An epic conclusion to the series, but I’m partially glad that it’s over. There are many reasons to play through Trails of Cold Steel IV, from an engaging gameplay loop to an epic story. It takes some of the best elements of the series and combines it for one last hurrah aimed at those who stuck with it for this long. Still, what comes of that is a lot of filler leading to the climax, a lack of focus, and some flimsy themes. There is a satisfying conclusion that includes many of the best storylines and mechanics from the series but at the cost of a few missed plot points and a massive cast of characters with nothing to do but hang around.

Visage requires patience as you progress through some truly horrific chapters, rewarded with even more nightmares as you encounter many supernatural elements. There are some beautiful environments to investigate, but the reused assets and unused space only hurt this game’s immersion. In many ways, this works as an adventure inspired by PT, but it’s defining elements are found in its unique features.

Aside from its highly brief playtime and minor use of fetch quests, The Legend of Tianding is an excellent beat’em up action platformer that touches upon a cultural figure that has been mostly forgotten. The polished and fleshed-out combat, along with the brilliant art design and Taiwanese voice-acted dialogue, makes this a thrilling historical adventure with a strong foundation for what can be an anthology of forgotten ethnic heroes.

Have a Nice Death is a roguelike experience to die for. Its systems are intensely addictive to provide a reason to return to the grind and clock in for overtime. The action combat is some of the best I’ve ever felt, with compelling progression systems and fantastic enemy designs. While it may not stand out from its contemporaries, it approaches everything it touches with a brilliant finesse that makes it tough to put down.

Avowed on PlayStation 5 is a focused, choice-driven fantasy RPG that trades sprawling scale for curated zones, meaningful decisions, and tactile combat. As a Godlike envoy navigating the Dreamscourge crisis in the Living Lands, players shape both political outcomes and their own divine identity through nuanced dialogue and tough calls. While limited enemy variety and underwhelming loot systems hold it back from true greatness, strong writing, satisfying spellblade combat, and smart world design make this a compelling return to Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity universe.

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.

Signalis will be the weekend horror adventure you’ll want to discuss with your friends. It’s challenging, engaging, and nightmarishly fun. I couldn’t seem to step away as something always allows you to inch forward to some answers. There’s so much to love and to fear about this experience that I can easily recommend it to any fans of the genre.

Ultros distinguishes itself in the Metroidvania genre with its novel gardening mechanics, intricate time-loop narrative, and a unique nutrient-based upgrade system. This innovative blend of exploration, strategic combat, and character progression set on a mysterious planet makes it a compelling experience. Ultros redefines the genre, promising to become a classic for both speedrunners and casual players.

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

Monster Sanctuary might not look like any monster-collecting RPG you’ve seen before, but its blend of genres creates a fun and exciting adventure for hours. The more you put into the game, the more you’ll find to love about it. I do wish there were easier ways to track navigation and some additional options to speed up the battles, but this is a genuinely fun game that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid is a cozy game above the rest, exuding a charming vibe that just comes across naturally. It’s the ultimate pre-internet summer vacation time capsule. It’s one thing for a video game to help you escape the real world, but what about a game that ends up teaching you to appreciate your world a little more? It’s easy to take the grind of life as ordinary and for granted, but sometimes it’s worth seeing the world like a little kid again.

I enjoyed the Jackbox Party Pack 9, but I still think Pack 8 takes the golden crown, as it had completely original games. But, ah, well, it’s not so bad to have a fan-favorite make a return once in a while. My favorite of all the games was probably Quixort because of its minimalistic art style. Still, I can’t wait for what they have in store for the very-special Jackbox Party Pack 10 next year.

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.

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.

Kingdom Eighties: Summer of Greed is an excellent introduction to the series that checks every box that makes these games so fun. While it doesn’t introduce new elements to the core systems, its unique setting and campaign serve to get new players invested and hold off returning players as we await the next mainline entry. Yes, it is relatively easy and short, but its high-quality presentation makes this an easy recommendation.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a game that both delights and frustrates me for a lot of reasons. I don’t feel like the shift to Unreal Engine 4 added anything substantial, and it seems to have come at a steep cost compared to the framework the studio normally uses. The drawbacks make this fully-remade title feel like it would have been at home two generations ago, rather than belonging next to Lost Judgment and Yakuza 7.

