Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids is an excellent extension of what the base game offers fans. Its focus on uncovering a mystery is embedded in the campaign and missions. Roaming around Ireland provides a new playground for fans to explore but at the cost of a few empty areas. Still, there's so much to discover here that just being able to spend more time in this world is reason enough to return.

Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire is a game that can be enjoyed in short bursts or lengthy play sessions, offering a well-balanced experience across all its systems. The roguelite mechanics are accessible and don’t impede natural progression, and the diverse cards create excellent moments of strategic and challenging battles. While the narrative delivery could be refined, very little should deter you from enjoying the cathartic action of Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire.

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark refines its predecessor’s metroidvania formula with charming new protagonists, snappier combat, and a more rewarding exploration loop. While occasional design oversights like limited fast travel and map tools dampen the pace, its heartfelt writing, challenging bosses, and beautifully detailed pixel art make it a must-play for genre fans.

WarioWare Move It! is a fantastic addition to the WarioWare series, adding a fun twist to the classic microgame formula. It’s all about using your Joy-Con controllers to mimic various poses for different mini-games, which is a blast but can sometimes get a bit confusing. The game’s story mode is short but packed with humor and voice acting, and the multiplayer mode is a real highlight for social gaming. Just a couple of downsides, like missing the mission system from previous games and some voice acting that doesn’t quite match up, but overall, WarioWare Move It! keeps the franchise’s quirky spirit alive and is a must-try for anyone who loves fast and crazy microgames.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster allowed me to re-write the past where I once passed on the franchise. Surprisingly, even in 2024, this insane combination of genres holds up. Discovering the various ways of using items and navigating this mall over multiple runs was consistently fun, capped off by some of the most insane psychopath bosses I've ever fought against. Dead Rising was released almost 20 years ago, making it a product of its time, but I feel the changes to the script were unnecessary and hurt the uncomfortable impact these characters were meant to deliver. The updated visuals and controls may entice modern players to this release, but the core systems that make Dead Rising a must-play have been here since the beginning, and I'm glad to be able to join in the hype surrounding this series.

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

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.

Unpacking has a simple presentation with some thought-provoking moments for players who are willing to immerse themselves in the experience. The story is straightforward, yet the method by which the player engages with it is so novel that it feels grander than it truly is. It’s a shame the abrupt ending left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. However, for a title designed to be played in one sitting, it manages to pack many different emotions into its short runtime, and utilize its medium so creatively that it has become one of my favorite games of the year.

Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle is an addicting deck-building card game on its own, but this game delivers an added campaign that makes it an adventure. Exploring the city, completing sidequests, and battling for deck codes and supremacy make each moment of playing fun. If you’re a fan of card games in general and want to try your hand at a new one, it’s a fantastic experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Even beyond being a generously free DLC expansion, Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker has surpassed presumptions. It is a stellar follow-up that reinforces this well-designed turn-based RPG with a simultaneously grander yet more intricate identity that, admittedly, suffers from a tacked-on supporting cast and mildly rushed pacing. Between a moderately paced campaign, much-needed character introspection, and more of a challenge than ever, fans should jump on this new content as soon as possible.

PICROSS S CAPCOM CLASSICS edition is an injection of nostalgia from a golden age of 2D games from Capcom, now in the form of logic puzzles that draw inspiration from some of its notable elements. With Jupiter's expertise on Picross games, the end result is good, though it feels like it could go an extra mile to truly showcase such a special selection of Capcom's historical products.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell caps off the beloved series with its signature blend of Metroidvania-style exploration, challenging combat, and enchanting storytelling. This final entry not only concludes the series' narrative arc but also enhances its gameplay with new twists and deepened character journeys. The game's non-linear exploration and customizable combat system offer players a rich and rewarding experience, despite some navigational challenges. Bombservice delivers an intense and memorable adventure, leaving fans hopeful that this isn't the end of their creative journey.

Dodgeball Academia is releasing on many platforms, but personally, I would heavily recommend playing this game on the Switch. Thanks to a fixed camera angle, the controls are simple enough to grasp efficiently, and I suspect they will suit the portable factor rather nicely. I could absolutely see this becoming a new favorite party game.

