fans of enchanting adventures.

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.

Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries Of Honjo is a gripping and horrific adventure that branches outside of what genre fans would expect. It plays with your intuition and tests your deduction skills as you piece together each puzzle. Unfortunately, the narrative intermission brings gameplay to a crawl, but you’ll want to stick through until the end to experience everything this twisted adventure offers.

Archvale is a lite-bullet-hell that grants players a satisfying gameplay loop fraught with consistent upgrading and intriguing customization. Its narrative is practically non-existent and forgettable, and the dullness of progression can be a bit off-putting, but you can do far worse with a cutesy action adventure. Further, there’s a noticeable level of standout polish here from the delectable sound design, which alone makes it worth experiencing.

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

If you have never had the chance to play Final Fantasy V before, the Pixel Remaster offers great value. This is a good version of a great game that shows clearly why Square is highly regarded for their expertise in RPGs. However, as a long-time fan of the game and the series, I sincerely wish they had gone the extra mile into making this version the most comprehensive and definitive edition it deserves.

Super Mario Party Jamboree revives the series' magic with a robust roster, nostalgic boards, and inventive new modes. While minor issues with online play persist, the game’s exciting gameplay and variety make it a must-play for Mario Party enthusiasts. Whether exploring diverse boards or unlocking unique characters, Jamboree offers hours of classic party fun, packed with the right mix of chaos and charm.

Ib is not a game I would recommend to everyone since enjoying it requires the other party to have an affinity for not only the horror genre but also the pixel-like presentation. Ib’s strengths don’t transcend the bounds of who you’d expect to appreciate it, though, for those who do find themselves impacted, it will likely be an experience you’ll remember for as long as you’re able. The endearingly chilling setting, coupled with the compact well-written cast, creates something genuinely heartfelt that I’m thankful hasn’t been lost to time and has been made more accessible.

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.

NEO: The World Ends With You was worth the wait. Its brilliant narrative matches its stylish design and fast-paced battle system making it difficult to put down. The game's development is fueled by the love of the fans, and it shows during every moment of gameplay. While playing, the gap between entries disappeared, and I was transported back to this fantasy Shibuya, hanging out with friends and going on a truly memorable adventure.

Botany Manor is a standout puzzle-adventure game that offers a refreshing break from the norm with its unique botanical puzzles and an intriguing, historically themed narrative. The game skillfully blends its gameplay mechanics with a poignant story set in a beautifully crafted environment, making it a delightful experience for players looking for a thoughtful and engaging adventure. While its short duration might leave players desiring more, its inclusion on platforms like Game Pass makes it an accessible choice for those intrigued by its premise.

Ys Origin is a title I hold near and dear to my heart. It’s not only my own personal favorite Ys title, but it is also one of my favorite games of all time. So it’s nice to see that some care went into this Switch port. While the repetition of exploring the same environments can undoubtedly dull the affair for some players, the stellar combat design, jaw-dropping soundtrack, incredible writing, varying level design, and the multitude of gameplay modes make this a one of a kind action RPG experience that any fan of the genre should pick up. This truly is the definitive version of this title, and I highly recommend it.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fast, stylish return to form for Sega’s kart-racing efforts, blending tight controls with deep customization and a surprisingly generous amount of content. While the core gameplay shines and rival interactions add flair, the overuse of its Travel Rings gimmick and a cautious character roster hold it back from true greatness. It’s a solid, replayable racer that’s fun solo or with friends, just don’t expect it to fully reinvent the wheel.

Circuit Superstars is a fun and charming arcade racer with depth that is both surprising and rewarding. It fuses retro racing design with modern gaming sensibilities to provide a driving experience you can’t help but want to keep coming back to. With a variety of cars, tracks, and all the essential gameplay modes, this is one of those games you’re going to enjoy jumping into and find yourself wanting to improve your driving skills.

Although I wish it had expanded on certain story elements, that’s a testament to how intrigued I was by Leila’s journey. The game’s heartfelt approach underscores the creative vision of a small team pouring their souls into a project that feels personal on every level. For players seeking a slower, more reflective experience—one that blends narrative, puzzle-solving, and an almost painterly presentation—Leila is worth exploring, flaws and all. It’s a journey that may leave you with a little more empathy and introspection about life’s quiet turning points, and that’s a commendable takeaway in its own right.

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.