Stellar Blade is an ambitious action adventure boasting a masterful boss design and compelling gameplay progression. Between the addictive exploration and finely tuned sense of weight and speed ingrained in each of Eve's swings, it's indisputable that this is a lovingly crafted journey.

Creature in the Well is a fun way to revisit pinball with a dungeon-crawling twist, but after completion, there’s very little reason to return to it. Furthermore, the gameplay loop of clearing levels is enjoyable in short bursts, but marathoning through it takes a toll on its atmosphere. Sure, I could have used additional modes, but what I got was a unique experience that other Pinball games just can’t provide.

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.

SIFU is the must-play action game of the year. Its roguelike systems shouldn't hold back anyone from jumping in and following this thrilling narrative of revenge. The entire experience is like watching a Bruce Lee movie play out with you controlling the choreography. It's as rewarding as it is brutally challenging, but I was having a blast kicking ass whether I was 25 or 55 in-game years old.

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster revives two beloved JRPG classics with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements. While Suikoden I offers a solid, if rushed, introduction, Suikoden II stands out as a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. With strategic combat, 108 recruitable characters, and new difficulty options, this remaster reintroduces a long-lost gem to a modern audience—flaws and all.

Black Myth: Wukong delivers a visually stunning action-packed adventure deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. While the combat system is engaging and the world is expansive, the game is hindered by a disjointed narrative and repetitive environments. Players looking for a challenging action experience will find much to enjoy, but the lack of a cohesive story and navigational tools may detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite its flaws, Black Myth: Wukong stands as a unique and ambitious title that is worth experiencing.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an amazing gaming experience that drifts into the darkest of places, yet its beauty still shines. Its brutal scenarios do well to break the player, but the determination of Senua's aura guides you forward. Some might say this drifts into the realm of a walking simulator or a game more about art. But I can't put these labels onto Hellblade II because I've never experienced anything like it from a cinematic gameplay experience. This is a game that pulls you in with its imagery but grabs hold of you with its tense narrative beats and the drive to see Senua reach her goal.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a remarkable and magical adventure, and it’s honestly still hard to believe this is an indie title. This is the kind of game that simply needs to be part of every gamer’s library and one that raises the bar for the adventure genre in this generation. With emotional story beats, a compelling game world, engaging level design, challenging boss battles, and surprising combat versatility, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an experience far greater than the sum of its many interconnected parts.

Despite some minor setbacks, Eyes in the Dark holds a lot of charm and fun. Each run may take a little longer, but that time flies by — despite the simplicity of the enemies and difficulty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is much to see with Eyes in the Dark.

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.

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.

Dark Deity manages to be a competent and entertaining SRPG by offering a decent narrative fueled by the influences of classic entries of the genre. It utilizes systems that fans love while introducing quality-of-life mechanics to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. There are many familiar elements about this adventure, but it’s one that I found to be approachable and full of charm.

Cursed to Golf has so many good ideas that never truly come together. I never really cared about the story; all I was left with was a zany roguelike golf game. Random glitches aside, I could help but feel cheated no matter how much time I invested. Still, it’s undeniably clever, and the puzzle nature of the courses have you mastering your form to get through purgatory as quickly as possible.

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.

From its charming storybook aesthetic to the beautiful presentation, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon culminated into a phenomenal experience that anyone, be they a series veteran of the Bayonetta series, or someone who has never touched the games as I did, can enjoy to its fullest. Perhaps its only sin can be attributed to its brevity. Still, I strongly feel that in this case, we’re talking quality over quantity as you learn about Cereza’s past, making for a great entry point for those who are ever so slightly interested in the series, as well as a narrative that manages to patch some of the questions fans might have in regards to some characters of the trilogy.

