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.

From top to bottom, Time on Frog Island oozes personality. The world, music, and characters create an amazing, laid-back experience that had me laughing at the random goofiness, and just stopping to enjoy the scenery as I thought about which task to do next. If you’re a fan of more laid-back experiences like I am, I strongly suggest giving Time on Frog Island a try.

Never7: The End of Infinity Remastered brings Kotaro Uchikoshi’s early work to a new audience, blending romance, mystery, and mind-bending twists. While it may not be as polished as later Infinity titles, its influence on the visual novel genre is undeniable, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

Jiangshi X Daoshi is well worth your time as it pushes what the idea of a visual novel can be. The animations, combined with a simplistic story, makes it a perfect entry point for pretty much anyone. It won’t leave you questioning your existence or provide a feel-good experience, but it does present a group of characters who you can’t help but want to hang out with, which is an excellent foundation for any visual novel.

Farmagia is a narrative-driven action-strategy game that blends farming, monster-raising, and real-time combat in the fantasy realm of Felicidad. Players join protagonist Ten and his allies in resisting a tyrannical regime, forging bonds with Elementals, and navigating satisfying combat mechanics centered on timing and parrying. Despite some underdeveloped world-building and maze repetition, Farmagia offers rewarding gameplay loops, memorable character interactions, and a surprisingly immersive English dub, making it a standout gem in 2024's lineup.

Possessor(s) is a visually arresting 2D action-adventure that blends fast-paced metroidvania combat with a character-driven story. While the relationship between its two leads is compelling, the broader narrative lacks the same impact. Combat remains the highlight thanks to varied weapon types and strategic enemy design, though some balancing issues and uneven dialogue can drag the experience down. It’s a game with strong mechanics and bold style, even if it doesn’t always hit emotionally.

B-Project Ryusei*Fantasia offers an engaging and emotionally rich idol management experience. Players guide 14 unique idols through personal growth and industry challenges, supported by stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack. The game excels in character development and interactive gameplay, though it may feel repetitive across multiple playthroughs. Despite minor localization issues, this visual novel provides a heartwarming and immersive journey for fans of the genre.

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.

Nekopara: Cat Boys Paradise is a fun visual novel that can be enjoyed by otome catboy lovers everywhere. The narrative doesn’t overstay its welcome and is only hurt by a lack of quality-of-life features. Each route provides enjoyable insight into the four main characters, which expands the Nekopara universe. The free nature of the visual novel also makes it an easy recommendation fur the purr-fect afternoon otome.

CLICKOLDING by Strange Scaffold is an experimental game that challenges players to click ten thousand times while contemplating various thought-provoking themes. Set in an unsettling motel room with a creepy masked figure, the game offers an atmospheric and intentionally uncomfortable experience. Despite its short duration and repetitive gameplay, CLICKOLDING captivates with its unique premise and raises intriguing questions about its deeper meanings. This affordable title is a curious blend of art and gaming that continues to provoke thought long after the final click.

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.

Neva: Prologue is a short but emotionally resonant addition to Nomada Studio’s atmospheric platformer, offering a glimpse into Alba’s journey before the main game and the touching moment she meets the wolf cub Neva. While the DLC only lasts about an hour, it introduces a few clever puzzle ideas and reinforces the bond that defines the original adventure. Some players may miss the wolf-based abilities from the base game, but the shift toward Alba as a protector adds a meaningful narrative layer that strengthens the story’s emotional core.

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.

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.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined offers a bold reinterpretation of the classic JRPG, blending nostalgic structure with modern design tweaks. The revamped pacing, deep Vocation system, and charming diorama-style visuals bring new life to a lengthy adventure, though the experience may feel diluted for longtime fans. While some structural gripes persist, newcomers will find an accessible and feature-rich entry point into one of the series' most divisive chapters. Then again, the added conveniences, combat features, and other new incorporations still make this a satisfactory, and admittedly by-the-books, classic JRPG through and through. I suppose that, if there's one facet to be constant, it's that Dragon Quest VII will remain at least semi-controversial, no matter what version is played.

