Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered breaks the rules of traditional JRPG systems. There’s a gorgeous experience waiting to be unearthed, but this requires player patience to enjoy it fully. This might be a big ask, considering other titles are much more accessible, but I can’t help be enjoy every playthrough, no matter how challenging. What’s missing is a modernized tutorial prologue for new players, if only to help ease them into the experience, but what’s here is an RPG masterpiece.

Slow Damage is a game that I would absolutely not recommend for the faint of heart or if you’re not a fan of extreme violence and blood. Still, I can definitely see just how it shines as one of Nitro Plus’ best visual novels in the BL genre, even as someone who isn’t very familiar with it. The great translation combined with a story that packs a solid thematic punch and, quite frankly, a shockingly good soundtrack all made the wait totally worth it, even though I had my gripes with the typography and UI. I truly cannot truly describe the “feeling” I had when playing it, but if I had to pick two words for it, I would say it was “truly euphoric.”

Gungrave G.O.R.E lacks quality-of-life found in more recent games. While I’m a sucker for nostalgia, G.O.R.E tends to be more frustrating than fun. There are some exciting moments of arcadey action, but you’ll likely grow tired of the waves of enemies and artificial difficulty that stems from annoying mission objectives. I’m glad Grave is back from the dead, but I can’t help but want more.

Lunistice is not complex or complicated by any means, and if you play a single, straightforward playthrough, it isn’t even that difficult. But it is enjoyable and addictive in its no-frills approach, and the positive vibes from its visuals and soundtrack encourage you to keep playing. It’s the indie gem that I hope gets the attention it deserves since every polygon’s love and attention on display are evident. If you’re a fan of 3D platformers or 32-bit throwbacks, then it’s a game you need to try for yourself, and at its low price point, there’s little reason not to.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 2 is a collection of leftovers and interesting oddities at best. Baseball and tennis are a lot of fun, but not for the full price of admission. If you’re getting into the Neo Geo Pocket library for the first time, then you’re better off just enjoying Vol. 1 instead. The handheld didn’t have a vast library, to begin with, and so Vol. 2 feels like slim pickings.

There seems to be an apparent disconnect between what fans loved about Bayonetta and what Platinum thinks fans loved about Bayonetta. Whether it’s the story that feels compelled to make sure the entire cast is by themselves or the gameplay that overly relies on giant enemies, everything feels like it could have used another pass. The game is enjoyable but isn’t an experience I’d like to return to, like the first two entries of the series. This is disappointing as dancing with Bayonetta has always been a wonderful time before now.

If you’re a prospective newcomer, I recommend playing the other titles before this one since its cast and depiction of the world are substantially better appreciated with context. Though, you won’t be lost if you choose this as your opening avenue.

Flat Eye is an entertaining management simulator that is easy to play and has a high skill ceiling. But it’s also a highly relevant game making a statement about the logical endpoint of capitalism and the everyday exploitation of the vulnerable as the world itself dies around those who can have the power to fix it but choose not to. If this game ever stops being relevant, we’ll be in a much better place. Aren’t video games cool?

Pentiment shows that even with a small team, Obsidian can create a narrative masterpiece. Its clever systems allow players to craft a unique experience through a gripping story fueled by some of the strongest character writing I have ever seen. Don't let the graphical direction fool you; this is a beautiful game through and through. I can only hope to see more of these types of unique gaming experiences from Xbox Games Studios.

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.

All Sonic fans, whether veterans or newcomers or even those unfamiliar with the franchise at all, should give Frontiers a shot. It’s not perfect, yet it’s an admirable and respectable step in the right direction. I sincerely hope this gameplay and writing style are retained and refined for Sonic’s next gaming outings because an unabashed golden age could be in the works if embraced.

If you’ve never played this defining entry of the franchise, the PlayStation 5 port is the best way to do so. Alternatively, if you’re a veteran fan or achievement hunter, this release has a separate trophy list, allowing for another Platinum if that’s your jam. Ys IX is also scheduled to receive a native PlayStation 5 version next year, and while the improvements probably won’t be as substantial as with VIII, I hope it turns out as well as what’s happened here.

