Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is a great game, and I would argue that this is the best entry point for beginners to the Taiko games. Perhaps the only thing that prevents it from being a perfect title for everyone is the lack of a diverse minigame selection and the fact that you’re almost required to sign your soul in a subscription model to expand your playtime. Still, otherwise, it has a solid music selection with online support, making it a respectable and formidable package for both new and old fans of the series.

Wandering Sword is a bit of a mixed bag that uses its brilliant presentation and vast player freedom to partially offset its dull storytelling, the lacking script translation, and dialogue structuring. Unfortunately, the pros weren’t enough to really stick the landing, as I had to force myself to get through a fair bit of the experience. The intrigue this cast and narrative carry doesn’t manage to reach anything meaningfully gripping or memorable, and that made much of this title an unfortunate slog. Still, it can be an addictive and enjoyable time for those who become compelled by its systems.

Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II enriches the horror genre with its blend of Japanese folklore and engaging storytelling. This sequel introduces side-scrolling exploration and simplified puzzles, making for a more accessible yet slightly less immersive experience than its predecessor. Despite these changes, the game shines through its strong character development, atmospheric sound design, and compelling narrative. While the new gameplay mechanics may reduce tension, the overall atmosphere, combined with a well-crafted story, ensures a captivating horror adventure.

Coming into Escape Academy, I was prepared for an exhilarating and mentally stimulating time. What I got did deliver on this to a great degree, but it had some points and facets that could use some improvement. I was in awe seeing the tangled web unfold as I kept solving question after question, pondering how the escape would go. The results were a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I’m glad I got to experience.

Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden provides an engaging tabletop adventure fueled by a fantastical narrative. However, there is little to no challenge to be found in the encounters along the way, which weigh heavily on the epicness this story could otherwise provide. Still, this is an undeniably fun experience and stands out amongst any other title released today.

Cuisineer is brimming with personality through and through. Every corner, from its character design to the cheery music and cute enemies, is incredibly charming and will delight anyone looking for a cozy experience. I loved the combat and found myself fighting my way through the dungeons for hours on end. However, the restaurant management starts off incredibly slow and could really use additional layers of complexity to keep players engaged right from the start.

The Switch is a good home for Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto. I didn’t have an issue with online gameplay or any of the single-player modes, and other than a few frame drops, fights were fluid and responsive. If you’re a Naruto fan and have somehow not played this game yet, this is probably the perfect way to.

Cafe Enchante is one of the slower experiences of an otome romance. On the one hand, it should have used its themes to differentiate itself from other titles, but it doesn’t. Even with this slow burn, fans can still enjoy the familiar beats with a new cast of pretty boys, but I wouldn’t mind some more sparkles and butterflies.

Variable Barricade was a great experience that subverted my expectations multiple times. From its unique flowchart system to the constant comedy punchlines, I could not stop playing. The interactions across every route kept me playing for hours. I said this once, and I’ll say it again: An otome game truly gets my high praise if it manages to make me lose track of time and keep going nonstop until I feel fatigued. And, Variable Barricade managed to check all of those boxes. So, if you’re looking to wind down with a comedic romance, look no further.

Terra Nil delivers an eco-based message with themes found in its core experience as you aim to bring Earth back to its glory days. Although terraforming each map can be difficult, even in zen mode, you’re encouraged to keep trying thanks to a relaxing gameloop. Its pacing allows players to focus on creating what is essentially a painting of a beautiful eco landscape which makes completing each area of the world worthwhile. From wasteland to beauty, Terra Nil delivers a much-needed vacation to players looking to sit back and create.

Conscript is a powerful and haunting survival horror game that effectively combines historical authenticity with classic gameplay mechanics. The game’s setting, narrative, and atmosphere create an immersive and emotional experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Conscript is a shining example of what indie developers can achieve, and it is a title that should not be missed by fans of the genre. While I had a fun time playing, the historical nature of the experience has resonated with me the most, making this an easy recommendation.

The Star Named EOS is a well-paced adventure that touches on some emotional themes without being overly imaginative, which keeps the fantastical experience grounded and creative. It’s an exploration of memories through photography, with the help of some gorgeous hand-drawn environments. While the puzzles can be a little ambitious and frustrating, I think they pair well with the short runtime because, trust me, this is a game world that I didn’t mind hanging out in, thanks mostly to the brilliant soundtrack.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition is a reunion for some and a brand new experience for others. However, no matter when you play this game, you are guaranteed to have a great time. The beat ’em systems are a product of their time, but they still fit in with modern genre entries. This is a game best played over an evening with a group of friends, no matter if you have a relationship with the franchise or not. Here’s to another 10 years of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game.