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.

Star Wars: Outlaws is, despite some narrative shortcomings, an absolute blast. It’s big enough that I couldn’t even hope to 100% it before launch, but not so massive as to make me question what I’m doing with my life (looking at you, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla). It’s the first game in over a decade to allow players to live in and properly interact with the Star Wars universe.

Centum is a psychological escape room experience that forces players to question their reality, identity, and choices. With eerie storytelling, cryptic puzzles, and an unsettling atmosphere, this narrative adventure keeps you engaged until its thought-provoking conclusion. While some mechanics feel obtuse, the game’s unique approach to introspection and mystery makes it a compelling experience.

The single-player content is orthodox, but the combination of sly banter between the characters and the unlockable art and music keeps it fresh. The online lobby experience is satisfactory, but the lack of a true random player pairing system holds it back a little. Nonetheless, the true feature of Maiden & Spell, its multiplayer gameplay, shines through as a knowledgeable example of what fighting game players like, shipped in a unique bullet hell platform.

Virche Evermore ~ErroЯ:Salvation skillfully blends a tragic story with unconventional romance. It’s not without its flaws, as the forced bad endings and the lengthy common route can be a minor inconvenience. However, the heart-wrenching ending route is so mesmerizing that it makes it worthwhile, provided you have the emotional resilience to endure the bad endings.

GINKA is a compelling visual novel that expertly blends an engaging cast of characters with a captivating storyline. With its impressive presentation, heartfelt character development, and well-balanced mix of slice-of-life moments and intriguing plot twists, the game offers an immersive and memorable experience for players. From its beautiful illustrations and evocative soundtrack to its thoughtful quality-of-life features, GINKA sets a high standard for the genre. Whether you’re a fan of visual novels or looking to explore a rich and immersive narrative, GINKA proves to be a solid and rewarding choice that deserves a place on your reading list.

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.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is hands-down the best entry in the series to date. It takes everything great about these games and packages it up in a beautiful and modern adventure that mirrors its classic gameplay mechanics used for over 20 years. Some of the item management systems weigh on the pacing, and the controls take a few hours to master, but there’s just something unique in every stage that makes this adventure enjoyable from beginning to end.

Tales of Arise Beyond the Dawn is a welcome revisit, providing a satisfying epilogue for those who value engaging character relationships and complete the sidequests. Nazamil is an exceptional new character who gives the expansion a unique identity. Unfortunately, the same gameplay issues from Tales of Arise persist, but they are not particularly egregious in practice. In all honesty, the price point for Tales of Arise Beyond the Dawn may be too steep for what it offers, but it was undoubtedly crafted with care, so fans have nothing to fear in that regard.

In broad strokes, the story of Subway Midnight feels like a metaphor for dealing with trauma. However, despite how much I enjoyed the artwork and environments, the vagueness left me without much to hold onto after it was finished. Players who do tend to project onto blank slate characters, though, will likely find Subway Midnight a more profound, more emotional experience, so I’d recommend the title to that crowd.

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.

At its core, Blue Fire is a title that boasts magnificent exploration and platforming majesty. It demands strict attention and skillful maneuvers from players to get the most out of this experience as possible. While combat can become vexatious alongside the present technical issues, this is still an extraordinary title that any adventure genre aficionado should check out.

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.

Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a lovingly rebuilt platformer that expands on the original’s charm with tighter controls, smoother visuals, and a surprising layer of polish that wasn’t expected but absolutely welcomed. It’s not a revolutionary revival, but it’s a sincere, joyously nostalgic romp that doesn’t overstay its welcome and actually dares to experiment a bit along the way.