Tactics Ogre Reborn is a remake that filled me with joy and nostalgia for something I couldn’t even get close to beating as a kid. It’s an enriching experience with some of the best strategy gameplay around. I hope this leads to remakes of other Ogre Battle games and maybe Final Fantasy Tactics titles while they’re at it.

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

Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom is an excellent sequel to an already delightful game, taking what its predecessor already did marvelously and improving on it even further with more locations to explore. Even if you don’t know a single shred of the Doraemon series (don’t worry, I don’t either!), you can still enjoy the cute interactions between Noby and his friends since it’s fundamentally Story of Seasons, but with a couple of tweaks and enhancements to fit the aesthetic.

So, my scoring may seem at odds with what I’ve said, but that should also demonstrate just how lackluster and dull I found the combat system, coupled with the unpolished models and environments. Still, if you can get past its faults and perhaps enjoy it, Harvestella provides a memorable, varied JRPG experience that boasts standout characters, an intriguing narrative, and one of Square Enix’s best soundtracks in years.

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

It can be entertaining, but you’ll probably want to play something else once the novelty wears off a year later. Due to the catering of this particular audience, the fact that there are no signs of this arcade cabinet ever coming West in an official manner, and the fact that a good chunk of Ace Angler: Fishing Spirit’s game modes are a matter of luck rather than skill makes this just a very frustrating game overall unless you aren’t bothered by the randomness of it.

Life is Strange is a charming take on a supernatural teen drama, and while the story can feel bloated with plot lines at times, there is a lot for players to like. While being a compromised version of the remasters, the Switch version is still a competent port that ensures that players will get the whole experience with as few compromises as possible. However, players who don’t use handheld mode or intend to game on the go will experience long load times and visual drawbacks without getting any of the pros that come with acquiring the Switch version over any others. Life is Strange feels at home on the Switch and is an easy recommendation for anybody who hasn’t yet played through this quirky adventure.

Resident Evil Village: Winters’ Expansion is mainly for the fans. Those who wish to tie up loose ends and experience a condensed narrative will find that in Shadows of Rose. The additional content is likely there to sweeten the deal, which makes the entire package worth it in my eyes. As reluctant as I was to return to these places, I felt Rose was a great protagonist, and I’m eager, if not happily terrified, to see what comes next for the series.

There’s a good game here to sink your time into, and I look forward to doing so. I just wish Bandai Namco had poured a little bit more special sauce onto it to differentiate it from the pack. There’s a ton of potential with a property as massive as Gundam, and I can’t help yearning for a game that did little more than just meeting my expectations.

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.

While Paradigm Paradox doesn’t stick the landing when it comes to setting up its premise, once you’ve gotten deep enough in its tale, you’ll start to appreciate and create a sense of fondness for each character. Even though the individual routes sometimes had some somewhat unfavorable endings, in my opinion, not to mention the countless editing mishaps, I enjoyed and even laughed at the interactions between the love interests. All of the different points of view were amusedly worded.

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

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.

With a simple but efficient PC port, Triangle Strategy proves to be an excellent option for strategy RPG fans who may have missed its Switch release. With an engaging story and solid gameplay elements, the title remains one of the most notable releases for the genre this year.

No Place for Bravery, while visually interesting on the surface, is left shallow and clunky. The combat is choppy and frustrating, the stage design is confusing with perspective, enemies and other NPCs lack personality, and the majority of the sound design is unbalanced and often desynced from the actions on screen. However, it excels as a psychological horror experience. The entire game would have been much improved if they had focused on that. While the experience only lasted about 10 hours, it wasn’t an amount of time I’d say I enjoyed.

Star Ocean The Divine Force is a strongly crafted action JRPG that returns the franchise to form, boasting involved upgrading and customization systems alongside a well-thought-out narrative that may not satisfy or intrigue everyone but will compel those entranced by its cutting edges of notion. Moreover, its excellent English voice cast intensifies the emotional weight of several story-heavy scenes and character-bonding moments. Unfortunately, performance and graphical presentation faults and more minor issues damage the overall experience. Although, if you can look past those stumbles, Star Ocean The Divine Force is a must-play entry for all fans of the genre, whether they already are fans of the franchise or not.

