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

Radical Rabbit Stew is a simple and intuitive puzzle game that is easy to pick up and play for a quick bit of fun. It ends up hitting all the right beats for an intuitive adventure that doesn’t require a massive investment of time from the player. The visual and musical make for the perfect ingredients for this enjoyable experience.

Death of a Wish offers a unique take on the action-adventure genre, set in a dream-like world plagued by nightmarish creatures. The game weaves a story of revenge and self-reflection through the journey of Christian, a fighter battling against a corrupt cult. Despite a narrative that takes its time to unfold and minimalistic "scribble" visuals that challenge navigation, the game's depth shines in its combat system.

Hard West 2 is a tactically challenging work of art with a beautifully depicted environment and unique features that, much like its name, become progressively harder as you advance. Hardcore fans of tactical RPGs will savor what it has in store with its distinct combat system and necessity for well-thought-out strategies. Still, on the other hand, casual players may not be too happy with the level of difficulty as the game punishes aggressive and lackadaisical gameplay.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is an entertaining open-world title with tons of explorative depth, combative choice, and gorgeous visuals. The writing’s urgency to be as funny as possible is a bit of a turn-off, but beyond that, this is a standout adventure. While not a genre revolutionizer, Immortals Fenyx Rising plays to the genre’s strengths and can easily grant players dozens upon dozens of hours of great fun.

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

The Pathless is a gorgeous adventure with an entertaining traversal mechanic and a subtle but effective narrative. Running, jumping, and gliding around with your eagle friend while solving enigmatic puzzles is a real joy. While some lackluster stealth sections and difficulty maneuvering during some boss sections are present, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Whatever direction you decide to travel, The Pathless leads you to some special gaming moments.

Moving Out is a great game to pull out on family night or when hanging out with friends, though don’t blame me if this ends in an argument about how to get a couch through a door properly. Still, its cartoonish charm will easily entertain a group for a few hours. Even though the single-player offerings aren’t as enjoyable as the multiplayer mode, there’s plenty to enjoy through the optional objectives and zany environments. Those looking for the next over-the-top party game will find what they’re looking for in Moving Out.

Star Renegades offers players a fresh and unique experience that sadly loses its appeal after its punishing roguelike systems have you experience the same elements over and over. Even through the repetitive enemies that you face along the way, there’s no denying that the characters and environments that make up this world make it a must-play game within the genre. Still, the best parts are reserved for those who are seeking a genuinely challenging roguelite RPG sci-fi adventure, which may leave others lost in space.

Souldiers is great for those looking for a new action platformer with a dose of challenge. Unfortunately, the game’s easy mode does very little in the way of making the experience, well, easier, so there’s some serious difficulty here. Sadly, there’s nothing in terms of story or character to ground you in this adventure, but if you’re into the gameplay systems, be sure to enlist.

Bravely Default II is not for those who desire a simplistic thoughtless combat experience where progression is achieved with little thought. This game embodies the opposite of that philosophy and is meant for anybody who has the patience to fail, think, and learn. While not housing a stellar narrative, it does a decent job of providing one alongside an addicting gameplay loop that any JRPG fan should consider diving into for the endless combat possibilities alone. Each player’s combative journey has the potential to be unique to them and them alone, and that is what ultimately cements Bravely Default II as one of the best JRPG experiences on the Switch.

Invincible VS delivers a fast-paced and accessible tag fighting experience that successfully captures the tone and brutality of its source material while offering solid mechanical depth for competitive play. Inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, the game stands out with fluid combat, strong character identity, and an engaging story mode, but its limited Season 0 roster and light content offering make it feel like an early foundation rather than a complete package.

Demonschool is a stylish indie tactics RPG from Necrosoft Games that stands out for its creative combat and bold visuals but struggles to deliver a cohesive story. Its unique planning-based battles offer satisfying puzzle-like encounters, and its cast brings energy and humor. However, uneven pacing and late-game bloat undermine the narrative, and technical issues can disrupt progress. Demonschool has clear strengths, especially in its gameplay loop, but misses the mark on emotional depth and polish.

Gundam Breaker 4 marks a triumphant return to the series' roots, offering fans an intricate and rewarding Gunpla-building experience. While the story may not be the game's strongest aspect, the detailed customization options, engaging combat mechanics, and creative features like Diorama and Painting modes more than make up for it.