Kaze and the Wild Masks is as gorgeous as it is challenging. Smooth controls feel amazing, and the masks you find truly change your entire gaming experience. While I felt there were too many auto-scroller levels and cheap deaths, there are still plenty of great gameplay moments and replayability to be found. If you want a punishing but rewarding platformer, Kaze and the Wild Masks maybe the humbling experience you’re looking for.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is truly a delight, and I only wish that it was longer. It builds on what made the first entry so memorable while delivering a unique narrative of its own. While returning fans will find a few familiar story beats, the updated items on the menu keep things fresh and engaging. This is one brew you’ll really want to savor.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a meticulously crafted action RPG that showcases Falcom’s hallmark boss design, timeless soundtrack, and streamlined gameplay. With new artwork, a voiced Adol, and Turbo Mode for convenience, this definitive release highlights what makes Ys so enduringly captivating—despite minimal character development.

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.

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

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.

Dawntrail may not be as much of a reinvention of the wheel as it was made out to be. However, it also proves that this formula is still capable of featuring incredible stories and taking us to places that can surprise and challenge our understanding of the world, both in and out of the game. It represents a huge step forward in the worldbuilding of Final Fantasy XIV and its gameplay, giving the player appropriate challenges for the hundreds of hours they likely poured into it to get to this point. If this is any indication of what’s to come, then FFXIV’s next decade is looking as bright as dawn.

Dynasty Warriors Origins breathes new life into the Musou franchise, blending a gripping narrative with refined combat mechanics and expansive exploration. While the game offers engaging storytelling and strategic depth, occasional pacing issues and repetitive side quests may deter newcomers.

New Pokemon Snap is there for fans who wish for a casual Pokemon experience with the only challenge being to take creative pictures of Pokemon. It recaptures much of what the previous entry offered with plenty of new systems and features to add depth, but it sadly doesn’t deliver on the sense of ownership over the pictures that I once felt. It’s all so fleeting in this digital age. Still, there are plenty of beautiful environments and Pokemon to take shots of. I wouldn’t mind waiting another 20 years for a sequel or having this be the last entry altogether.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 is a great collection that includes most of the must-haves from the SNK handheld. However, the Metal Slug games still suffer from noticeable lag, which hurts their inclusion. Despite that, retro gamers and those who love SNK fighters should own this little piece of magic handheld history. In fact, I’m slightly puzzled with the Vol.1 in its name, indicating at least one more collection is likely to come, as it’ll have to enter even more niche territory (like the robot-building RPG “Biomotor Unitron” or the rhythm game originally canceled in the west “Cool Cool Jam”).

While I was in no means thrilled about the conclusion, the game’s other mysteries, tense atmosphere, and the masterful soundtrack did keep me going, and I enjoyed taking the time to go through it. I certainly had more fun playing it than finishing it. Also, the anime adaptation is absolutely amazing! I wonder how that happened.

Toem is an enjoyable and charming game where you get to look at a beautifully hand-drawn world through multiple perspectives. There’s the right amount of challenge offered to keep players engaged in a chill experience that also tests their knack for capturing that perfect shot. This is a game to relax with, where the destination is as picture-perfect as the journey.

Between Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium and its predecessor, you’ve got nearly all of Capcom’s most celebrated titles across two epic volumes, both featuring plenty of long-lost rarities too. Sure, a lot of these titles are present in other collections, and you’re basically going to be playing local couch multiplayer, but if you’re after some of the best gaming experiences from the ’90s, then you simply cannot go wrong here. Besides, even the full price of admission is far less than what you would pay for a SEGA Saturn copy of Three Wonders.

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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a breathtaking evolution of the open-world formula, blending masterful storytelling, refined stealth mechanics, and stunning visuals. With a gripping dual-protagonist narrative and meticulously crafted historical setting, Ubisoft delivers one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed experiences to date.