Yomwari: Lost in the Dark promises much in its presentation and delivers on every aspect, and will assuredly become a cult classic among horror veterans.

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

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief feels like a product of its era. While seeing it try so many ideas is admirable, it ultimately falls flat in execution as the experience feels disjointed and messy. Although it presents a game world that feels alive and immersive, the primary gameplay loop lacks polish and practical implementation.

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

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.

I set my expectations for The DioField Chronicle relatively high, which is a recipe for disaster. However, I’m pleased to report that I enjoyed this game at every turn. This ambitious cast star in a narrative that is running a contest for how much wool they can pull over each other’s eyes, and I am here for it every step of the way. I’d like some more, please too. A sequel or something in the same world with more political mayhem sounds fantastic. And more Waltaquin.

Prodeus is an excellent experience for modern and retro first-person shooter fans. The pure carnage of the gameplay and high replayable offered makes it a game that can be easily returned to in small bursts or long play sessions. The level themes may be limited, but if you’re here for a challenge and gallons of pixelated blood, you’ve just found one of the most addictive shooters of 2022.

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.

If you’ve never played NieR:Automata or intend to replay it, I highly recommend picking up this release above all others. The game itself is certainly not perfect, what with its sometimes shallow combat and instances of heavy-handed messaging, but it usually illustrates its intentions splendidly. Plus, the former is made up for with sheer variety and eye-catching animation. You need to have an open mind and accept unconventional pacing to truly appreciate NieR:Automata, and once you do, you’ll never be off Yoko Taro’s wild ride, nor would you want to.

Splatoon 3 has come a long way since the series’ inception on the Wii U and has become one of my favorite competitive games to date, shining brightly with its new quality of life improvements. There’s still a lot on the horizon for this game, given that there are promises to keep the updates coming until 2024, but as it is, you will not regret spending on this fantastic title.

I’m delighted Spike Chunsoft and MAGES have finally brought this highly-desired game to the West after over a decade. Still, it should’ve been treated with more care, so here’s hoping they address these problems with patches in the near future.

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.

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

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.

When I first booted up Moonscars, I couldn’t help initially thinking that this would be a familiar experience to other titles of these genres, such as Blasphemous or Slain: Back from Hell. Though there are comparisons for the genres, I think Moonscars does a great job of standing out amongst the rest. The art is terrific, and the combat feels rewarding despite its intensity and difficulty. While the story isn’t gripping, the gothic aesthetic is enticing, and I had a great time trudging through this forlorn adventure.

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

Piofiore: Episodio 1926 is much more than just a simple fandisc, packing a profound story that can be treated as a full-blown sequel. It successfully establishes a sense of continuity from the ending of its predecessor. Still, this means it’s hard or even impossible to enjoy without playing 1925. Regardless, I hold it in high regard and would recommend it if you’re in the mood for a story that manages to be heavy but also lovely in equal proportion.

OneShot: World Machine Edition is one of those experiences you want to try for yourself without reading too much of it. If a puzzle adventure with a mysterious storyline sounds like your thing, then this is a game that offers a sizeable journey and some measure of replay value too. It may not always feel ideal for playing on console, and the pacing can be a tad sluggish, but the meta-gaming motifs remain intact.

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

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.

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

Amnesia: Memories is a decent otome, with plenty of its usual heart-throbbing twists and turns, but unfortunately, its user experience ages like a rotten apple on the Switch. I can’t count how often I became frustrated rather than fascinated by the love interests. Still, there’s a lot to be said about the insanity of the routes that motivated me to uncover this unforgettable mystery.

Broken Pieces has a narrative that entices players to solve the mysteries of Saint-Exil and the cult that has taken residence. While simple combat might make the title a slower play for most, anyone who loves puzzles and riddles will enjoy their time in Saint-Exil and want more. This provides a great experience within the survival horror genre, other titles should take note.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a revived, gratifying 3D platformer that any fan of the genre should consider picking up. Its consistently engaging level design, well-implemented difficulty, and unique boss battles provide a rewarding experience. Even when considering some level design oddities, there are no vital drawbacks to embracing this delightful journey. Here’s hoping the sequel receives similar treatment.

Circus Electrique is enjoyable not only for its accurate depiction of the Victorian era aesthetic but also for its distinctive class and combat system and flexibility found in creating lineup combinations. The idea behind the game’s creation is innovative, but what it offers in creativity lacks execution. Several thematic elements make it stand out from typical genre tropes, yet I can’t help but feel that it would have been better served if it had focused on polishing its foundation.

There’s a lot packed in Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness, but it will take someone willing to play through the 5-hour opening to discover it. However, the original story and challenging survival gameplay elements of Deep in Abyss will have you invested in your quest to be a White Whistle for hours. This is definitely a step in the right direction for game adaptations of anime, as the quality of the systems and added dub options make it a must-play for fans.

Madden 23 returns to its roots by focusing on gameplay improvement and player experience. Though no significant developments or additions were made to its multiple game modes, this still feels like a step in the right direction for a franchise that has otherwise been taking it in the shins in recent years. It still remains to be seen whether EA can build on the solid foundation of this year’s release, but at the very least, the game is a fitting tribute to the legend of John Madden, who preached fundamentals above all else.

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

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

LOOPERS is a memorable adventure with an engaging and charming cast. Its short length and captivating story beats make it perfect for all visual novel fans to enjoy. While the narrative may not hit the extremely high bars set by previous novels from Ryukishi07 and Key, LOOPERS sets its own pace to provide a much-needed experience in this genre.

The narrative is absolutely worth experiencing from beginning to end as it provides an exceptional core coupled with impressively satisfying connective tissue to the franchise’s past and future. Truthfully speaking, writing this review was quite a challenging process given its nature, but I’m glad I gave this game the limelight it deserves.

Lost Epic enthralled me for many hours as I explored the vast areas. The fights are fun and fast, the bosses interesting, and the world beautiful. There are a few hiccups in terms of overall quality, but I enjoyed my time with it and strongly suggested that anyone who enjoys Metroid-souls-like games give it a try.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed is a stellar remake of a beloved classic. As you deal with the KGB, hippies, and strange humans alike, there’s nothing quite as entertaining as watching Crypto continue his crusade to destroy all humans and become ruler of Planet Earth. This will definitely hold you off while we wait for a true sequel to the series.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance is an entertaining crash course in the Gundam series. It’s approachable no matter your level of fandom as it offers remixed historical battles with the added context of the true matchups. There’s so much to unlock and enjoy across each mission, but the repetition can weigh on the experience. Regardless, this is an addictive action game that mobile suit fans everywhere will enjoy.

Animal Trail * Girlish Square is a 4-hour-long VN, where what you see is what you get. It’s cute girl shenanigans, a self-insert protagonist, and some ‘extras,’ should you get the title’s patch from Denpasoft. As I opened this all with, best reserved for a Friday night.

Dusk Diver 2 is an enjoyable action experience where players can embrace character customization, upgrading, and cosmetic alterations at their leisure. The fusion of congenial hub activities and plentiful combative encounters provides a fulfilling gameplay balance where neither side overtakes the other. Even though the narrative is not exactly all that memorable, the assignments are sometimes full, and the combat isn’t for everyone, what is here will certainly engage fans of the first game. This is simply more Dusk Diver, for better or worse.

Endling: Extinction Is Forever is a visually beautiful game with a heart-touching journey and a unique perspective. The simple controls allow you to take in the world and manage the stress of the situations without it being overly complex. The developers have done a beautiful job creating situations that make you feel attached to your fox and her babies and generate stress as the world around them changes. This is a lovely addition to any gaming library and had me gripped for hours. If you want a fresh survival experience, look no further.

Hell Blasters doesn’t reinvent the genre template too much, but it provides a decent enough package for fans of indie shmups. The story mode alone might be worth a look for fans after a classic gaming experience, and it’s one area the game does a great job of taking seriously in both presentation and gameplay execution. The core shooting experience itself is nothing too remarkable, but various modes of play and difficulty settings can make this an inexpensive shooter to jump into occasionally, and works nicely on the go when played on Nintendo Switch.

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.

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

Regardless of potential differences in taste, I can confidently assert that Soul Hackers 2 weaves a magnificent tale of sincere humane understanding where strife, love, and belief wondrously coalesce. It isn’t afraid to agonize its cast to produce respective, varying levels of catharsis, ultimately crafting a courageous title at the apex of Atlus’ catalog.

From the constant localization mishaps to the design feeling like a copycat, I was constantly left with the urge to just drop the game and play something else, as it had failed to keep me engaged for more than a couple of minutes every time. Further, as much as I tried, I just couldn’t stop comparing it to Genshin Impact, which harms the identity it’s trying to pass as. And only time will tell if this will ever change in the future.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a game that almost suffers from its own perfection — every individual idea really is a perfect combo of the lessons learned from Xenoblade 1 and 2. But together, it can’t quite maintain a consistent quality. These are some of the highest highs the series has ever given me, but the occasional lows make for a game that’s only ever so slightly flawed to perfectly work.

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.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is a game that has already had a difficult time finding an audience on the Xbox. That can partially be blamed on the deluge of titles coming on Game Pass, but having now played it, I would also say that it’s a game unable to make it clear who it’s supposed to be for. There will absolutely be a niche community that bands around it for its charm and the genuine fun that can be had if you can manage to become immersed in it. It’s a unique and at times, genuinely charming and imaginative experience. But I think that many children will likely be turned away by an excess of dialogue and many adults by an excess of hand-holding. It leaves me torn between singing its praises and being frustrated by its shortcomings.

Cult of the Lamb has the addictive nature of most roguelike titles that will cause you to burn off several hours of the day. You’ll slowly hunt down heretic rivals through roguelike mechanics with the added layer the customization found in the village sim systems. As you keep the cultists satisfied, their loyalty grows, and you’ll fight the urge to become the twisted being who executed our poor lamb that started this adventure.

Despite the development complications along the way, Digimon Survive offers a final product that fulfills the original promise from its development team. With a tragic tone, it brings a new frame for the Digimon universe as a thriller VN with an enjoyable multi-layer SRPG combat. It’s become one of my favorite pieces of Digimon media, and it was worth the wait.

There was a lot of meticulousness shown in the creation of a story-based game like South of the Circle. Though it’s not perfect, and the gameplay may not be to your liking, the level of interactivity and immersion that emanates from Peter’s life is impressive. Just like a cinematic film, it left me thinking about the experience. the characters, and what I had just witnessed. I felt like I had left a movie theater with a satisfied grin on my face.

Undergrave sports a concept that is interesting on the surface and combat that is done competently, but the lack of teaching and boring room design puts it behind games like Necrodancer in terms of quality. While not a bad romp to play, it doesn’t offer much to make me want to return to it. I didn’t completely hate my time with Undergrave, but I wish it had given more care to teach me how to play it.

Outriders Worldslayer is a decent expansion to a game that was flawed upon its release. Loot is plentiful, and playing with friends over comms can be a blast. The repetitive gameplay loop and breakneck pacing leave much to be desired, especially when playing solo. Worldslayer won’t convert anybody who wasn’t already on board with Outriders to the cause, as it shares many problems with its predecessor. Still, Worldslayer will give fans of the base game reason to return to Enoch’s world.

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.

Vesteria Saga II: The Sacred Sword of Silvanister is a fantastic SRPG that scratches an itch for fair challenge and minimalism that we haven’t had in a while. It’s definitely for more hardcore fans of the genre and is missing a few things, such as concise or clear tutorials or difficulty options that would let those interested in this medium jump in.

Nope Nope Nurses is a courageous erotic experience solely for those delighted by severe female domination and male masochism. While its length is only a handful of hours and the price point is questionable, what is here is genuinely qualitative, thanks to the remarkable voice acting, shamelessly ferocious H-scene content, and unexpectedly engaging character writing.

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.

While the attempt is commendable, this game falls flat in providing an enjoyable experience, though there is tons of room for improvement. If you were a fan of the predecessor, the price of admission to experience a new chapter in the SENSE anthology may be worth it for you. However, as a stand-alone product, you may want to wait for a future title that works with the presented mechanics in a more refined way.

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

Long Live The Queen is a deconstruction of the princess trope for what you will eventually discover about its world and characters. It takes time, effort, and patience to see the best that it has to offer. Those looking for another Princess Maker experience will probably already know not to look any further than here. For everyone else, the main caveat is that it takes a lot of commitment to see the worth of Long Live The Queen, but as a triumph over adversity tale and one that runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch with its touch screen making reruns all the more seamless, Long Live The Queen will undoubtedly surprise you one way or another.

It’s safe to say that Stray wasn’t what I was expecting it to be, but that’s why I try to go into any game with as little advance knowledge as possible. Keeping an open mind to let this title be what it is and draw me into its world left me with a range of emotions by the end. I don’t know that I was expecting a game about a cat to make me cry for the reasons it happened, but I’m certainly not complaining. Anybody with an interest in cats, dystopian fiction, or questions about what makes something truly human, will feel right at home here.

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms is a low-stakes 2D adventure that offers a varied array of customization options to influence its beat ’em-up combat. As explained previously, there isn’t exactly a well-kept balance, but there is genuine fun here for those simply seeking an experience where they can turn off their brain. Moreover, the narrative can be seen as an enjoyable adaptation of the Three Kingdoms in spite of its rapid pace, acting as a loose entry point. The repetitious gameplay loop likely means long play sessions won’t be the norm here. Still, there’s a decent chunk of content dedicated fans can pursue.

Whether you’re a visual novel veteran or a newbie, A Clockwork Ley-line as a series is a great entry point into VNs. With a completion time of around 15-20 hours, you can pick it up and play it in short bursts, but it’s also just as easy to get lost in it because the story is that good. Personally, I’m very excited for the third chapter, and my only wish is that this time, we don’t have to wait too long for the series finale, and it gets released sooner than later, like clockwork.

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

The culmination of all these elements led to an ending that left me both confused and disappointed, and I only found myself enjoying Asuka’s conclusion of the three routes available. One Last Crane is a mediocre read for anyone interested in a mix of heartbreak and slice-of-life, though there are enjoyable parts sprinkled throughout the story. If the idea of a boy with recurring health issues romancing a girl interests you, One Last Crane may be a decent pick to put on your backlog.

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

Neko-Mimi Sweet Housemates Vol. 1 is a relaxing and vanilla adventure about one man, his “pet,” and her companions. Still, it offers little new to the genre, and yet, it was still an enjoyable narrative. I’d recommend it to fans of light-hearted romance and supernatural elements and those that feel like a wholesome rom-com.

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

Secret Kiss is Sweet and Tender is not going to be for everyone. The premise is going to turn some VN fans away at the door, plus the simplicity and lack of overall narrative depth aren’t going to win any awards. On top of that, the price and the slightly middling translation don’t do it any favors. Still, this could be a sweet and fluffy experience for yuri fans, but it might be better to look elsewhere first for your escapism fix.

For new players, Monster Hunter Rise is potentially the best place to start, with Sunbreak adding even more to the package. It’s the icing to the already wonderful cake of the base game, and the new features give returning players more ways to approach the hunts. There’s a layer of accessibility that makes this entry continue to be friendly to new users, but veterans might wish for the higher difficulty found in World or 4 Ultimate. On the other hand, if you just want to fight cool new monsters with friends and explore vivid landscapes, Sunbreak is an incredible experience.

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.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a fantastic action game that delves further into the world of Three Houses. While it’s easy for anyone to pick up, it’s definitely aimed at veterans who have extensive knowledge of the original, and you’ll get some just as ample playtime. Of course, it’s a Warriors game, so expect everything that comes with that genre, a non-issue because this game is so good.

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