Tchia is truly a magical experience where players uncover the world through the eyes of a protagonist who is experiencing it along with them for the first time. The culture of this region is expertly woven into the gameplay systems, so you never feel like this is a learning game. Further, the fantasy mechanics of Soul Jumping work well alongside the emotional narrative that keeps players engaged from beginning to end. You may find yourself lost along the way, but there is so much to discover in this adventure that you’ll keep pushing forward.

RoboCop: Rogue City isn’t one of those games described as “So bad it’s good.” It’s simply a good game from start to finish that pays homage to the franchise it’s based on and captures what makes it endearing. The narrative beats leave an impact through emotional plot points and dark humor in a city in need of a hero, where your choices truly matter. The over-the-top action and investigation segments are perfectly balanced, but the constant backtracking does weigh on the experience. Nonetheless, this game was a delight to play and one I can’t wait to discuss with others who give it a shot.

Trials of Mana is unapologetically traditional and, yet, still makes itself accessible to all JRPG fans, both new and old. The dedication that the developers show as they retain the fantasy appeal of this classic title with updated systems is what ultimately shines during every moment of this adventure.

SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a narrative-rich adventure that takes everything great about creative 8-bit RPGs and heightens the experience for modern players. It’s enjoyably grim and sometimes grotesque, but through strong game design, I was rarely confused about how to progress amidst an experience that doesn’t hold your hand. The combat also sees some depth through character customization and job classes that each focus on unique loadouts and abilities which complement the strategic battles. I’m glad this game exists and I had a great time playing, so maybe keep it on your radar if you’re in need of a weekend adventure through the unknown.

Assassin's Creed Mirage wants players to experience its story to the end, and you'll be glad you did. There are plenty of nostalgic set pieces that replicate early entries of the series, but Mirage manages to create a genuinely unique experience that could very well shape future entries. This can easily be played as your first Assassin's Creed adventure, but long-time fans will be rewarded with connecting plot points and thrilling moments of gameplay.

Fitness Circuit is a charming game that might be limited in its promised effectiveness but delivers on presentation. By offering total flexibility towards a player’s personal goals, perhaps the only bottleneck is the lack of overall accuracy and how it is unable to properly track your training progress, but then again, it’s doing what it can without the need for yet another weird required accessory. Your legs and closet full of Ring Cons and Balance Boards will thank you.

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

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom: Pirates of the Disturbance serves as a delightful homage to series fans. However, it falls short as an otome game. Despite its attempt to distance itself from the main series, its narrative occasionally feels predictable. The only saving grace lies in the brand-new characters with their distinctive backstories and traits. Though the translation quality falters, if you’re eager to witness more of Catarina’s humorous escapades, you can still enjoy the game and its comedic romance.

A solid but not essential add-on, the Sega Villains DLC for Shinobi Art of Vengeance delivers a nostalgic crossover spectacle with well-crafted boss encounters that reward mastery of Musashi’s toolkit. While the highlight fights against Death Adder, Goro Majima, and Dr. Eggman capture the spirit of their respective franchises, the surrounding stages lean too heavily on repetitive combat gauntlets and underutilized platforming. The result is an enjoyable but uneven expansion that offers a satisfying return to one of 2025’s standout action-platformers, even if it falls short of the base game’s variety and memorability.

When it comes to sound design and visual style, Sable blew me away. I couldn’t help but smile and prepare to get lost in a beautiful world. Unfortunately, that feeling doesn’t take long to fade away. There’s definitely enough to keep you engaged and interested, but I just yearned to get more out of this game, especially as it has compelling elements within the groundwork.

Scourgebringer offers a challenging and chaotic roguelite experience that manages to be as addicting as it is frustrating. The mechanics are sound with a responsive combat system and intense battles, even with the limited enemy variety. You may suffer many deaths, but Scourgebringer is just one of those games that you can’t help accept the punishment and then jump back in for revenge.

MOTORSLICE delivers a compelling blend of high-stakes parkour and streamlined combat, creating a rewarding gameplay loop that thrives on precision and mastery, even if its narrative ambitions fall flat. The movement system feels weighty and deliberate, making every jump and traversal decision meaningful, while the integration of chainsaw mechanics adds a distinct layer of creativity to both traversal and combat. Overall, MOTORSLICE stands out as a strong action-parkour title that excels in gameplay but stumbles in storytelling cohesion.