Detroit: Become Human has a soul, a burning fire that made its development result in an authentic piece of art, that only suffers from some rather stiff gameplay sections and sub-par PC optimization. However, it deserves praise, with an intense plot, engaging and captivating narrative acts, well-written scenarios, and excellent character development.

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.

Skul: The Hero Slayer is a great roguelike adventure that ties fast action with a charming narrative. The game understands what makes this genre addicting but doesn’t rely too heavily on influences, which allows it to stand out prominently. If you are hungry for a roguelike, this is a great way to satisfy your cravings.

Moonstone Island is a game with clear strengths and faults in its mechanics, both inside and outside of battle. However, there is something about that title that I absolutely love; between the characters and battles, I found myself constantly returning to the game. It manages to stand out among its peers in the farming sim genre without feeling bloated or too different. It’s a fresh take that I can’t wait to see others have fun with.

Season: A Letter to the Future is a rush of emotions. You’ll feel happy, lonely, or even scared at any given time. It plays on the player’s curiosity and rewards those who take the time to explore. If you don’t have that time available, I’m afraid the experience will fall short. It’s a game that makes unremarkable situations remarkable through themes of memories and how we could lose everything in an instant.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma revitalizes the long-running farming-action RPG franchise with a thoughtfully crafted blend of engaging storytelling, strategic combat, and robust life simulation. Set in the richly imagined eastern land of Azuma, the game delivers a deeply emotional narrative, a charming cast of characters, and refined mechanics that elevate both farming and exploration.

Amnesia: Rebirth is a product of a studio maturing into their skills. They’ve mastered the sense of narrative storytelling by crafting beautiful atmospheric environments instead of relying on straight horror. While the pacing can come to a crawl at certain moments, there’s no denying this is a terrifying game that fits well within the developer’s catalog.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a gorgeous Metroidvania that tells a much better story than any anthropomorphic narrative has a right to tell. It's emotional and engaging during each scene brought together with challenging moments of action and puzzle-platforming. This game respects your time, but some moments can drag on due to limited fast travel and some confusing objectives. Who cares though, you're a rabbit with a robotic fist attached to your back; how cool is that!?

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.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is some of the most fun I have had within the action-JRPG genre, period. The adventure includes everything you could ask from the series, with the addition of an addicting gameloop, well-written character-driven narrative, a stellar soundtrack, and great controls. This is not a title to be slept on. Any fans of JRPGs worth their salt should give this adventure a shot, regardless if they have experience with the Ys series. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a masterpiece that only seems to stumble when balancing its level of difficulty.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late|cl-r| is a fantastic fighting game that’s easy to pick up and understand with its simplistic yet deep tutorials that will set you up for slicing and dicing your foes in no time. It’s a title that has so much to offer in terms of style and presentation that its tough to not be having a great time while playing.

La Mulana 1 & 2 are some of the best Metroidvania games on the market. They aren’t for the faint of heart, however. While I think playing these games with a guide can still be fun, the fact that most players will need a guide to progress past the first area is really saying something.

Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp is a great evolution of this series as it builds on the foundation of the previous entry and capitalizing on what makes it so great. The multiplayer mode will provide the best experience this zany monster dating game has but at the cost of a dull single-player offering. With so many collectibles and charming monsters to date, this is one prom you don’t want to miss.

Norn9: Var Commons’ Prologue is a bit rocky when introducing the narrative and suffers from several plot holes. However, it still manages to pull you in with its crazy plot twists and overall sci-fi presentation. This, combined with its clever tactic to tempt you into clearing every single route for each character, is possibly one of the most cleverly written stories I’ve seen thus far. I can’t wait for the Last Era fandisk to complement this extraordinary narrative.

In this era of endless releases where developers and publishers constantly seek ways to reinvent the wheel and push the capabilities of imagination, the Lunar Remastered Collection is a welcome and soothing throwback. While there is not much on the gameplay side of the package that is strikingly conspicuous, the moderate challenge requires steady upkeep. Plus, the real draws of both titles, the characters, soundtracks, and the setting, shine for those seeking heartfelt adventures that seamlessly balance humor, romance, and drama.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a damn great, roughly 30-hour experience that anyone can enjoy regardless of their history with any content from Marvel's extensive catalog. While combat can be effortless, it's rarely dull with clear effort poured into every imaginable corner. Character scenes are full of fun moments of dialogue but still manage to feature some emotional story beats enhanced by the cast. Looking past my critiques, I had a joyous time with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and I hope it gets the praise it deserves.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an Unreal Engine 5 revival of Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma that arrives unexpectedly yet brings back the series’ legendary fast-paced action. While some missing features from the original Ninja Gaiden 2 and random performance stumbles keep it from being the perfect return, its wildly satisfying combat and varied arsenal make it a worthwhile visit for fans craving that classic Ninja Gaiden rush.

Wanderstop presents itself as a cozy tea shop sim, but beneath its colorful, Ghibli-esque charm lies a deeply emotional narrative about change, loss, and self-discovery. With an engaging tea-brewing system, lovable characters, and a stunningly vibrant art style, Wanderstop blends heartwarming moments with subtle, existential themes. While a few technical hiccups hold it back, its storytelling and atmosphere make it an unforgettable indie gem.

Trails has a fanbase with drastically differing opinions everywhere you look, so my advice is to let your heart dictate your perceptions of these games without letting outside interference impede prospective enjoyment. If you’re a newcomer to Crossbell or Trails as a whole, I hope my review can at least act as a sturdy bridge for what you can expect from this highly anticipated Western release, my critiques aside.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is unlike any other action game. Its unique battle system encourages high-level character customization to make the action approachable no matter your history with the genre. It's terrifyingly brilliant as it tests your understanding of enemy attacks through a rhythm-based deflect feature making each encounter as enjoyable as it is difficult, especially in its online modes. Although messy enemy placement and cheesy maneuvers can slow the pacing, the Three Kingdoms story has never looked better.

Its character designs and story are charming, and the game and its systems are highly polished. Still, one thing’s for sure: If Star Rail wants to stay for the long run, it will need to do much more to stand out in the sea of turn-based RPGs available on both PC and mobile. And only time will tell if that will happen.

Master Duel is currently a reasonably barebones experience that delivers on what it needs to but not anything else. I am impressed by the focus on allowing players to get right into the swing of competitive duels by giving them the tools to quickly put together whatever deck they would like. The presentation is immaculate, aside from many typos in the game’s original text. I love the pacing of the flashy animations that lend a lot of weight and satisfaction to every blow struck on your opponent. I only wish there were more differences in how easy it is to create older, less-competitive decks than the new stuff being played in stores in 2022.

Neon Inferno fuses '90s action platformer nostalgia with modern design to deliver a stylish, chaotic 2D shooter set in a vividly dystopian New York. With two unique protagonists and a hybrid combat system that blends run-and-gun with gallery shooting, the game stands out for its character depth, artistic flair, and dynamic level design. Though occasionally uneven, its ambition and retro-futurist energy make it a memorable experience for genre fans.

Saviors of Sapphire Wings is a great introduction to the DRPG genre and games from this developer. It’s worth playing for the base game alone for its enhanced features and engaging narrative, but genre veterans might prefer the challenge and freedom of Stranger of Sword City Revisited. Sure, these games are an output of modest production values and can be quite the grind. Still, the stylistic presentation and satisfying challenge go a long way to reel players into what is generally an acquired niche. Irrespective of your preference for RPGs, this is a welcome compilation among the big JRPG releases of 2021.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land takes the beloved RPG series in a bold new direction, blending emotional storytelling with expansive open-world exploration. While its narrative depth and revamped synthesis system shine, underwhelming villains and uneven gameplay balance hold it back from greatness.

Remnant II is a challenging, addictive, and exciting experience. It’s a sequel that has improved on all the shortcomings of its predecessor but also carved out many new systems that only add to the enjoyment. The incredible depth of the customization systems allows players to fine-tune all aspects of their experience while also being able to share this adventure with friends through co-op. Even after many hours, I can’t wait to play more.

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.

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.

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

Hunt the Night is an incredibly challenging and fun action game. Progression relies heavily on the player’s skill and understanding of enemy attack telegraphs to avoid damage. Sure, you’ll die a lot, but the knowledge gained from each encounter will keep you alive until the boss fights. Puzzle also has some depth to them, requiring players to be immersed in the world to solve the trials. Luckily, this is easy, thanks to the detailed lore found throughout the game world.

Despite its relaxing appearance, Blue Wednesday can be surprisingly challenging at times. This challenge is not completely found in the gameplay segments but also in the core narrative. The plot touches on motivation, creativity, and confidence in a way that really makes you reflect on real-world events. There’s a nice blend of humor and somber tones found through the experience, which is tied together through addictive rhythm-based mini-games. Sadly, some context may be lost due to grammatical errors or bugs, but I’m excited to see Morris’ career blossom.

WitchSpring R showcases a brilliant gameloop of balancing its story progression with its many systems. On the box, it may seem like too much information to retain, but in practice, it all blends seamlessly together to never hold the player back from progression. The adventure is massive, too, with a lengthy campaign and a large connected world with plenty to explore. I’m glad it’s not just Pieberry’s illustrations that received the remastered treatment, and the developers put together something truly fun for fans, both new and returning.

Trinity Fusion made excellent use of its Early Access period, combining elements from some of the most popular roguelikes and infusing them with a sci-fi twist. The variety inherent in the action systems shines through, offering plenty of customization alongside a responsive and intuitive control scheme. Although the game’s presentation may not entirely match the quality of its gameplay, I found Trinity Fusion to be a notable release within the roguelike genre. Moreover, I have no doubt that future updates will only enhance the overall experience.

Sucker for Love: Date to Die For delivers a compelling blend of horror and romance through its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging story. The game's approachable design and detailed world-building create a rich, enjoyable experience, though the ease of navigation and lack of challenging puzzles may not satisfy all players looking for a more rigorous adventure.

This entry will likely always be a controversial outlier in the eyes of many. Then again, my takes demonstrate that literally any of these games can be someone’s favorite or close to it. So, don’t feel forced to engage in seemingly compulsory self-repression if your tastes don’t align with the perceived majority.

Last Time I Saw You is a standout narrative adventure that doesn’t force you to relate to the main protagonist, but instead weaves in the stories and struggles of a young group of friends and how they plan to tackle life. Following Ayumi’s lead down a quest for love is an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, but the path forward does require some personal pacing to avoid backtracking exhaustion. If you need a nice dose of nostalgia, you’ve found your game.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake revitalizes Koei Tecmo's grand strategy classic with its first-ever simultaneous English and Japanese release. Immerse yourself in the intricate world of the Han Dynasty, where you can assume the role of any character—or even create your own—in a quest to unify China or simply survive the tumultuous era. With deep management systems, stat-based debates and duels, and grid-based combat, this remake masterfully blends historical authenticity with rich role-playing elements.

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.

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

Tales of Xillia Remastered is a strong return for one of the series' most character-driven entries, enhanced with meaningful quality-of-life improvements and modern conveniences. While the dual protagonist system remains underwhelming, the fast-paced combat and beloved cast shine brighter than ever in this refined update.

Blaster Master Zero 3 is the perfect way to cap off this series for long-time fans. It’s highly encouraged that you play the previous titles, given that the challenge here is significantly higher than the previous entries. This game will test your 2D action skills to the fullest with unique upgrades for both Jason and G-Sophia SV through difficult platforming sections, dungeons, and bosses. However, as a reward, you’re treated to an amazing finale of an over-the-top narrative about a man named Jason who followed a frog named Fred into a portal.

I wanted to come away from The Artful Escape feeling inspired and changed, with a story to really mull over. I came into this four-to-five-hour experience with expectations set by early gameplay, and while some of them were met, I don't know that it does enough to really justify its choice of medium. It has got more than enough in terms of eye candy and audio bliss, but I can't confidently say that any of the other pieces manage to come together in this space oddity.

Cat Quest III offers an exceptionally charming and captivating adventure that redefines the series with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. The game features interesting quests, a lush overworld map, and a fun local co-op mode. Despite some issues with NPC impact, broken equipment systems, and balancing, the experience remains rewarding and approachable for players of all skill levels. Perfect for a joyful weekend adventure, Cat Quest III stands out as a delightful addition to the series.

Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog masterfully blends retro-inspired visuals with modern storytelling, delivering a gripping sci-fi narrative filled with player-driven choices and Lovecraftian tension. With its richly developed protagonist, immersive exploration, and nostalgic ‘90s anime aesthetic, the game evokes the charm of classic PC-Engine adventures while tackling mature themes like PTSD and interplanetary warfare.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves marks a triumphant return for SNK’s legendary series, blending classic 2D fighting mechanics with bold new systems and a striking urban aesthetic. With a balanced roster, refined combat depth, and full cross-play, it stands tall among modern fighters, though occasional presentation inconsistencies and a shallow RPG mode hold it back from perfection.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a brilliantly fun and addictive experience that all fans will quickly sink hours in. The game doesn’t deviate too much from its predecessor, but the campaign and Skill Battle mode provides hours of unique Puyo Puyo and Tetris enjoyment. Only hardcore fans may notice the updated systems, but this is still a very accessible competitive puzzle game for all fans of the genre.

While I did miss the classic cabinets in each title, there are still plenty of frames and other display options to choose from. Next to an actual arcade, Capcom Arcade Library will give you the retro gameplay you’re looking for and may even save you a few quarters along the way.

Fantasian is a love letter to old-school RPGs, with clear ties to classic systems that fans love but with added accessibility for newcomers. Its story could use a bit more creative twist to differentiate itself, but as this colorful cast remembers their past, longtime fans of the genre might recall adventures long since forgotten. In its turn-based nature, the battle system manages to feel fresh through unique abilities, which make this a must-play for anyone craving a classic JRPG experience. longtime fans will recall adventure long since forgotten.

I had no idea what to expect from Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, but it will undeniably be another hit under Capcom's growing catalog of critically acclaimed successes. On a personal level, this title echoes some portion of the developer's past that I've missed dearly, and sincerely hope it sticks around and grows. The gameplay shortcomings here may fail at encourgaing the incentivized replay value enough, but they don't detract from the quality present here.

Olympia Soiree has the makings of a decent romance that puts a lot of effort into its main protagonist and has many different moving parts in terms of narrative beats. Sadly, there’s just no substance or world-building, and the few enjoyable character routes aren’t enough to compel you to complete the game, let alone fall in love. However enjoyable it may be to some, you won’t find anything remotely new about this setup.

The overall design of Planet of Lana is something to marvel at. The game loves to throw you into a tense situation and then give you a stretch of peaceful land to run through and reflect on the experience. Further, these moments are used to give an update on the state of the invasion and changing of scenery.

Reanimal is a bleak, atmospheric adventure that feels like a confident evolution of Tarsier Studios’ signature horror design, blending environmental storytelling, light dialogue, and tense stealth into a more exploratory, hub-driven structure. Whether played solo or in co-op, its unsettling world, deliberate pacing, and smart use of items slowly cohere into a haunting experience that rewards patience and attention, even if the lead's bad luck can be exhausting.

Dungeons of Hinterberg may confuse players looking for a straight-action RPG, but those who take their time will quickly pick up on the best moments of this experience. Like the option in the game where you can relax, approaching this casually reveals its clever nuances and a narrative arc that can otherwise be skipped by those rushing to clear dungeons. The time mechanic isn’t there to rush you, but it enhances late-game moments as you become more involved in Hiterberg’s daily life. There are criticisms about combat effectiveness or a narrative that won’t speak to everyone. Still, the result is a game that works and showcases all of the developer’s inspirations and unique touches to deliver an adventure packed with discovery, imagination, and finding one’s path.

Diablo II: Resurrected is a faithful remaster of the original that defined the gold standard for the action role-playing genre. With 4K graphics, a higher frame-rate, fully remade cinematics, and a vast array of quality of life changes, this is an experience that serves as a love letter for nostalgic and veteran players and an enticing invitation for newcomers.

Dreamscaper is a delightful and deep game, mixing elements of realistic character development with fluid combat in a dreamlike world. However, this does come with moments of tedium and monotony, making it best to experience through shorter play sessions. There’s a good balance of subtlety between the character writing and atmosphere with combat’s fast pace and tension. Dreamscaper makes a name for itself in the ever-expansive world of roguelite titles with great detail and nuance.

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

Grime II: The Righteous Cravings refines the original’s identity with exceptional combat depth, inventive enemy design, and a striking artistic vision, even if its narrative and exploration systems struggle to leave a lasting impact. The moment to moment gameplay shines through layered mechanics like Grasp and Force management, delivering consistently engaging encounters and challenging bosses, while its atmospheric world and distinct characters elevate immersion. However, uneven progression design, underwhelming rewards, and a loosely integrated exploration loop prevent it from reaching the full potential of its ideas, making it a strong but imperfect follow-up in the metroidvania space.

Consume Me successfully tells an important and deeply personal story with tact. Supported by lovely graphics and a generally humorous undertone, the narrative is well told and gives a hopeful outlook on life. Unfortunately some of the cutscenes and minigames get a bit repetitive with time, but Consume Me remains very enjoyable.

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.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink showcases CyGames at their best. They don't attempt to reinvent the action JRPG genre; instead, they focus on putting their unique twist on the formula. The result is a responsive and addictive experience for solo and online play. For those wanting the most, the online quests offer an almost endless supply of action. At the same time, the story campaign serves as a general introduction to the mechanics but remains equally epic. There's room for improvement, though, and post-launch support will determine the lasting appeal of this experience, but for what it's worth, the wait was worth it, and I'm excited for future growth in this series.

In Lies of P, players are treated to a meticulously designed Soulslike experience that challenges their skill and immerses them in a world of atmospheric intrigue. With its stunning visuals, twisted narrative, and excellent technical performance, Lies of P would be a must-play for any fan of FromSoftware’s difficult titles. However, the frustrating combat mechanics revolving around the dodge mechanic and some unbalanced battles prevent me from fully recommending this experience.

Scarlet Nexus could have easily become a new IP used to test a few systems as the studio focuses on larger projects. However, there's an awesome battle system here that evolves throughout the entire campaign. Each fight has a brilliant rhythm to it as you take advantage of enemy weaknesses and use the environments to your advantage. The team introduces a large cast of characters but still manages to provide insight into their goals to make it worth seeing through to the end. Sadly, not everything works, but you might forget about floaty controls and convoluted narrative as you ride atop a bus into the battlefield.

Ys X: Nordics brings Adol Christin's youthful spirit to the forefront, offering a refreshing mix of action-packed combat, deep customization through the Release Line, and expansive exploration. With a gripping narrative and dynamic character relationships, this entry stands as one of the best in the series. While the sea navigation takes time to open up, the ship battles and adventuring more than make up for it. Ys X: Nordics will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Even though the plot can be a bit cryptic, Virgo Versus the Zodiac’s encapsulating art direction and the engaging battle system was enough to hold my attention through this unique adventure. No matter your sign, there is something here that everyone can appreciate.

Natsuki Chronicles is a great shmup that was clearly developed by shmup fans. The game has a refinement to it that eases any pain points someone might have had with other titles in the genre. The accessibility of the systems and constant rewards creates a challenging but approachable experience. The only setback is a few hard-to-spot enemies and a frame drops, but you’ll probably be having too much fun to notice.

Essays on Empathy is a glance at Deconstructeam’s history. The games are clever and enjoyable, showing the team’s auteur tone as they explore different gameplay styles. People fond of unique, experimental games are likely to enjoy this collection, though some would have benefited from developing their concepts further.

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.