Soulstice is an awesome ode to classic action-adventure games. It expertly wears its inspirations proudly while telling an impactful story full of epic battles. Sadly, there’s a missed opportunity to create tension with large-scale encounters in its early moments, but Soulstice comes together in its second act with a unique and fast action system that is beautifully choreographed across the gothic landscape. I hope this isn’t the last we see of Briar and Lute.

Evan’s Remains is a beautiful game that blends puzzle and visual novel elements together to tell a gripping narrative. However, some dark themes emerge from this with a few convenient “ah-ha” moments that don’t really match up with what is revealed to the player. Still, the journey is one that is most difficult to put down as you find yourself anxious to uncover everything it has to offer.

Windjammers 2 is a welcome modern interpretation of a timeless classic. It may not reinvent the wheel, but thanks to stylistic visuals and some new gameplay systems, this is a game you’re going to want to add to your multiplayer rotation, even if you happen to be still playing the original Windjammers.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a solid compilation of some fantastic games. No, not all of them are winners, but the vast majority are engaging simple versions of the best tabletop games around. Though the single-player experience might be slightly lacking, Clubhouse Games is undoubtedly one of the best local multiplayer experiences on the Switch.

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.

Sorcerer’s Choice: Angel or Demon is a BL visual novel with gorgeous illustrations and a well-executed handling of its characters. Though its fantasy setting feels generic, and the character corruption themes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a good entry point in the genre.

I found myself unexpectedly invested in the story of ITTA; its dark themes and mysterious characters held my attention throughout its short campaign. Aside from a few technical issues and the lack of a real postgame, ITTA is a bullet-hell experience that will quickly satisfy any craving you might have for the genre.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a delightful tactical adventure hampered by performance faults and sporadic, standout glitches during fights. Of course, everyone's perceptions and experiences with these issues will vary, yet they did undeniably harm my time. Though on the other hand, I also can't deny how this entry has made me more interested in the tactics genre as a whole, thanks to its splendid sense of progression and genuinely thought-provoking battles. The stellar soundtrack and satisfactory exploration also enhance the overall package.

Contra: Operation Galuga revitalizes the classic run-and-gun arcade essence of the original Contra series. Developed by WayForward, it embraces the franchise's roots with engaging character dynamics, challenging gameplay, and a low-barrier-of-entry narrative that's delightfully campy. Featuring a mix of old and new characters, each bringing unique weapon proficiencies and environmental abilities, the game encourages players to master its eight stages through strategic customization and skillful play.

All of this makes 8-Bit Adventures 2 shine as a quality game regardless if it doesn’t present any groundbreaking systems in the genre. This game is a love letter to retro adventures that we’re intimately familiar with by now. Rather than push it to be something that seeks to change the experience, it celebrates it. If you’re looking for something that seeks to innovate, you’re likely to find something better elsewhere. But if you want an entertaining, lighthearted, and endearing experience, this is the game for you.

Maneater: Truth Quest is for those Maneater fans who only stopped playing because they completed everything the base game had to offer. This new expansion ups the challenge, but at the cost of repeated mission types. The narration steals the show throughout every moment of gameplay. Now, you can add conspiracies and bull shark facts to the useless knowledge Maneater has taught us, and yet, I’m all here for it.

Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher is a great crossover spinoff for fans of Monster Rancher as well as fans of Ultraman. If you’re new to the Monster Rancher franchise, it’s an excellent opportunity to get into the franchise itself. Although players will be met with difficulty spikes here and again, it can be solved by some grinding with your monster.

A Void Hope delivers a captivating adventure set in a dark, 1980s-inspired world, blending metroidvania elements with puzzles and exploration. The story, centered around a mysterious illness, unfolds through the journey of characters Gilda and Keegan, offering a mix of exploration, minimalistic combat, and environmental puzzles. Despite its brief duration and some navigational puzzles, the game's engaging narrative and atmospheric retro soundtrack create a memorable experience.