The King of Fighters XV is as good as it gets and feels like a complete package even at launch. Sure, it may not reinvent the wheel for the genre, but it perfects its unique gameplay formula and easily offers the best character roster the series has ever seen. With robust online options, deep gameplay systems, and stellar and stylistic presentation featuring unforgettable music, this is one fighting game that will be in regular rotation on any gaming platform. What was once innovative in 1994 succeeds at feeling just as new and exciting in 2022.

Metal: Hellsinger is a pleasant blend of action and rhythm, allowing players to get lost in the mayhem of Hell. While a relatively short campaign might leave players wanting more, what’s already there is an excellent package that fans of rhythm and action will immediately agree is a classic. Metal: Hellsinger will be singing for years to come, and hopefully, there will be some new songs on the horizon.

RiffTrax is the perfect game if you ever want to sit down with a group of friends, remote or in person, to have some great fun with redubbing old movies and funny clips. The fact that only one copy of the game is required is a big plus. Not only that, but the game is available for the low price of $10, and if you already enjoyed what its predecessor What the Dub had offered, you’ll certainly find a lot of fun in here. Playing this with the staff was also very fun, as we laughed at each other’s jokes for hours.

Compared to other Japanese-themed visual novels I’ve played, Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei didn’t impress me as much. The story did manage to find a middle ground with its visuals and cutscenes. but I left yearning for more character development, which is something its contemporaries in the genre are generally known for. However, if you’re the type that prefers a more bittersweet fantasy-style story, you might be able to look past its imperfections and see it as not an otome game, but a very-well made visual novel.

While I’m sure plenty of people enjoy the constant references to the Fire Emblem series and the heavy use of tropes, the bulk of the experience wasn’t satisfying. I enjoyed the combat, even with difficulty, but the time mechanic added a surprising amount of stress that wasn’t enjoyable. In addition, for every character interaction I enjoyed, there were two that I found grating at best. Studio Daimon certainly did a great job forging a game they can be proud of as fans of Fire Emblem, but it will not resonate well with everyone.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a no-frills but lovingly faithful remaster of the 1999 PlayStation classic, offering a crisp and authentic shmup experience for genre purists. While it maintains the intensity and deep mechanics that made the original a standout, it also preserves some of its dated frustrations. The remaster excels in visual clarity and soundtrack quality, but minor control sensitivity and legacy design limitations may deter newcomers. Still, it's a solid preservation effort that rewards patience and precision.

Detective fans will enjoy how much interaction there is with the game, but the linear story leaves little room for any real consequences. Although it has a slow start, Murder by Numbers picks up speed with the help of the charming relationship between Honor and SCOUT and their determination to solve this mystery.

Sniper Elite 5 excels at being an entertaining experience with a high level of tactical challenge that matches the player’s engagement. It’s a game that delivers on everything it’s trying to provide and doubles down with excellent sniping mechanics, gun customization, and gorgeous environments. It can be a bit overly complicated in some areas, and the random AI glitches can hurt the immersion, but this is the best entry of the series to date, and I don’t see it slowing down any time soon.

Elden Ring: Nightreign takes the franchise into cooperative territory with a bold, punishing multiplayer expedition mode. While its demanding design may alienate casual players, the game delivers deep combat, rich class variety, and satisfying progression for veteran Souls fans.

In a year of great releases, Ghost Song stands apart as one of the best. It was a fantastic adventure from start to finish. If you have played and enjoyed Metroid Dread and are looking for something to tie you over as you wait for Silk Song, Ghost Song will take you on a journey that will amaze and surprise you.

Mad Rat Dead is a quality rhythm-based platformer that you may not have been expecting. If you can get past the problematic jump attack, you get to experience a blissful and upbeat soundtrack across an addictive gameplay loop and surprisingly unique story.

Resident Evil 3 is a heart-pounding nightmare that blends survival horror and action elements perfectly with the help of its two protagonists. There's so much to explore and discover during every moment of this thriller that it's easy to forget about the horrors that await just around the corner. However, the limited puzzles and short length make it tough to justify the full price. But, like a zombie hungry for brains, I can't seem to get enough of this game.

Eldest Souls suffers only from a limited implementation of world navigation and a not-so-standout design. Still, the combative cycle is compelling and well-implemented through its splendid boss battles, immersive mechanics, and extraordinary audio design. If you’re yearning for a title to demand precision and aggression accompanied by thought-provoking skill progression, this game is worth your time.

