The Foundation will keep you busy for a few hours, but in the end, the side-quests are the best part about it, which is sad. I didn’t care for the new powers as they just made the glaring copy and paste environments more apparent. However, if you enjoyed the gameplay and battles from the base game, you’ll get that here, with even less direction.

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos presents some exciting advancements in the VR visual novel space. It excels in creating a world with characters you care about across some emotional and action field story beats. I think a lot of feedback was brought into this project from the developer’s previous games, which have made it a stand-out adventure title and a must-play for VR owners.

People of Note is a vibrant turn-based RPG that blends classic JRPG structure with inventive rhythm-based combat and a standout musical identity, delivering a heartfelt story about ambition and friendship in a richly stylized world. Its Songstone customization system and flexible difficulty options modernize familiar mechanics, while its soundtrack and vocal performances elevate nearly every moment. Although its late-game pacing and limited animated storytelling hold it back from perfection, the experience remains consistently engaging, creative, and full of personality.

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.

It’s clear Shinsekai was ported from mobile as many textures just don’t look right on the big screen, but aside from this and the few glitches involving NPC movement, it blew me away. Those looking for an addicting, charming, and, at times, unsettling adventure on the ocean floor will find precisely what they’re looking for with this game.

Kunai is a thoroughly fantastic game, taking some of the best elements of the genre and putting them into one parkouring package. It’s apparent that a lot of care went into fine-tuning weapons and Kunai to make your actions feel as instinctual as they are fun. Kunai is one of the most unexpected and delightful gaming experiences I’ve had in a long time.

Dying Light has found a new home and is worth returning to for both veteran fans and those touching down on Harran for the first time. Playing again made me excited for the sequel’s release and made me appreciate this title even more. This and more is what a port should do, so good luck and good night.

Jupiter Hell doesn’t need the word Doom in the title to make an impact, but it’s commendable how well it presents DRL through modern design. At its heart, it’s a turn-based dungeon-crawler RPG, but that doesn’t calm my nerves when I’m blasting through a hallway of enemies from around the corner with more approaching from behind. This game’s launch version is serviceable, but the lack of enemy variety will leave your first hours of gameplay feeling repetitive in some areas. Still, it’s clear that there’s more on the way for this standout roguelike experience, and I’m all here for it.

Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis is a deeply unconventional rhythm game that fuses denpa-inspired psychological storytelling with a meme-heavy, chaotic soundtrack and a deceptively simple gameplay loop. While its four-lane mechanics are accessible, the real draw lies in its unsettling tonal shifts, meta-narrative elements, and the disturbing yet compelling relationship between Qtie and her imagined savior Yunyun. It is not a pure rhythm experience nor a fully story-driven game, but rather an experimental hybrid that rewards players who embrace its strangeness and emotional dissonance.

Gunbrella delivers on tight and responsive bouts of action. Although it’s a challenging platformer, you can enjoy it from beginning to end across an evening as you hone your Gunbrella skills and get your revenge. What’s more enticing is the story and characters who bring up interesting topics that make you question certain aspects of your adventure. The price is definitely right for this game, and I’ll gladly jump back in because it is so damn fun.

Solar Ash is a delightful experience boasting a continually engaging gameplay loop coupled with enticing sound design and narrative beats. Even with its oddly paced story, problematic camera, and occasionally dull boss battle implementation, it’s a joyous, memorable game that any intrigued party should dive into. Moreover, its digestible gameplay length and ambitious voice quality go a long way into making this a standout title of the year.

Tormented Souls 2 delivers a confidently crafted survival horror experience that leans into its classic inspirations while pushing the genre in creative directions. With stronger world design, improved pacing, and some of the most atmospheric puzzle sections in recent indie horror, it’s a must-play for fans of old-school tension and challenge. While the game occasionally frustrates with trial-and-error mechanics and limited interactivity, it still stands out as a passionate and memorable sequel.

Void Bastards is a fantastic roguelike with a stellar atmosphere and art style. Where it lacks in FPS mechanics, it makes up for with its addictive gameplay loop. The Switch port might not be the prettiest version available, but the short levels make it perfect for quick sessions. Those looking for a darkly funny roguelike will find almost everything they want in Void Bastards.

Remnant: From the Ashes – Subject 2923 marks the perfect ending for this title. There’s still a ton of gameplay here for those who want to continue their experience long after the story ends, but from a narrative standpoint, I’m satisfied with the conclusion. The natural flow of unlocking new items can feel slow sometimes, and the creative choices in regards to the new areas are a little bland, so your mileage may vary depending on personal preference. Still, the sheer amount of content offered in Subject 2923 makes it a must-buy for anyone currently playing or those looking for a reason to return to this nightmarish world.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a brilliant example of what a Remaster should be. It's the same game I remember, but the updated graphics, controls, and combat make it so much more. You might feel fatigued with the respective mission structure, but there's so much for new and old fans to enjoy in this release, and I'm happy that it received the level of attention it deserves. This is a must-play game for any who truly wishes to understand the incredible narrative of Final Fantasy VII and what makes it so great.