Biped might have the visual appeal of a children’s game, but it is most definitely a challenging and demanding co-op experience. Working together through each stage will put your thumbs to the test as you move these little robots across each environment. The replayability is there for those that want to meet the high expectations of the developers, but for most, this will just be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Mamorukun ReCurse wasn’t on my radar, but it earns its place with sharp twin-stick action, solid preservation work, and a weird charm that sticks. City Connection brings this 2008 arcade shmup back with a package that feels both respectful and modern. The unique, non-scrolling stage design and multiple gameplay modes keep things interesting across skill levels. Some features like rewind and clearer visual cues are missing, but what’s here still delivers a satisfying and memorable run. It’s a welcome revival that makes the upcoming sequel feel worth anticipating.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an excellent extension of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. The game features a charming cast of characters who embark on a memorable quest that I wasn’t expecting. Still, there are definitely some balancing issues found in the PVP offerings, which make matches much easier for those who pay. As a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I felt right at home in terms of the battle system and turn-based mechanics found in this adventure, which pave the way for a great mobile RPG experience.

Master Magistrate is an excellent detective adventure that is continually engaging during every moment of gameplay. The cast of characters is full of interesting voices and personalities who keep this mystery grounded. This is further enhanced with the game’s visual presentation, which makes it stand out effectively as it carves out its own identity within the genre. Where it falls apart is found in some of its delivery, but that won’t hinder the overall experience. If you’re in the mood to gather clues and solve cases, then you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Valkyrie Elysium is an enjoyable action JRPG suffering from clear problems regarding its camera system and more granular details. Yet its core combat is undeniably stellar, with transparently depicted customization and upgrading. Additionally, its cast and narrative are light but effective, paving the way for a satisfying adventure if you don’t embrace critical presumptions. Despite my initial disappointments with this entry’s lack of clear connective tissue to the franchise’s origins, I genuinely love my time with this title. I hope its gameplay elements are used as a basis and improved upon for future installments.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate delivers a slick, fast-paced roguelike experience with deep build variety and fun co-op mechanics. While its mobile roots show in places, the game's combat and nostalgic charm make it a worthy pick for fans of the franchise and genre.

Liberated presents an affectingly grim dystopian narrative stylized in a viscerally dark comic style. Transitioning from panels of illustrations to action scenes never gets old and is extremely enjoyable. Some in-game graphics are sadly dated with lengthy load times, and the short runtime of the adventure might leave some wanting more, but if you’re looking for a cautionary tale as compelling as it is cynical, Liberated is the comic and game for you.

Darius Cozmic Collection is a piece of history for shmup fans. The collection includes a full catalog of the series that allows you to experience some titles that weren’t easily accessible before this release. While I wish there was more history featured in the collection, it was a blast playing these games again, or for the first time.

Forza Horizon 6 is a gorgeous open-world racer that absolutely sells the fantasy of driving through Japan, from winding mountain passes to neon-lit streets packed with cars worth obsessing over. The presentation is top-tier, the customization systems are deeper than ever, and there’s still a ton of fun to be had cruising around with friends, but underneath all of that, the game feels a little too comfortable repeating the same Horizon formula. The campaign quickly falls into familiar patterns, and despite finally bringing the series to Japan, it barely scratches the surface of the underground drift and street racing culture that made this setting so exciting in the first place. It’s still one of the best arcade racers out there, but longtime fans may come away wanting more than just another beautiful map and a recycled checklist of activities.

The PC version of Daemon X Machina is perhaps the best way to experience this high action game. Flying through the air and shooting down enemies at up to 200 fps looked and felt incredible. While the story might leave you scratching your head, this is undoubtedly an incredibly fun game to play.

Re:Call busts out the gate with clever gameplay systems that deal with memory manipulation and puzzle solving. It’s an additive affair as you attempt multiple times to get the story straight and progress the narrative. However, the balance of gameplay and storytelling is lost in the final chapters as the narrative is the true highlight of the experience. Make this your next weekend game; you won’t regret it.