WWE 2K22 gives players a ton of content right out of the box and is backed by the lavish assets from the WWE archives. If you’re a wrestling fan, chances are you’re probably going to have fun diving into the various modes and match types. Although there’s no shortage of things to do or ways to play, having too many ideas often means that most of them aren’t executed to their full potential. At the heart of it all, this is a wrestling video game experience that feels inherently cumbersome, buggy, and dated.

Kaiju Wars can be an unforgiving experience, from missions that take all of your stamina to a story requiring familiarity with the source material. However, the gameplay is deep and nuanced enough to be exciting and rewarding. I am confident that Kaiju Wars will become a cult classic amongst a niche group of fans, much like the films that inspired it.

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 - 2 Remastered brings together two classic action-adventure games, allowing modern gamers to experience Raziel's quest for revenge with updated visuals and refined systems. The remaster preserves the rich narrative, cinematic storytelling, and intricate lore that made the originals unforgettable, while adding accessibility features like highlighted interactable items and a map. While some cryptic gameplay elements and unchanged textures may challenge newcomers, this collection is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven adventures and a brilliant way to revisit Nosgoth.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a heartfelt 2D adventure, delivering a moving narrative all should experience, with strongly directed voice acting enhancing its effectiveness. The well-balanced combat and platforming design manage to be simultaneously challenging and accessible thanks to a limited toolkit you become abundantly familiar with throughout the adventure. Alas, the underwhelming bosses are an unfortunate result that sticks out, but they don't take away from this being a must-play.

With an in-your-face title and wacky cover art, Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials was initially not my cup of tea, but that’s me judging a book by its cover. Nevertheless, Batbarian manages to excel in multiple gameplay elements with beautiful artwork, ambient soundtrack, witty story, inventive puzzles, and evolving combat mechanics. Along with its refreshing arsenal of accessibility options and dozens of hours of gameplay, Batbarian is a hidden gem that Metroidvania and puzzle lovers will fall in love with right off the bat (no pun intended).

Vernal Edge balances the feel of old-school Metroidvanias while adding quality-of-life features you’ll miss when playing other games in the genre. Platforming has the right amount of difficulty, and there’s enough variety in combat to keep you coming back for more – even if that means fighting nearly identical enemies. The story won’t blow you away, though it’s passable and doesn’t take away from the action. And while you might get lost on Mossy Island or spend 20 minutes trying to remember where you saw that flower vendor, Vernal Edge will keep you coming back for more.

For a relatively low-stakes casual adventure with delightful dialogue, Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories ticks all the right boxes. The way the cast, premise, and text coalesce creates an experience that’ll become a collectively sweet memory as you reflect on the over-the-top quests encountered throughout the journey. Issues with navigation and vagueness aside, you won’t regret spending a day with this witty game.

Lost Judgment The Kaito Files is a fantastic solo outing for Yagami’s sidekick, granting players a greater degree of endearing Kaito introspection alongside a mystery drama with thrilling action. While what’s offered here will likely not blow you away, this experience is one of substance and a reason to return to this series. The short runtime and high pricing may turn some away, but Kaito fans everywhere will leave satisfied when the credits roll.

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg offers players a chance to discover the roots of this beloved series. The updated menus and graphics give this adventure a chance to be enjoyed by new and returning players, but the simplicity of it all might limit any genuine player investment. It’s a bite-sized Atelier experience that provides moments of charm alongside some frustratingly simple gameplay mechanics.

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

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

Genso Manège is a captivating otome visual novel that blends romance, magic, and emotional depth in a dreamlike France. With stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and charming characters, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre and a delightful entry point for newcomers.

Monster Hunter Stories is a welcoming revived journey in an era of sometimes needlessly pursued bloatedness. This 3DS entry has aged shockingly well thanks to a strongly handled remastered effort. The combat and character progression are endearingly addictive, and the cast is fairly memorable. Still, the lacking difficulty for the story's duration and the monotony brought about by what can feel like overt simplicity make this a turn-based title best experienced in brief bursts.

Weird West is a generally enjoyable game that balances an excellent atmosphere with visceral Western-styled combat. It has some bugs that could be fixed in the future and has a noticeable lack of voice acting, but for the most part, it’s a genuinely unique and exciting game. If you’ve ever wanted to be a cowboy and Van Helsing simultaneously, there’s finally a game for you.

