Star Wars Jedi: Survivor provides one of the best action-adventure experiences ever. Aside from being a fantastic story within the Star Wars universe, its gameplay raises the bar for the genre to another galaxy. Every element of this package strikes a fine balance through puzzles, combat, exploration, and progression, which doesn't overshadow the masterful character writing. Further, the updates to map design do wonders for those looking to spend as much time as possible in this world. While some pacing dips are present, this is a must-play game that will make you a true believer of the force because it's strong with this one.

Musicus! brings with it an experience to remember and keep close to heart. Just like how its characters talk about the way music can emotionally move you, this is the kind of story that can deeply connect to anyone willing to dive into it.

After spending most of my life with this series, I approached Resident Evil Requiem with equal hesitation and open arms. It stumbles where certain mechanics fade out too quickly and a few systems could have gone further, but this is one nightmare I could not put down. The contrast between Leon S. Kennedy stepping into chaos with confidence and Grace Ashcroft walking into it unprepared gives the game its identity, balancing action and vulnerability in a way that feels true to the franchise’s history. It is not flawless, but its confident storytelling, tense survival design, and deeply replayable structure pulled me back in, reminding me why I keep returning to this series after all these years.

SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim is a truly exceptional narrative experience about being forced into a dreadful experience and learning more about the true self of a beautiful “giantess.” While the game subverts what a dating sim would actually be about, it provides a unique horror-fueled journey through arbitrary moral choices and human life alienation.

I’d want to make some sort of robot analogy about all these “parts” coming together to create a “well-oiled machine,” but I feel that would undersell just how great this Robotics;Notes Elite is. This was a visual novel that lived up to the very high expectations I imposed upon it, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Mewgenics is a wildly ambitious tactical roguelite that merges cat breeding, strategic combat, and eccentric indie charm into an endlessly replayable experience. Co-developed by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, the game thrives on its generational systems and dark humor, delivering a blend of depth and absurdity that rewards experimentation and persistence. Despite occasional pacing issues and some luck-based setbacks, Mewgenics stands out as a defining indie title with a distinct voice and vision.

El Paso, Elsewhere is, simply put, an incredible game. Every aspect is meticulously crafted and works in perfect harmony with the rest. It nails practically everything it tries to do. I expected it to be a lot of fun to play, but I did not expect it to be anywhere near as compelling. I wonder how long I’ll be rotating James in my head like I’ve put him in a microwave.

Years after I first played it, DRAMAtical Murder remains one of the most gorgeous visual novels, with striking character and set designs, dynamic art direction, and attention to even small details in the UI. The soundtrack, particularly the OP and ending songs, are incredibly catchy. I fall in love with the characters more every time I replay it, and even though the plot has some weak points, it’s still an intriguing exploration of themes of humanity, technology, and identity. Highly recommended for fans of boys’ love, of course, but I think many visual novel lovers would enjoy it.

Aokana EXTRA2 is an excellent return to Sprite’s work that manages to nail what is impressive about the original game. Not only is it great to see the cast again, but seeing Misaki and Masaya dealing with their inner demons makes for an impressive visual novel. Sprite went all out for this fandisc and made it a must-play.

Ball x Pit delivers an exhilarating mix of pinball-inspired combat and roguelite progression, wrapped in a uniquely absurd aesthetic that keeps players hooked. The developer's chaotic vision shines through with tight gameplay mechanics, meaningful character variety, and a surprisingly engaging base-building system. While its difficulty spikes can frustrate and progression sometimes stalls without clear cause, the game remains a standout indie title that rewards both skill and experimentation.

The Last Faith takes the Metroidvania genre and elevates it to new heights. Its high level of challenge is met with exceptional game design that allows all players to master gameplay systems before confronting formidable enemies. The narrative gradually builds alongside the gothic atmosphere, providing an immersive experience for players. I’m unsure what will come of the Metroidvania genre, but The Last Faith has unquestionably set a new standard.

Astro Bot offers a fresh yet nostalgic platforming experience that excels with its smooth gameplay and well-designed levels. Featuring countless collectibles and secrets, the game immerses players with nods to classic PlayStation IPs. Despite minor flaws in enemy design, Astro Bot stands as a must-play title that honors PlayStation’s platforming legacy.

Ys X: Nordics brings Adol Christin's youthful spirit to the forefront, offering a refreshing mix of action-packed combat, deep customization through the Release Line, and expansive exploration. With a gripping narrative and dynamic character relationships, this entry stands as one of the best in the series. While the sea navigation takes time to open up, the ship battles and adventuring more than make up for it. Ys X: Nordics will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Legends of Runeterra is the CCG that I’ve been waiting for. Instead of relying on League of Legends franchise, it builds off of it, which allows it to stand out in the sea of other games available. The unique match layout and simplistic card presentation make this the perfect entry point in the genre, but I’m also waiting to see how the developer builds on this success with balance updates and support.

Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After is an example of Muv-Luv at its best, exploring a fascinating scenario while delving into the political philosophy of the results and repercussions of everything that happens. The narrative has some of the finest worldbuilding of the series while also being an epic character-driven story in a traditional sense. It does so much right that it’s hard to find any real flaws. If you are a fan of Muv-Luv or have just played the main trilogy – I would highly recommend picking up The Day After.

Shujinkou is a masterfully crafted JRPG that seamlessly blends dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and an innovative Japanese language learning system. With deep gameplay mechanics, rich world-building, and a clever integration of language education, it’s a unique experience for both RPG lovers and language enthusiasts. Though some mechanics, like ailments and demon negotiation, feel underutilized, the game’s engaging story, stylish UI, and immersive soundtrack make it a must-play.

Stellar Blade's PC port refines the already polished console experience with stunning visuals, deep combat mechanics, and thoughtful crossover content, delivering a premium action RPG that balances spectacle with substance.

Catherine: Full Body on Switch offers the same great experience as the previous versions, with the added option to take it on the go. The narrative loses none of its thrill or tone, which is excellent for anyone who has been holding out this long to play. There’s something truly timeless about Catherine, and this Switch port only compliments that statement.

I had heard rumors of Full Metal Daemon Muramasa‘s quality before playing, but I’d say my experience with it far surpassed what I expected. This is one of those works that should be considered a masterpiece, experimenting with the genre in thought-provoking ways and telling a bold and harsh story, not of heroes, but of humans and their flaws.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is some of the most fun I have had within the action-JRPG genre, period. The adventure includes everything you could ask from the series, with the addition of an addicting gameloop, well-written character-driven narrative, a stellar soundtrack, and great controls. This is not a title to be slept on. Any fans of JRPGs worth their salt should give this adventure a shot, regardless if they have experience with the Ys series. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a masterpiece that only seems to stumble when balancing its level of difficulty.

The Caligula Effect 2 is an incredibly modern game that encroaches on territory like no other JRPG. With a stunning soundtrack and an extremely fun battle system, it’s a riot to play. But it also has a cast ingrained into the narrative that leaves a very strong impression, and I really feel they’ll stick with me for a while.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a remarkable and magical adventure, and it’s honestly still hard to believe this is an indie title. This is the kind of game that simply needs to be part of every gamer’s library and one that raises the bar for the adventure genre in this generation. With emotional story beats, a compelling game world, engaging level design, challenging boss battles, and surprising combat versatility, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an experience far greater than the sum of its many interconnected parts.

Regardless of your love for classic RPGs or those that pay tribute to those eras, every general fan of the genre should play Sea of Stars.

When it comes down to it, Danganronpa Decadence is a must-play, even if you don’t consider yourself a visual novel fan. The enticing overarching mysteries and superb character writing are reason enough to give them a shot. Unfortunately, the 10th-anniversary edition contents, essentially just a gallery feature, might not be enough to warrant a full playthrough from seasoned fans, but the portability of the Switch and the ease of accessibility makes this one of the best collections available on the console to date.

The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is a masterful spinoff boasting its own distinct identity, with an addictive gameplay loop enhanced by several excellently woven upgrade and replayability systems, as well as a finely crafted narrative and loveable cast that works well thanks to the relatively compact scale of it all. The stellar voice work and, as in typical Falcom fare, the sublime soundtrack also serve to make this adventure a must-play no matter one’s history with the developer’s lineup. This spiritual successor of sorts to Zwei is such a considerate blast from the past that I want to see more of in Falcom’s future.

SeaBed really isn’t much of a game, but as a piece of interactive media, that is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable things I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The story tells an evocative narrative about self-reflection and actualization that seemed to enjoy breaking me down emotionally just as much I took pleasure in breaking down its themes and characters. All I need now is something to help with this overwhelming feeling of emptiness now that it’s over.

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

Knowing how to deliver an action experience that sets itself apart from contemporaries while simultaneously appealing to genre veterans and newcomers is a strenuous, rarely accomplished feat. Yet, Hi-Fi Rush achieves all of the above with elegance and confidence. Even though the rhythm-infused gameplay is a double-edged sword that can make the later difficulty levels significantly less challenging, every gameplay-related strive is just really damn fun. From a succinct story that expertly sells you on a haphazardly formed group of heroes to vast waves of addictive replayability, Hi-Fi Rush deserves to be played by everyone, and this port has enhanced that accessibility even more. If you were like me and never had the opportunity to try out Hi-Fi Rush before, do yourself a favor and do so. Regardless of your history with action games, I promise you won't regret it.