OlliOlli World opens the door for new and old fans with casual and hardcore systems to master. Its controller layout takes some getting used to, and the frame rate issue doesn't make that easier, but there's so much here to keep you invested. It's a game that demands to be replayed, and luckily it's so damn fun that that isn't an issue, and the sheer amount of content will keep you skating for hours.

Where Winds Meet is an ambitious Wuxia MMO that blends stunning visuals, deep side content, and martial arts combat in a rich Ancient China setting. While the main story serves as a basic anchor, the game shines in its expansive exploration, variety of roles, and immersive online interactions. However, high system demands and optional AI features may deter some players.

Samurai Warriors 5 provides a fresh start for the franchise through a focused narrative while retaining what fans love. It builds on the established formula rather than overhauling it completely created a balanced action experience. Despite issues with repetitive movesets and the limited Ultimate Skills, I had a great time returning to the battlefield that has only been better with this updated aesthetic.

First Snow plays it safe with its storytelling and pacing. Still, the free cost of entry allowed the studio to give the reader an insight into characters and relationships that can be expanded upon later. The game features some fantastic art direction, and it’s college cast allows the writers to create a story that a lot more people can instantly relate to, without having to try and reminisce on high school days. The entire story comes off as a familiar and comfortable tale that I enjoyed, which makes me excited for whatever the team puts out next. It’s merely free yuri real estate.

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.

Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is a great collection of some of the most iconic fighters released to date. However, it comes at the cost of probably playing single-player or local coop only given the limitation of the online features. Regardless, this was an awesome walk down memory lane and offers a way to share a series’ humble beginnings.

Hero Must Die. Again is a unique non-linear JRPG that takes chances on players being capable of learning and navigating through its systems, without much handholding. Each playthrough enables the player to become more capable of handling whatever the game throws at them, even if that comes at the cost of dying multiple times...The problem is how the game keeps the player organized, which is the hardest thing to do, considering events are somewhat random. Still, this is a game that I’m glad came west as it is pretty much comfort for food for fans of the genre that some huge chances on game design that pay off in the long run.

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.

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.

While Warm Snow may not have the polish that other roguelikes feature, there’s plenty to keep you playing for hours on end. The combat system gives players freedom during encounters with rewards that offer a deep level of character customization, hoping that your next run will last a little longer. I’d call this game a hidden gem, but don’t let it be hidden from you for too long if you have a roguelike itch to scratch.

Tormented Souls knows what it wants to be during each moment of gameplay, and that’s shown in its puzzles and deadly enemies. The developers prove they are fans of the genre as the game feels like it was created to even test their skills. The lack of direction works for what they are going for, but some elements just feel like they unnecessarily pad on the game’s runtime. Still, this game is gorgeous with genuine moments of survival horror. Caroline has what it takes to become a recognizable face in this beloved genre.

Axiom Verge 2 is a great game with undeniable flaws. The combat lacks focus regardless of what kind of player you are. Still, exploration manages to be enjoyable and engaging. This game is catered for Metroid fans. Anybody else might have a difficult time embracing its charm. At the end of the day, though, Axiom Verge 2 is a delightful time, deserving notable acclaim and overall success.

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

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

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is an amazing Metroidvania. The environments, enemies, and clever use of magic and weapons go beyond influences as the developers truly make this adventure their own. The lack of weapon differentiation is mended by the use of elements and low-impact puzzles, but the short runtime and low difficulty may leave you wanting more.

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

void tRrLM(); Void Terrarium is a roguelike dungeon-crawler that doesn’t punish the player after a death. Instead, it creates a challenging gameloop in more unique ways revolving around keeping a young girl alive. Each item crafted progresses the narrative as your terrarium becomes the set-piece of all your hard work. Even with a slow and almost confusing beginning, this game really shapes into one of the most accessible roguelikes that I have ever played.