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

Minoria brings an excellent action game to consoles. It plays it safe with its Metroidvania design, but it excels when it comes to immersive world-building and environmental layout. There’s so much to discover here, but expect to die many times doing so. Thankfully, there’s an evolving and competent battle system to rely on.

Frogun is an excellent entry in the platformer genre in spite of the frustrating backtracking that you have to do at times or the aiming sometimes leading you to your doom. But if you’re willing to overlook them and play something to pass the time while on vacation or dealing with the summer heat, then Frogun is a fun colorful platformer that provides heaps of nostalgia for longtime fans of the genre.

If you’re yearning for a fresh, inventive puzzle experience that’ll demand tight reflexes and proper timing, then Dr. Fetus’ Mean Meat Machine is the way to go. Fans of Super Meat Boy may also find enjoyment here, as this title exhibits the identity of the original game in both mechanics and game design.

The Riki 8Bit Game Collection brings two charming retro-style games, Kira Kira Star Night and Astro Ninja Man DX, to the Nintendo Switch. With vibrant 8-bit visuals, addictive arcade gameplay, and an outstanding chiptune soundtrack, this collection offers a nostalgic experience for fans of classic gaming. The included music players, complete with interactive animations, elevate the package into a celebration of retro gaming culture.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is an ambitious sequel that builds on its predecessor with deeper worldbuilding, refined combat mechanics, and engaging character dynamics. However, inconsistent writing, a rushed third act, and underwhelming new features prevent it from reaching its full potential. While longtime fans will appreciate the expanded lore and combat improvements, the uneven storytelling may leave some players frustrated.

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a respectful revival of a cult-classic JRPG that enhances the original’s watercolor visuals, deep combat, and fragmented storytelling with thoughtful quality-of-life updates. While its nonlinear structure and mysterious mechanics may still challenge newcomers, this remaster is the most accessible and visually compelling way to experience one of Square Enix’s boldest narrative experiments.

The Real Face of a VTuber is a courtroom visual novel that blends investigative drama with VTuber culture, offering an intriguing murder mystery wrapped in a unique digital setting. As prosecutor Justin Truth, players must interrogate suspects, gather clues, and unravel the identity behind a virtual star. While the game shines with its narrative twists and branching paths, its lack of polish and translation inconsistencies hold it back from its full potential.

For those just seeking a satisfactory action JRPG, Revelations in Celceta does what it needs to do. Solid character progression, enemy design, and exploration supplement an effective journey from a strictly gameplay lens. However, almost everything about its character writing and story suffers from hollow conflict and underwhelming resolutions, ultimately cementing it as one of the worst narratives in this series.

Control AWE is an excellent expansion for fans who are craving to go further down the rabbit hole. The focus stays heavily on Jesse and her goals, even with the inclusion of Alan Wake, who doesn’t overpower the scenes. The expansion once again proves how good Remedy is at storytelling and I’m glad to see them continue to provide those WTF moments that we all love.

Dying Light 2 gives us a sandbox to live and die for. This is the premier adventure game that marries combat and parkour systems for an exceptionally thrilling experience. And while there are moments where the narrative stumbles in terms of consequences, it doesn't matter as waves of zombies move in for the kill. I look forward to the many more hours of content that await on the other side of this campaign.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 does more than its contemporaries, but sadly, it needs more to stay prominent in this gaming space. This is a follow-up, so you’d expect the game to grow with the fans, but as it stands, the ceiling is much too low. Regardless, I had a great time playing through these arcs and hanging out with these characters. The way this cast overcomes some of the most one-sided fights is incredible to witness with a controller in hand, and I can’t overstate how badass I feel being able to say I took down an Upper Rank demon.

Heading Out delivers a captivating narrative-driven experience, distinctively blending racing and adventure with a choice-driven storyline. Set against the backdrop of a visually stark yet intriguing open road, the game challenges players with moral dilemmas and strategic decision-making that significantly impact gameplay. While the main attraction lies in the enthralling scenarios and robust character interactions, the repetitive racing mechanics and less engaging driving portions may detract from the overall experience.

Card-en-Ciel is a highly addictive deck-building roguelite from Inti Creates, blending grid-based combat inspired by Mega Man Battle Network with fast-paced dungeon-crawling action. While the story may take a backseat, the dynamic gameplay and rewarding progression systems shine through. With excellent English voice acting and a perfect fit for portable play on the Switch, this underappreciated gem is one of the best gameplay-focused titles of 2024.

Assault Suits Valken Declassified is a superb package that not only restores and updates a Bonafide classic but comes jam-packed with worthwhile extras. The extras go beyond novelty as the strategy guide, interviews, and even a fully recorded perfect playthrough all help get the most out of this mech action game. The core experience is brutally challenging with a steep learning curve, yet it has never looked or played better than it does here. This is an easy recommendation to fans, and while it may seem intimidating to newcomers, there’s a lot to explore and discover here, and all of it is rewarding.

Volta-X manages to be a competent robot fighter, full of unique systems, and a design that will surely excite lovers of classic kaiju media. Its pacing makes it difficult to engage in its initial offerings entirely, but it ends up shaping into an enjoyable real-time strategy combat game. Through its blending of interactive team management features and one vs. one mech battles, I’d say Volta-X is worth checking out, at least for a few rounds.

If you're going to play Days Gone, do yourself a favor and play it on PC. There's a decent level of options here for PC players to fine-tune their experience and even quality-of-life features missing from other PC-only titles. The story can be messy, but the more you progress, the clearer the intent of this staggered narrative becomes. The level of immersion is high in some areas, but Days Gone knows when to be a game and when to challenge the player's patience with mundane systems. This game is a must for survival action fans.

Void Terrarium++ is a fun dungeon crawler RPG that doesn’t need to be exclusive to PS5, but it is. Fans of last-gen versions shouldn’t feel required to upgrade because this is the same adventure with a few added diseases to cure and emotes to obtain. Still, it’s a low-tension and overly charming title and one that I feel is worth it for new players. The game loop is addictive, and the reward of making Toriko safe and happy is enough to push on to the next dungeon floor.

Twelve Minutes is an engrossing adventure that is more about the journey than the destination. It’s not the most thrilling or thought-provoking story out there, but it still satiates that mystery craving. The star-studded casting elevates the atmosphere, and the involvement of the player is a unique way to take on the classic point-and-click genre. Though you’ll have to suffer through lengthy moments of tedium and irritation, there’s a lot to unpack and discover in this intriguing tale.

Rise of the Ronin masterfully combines a rich historical fantasy narrative with intricate combat mechanics, creating an immersive experience that respects and challenges player choices. Its expansive world and character-driven story offer a depth that goes beyond traditional action games, despite minor traversal issues and graphical hiccups. The game's strength lies in its narrative, testing loyalties and allowing for genuine exploration of its thematic divides. Team Ninja's venture into open-world design showcases their prowess in blending engaging storytelling with rewarding gameplay. Although it faces comparisons to visually stunning titles like Ghost of Tsushima, Rise of the Ronin stands out for its compelling narrative and strategic combat, making it a significant achievement for players seeking depth and complexity.

Hindsight offers a look into a life that could very easily be one of our own. It’s a glimpse into a very personal subject that many people can relate to and handles it with maturity and grace. As a game, it offers a short, bittersweet ride that might be too costly for some. But as an ‘experience,’ it delivers satisfying emotional catharsis and is a poignant reminder that we don’t always know the whole story regarding our friends and family.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is the definitive way to experience this PS2 classic. The updated visuals, voice acting, and quality-of-life changes make it a must-play for fans both new and returning. There are some heavy and impactful moments of storytelling telling here that have aged incredibly well, with the only downside being not having enough money to fuse demons for a Yaksini or Loki.

Kotama and Academy Citadel delivers a visually striking sci-fi metroidvania experience that thrives on its bold anime aesthetics and satisfying combat systems. While the story lacks cohesion and the translation often falters, the game’s inventive mechanics and weighty encounters keep players engaged. Despite some unclear systems and rough onboarding, its core gameplay loop stands strong for genre enthusiasts seeking challenge and flair.

If the Voice of Cards series continues, I hope they either refine the gameplay systems or undergo a major enough shakeup to breathe new life for returning players. Still, if you enjoyed the last two games, this one will likely be up your alley and is worth considering. Though, those who were not drawn in beforehand won’t find anything to compel them this time around either.

Until Then offers a compelling coming-of-age story infused with supernatural elements. Set in a post-disaster town, players follow high schooler Mark and his friends as they navigate personal challenges and mysterious occurrences. Despite some narrative pacing issues and a lack of supernatural exploration, the game's immersive setting, relatable character dynamics, and unique visual presentation make it a captivating experience.

There may not be a lot to say about Final Fantasy XVI Echoes of the Fallen, but that doesn’t necessarily signify a lack of quality. Its few hours of gameplay offer an enjoyable dungeon experience with memorable enemy encounters that rival and even surpass those in the base game. While the narrative may not be the main attraction, it does set the stage for The Rising Tide DLC, which has been confirmed to be a more substantial experience. Ultimately, Echoes of the Fallen is a worthwhile addition for fans, while those who are more hesitant should exercise caution.

En Garde! is a delightful action title boasting strong enemy and combat design, a likable cast, and a stellar soundtrack. Still, the adventure felt a little too brief, resulting in the gameplay mechanics not feeling like they had reached their greatest potential. While you do unlock an Arena mode that offers additional opportunities to experience the combat system thanks to modifiers, it’s not as substantial as I would have hoped. Regardless, casual and diehard action lovers will undoubtedly have a memorable time with En Garde!, as I believe it elegantly manages to be worthwhile for both general audiences.

Pac-Man 99 is an exceptionally entertaining Battle Royale boasting a genius incorporation of speedy matches and on-the-fly strategy. Its default, free mode, is where players will be spending most, if not all of their time duking it out, while it’s pricey, paid packages are tough sells that offer very little in the realms of replayability or meaning. I personally recommend sticking to the free version, but if you find yourself wanting some more variety, no matter how slight it is, those extra modes are there for you to pick up.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War acts as a return to form for the series as Treyarch takes a safe approach to design and online modes. The campaign’s choice-driven narrative is a huge plus as it helped introduce a level of immersion that the series desperately needed, but it relies a bit too heavily on the big twists than the smaller story beats. With a foundation as good as this laid out, it will be interesting to see how it evolves in future updates.

Necrobarista: Final Pour is a compelling and, I don’t use this lightly, thought-provoking tale about dealing with what comes after, told in a unique way with a cast of incredibly relatable characters. It’s like hanging out with a group of friends at a coffee shop and considering the state of things as this review is being written. So you might just need that.

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

Threefold Recital masterfully combines a rich eastern-inspired aesthetic with innovative gameplay and heartfelt storytelling. While minor localization issues and gameplay limitations detract slightly, the compelling tale of three beastlings navigating a magical yet futuristic world makes this indie adventure a memorable journey.

Love Eternal is a punishing psychological horror platformer built around a single gravity reversal mechanic that pushes precision to its limits. Brika crafts a stark, unsettling world where every room feels like a trial of patience and mastery, rewarding persistence with genuine satisfaction. While its minimalist design and focused mechanics create intense, memorable platforming highs, limited quality of life features, occasional technical issues, and a steep difficulty curve may test even seasoned players.

Watch Dogs: Legion is an interesting game in that it doesn’t feature a real main protagonist outside of the comical AI, Bagley. You may not care about each individual character, but their collective goal makes the narrative worth seeing through. The way you can take on missions any way you wish rings truest in this title, and what better set piece to do it all in than a fully realized London. Looking past some of the open-world janks may be required, but Watch Dogs: Legion is a hacking great time.

Bandle Tale offers a refreshing, exploration-focused departure from the traditional League of Legends gameplay, emphasizing crafting, community building, and personalization with your own Yordle hero. Its unique approach, combining a serene gameplay experience with strategic elements like base placement and emotional well-being progression, makes it stand out. Despite some repetitiveness in quests, the game's charm, engaging narrative, and vibrant world-building ensure a captivating experience.

The game offers a nice balance of discovery and battles as you find yourself deeper into the strange environments. Sure, the animations and AI can be a bit wonky, but it doesn’t hinder the game’s sense of fun. While the main adventure can take around 10 hours to complete, those who set off the beaten path will get the most out of this very savage planet.