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a surprising standout in the 2D action and metroidvania space, delivering fast, fluid combat and a highly customizable build system that keeps encounters engaging throughout. Its story and characters are more compelling than expected, with strong dialogue and an endearing protagonist, while the structured progression across codex worlds maintains a satisfying sense of momentum. Although limited enemy variety and a slightly short runtime hold it back from true genre dominance, the overall experience is polished, rewarding, and consistently enjoyable, marking it as one of Compile Heart’s most impressive releases in years.

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

Caravan SandWitch is a heartwarming and relaxing exploration game that invites players into the vibrant world of Cigalo. Developed by the small studio Plane Toast, the game blends a captivating narrative about family, community, and belonging with intuitive mechanics. Though a few rough edges remain, Caravan SandWitch offers a peaceful, visually stunning journey that’s sure to resonate with fans of exploration-based adventures.

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

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

Rune Factory 4 Special is entertaining for hours. There is never a moment where I felt like I had nothing to do. The Switch version is an improvement and makes everything look much prettier, but the original 3DS renders still pop up from time to time. Still, farming is an addictive repetition, and the dungeon crawling offers the adventure of exploration, making the romance the cherry on top. Overall, Rune Factory 4 Special is one I can see myself playing for many more hours to come.

S4U: Citypunk 2011 and Love Punch is an inventive narrative adventure that immerses players in the chaotic world of early 2010s chat software. Through Miki’s journey of self-discovery, the game explores themes of identity, relationships, and the balance between personal and professional lives. With its nostalgic visuals, engaging storylines, and player-driven choices, S4U is a standout indie gem that rewards thoughtful exploration despite a few pacing and complexity challenges.

Muv-Luv photonmelodies make up a collection of fandiscs that takes the Muv-Luv series in a few new directions. Each story gives us more insight into this world, with the notable inclusion of Altered Fable. Most of the storytelling comes from a lighthearted perspective, but the pacing is on point for each title, and some of the scenarios make up my favorite in the series. The comedic elements might not always stick, but photonmelodies nails its delivery with excellent character writing and a few good plot points.

Mighty Goose is a guns-blazing run-and-gunner that wears its Metal Slug inspiration on its sleeve. With hectic combat and a colorful design, it’s a fun action experience that knows how to use its comedy vein well. If you’ve ever felt the need to play as a powerful space goose, your prayers have been answered.

Deliver Us the Moon is a space adventure for everyone. Most of the minor issues can be easily overlooked since it’s so easy to become invested in the narrative. Furthermore, the puzzles and hazards offer a challenge that doesn’t stifle the player and simply acts as a nice breather from the story bits. If you’re in the mood for a story that harbors some mystery and thrill, this is the one to pick up.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is not a game for everyone. Even if you’re a fan of Vanillaware’s other works, this title’s gameplay approach is distinct, comprising a continual cycle of inevitable failure and growth that is not an all-pleasing cup of tea. Still, for those who manage to get into it, this is an addictive strategy RPG with numerous in-depth systems that make progress an always enjoyable affair. And the story is quite compelling, with an intriguing cast bolstered by a charming protagonist who you’ll find yourself rooting for. By the end, you’ll be wondering where all those hours went.

Haven took me by complete surprise with its relatable characters and emotional love story. Gliding from island to island is endlessly fun and is a great way to take in its bright art direction. While there are some performance issues, the overall story and exploration had me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a romantic and fantastic narrative Haven has a beautiful world ready to explore.

Loop Hero has all the right ingredients for an adventure management game with roguelike systems. There’s a learning curve to tackle, but after a few runs, you’ll be piecing together the world in no time. The entire experience is cathartic in a way as you watch the world evolve from your actions and overcome its obstacles with a little skill and luck. Unlike what Devolver Digital advertised at the announcement, it may not be game of the year material, but it’s still worth giving it a try.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a love letter that undoubtedly does more than enough to captivate Jet Set Radio veterans and those who have no idea what it is. Between the contextually stellar soundtrack, fantastic movement system, and intricate narrative, you’re bound to find yourself attached to some part of this experience that boasts its heart on its sleeve. Even though the combat scenarios can overstay their welcome, and the pacing can be a turn-off, looking past those faults provides a one-of-a-kind skating dream.

In many ways, Megaton Musashi W: Wired is quintessential Level-5, with terrific narrative and character writing alongside an addictive gameplay loop that rarely grows dull. Mech enthusiasts and newcomers will equally find facets to enjoy here. However, the story pacing and barrier of entry with mech customization prevent this mostly story-driven experience from truly soaring to loftier heights.