I don’t think Sakuna: of Rice of Ruin can be classified as one single genre. It’s blending of farming and action only scrapes the surface of what this game actually offers. Still, by looking at those two pieces alone, there is a ton of excellent moments of gameplay to experience. Yes, it’s very much a farming game, and yes, it is full of action, but these two systems run seamlessly alongside a beautiful story and brilliant presentation.

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.

Zet Zillions by Ota Imon masterfully blends deck-building mechanics with a roguelike framework, creating a thrilling space adventure aboard the Baby Violence. With vibrant Studio Trigger-inspired visuals, a compelling narrative, and a unique population-based strategy system, this game sets itself apart in the genre. While the learning curve can be steep and the combat repetitive, the rich story, memorable characters, and high replayability make Zet Zillions an outstanding experience for fans of strategic card games and space adventures.

Loop Hero has all the right ingredients for an adventure management game with roguelike systems. There’s a learning curve to tackle, but after a few runs, you’ll be piecing together the world in no time. The entire experience is cathartic in a way as you watch the world evolve from your actions and overcome its obstacles with a little skill and luck. Unlike what Devolver Digital advertised at the announcement, it may not be game of the year material, but it’s still worth giving it a try.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard may have hit a few big stumbles along its path to release, but ultimately manages to deliver an innovative and fully-realized take on the series' world, exploration, and combat. The role-playing aspect has taken a minor hit in the process, but the game still boasts one of the best casts its studio has ever created, an engaging plot, and answers to many long-held questions, in addition to the best battle system in BioWare history.

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

I want to stress that despite all I’ve said, I do still like Oblivion Remastered. This has been a largely middling review because the game is middling by today’s standards, but it’s still a mostly successful remaster. Many of the things I’ve complained about couldn’t reasonably have been fixed without significantly more work, and I can’t ignore them entirely…but they certainly don’t mean that I’m not having fun. Ultimately, I believe that a person’s enjoyment of this remaster will depend more on their nostalgia for the original or desire to experience a foundational title than on the game’s quality in its own right. But I do think that the game has enough merit to be worth the effort – don’t expect it to have entirely stood the test of time.

Ninja Gaiden 4 marks a significant evolution for the iconic action series, blending the punishing precision fans expect and putting that on the shoulders of a new protagonist with some of the most stylish action systems to date. While its narrative stumbles and some enemy encounters repeat, the fluidity of its systems and incredible pacing make it one of the most thrilling action games in recent memory.

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.

Tales of Graces f Remastered delivers an exemplary action RPG experience, blending heartfelt storytelling, a masterfully crafted combat system, and deep customization mechanics. With its timeless characters, meaningful progression, and modernized quality-of-life updates, this is a must-play for fans of the Tales of series and JRPG enthusiasts alike.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus offers a few new scenarios with these characters to warrant the price tag for fans wanting to spend more time with these characters. However, it was much easier to overlook the flaws in the writing and short runtime when the game was free. Although the twists and relationships are notable, I couldn’t help notice by the lack of direction of this updated content that added little to the experience.

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

If you haven’t been playing your VR device lately, Star Wars Pinball VR is the perfect reason to charge it back up. This is perhaps the closest you can get to experiencing these tables in real life and they translate so well in the VR space. Even if you’ve played Star Wars Pinball before, I think this version provides enough of a unique experience that warrants an additional playthrough. [Oculus Quest 2]

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

The rather short total play time might be a downer for certain players, and the grinding being almost required might get annoying, but in essence, this remake of Live A Live felt like a qualitative title that had so much love and time put into it, to make this JRPG masterpiece from the Super Famicom now available to a broader audience, and this time, outside its home country. It’s not perfect, of course, but it does so much, so right.

Rainbow Billy: the Curse of the Leviathan does a fantastic job of balancing its cute world without making its gameplay too juvenile. Battle systems, in particular, are complex enough for different play styles around, given a player’s preference. Characters and dialogue are sweet but without sap that is sometimes associated with more wholesome games like this. For those looking for a fun and comforting RPG experience, Rainbow Billy: the Curse of the Leviathan may be the colorful journey to embark upon.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore has some amazing RPG systems with a lackluster story.

Swamps of Corsus blew me away by the amount of content that you get for the DLC’s very low price point. Survival Mode alone would be worth what you’re paying for, but the inclusion of new gear, enemies, and the story really make this DLC a must buy. For those who have never played Remnant: From the Ashes, now is the perfect time to grab the game as Gunfire Games seems to be set on expanded this addictive and intense gaming experience.