The Wild at Heart has a satisfying gameplay loop of resource management and exploration. The puzzles aren’t challenging, but they serve as an acceptable means to an end of pointing players where to go. The colors and tones of Fall present a cute, yet somber accent to the bittersweet plot of running away to a hopefully better place. Wake is provided with actions that are unique to him, such as his vacuum ability, but it doesn’t quite elevate the game to surpassing genre conventions. Potential buyers should focus on whether the mysterious environments and curious characters entice them, rather than the simply adequate puzzle elements.

Voidwrought is a dark, atmospheric metroidvania that excels in audio design and exploration. While its gameplay doesn’t break new ground, it offers an accessible experience for newcomers, blending fast-paced combat with intriguing lore and light base-building mechanics.

Langrisser I & II is a faithful remaster that brings together two of the most important titles in the history of tactic RPGs. The updated visuals and illustrations of the collection make it accessible for new players, but the mechanics stay loyal to the originals for long time fans. Still, I would have enjoyed more differentiation between the two games because the similarities can be jarring at times. Regardless, this is a great game that offers hours of fun with unique characters and story that is affected by player-choice to dictate the tide of war. I could easily recommend it to anyone looking to scratch the retro SRPG itch.

Midnight Fight Express is a title in which I can see a solid concept – make the player feel like John Wick. Plus, there’s focus and passion put towards that goal. It gives the player plenty of tools to take down their myriad enemies, including some entertaining uses of the stage elements. Of course, there’s a power fantasy element in any game where you can get your enemies hit by trains or crushed under shipping containers. Sadly, the stop-start nature of its stages brings the fantasy down a few notches, taking you out of the experience too frequently. That being said, for those that can hold onto it, it offers a fun thrill ride that keeps the tension going as you rush into the next fight.

Strayed Lights is a strongly designed action adventure bursting with a melancholic atmosphere that is easy to get wrapped within. Additionally, the terrific boss battles, gorgeous presentation, and interpretive yet emotional narrative showcase how lovingly crafted this whole experience is. Even when considering potential issues one may have, like the low difficulty level, you’ll likely find yourself having a good deal of fun regardless. Strayed Lights is exceptional for a debut outing, and I’m eager to see what Embers works on in the future.

Stray Gods is, as I expected, a game that will appeal to a particular crowd who will likely protect it fiercely but be difficult to explain to a broader majority. It’s best examined as more of an interactive film starring some of gaming’s best talent rather than a video game itself. With that in mind, the story is engrossing and emotional, the music pulls you even deeper into the world, and the presentation makes a lot out of a limited asset pool. If this looks like your idea of a good time, it definitely will be, and I encourage you to turn out the lights, put on your headphones, and let it wash you away.

The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos has everything that fans loved with a little extra to make it the proper send-off for this title. The whodunit direction was a smart way to focus on the amazing writing this game offers while causing the player to break down the possible suspects and solve this mystery. This expansion is Obsidian at their best and compliments this entire experience so well. It’s just sad that there won’t be more.

Are there already much better games of similar gameplay style out there? Absolutely, but Asterigos can still surprise you if you’re after something different and far less punishing.

Strayed Lights is a strongly designed action adventure bursting with a melancholic atmosphere that is easy to get wrapped within. Additionally, the terrific boss battles, gorgeous presentation, and interpretive yet emotional narrative showcase how lovingly crafted this whole experience is. Even when considering potential issues one may have, like the low difficulty level, you’ll likely find yourself having a good deal of fun regardless. Strayed Lights is exceptional for a debut outing, and I’m eager to see what Embers works on in the future.

Norn9: Last Era is a fandisk that nicely expands on the narrative. Still, if you did not enjoy Norn9: Var Commons, then you’ll find it very hard to enjoy Last Era, and it becomes clear that the targeted audience for this title is clearly those who have already consumed Norn9 in some form of medium, be it the previous game or the anime. Some of the systems in the Western release also share the same issues, such as the awkward text lines, which diminish the experience a bit. Furthermore, half of the content that’s available just isn’t up to snuff when compared to other fandisk releases from Idea Factory.

No, I'm Not a Human is a haunting psychological horror experience that masterfully blends paranoia, morality, and surreal storytelling. Through tense decision-making, unreliable information, and eerie visual shifts, Trioskaz delivers a uniquely disturbing game that challenges your instincts and sanity, even if some mechanics frustrate.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered offers a nostalgic revisit to Lara Croft's first adventures, packaging the iconic original trilogy for modern audiences. The collection preserves the essence of exploration, puzzle-solving, and cinematic set pieces, despite dated 32-bit graphics and some new but underwhelming modernized visuals. Players have the option between classic tank controls and an updated control scheme to suit their preferences. While the remaster lacks additional content beyond the games, it remains a cost-effective way for both new and veteran fans to explore the series' roots. Lighting inconsistencies and a sparse remastering effort aside, this collection stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of one of gaming's most iconic characters.

There is nothing quite like these unique games, especially when in top form like Banana Mania. Their prowess at granting addicting stages and a constant desire for self-improvement are borderline unmatched. Quite honestly, seeing this revival is legitimately miraculous. I implore fans and even those who are vaguely interested in getting this collection and giving it a shot to let Sega know that classic Monkey Ball still has a thriving, dedicated market.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong – Full Bloom Edition is the most complete and definitive way to experience this emotionally-charged sci-fi adventure. If you’re going to be picking this up on Nintendo Switch, make sure to play through the other games in order if you haven’t done so before. Collectively as a trilogy, OPUS is among the most memorable and essential experiences on the platform, and the latest shows how a humble vision can evolve into something amazing over time.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is Call of Duty at its finest in terms of settings and overall gameplay. You won’t have an emotional attachment to the campaign, but you’ll find excitement in late-game missions. Multiplayer and coop missions are where the fun lies, but sadly, it all feels more of the same with prettier graphics and sound design. Nevertheless, it’s Call of Duty, and if that’s what you’re here for, then you have two great years ahead of you until the next release.

World Heroes Perfect returns as a chaotic and stubborn slice of SNK’s arcade legacy, blending a bizarre historical roster with fast, punishing combat that feels both dated and oddly refreshing. This updated release adds meaningful modern features like rollback netcode, Practice Mode, and expanded online options, giving the 1995 fighter a better chance to connect with today’s audience. While its brutal AI and unforgiving pacing may push away newcomers, there is a scrappy charm in its weird characters and high-risk matches that keeps it engaging. It is not a lost classic reborn, but it is a fascinating, frustrating, and occasionally rewarding relic that now has the tools to be appreciated on its own terms.

The main takeaway is a reassuring reminder of the importance of having any form and size of a support circle because no matter how tough times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. But, unfortunately, despite such a grand message, it does very little to make an impact, especially in owning such themes and presenting them in their own new and refreshing way since these have been done repeatedly and to a far better standard. It is wildly unique and creative if we are talking about its aesthetics. Furthermore, it is its most memorable aspect since everything else is either middle of the road or falls completely flat.

Samurai Shodown’s fighting system of reading your opponents moves and responding to turn the tide of a match, no matter your skill level, allows it to stand out in the genre. Matches are a bit slower-paced than other fighters, but it still manages to pack a punch. On Switch, the game runs well at the cost of a visual downgrade. All-in-all, the only thing I could have hoped for was a proper story tieing together this unique roster instead of a glorified Arcade Mode. If you’re wondering, Shiki is best girl.

If what you want in a game is a simple, relaxing cycle that doesn’t require more from a player than their time and doesn’t offer much more than the enjoyment of playing it and the satisfaction of completion, Powerwash Simulator might be perfect. Of course, it’s not for everyone, but if it hits right, you too might find yourself up late into the night, looking for that last…little…spot.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers offers enough zany action to shine through any flaws presented during the hectic missions. The story keeps itself in the absurdity of Tokusatsu that sells the overall experience. Still, the combat system can be frustrating, which shows up more given the enormous amount of playable missions, but it’s undeniable this content will keep you playing for hours to come.

The lore-heavy narrative also becomes increasingly compelling thanks to a multi-faceted and charming cast. When throwing in a new game plus and even a brand-new difficulty into the mix, Visions of Mana is a refreshing modern classic that can hook you for a gripping 60-70 hours without relenting.

Despite being well over two decades old, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny has aged remarkably well, boasting terrific action combat bolstered by memorable bosses and cleverly designed puzzles that are all consistently gratifying. Admittedly, the bulk of the narrative and character writing is relatively weak. However, they’re still an improvement over what the debut entry provided, personally giving me hope for the later titles. Moreover, the newly added Hell Mode and easily accessible minigames make this return a meticulous one. Here’s hoping the rest of the franchise receives remastered treatments before Way of the Sword finally graces us.