John Wick Hex is a unique experience that marks a return for movie licensed games. It does just enough to stand out and provide an enjoyable adventure for fans of the series through some solid strategical action sequences. It’s not going to leave your heart racing as the films did, but it will provide you with a few hours of entertainment across its various levels.

Pascal’s Wager brings a little bit of everything to the table. You’ll be faced with challenge after challenge, but overcoming those challenges never ceases to be satisfying. The game emphasizes tight combat and quick responses from the player to survive and it works well on a mobile device. Still, the best experience requires the use of a controller, but it’s tough to look past all the great elements of gameplay that this title presents. Those wanting to jump in without the confines of the mobile device can look forward to the PC and console release in the future.

Its predecessor may have been an unremarkable release 30 years ago, but Andro Dunos II manages to execute decent gameplay variety in a well-designed shmup adventure. It allows players to choose how they want to play, and with easy upgrades and clean level design, this is a nice alternative to all the bullet hell craziness out there.

Sympathy Kiss is a great otome game with its blend of romance and relatable experiences, with its office setting appealing especially to a more mature audience. While the faceless protagonist and rather compromised approach at some of the narrative beats are definitely its biggest gripes, it still manages to be a short and sweet story that both fans and newcomers to the genre can appreciate.

Rogue Flight is a standout space shooter that brings intensity and immersion to every mission, backed by a grounded narrative that raises the stakes. While its customization and strategic elements add depth, some aspects, like the overly challenging boss positioning and the lack of clear weapon stats, can interrupt the flow, occasionally feeling more frustrating than rewarding. Despite these points, the variety and visual style, along with a wealth of replayable modes, make Rogue Flight a must for shmup fans who want a memorable, challenging experience.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden intertwines fantasy and romance in a narrative-driven adventure set in 1695. As Banishers Red and Antea, players tackle spirits in New Eden, facing moral choices between duty and love, especially when Antea becomes a ghost. Despite a combat system needing refinement and initial weak portrayal of the protagonists' relationship, the game shines in storytelling, offering a deep cinematic experience influenced by player decisions. Exploration and investigation add gameplay variety, though combat and navigation aspects could be smoother. This title reflects Dontnod's successful venture into combining engaging narratives with action and investigative elements.

Call of the Sea is a puzzle adventure that should be played by all fans of the genre. Its writing and environments are strikingly immersive as the player and Norah find themselves traveling deeper down this rabbit hole of mystery. There are moments of confusion in its design, but all the tools are present to explore this beautifully charming adventure; my only wish is that it was longer.

Despite my moderate level of enjoyment, I’d still hesitate to recommend Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition unless you have a notable affinity with action games from the early to mid-2010s. Its drab and monotonous open world doesn’t do its bland exposition any favors. Nevertheless, the combat, customization, and puzzle design may win over the more patient types. Regarding this boosted port, it doesn’t warrant a replay for the average player by any means, but if you’re a veteran or new fan, there’s enough justification for giving this release a whirl.

When taking a glimpse at the gameplay of Pepper Grinder, the brain’s neurons start rapidly firing as it looks so satisfying. And I’m elated to say that the experience delivers on it being an absolutely fun ride of an arcade platformer. There’s no doubt that developer Ahr Ech put a ton of work into making sure all the elements aligned for a gratifying experience.

Per Aspera offers a surprisingly emotional narrative that explores the thought process of an evolving AI programmed to assist humans in colonizing Mars. The symbiotic gameloop of creating structures and growing your presence on the surface while hitting key milestones is cathartic. I was easily immersed in this experience, but only after some trial and error trying to understand how it all worked due to a limited tutorial.

Everhood 2 refines its music-based combat and surreal adventure, delivering a rhythm-action RPG packed with creative battles, an expansive soundtrack, and unpredictable storytelling. While it lacks deep character development, its unique gameplay and vibrant presentation make it a standout indie experience.

Pokémon Legends Z-A is a bold and imaginative evolution of the franchise, transforming Lumiose City into a richly detailed world full of personality, dynamic real-time battles, and emotional storytelling. Game Freak builds on the success of Legends: Arceus with a tighter scope and a more experimental structure that pays off in surprising ways. The game shines through its vibrant cast, fresh mechanics, and urban exploration, although it’s not without a few missed opportunities.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.: World Stage is the most complete and accessible version of SEGA's classic 3D fighter, bringing long-requested single-player content, improved visuals, and robust online features to modern platforms. While some decisions around monetization and platform exclusivity may frustrate longtime fans, the core gameplay remains as sharp and rewarding as ever.