Tails of Iron borrows inspiration from other challenging games, but its beautifully crafted world and thought-provoking narrative definitely deserve your attention. Every new area offers more to explore and tests your skills to see this rodent’s adventure through until the end. Tails of Iron is an under-rat-ed gem that will make a mighty fine addition to your indie game collection this year despite some rare bugs and needed updates to the combat systems.

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

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.

The Entropy Centre is, ultimately, a game that charmed and frustrated me in the best possible way. It doesn’t quite reach the level of its inspiration, but it does deliver the perfect puzzle experience of beating your head against the wall until you get the dopamine hit of figuring out the perfect solution.So, if you go into it looking for a brilliant puzzle game that just happens to have a decent sci-fi story attached to it, it’ll be exactly what you expect.

Even in such a crowded space, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a quality fighting game and comes in a generous package with no shortage of single-player and multiplayer content. It looks the part and performs remarkably well where it matters most. Whether it carves out a consistent online community remains to be seen, but even on its own, this is the next best thing to a new BlazBlue release.

Nocturnal isn’t consumed by its inspirations. It’s a unique 2D action sidescroller that consistently tests the player’s skills against challenging situations. The lore and worldbuilding create an experience you can’t help but want to see through as you act as a light in the darkness of this adventure.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a hilariously absurd spin-off that leans into its over-the-top premise with chaotic combat, a vibrant Hawaiian setting, and Majima at his wildest. While it lacks the deep narrative punch of mainline entries, its sheer fun factor and pirate-themed insanity make it a must-play for fans of the series.

Borderlands 4 marks a confident course correction for the looter-shooter franchise, bringing back the series' core strengths while introducing welcome refinements. Set on the new planet Kairos, the game sheds the baggage of its predecessor with a semi-reboot approach, tighter narrative focus, and satisfying combat. Despite performance hiccups and lackluster menus, it succeeds in recapturing what made Borderlands a genre favorite.

Ghostrunner is an incredibly addictive action game that requires a high level of skill for its difficult systems. It’s unforgiving in that regard, but it does a great job of teaching the player how to master each element to become a parkour badass with a sword. There are some moments where the action is brought to a halt due to layout, but there’s honestly nothing standing in your way from getting the most out of this adventure. Well, only if you aren’t counting the hundreds of enemies and obstacles ready to take you down.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 celebrates the golden era of fighting games with a polished anthology featuring classics like Capcom vs. SNK 2, Power Stone 2, and Project Justice. Packed with enhancements, online features, and rare variants, it delivers nostalgia and competitive fun for fans old and new.

The mitigated presentation and tone of Portable don’t paint an accurate picture of its identity. But it’s nice to see it around, and the gameplay here is the best of any of the releases. Persona 3 is my favorite franchise entry, yet its lack of a definitive version has always been frustrating, with this release now causing those emotions to resurge. Hopefully, it will receive that treatment one day. Yet, for now, it’s at least possible to officially play it on newer platforms.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is the best entry in the series, hands down. Every system has been enhanced and perfected, with the additional Key feature melded expertly into the core narrative. Sometimes the world can feel a lot bigger than it is, causing some pacing issues within the story, and there are a few characters who could have received more of the spotlight, but I can’t stress enough how memorable this experience is. As sad as it is to say goodbye, GUST did right by Ryza with this finale.

Dodgeball Academia is releasing on many platforms, but personally, I would heavily recommend playing this game on the Switch. Thanks to a fixed camera angle, the controls are simple enough to grasp efficiently, and I suspect they will suit the portable factor rather nicely. I could absolutely see this becoming a new favorite party game.

Rune Factory 4 Special is entertaining for hours. There is never a moment where I felt like I had nothing to do. The Switch version is an improvement and makes everything look much prettier, but the original 3DS renders still pop up from time to time. Still, farming is an addictive repetition, and the dungeon crawling offers the adventure of exploration, making the romance the cherry on top. Overall, Rune Factory 4 Special is one I can see myself playing for many more hours to come.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is an amazing JRPG that expertly handles its extensive cast to conclude this arc. The pacing respects the long history players have had with these characters to deliver a narrative that respects fans. This isn’t a game for those who haven’t played the previous titles, as it addresses overlooked plot points and relationships that could spoil those games. It doesn’t bog down progression with feeble recaps and instead marches ever onward with confidence. Trails into Reverie is a reunion among reunions, a capstone among capstones, and a soul-stirring special experience you won’t find in any other game.

Boomerang X is a speedrunner’s delight, but it seems to forget casual action fans. After the first playthrough, you’re free to refine your skills, but there’s not much to do thereafter. The beautiful environments beg to be explored but offer no reward or discovery, which is a missed opportunity. There’s little denying how fun this game is, but I couldn’t help but want more.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is a vibrant, chaotic beat ’em up that delivers on its promise of fun, fast-paced co-op action. With a solid character roster, rewarding progression, and energetic combat mechanics, Tribute Games shows a strong grasp of what makes the genre click. While a few mechanical quirks and missed opportunities hold it back slightly, the game remains a go-to pick for local and online multiplayer fans looking for accessible yet layered gameplay.

Life is Strange: True Colors presents a great adventure in this beloved series with significant choices and player-driven interactions. The result is a beautiful story of empathy and new beginnings where players have the freedom to shape the narrative the way they want and deal with the consequences along the way. The character animations and voiced dialogue only elevate it to new levels of quality, but long loading times and strange responses can hurt the pacing tremendously.

Children of the Sun is a standout puzzle shooter that successfully blends a dark, revenge-driven narrative with unique gameplay mechanics. Its approach to storytelling, through minimalistic but impactful vignettes, and the challenging puzzle aspects of its shooter gameplay make it a memorable experience. However, its dark themes and potential for uncomfortable moments mean it's not a game for everyone.

Bayonetta is a game that always delivers. It was great when I played it ten years ago, and it’s great today. The added benefit of playing it in 4k 60fps allows us to see Bayonetta at her very best. Still, this version doesn’t add anything on top of the PC version, but it does give a new generation of gamers the chance to experience what this series has to offer.

What the Dub is a lot of fun, even with a few hiccups that will hopefully be implemented in future updates or possibly a sequel. It’s charming in presentation, takes the best form of competition, and manages to stand out among them. I eagerly anticipate either a sequel or another party game from this team, as they truly deserve their space at any party.

It only took ten years, but now, we finally have the first official English TYPE-MOON visual novel in our hands. And it’s absolutely stunning. With some fantastic characters, brilliant writing, and the best visual novel presentation I have ever seen, Witch on the Holy Night is a must-read for anyone interested in the visual novel medium. Maybe they’ll get to Fate/Stay Night next time. But it won’t look as good as this.

Smile For Me is not going to be for everyone. It’s a little disturbing and nauseating, and occasionally its puzzles are just too complicated for their own good. It feels almost like an experimental title, though that ends up giving it a lot of its charm and heart. This game may have a very particular vibe, but I was fully caught up in it from the jump, and it left me grinning ear-to-ear.

Alisa: Developer's Cut" offers a fresh take on classic survival horror, combining campy storytelling, retro graphics, and engaging gameplay. This console port introduces players to a blend of nostalgic and modern elements, including tank controls, a unique currency system, and enhanced features like auto-aim and New Game+. It's a compelling experience for fans and newcomers to the genre, delivering both challenge and charm in a modernized package.

Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute brings the long-lost SEGA Saturn mech classic to modern audiences with a stellar remaster. Featuring a newly translated script, quality-of-life upgrades, and refined gameplay, this port makes one of the most technically impressive 2D action games of the 32-bit era more accessible than ever. While minor balance tweaks improve the experience, the game's demanding difficulty and occasional ammo shortages may still challenge newcomers. Nonetheless, this is the definitive way to play a once-forgotten masterpiece.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road marks a bold return for Level-5's beloved soccer RPG franchise, blending heartfelt storytelling with ambitious gameplay depth. Newcomers and long-time fans alike will find something to appreciate in its dual-mode structure and massive character roster, though the game is held back by uneven pacing and clunky side systems.

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

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is an absolutely addictive delight, firing on all cylinders, and is the dream Dragon Ball game for fans worldwide. While the story mode contains poorly implemented retreading, the high number of what-if scenarios more than makes up for this shortcoming.

Fate/Samurai Remnant is a fresh addition to the Fate franchise, offering a unique take on the adaptable Holy Grail War formula that caters to newcomers and longtime fans. If you have the patience for its deliberate storytelling, you’ll discover a compelling narrative exploring themes of self-repression. This journey is enhanced by a well-written main cast and supporting characters, a satisfying combat system, an addictive gameplay loop, and an emotionally resonant soundtrack. Whether new to Fate or a seasoned fan, Fate/Samurai Remnant offers an engaging experience worth exploring.

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.