If you’re a dedicated Shantae fan, then Risky Revolution will feel familiar. In place of what would ordinarily be nostalgic visuals, characters, and gameplay design philosophies, you have reinvigorated executions that are essentially sealed memories from two decades past. Between tried-and-true platforming and metroidvania progression, this revived entry is undeniably Shantae, being a natural fit next to its siblings. If you’ve been yearning for your next 2D platforming fix, then Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution will remedy that itch, regardless of whether you have any history with the franchise. Plus, you have one hell of a soundtrack here, rivaling the series’ best.

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.

8Doors: Arum’s Afterlife Adventure is an excellent action-adventure that delivers a satisfying experience by using a few notable influences. Normal combat can become monotonous, but fights against bosses are deeply rewarding, mirrored by the sense of exploration needed to find everything the game has to offer. This is a game that’s perfect for any looking for a charming and unique Metroidvania experience, with added layers of difficulties for veterans of the genre.

ATRI -My Dear Moments- is a beautiful visual novel about people trying to figure out how to live in a world that has been literally sinking around them. It plays on the environment of a nigh apocalyptic setting with cautious optimism, defying the angst that would usually permeate tales such as these without just ignoring the traumatic past of the protagonist. It’s a solid recommendation for any visual novel fan who wants a hopeful story with a unique delivery.

One Piece Odyssey is ultimately a story of friendship, a central theme of the series shown through the eyes of a new character to pass judgment and to understand why the bonds of this crew are so strong. While this adventure might retell past quests, there are enough subtle changes to spark some real emotion. Still, the low difficulty and reliance on auto-battle will leave hardcore JRPG fans disinteresting. However, the exploration and numerous ways to dump dozens of hours into this experience make this a One Piece adventure for everyone.

AI Limit can appear like a by-the-books souls-like. Still, more than enough gameplay design decisions grant it inherent distinction, favoring those who prefer swifter movement in their action games. Coupled with an impressive array of character customization that individualizes one’s playthrough, alongside engaging exploration, you have a reasonably satisfying package here with a welcoming playtime of 20 hours or so. Yet, the meager challenge and mishandled balancing may turn off those seeking a more fulfilling venture.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX does a fantastic job of taking an already good game and adding a gorgeous fresh modern coat to it. The art design is beautifully done, and the option to switch between the redesign and 8-bit graphics adds to the nostalgic experience. While this remake is faithful for better or worse, there’s no denying that the quirky and challenging world of Alex Kidd is a side-scrolling experience unlike any other.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl recaptures the franchise's signature blend of emergent gameplay, atmospheric design, and hardcore survival mechanics in a stunningly realized Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. While the game is packed with content and breathtaking visuals, its glaring technical issues and unpolished systems hold it back, making it a game worth revisiting after future patches.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a unique experience in the mobile space. Its presentation and excellent UI give it a console feel, but they’ve also double-downed on a responsive and intuitive card-based battle system. While the PvP mode just didn’t really hold my attention, there’s enough in the story campaign to immerse yourself in the world of The Seven Deadly Sins throughout your daily commute.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth epitomizes the challenge of meeting diverse fan expectations. This ambitious entry skillfully balances legacy and innovation but occasionally falters, resulting in a multifaceted narrative that excels in character development and thematic depth but is marred by pacing issues and an incomplete conclusion. Despite these shortcomings, the game's combat enhancements and engaging side activities, set against the rich backdrops of Hawaii and Japan, create a compelling experience. For series enthusiasts, Infinite Wealth may not tick every box, but it stands as a heartfelt homage to the franchise's enduring narrative, offering a glimpse into its exciting future.

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 Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack may not offer enough for old fans to double-dip in the adventures, but there's so much here for new fans to discover. Not just in terms of gameplay, but the evolution of this series and the characters that paved the way towards its current popularity. The extra content and quality-of-life features are just added bonuses to the adventures that await.