Once Upon A Katamari marks a triumphant return for the quirky series, blending nostalgic gameplay with thoughtful modern updates. It embraces the chaotic charm that made Katamari Damacy a cult classic while introducing smoother controls, era-hopping levels, and new collectibles that keep the experience fresh. While not every new feature hits the mark, this long-awaited sequel mostly sticks the cosmic landing.

Dirt 5 provides a more approachable racer that acts as a decent successor to Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally while taking on the series in a few different ways. Diehard series fans might miss some of the more simulation aspects from the series, but Codemasters definitely found a healthy balance of the two offerings. Sure, you might not be blown away by the graphics, but you won’t go wrong adding this fun racer to you next-gen launch catalog.

Savant: Ascent REMIX is an experience that is brief but impactful. Although you can likely clear the game in a few hours, there are plenty of reasons to return for a higher score or try your hand at the unlockable Survival Mode. If anything, I wish the game was longer, but what’s here provides instant gamer satisfaction to anyone who plays through it’s approachable, yet, high challenge and minimal controls.

Star Wars: Squadrons provides players a genuine starfighter experience with a low cost of entry. The single-player campaign offers just enough distraction from the real meat of this adventure that is found in its multiplayer modes. The best part about the experience is how it rewards those who put the most time into it, so I’m hoping to see additional modes to keep things fresh.

I Am Dead takes players on a whimsical journey through a colorful and cute narrative that plays on themes of death and discovery. Each chapter gives us a new piece of the puzzle, making it tough to put the game down, even if the game’s systems become repetitive across long play sessions. You’ll get the most out of this adventure by taking your time, and you’ll be glad you did as you splice through each new object to uncover all the secrets hidden within.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a masterful remaster that stays true to its roots while offering modern enhancements for a new generation of players. The depth of its strategic combat, generational storytelling, and open-ended exploration make it a standout entry in the JRPG genre. While it has some performance issues, they don’t detract from the overall experience.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers engaging musou combat and an intriguing new character, but falls short in narrative execution and cast development. As a prequel to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it revisits a pivotal era in Hyrule’s history, though with a lackluster sense of urgency or depth. Fans of the series’ modern gameplay loop may still find enjoyment in the action-heavy formula, but the overall experience feels more like a checkbox exercise than a bold step forward.

Teamfight Tactics is one of the more substantial auto chess games available. Given that there’s already a familiar player base from the League of Legends community, this title has the community and development backing to evolve with the genre, which shows up prominently in this mobile version. With the addition of crossplay and ranked modes, if you’re going to get into auto chess, this is perhaps the best the genre has to offer.

Super Robot Wars 30 is a wonderful place to start in this series due to its ease of accessibility and commendable encyclopedia of terms and characters. It’s an approachable SRPG no matter your skill level but shows age in its menu design and limited tutorials. Still, it managed to rope me in for hours of enjoyment as I survived off this mecha feast for days. So, here’s to another 30 years of Super Robot Wars.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a great game no matter which console you play it on. It’s a gorgeously fine-tuned Metroidvania that focuses on skill-based combat with an extensive map that begs to be explored. The Switch version is held back by its graphics and load times, but the performance holds up to deliver the action that players will be coming back to time and time again.

The faults I’ve mentioned, such as the oddly implemented revival mechanic and the overt ease on a first playthrough, can hinder the experience but, at least in my case, never significantly so. I never thought I’d say this, but I would not mind another Gal Gun-esque entry in this vein. There are multiple types of arousal, after all, and variety, as they say, is the spice of life.

Death Howl is a haunting and demanding Soulslike deckbuilder that rewards patience, adaptability, and strategic thinking across a 26-hour journey on Switch. Blending cryptic storytelling with tactical grid-based combat, it challenges players to refine their decks, weigh risk versus reward, and embrace failure as part of progression. While its melancholic tone and layered systems create a memorable adventure, some UI frustrations and reliance on card draw luck hold it back from true greatness.

The randomizing order of narrative sections mixed with the more traditional choice-based elements of Road 96 made for a compelling experience. Adding in wacky but ultimately human characters really fleshed out the world of Petria and gave some moral dilemmas weight. The occasional mini-games were also enjoyable to break up the dialogue. If you are looking for a narrative adventure that deviates a bit off the normal path, Road 96 is definitely a trip you should consider embarking on.

Crysis Remastered Trilogy offers a memorable single-player FPS experience that every fan of the genre should play. Although modern gamers may only recognize the name from a meme shared by older PC nerds, it gives everyone a chance to play these games on modern hardware with optimized visuals. I feel like this was a needed release from developer Crytek. I hope they can muster up a follow-up that retains this single-player experience because this gaming generation needs it.

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 delivers a lively mix of five all-new party games, showcasing Jackbox Games' continued creativity and understanding of group dynamics. From the collaborative fantasy trivia of Legends of Trivia to the absurd audio fun of Hear Say, this pack leans into originality and variety. While some technical hiccups and niche design choices hold a few games back, the overall experience is built for laughs, competition, and replayability.

Anger Foot is an addictive and chaotic fast-action game that stands out in its genre with unique gameplay mechanics and hilarious enemy designs. Players take on the role of Anger Foot, kicking down doors and blasting through waves of enemies to restore justice in Shit City.

Alan Wake Remastered isn’t a purchase that anybody already owning a copy of the original needs to make in its current state. Still, it is a very welcome release for PlayStation owners who missed it the first time. Apart from the faces, every aspect of the original has aged beautifully in the time since, and its twisty, American-literature-flavored plot still holds up as well. It would have been nice to see some of Control featured here, and the fact that American Nightmare has been left out is disappointing, but if you’ve never experienced this journey for yourself, it’s a perfect time to jump into the cold waters of Cauldron Lake.

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

Observer: System Redux is an excellent presentation of the masterful environments that indie teams can create on newer hardware. Out the gate, Bloober Team has raised the bar of what we can expect to see graphically, but the gameplay portion of this supernatural adventure limits its overall appeal. Still, I can’t stress enough what a work of art this experience is through its narrative and brilliant sound design.

Those who have waited for a proper rerelease for several of the fighting gems featured in Capcom Fighting Collection can rest assured knowing the collection delivers. What could be a decent Darkstalkers compilation is made even better by the inclusion of titles so rare that those that have played them probably haven’t in over twenty-five years. With the inclusion of adjustable settings and a museum that highlights the art and music of each title, it becomes an immensely solid collection. Even the pickiest of fighting gamers would be hard-pressed not to find several titles in this collection they can easily sink their teeth into for hours.

Brok the Investigator is a charming take on a classic genre, regardless if the systems don’t play nice with each other. The story has a slow start, and the combat is a bit messy, but those who stick around will discover some great moments of investigation gameplay and memorable character interactions. Brok may not always be the best choice for the job, but the heart that is in this title will keep you engaged.

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.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes emerges as a commendable homage to the beloved Suikoden series. It excels with a rich narrative full of intricate character dynamics and an engaging war story, supported by a vast character roster and beautiful, modern-traditional art design. Strategic gameplay elements add depth, though the game’s tendency to autopilot and underutilized open world might not satisfy players seeking a more interactive RPG experience.

Wild Hearts has so much to offer. From the striking monster designs, distinct weapon variety, and engaging combat, hunters will have a new favorite game to join up with friends and take down enormous foes. Outside of some dips in pacing in the later hours, and a few repetitive encounters, there is little holding this game back from becoming a new name in the genre.

No Sleep For Kaname Date delivers a quirky, lower-stakes interquel in the AI: The Somnium Files series, leaning into fan-favorite character dynamics and surreal humor. While it lacks the intense twists and scale of its predecessors, its heartfelt moments, clever puzzles, and strong voice acting make it a charming—if lighter—entry for longtime fans.

Amnesia: Later x Crowd is simply an outstanding package for its price, offering a great selection of stories to enjoy, especially compared to its predecessor. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this double feature, but the titles complement each other so well, and I would definitely recommend it to any fans who want to spend more time with this endearing cast.

Overall, despite its sudden difficulty spikes at specific points in the story or when fighting bosses, The Knight Witch is a great way to burn off some hours when you aren’t busy and for fans of on-rail arcade shooters. It’s fun to challenge yourself as you dodge bullets that the Golems and bosses fire as you attempt to take them down.

ChainStaff is a stylish retro-inspired run and gun platformer that stands out with its bold 1960s sci-fi art direction and inventive alien chain weapon, blending classic influences like Contra and Bionic Commando with modern design ideas. While its versatile chain mechanic and branching progression add depth and replay value, uneven pacing, inconsistent combat flow, and technical hiccups on Switch hold it back from fully realizing its potential.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is a standout entry in the Digimon franchise, blending rich storytelling with an expansive Digivolution system that rewards strategy and patience. Set across dual timelines, the game introduces emotionally engaging characters, deep combat mechanics, and a highly customizable team-building experience that longtime fans and newcomers alike can appreciate.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is genuinely one of the best remakes of this generation. It gets so much right in terms of staying true to the source material and preserving what makes it so awesome. Sadly, that only ends up hurting it due to a dated mission structure and poor AI. Still, it was fantastic to be able to play such an updated version of the classic.

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.

It doesn’t seem random that Lost in Random is a great game. The developers put a lot of thought into crafting a fantastic gaming experience alongside a grim storybook adventure. It all works incredibly well with only a few dips of quality that will surely be fixed over time. I enjoyed this experience thoroughly as it delivers on its action-adventure and haphazard gameplay systems.

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

Persona 3 Reload Episode Aigis -The Answer- is a definitive improvement over the original version of The Answer, thanks to its addictive dungeon progression, added character scenes, and emotionally driven narrative. However, the poor pacing can’t be understated, making the fascinating premise lose strength in the efficacy of its staying power. If you are a dedicated fan of Persona 3 Reload’s gameplay systems and narrative, especially the former, then this DLC is undoubtedly for you. Otherwise, you’re better off witnessing it played, especially given how pricy this added scenario is.

While The Rising Tide stumbles with its explorable scope and characterization for select individuals, its combat highs are standout. Fans of the base game and the first DLC should definitely pick this up if they haven’t already.

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.

SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium holds up really well as a 2021 release on Switch, and while the other fighting games in the Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection were interesting curiosities at best, this one feels like a legitimately strong fighting game experience in its own right. The game undoubtedly suffers from the basic limitations holding back other games on the handheld. Still, thanks to the diverse roster of characters, game modes, mini-games, and the sheer fanservice detail, this is an excellent retro fighting experience on Switch.

Aokana: Four Rhythm Across the Blue is an enjoyable sci-fi fantasy visual novel full of compelling characters and exceptional presentation. The Switch offers a pleasant way to experience the game through portability at the cost of downscaled resolution. Although it may miss its landing with the main character’s plot and several forgettable themes, there’s so much here that will keep you soaring through each and every route.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity excels at being both a lively and addictive Warriors title while also being a competent prequel to Breath of the Wild. The action highlights each playable character’s skills wonderfully while weaving in a strategy item system against bosses. Sure, some environments didn’t translate well to the action genre, but I can see myself returning to Hyrule again and again in this adventure.

Adios excels in its creative writing through its complicated moral narrative. The characters are shown as complex even with a short runtime, and it’s easy to get emotionally invested in this farmer’s life. However, the limited interactivity really weighs on the experience as it drags in places that make it feel longer than it is. I wasn’t sold on the direction and really felt like there could have been a lot more here.

If you can appreciate a unique art style and want to try your hand at some creative puzzles, then DARQ: Complete Edition is a game you’ll adore. However, there’s very little in the way of narrative build-up that makes your connection to this world and the character flimsy. This is only hurt further by its short runtime, but it still manages to provide an exceptional experience.

Unbound: Worlds Apart has the appearance of a familiar indie platformer. However, there’s an exceptionally charming and memorable narrative here that guides the adventure through its many challenging areas. As beautiful as this game is, a high amount of skill is needed to progress, so thankfully, there are enough checkpoints to push yourself until you get it right.

Resident Evil Village on iPhone 15 Pro Max is an incredible experience, and that’s coming from a gamer who doesn’t play any mobile games. Although using the touch-screen controller ruins the experience, the graphical options and presentation showcase the technological leaps in recent years. If you’ve managed to avoid playing Resident Evil Village due to limited access to hardware, I’d say this is an easy recommendation.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus strikes, a perfect balance within its systems, and it makes for hours of exciting matches. The RPG mode is something to go through once and probably forget about, but that’s okay because Arcade and ranked online matches will be there for you time and time again.

Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town brings the mischievous charm of the beloved 5-year-old protagonist to life in a cozy adventure. Faithfully capturing Shin chan's witty personality, the game invites both fans and newcomers to explore a beautifully presented world filled with vibrant cel-shaded graphics and immersive voice acting. While the intriguing storyline and stellar presentation make it feel like stepping into an animated series, the repetitive fetch quests and limited gameplay variety may leave some players wanting more. It's a delightful journey for younger gamers but falls a bit short in delivering the depth expected from the cozy genre.

Ashes of Elrant is a rich and rewarding expansion to Chained Echoes, offering fans a time-traveling narrative that deepens the lore and delivers challenging, strategically satisfying combat, even if its pacing and character focus occasionally stumble.

System Shock has stood the test of time which is shown in this remake effort that didn’t have to do too much in terms of updating its core features to bring it to modern gamers. If you’re coming from the original, the new visuals take some time, but the experience holds up from a gameplay standpoint. Immersion comes naturally throughout this experience as you hack and fight against a rogue AI to save Earth like an authentic ’90s sci-fi hero.

Even when accounting for slight hiccups, such as odd audio balancing in Door to Phantomile, there are no significant obstructions to enjoyability present here. Performance on PlayStation 5 was also smooth, if that was a concern. I’m eager to see this highly-anticipated duology sell well, so Klonoa can potentially become a new fixture in the platforming pantheon.

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.

Arknights Endfield is an ambitious spin off that successfully transforms the tower defense roots of the original into a semi open world action RPG with meaningful factory building systems and generous launch content. While its 1.0 story feels more like a prologue than a payoff and its gacha systems miss a chance to set a new standard, the moment to moment combat, clever automation mechanics, and surprisingly strong exploration design make it one of the most compelling free to play RPG launches in the genre.

Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. Maxiboost On may not be newcomer friendly, but it is one of the best Gundam gaming experiences available. It takes everything that makes the arcade version great and brings it to console players. The expanded roster of Mobile Suits with both online and offline modes makes every moment spent playing rewarding. The tutorial desperately needs some addressing, but this is the Versus game we’ve been waiting for.

Metroid Prime 4 is an ambitious yet uneven installment that struggles to balance its legacy with experimental design. While the game introduces bold ideas like open-world segments and vehicle traversal, its execution often undercuts the core strengths that define the Prime series. Longtime fans may enjoy moments of classic exploration and well-designed boss battles, but weak character integration and unmemorable environments drag the experience down.

Bleak Sword DX has its moments. Utilizing the parry system and mastering the stages to take no damage after dying moments earlier makes for some genuinely enjoyable moments. Unfortunately, that’s about where my fun ended. The repetitive structure and increasing challenge fueled by a stamina bar that depletes faster than my 12-year-old dog’s weighed on the experience. There simply wasn’t enough reward for the difficulty, and the retro aesthetic couldn’t do enough to keep me engaged.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy takes everything good about the first entry and expands on it tenfold. There’s a significant focus on exploration in this entry that makes it feel like a real adventure with limited backtracking and more emphasis and discovery. The battle system is amazing and fluid, if only lacking inaccessibility for its more nuanced systems, and the narrative features relatable moments of reuniting with friends for one more adventure. If you enjoyed the first entry, Atelier Ryza 2 does all of that and more, which is all I could have asked for in a sequel.

It may not be a necessary entry in the franchise, but as we move into what appears to be Kiryu’s endgame, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a treat, a reward for those who have followed his story since the beginning. I genuinely was not sure what I thought of this game until the credits were rolling, and then the intention of this project clicked in my head. It’s a celebration of this character that fills in a few blanks but doesn’t overstay its welcome purely for the sake of matching the length of the other games and a teaser for the main course coming in a few months. I’ve never been more excited about the future of Like a Dragon.

Root Double: Before Crime * After Days is an engaging science fiction visual novel that I’d consider a must-play title in the genre, and the Switch version has become one of the best ways to experience it. Small systems hold it back from being better, such as confusing gameplay, suspension of disbelief breaking, and exposition dumping. Still, with its compelling narrative beats, engaging writing, and creative concepts, you’ll find it difficult to put this one down.

LEGO Voyagers is an exceptionally charming co-op title that will resonate with both adults and children, with an incredible ambient score and a poignant story that might be easy to predict but can still be emotionally effective. Its team-based puzzle solving and other mechanics are so easy to pick up that the game explains almost nothing, and while its controls can be somewhat frustrating, this barely detracts from one of the best adventures I've had all year.