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a gripping supernatural mystery that blends high school occult investigations with immersive storytelling. While its linear gameplay and repetitive mechanics hold it back slightly, its haunting atmosphere, well-developed characters, and compelling cases make it hard to put down for fans of detective and horror narratives.

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.

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.

Amnesia: The Bunker is an immersive and terrifying experience where players are encouraged to experiment with all the in-game resources to escape a frightening situation. The lack of handholding causes some confusion in the opening moments, but the more you invest, the better this nightmare becomes. This is unlike any entry in the series to date, and I’ll hesitantly recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging scare.

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is a great adventure platformer that is now accessible on Switch. It’s definitely showing its age in terms of controls and design, but it still holds up all these years later. Nothing has changed in this release, so it might not be worth playing through again if you already have, but if you haven’t, this is the best time to join Abe and make your escape.

Legend of Mana is all about the memories you make from the moment you start playing to the credits. Every new area created is a new adventure waiting, and every character met provides a unique perspective on storytelling. Its non-linearity allows it to stand out in the series, but it comes at the expense of a few confusing quest lines. The remastered backgrounds improved loading and attack animations, and additional options make it such a charming RPG to play over and over.

The Fable: Manga Build Roguelike delivers a stylish and innovative twist on turn-based gameplay by turning manga panels into strategic combat sequences. Drawing from Katsuhisa Minami’s manga world, it offers a refreshing approach to roguelike mechanics, though its limited content and replayability may leave genre veterans wanting more.

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.

Hollowbody is a love letter to the survival horror genre of the early 2000s. It’s not without its flaws, particularly in combat variety and puzzle depth, but its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. For fans of classic survival horror, it offers a beautifully atmospheric, tension-filled experience that feels both nostalgic and new. It becomes a game that you want to see through, if only to witness how far this rabbit hole goes. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this developer in the future.

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.

Without A Voice is a well-written story that explores the relationship of two opposite individuals, which sometimes hurt the believability of them spending time together. Still, the themes of ulterior motives and mystery kept me engaged across its multiple endings. I should also mention that the game is free on Steam, so there’s no harm in trying it for yourself.

Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars provides a gratifying experience with a distinct presentation, delightful soundtrack, and remarkable storytelling stellarly utilizing its tabletop context. Even when accounting for its lack of challenge and questionable character focus, it still manages to be a welcoming turn-based RPG any intrigued party can dive into without fear of obstruction.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake successfully brings one of survival horror’s most unsettling classics back to life with improved visuals, refined Camera Obscura combat systems, and an atmosphere that remains deeply oppressive and memorable. While the remake largely respects the slow-burn pacing and narrative mystery that defined the original, a few uneven combat mechanics and missed gameplay opportunities keep it from reaching its full potential. Even so, the haunting village setting, disturbing Wraith encounters, and the uneasy bond between Mio and Mayu make this a compelling return for a cult horror franchise that still stands apart from modern genre trends.

Black Widow: Recharged is a welcome return of an Atari classic that kind of got lost in time. The original game was already an addictive and sublime twin-stick shooter, to begin with, and the visual and gameplay facelift in this release turns it up several notches. You can’t go wrong here, especially if you’re after an excellent shooter with great controls. The techno style and various challenges add to the replay value, and there’s always the appeal to burn a few minutes in arcade mode, especially if you’re going to have a place on the leaderboards. If you’re a fan of old-school gaming or have been picking up these Atari remakes anyway, then Black Widow: Recharged is a no-brainer as arguably the best release in the series yet.

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.

Code: Realize Future Blessings is a fantastic addition and continuation of the base story as it gives players a chance to spend just a little more time with these characters across some excellent new scenarios. The game fleshes out plot points that its predecessor left on the table all without altering the best moments of the overall story. If you enjoyed Code: Realize Guardian of Rebirth, then I’d give Future Blessings a very strong recommendation. However, if you’re interested in these titles and haven’t played either of them, the dual pack is available called Bouquet of Flowers, which has both this fandisc and the original game on PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita.