Eastward will fulfill any action-adventure needs that have been missing in your life. The character writing is fantastic and enhances the more emotional moments as the killer Miasma rears its ugly head. This game is an investment, but you’ll be left with a genuinely standout gaming experience full of action, exploration, memorable characters, and a fantastic final chapter. So do yourself a favor and play Eastward.

Metroid Dread is the title fans have been waiting for, for nineteen years. The wait wasn’t easy, but what’s here could rival even Super Metroid in terms of atmosphere and gameplay. Even now, I am thinking about going back to try and perfect my run and see how fast I can get that hundred percent clear. Through its versatility in combat, excellent enemy and level design, and engaging story, this experience sets the bar for the action genre and is brilliantly dreadful.

Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED delivers a rich, emotionally resonant follow-up to Fate/stay night, blending surreal mystery, sharp writing, and expanded character moments into a deeply nostalgic visual novel experience. Though some dated mechanics and missing content hold it back from being truly definitive, its remaster is a heartfelt tribute to one of Type-Moon's most underrated gems.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a beast, a science experiment so absurd in narrative design that nothing else compares. It is phenomenal and seemingly impossible to follow up. I need as many people as possible to experience its magic. I have already started a replay.

Nioh 2 on PC is the same great and challenging experience. It’s packed with content that spans a lengthy timeline of nightmares making this release a must for anyone who held out on the PS4 version or who can’t get enough. The graphical options only make a great game better, but even after 120 hours, I still don’t understand anything about this plot.

Chained Echoes is a wildly ambitious and impressive turn-based RPG that, aside from minor faults, sticks the landing on all fronts. From its terrific and constantly thought-provoking battle system with well-implemented challenge, to its strongly written cast and masterclass worldbuilding, this is an essential must-play for any fan of the genre that I sincerely hope doesn’t pass anyone’s radar.

Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon is a stellar remake of Type-Moon's classic visual novel. This partial reimagining brings modern graphics and expanded storylines for Arcueid and Ciel, providing an engaging and immersive experience. With captivating characters, a well-woven narrative, and enhanced presentation, this visual novel is a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Swamps of Corsus blew me away by the amount of content that you get for the DLC’s very low price point. Survival Mode alone would be worth what you’re paying for, but the inclusion of new gear, enemies, and the story really make this DLC a must buy. For those who have never played Remnant: From the Ashes, now is the perfect time to grab the game as Gunfire Games seems to be set on expanded this addictive and intense gaming experience.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a meticulously crafted action RPG that showcases Falcom’s hallmark boss design, timeless soundtrack, and streamlined gameplay. With new artwork, a voiced Adol, and Turbo Mode for convenience, this definitive release highlights what makes Ys so enduringly captivating—despite minimal character development.

Gradius Origins is a masterclass in retro game preservation, delivering a definitive collection of Konami's classic shooters. With M2's unmatched attention to detail, rare content, and the surprise inclusion of Salamander III, this package is essential for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has raised the ante from the previous gift of a game Elden Ring was and will continue to be. There was a reason Elden Ring was game of the year, and if DLC can be game of the year, I would throw this in the running because it is simply that engaging. I never wanted to put the game down or go to bed when my 5 AM sunrise shined through my window. I just wanted to see what Shadow of the Erdtree would throw next, but I have to remember we are only human, and rest is essential. The expansion is substantial and independent, conveniently adding a new experience and fresh direction to your character's development on your next playthrough.

It only took ten years, but now, we finally have the first official English TYPE-MOON visual novel in our hands. And it’s absolutely stunning. With some fantastic characters, brilliant writing, and the best visual novel presentation I have ever seen, Witch on the Holy Night is a must-read for anyone interested in the visual novel medium. Maybe they’ll get to Fate/Stay Night next time. But it won’t look as good as this.

Monster Train 2 is a masterpiece. It is a unique concept, brilliantly executed, and something anyone interested in the genre should play. It is designed in a way that lets the player do incredibly strange and powerful things while still providing a challenge. It is packed with so much content that the 25-dollar price tag feels like a prank. If you played the first game, you will love the new cards, mechanics, and keywords. If you never played the first, the sequel is better in almost every way and is a perfect place to start. Monster Train 2 is a must-play game.

There’s a nice balance of gameplay and visual novel storytelling in Baldr Sky and each work hand in hand to the game’s plot. Each character plays a roll in this story and each holds a clue to the truth. Be warned, that after beginning this visual novel, it’s almost impossible to put down. This is a game that could easily take over 100 hours to get through, but trust me when I say that it’s well worth it.

There is nothing quite like these unique games, especially when in top form like Banana Mania. Their prowess at granting addicting stages and a constant desire for self-improvement are borderline unmatched. Quite honestly, seeing this revival is legitimately miraculous. I implore fans and even those who are vaguely interested in getting this collection and giving it a shot to let Sega know that classic Monkey Ball still has a thriving, dedicated market.

Cupid Parasite is one of the most engaging experiences I’ve ever had with an otome game. From my second playthrough to my fourth, I found myself shaking in my chair, wanting to know what would happen next. Its comedic romance kept me up until the late hours of the night, and I haven’t had a game that made me feel like this in quite a long time. Aside from affected routes, the translation work is solid, and I’m looking forward to the developer fixing the present bugs.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded narrative adventure that uses photography as both a gameplay mechanic and thematic lens, following a disillusioned adult protagonist through a surreal journey of memory, regret, and connection; its slow pacing and layered storytelling reward players who take time to explore, even if some design choices create friction in progression clarity and urgency.

CrossCode really impressed me. Instead of overly leaning on the retro-inspired graphics, the developers created an exceptionally unique and incredibly fun RPG experience. Thankfully, the console release doesn’t change that, even with a few controller issues. I highly recommend this as a must-play Action-RPG, and now that it’s on consoles, we have no more excuses on why we aren’t playing it.

Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition has a healthy balance of updated systems and features that make it a great introduction to what we can expect from action games in this new generation. Those who haven’t played will get to experience the best this title has to offer while returning fans can push their skills with the Legendary Dark Knight Mode and being able to play as Vergil. While I would have preferred a totally separate new campaign for Vergil, everything here shows how an amazing game can be better. Now, when is that Lady and Trish DLC coming?

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X successfully transforms a fighting game legacy into a polished action roguelite, pairing some of the genre’s best combat with meaningful progression and a more coherent narrative framework. While its storytelling still lags behind its mechanical excellence and onboarding can feel dense, the sheer variety of characters, builds, and systems makes it a standout experience even for players unfamiliar with BlazBlue.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist builds upon its predecessor with a stronger narrative focus, improved exploration, and satisfying combat mechanics. While it reuses some familiar ideas, the game’s seamless movement, customizable playstyles, and stunning presentation make it a standout metroidvania for both newcomers and veterans.

While the day 1 DLC seems a bit out of place, the game, complete on its own, offers a rich and engaging story. Despite the absence of traditional social elements, this game’s fantastic blend of gameplay, storytelling, and character depth might warrant a revisit to this universe. Persona 5 Tactica proves to be a strategic and narrative gem within the Persona 5 series, making it a must-try for fans and newcomers alike.

Ultros distinguishes itself in the Metroidvania genre with its novel gardening mechanics, intricate time-loop narrative, and a unique nutrient-based upgrade system. This innovative blend of exploration, strategic combat, and character progression set on a mysterious planet makes it a compelling experience. Ultros redefines the genre, promising to become a classic for both speedrunners and casual players.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes is a fantastic feat in the adventure narrative genre. There's a focus on character drama to make the cast more dynamic and a group of flesh-eating demons to keep your heart racing. Choices have a considerable impact, but there's room to play again and again, with accessible options to fine-tune the experience and a new camera system to enhance exploration. Alone or with friends, no matter how you play, a nightmare awaits.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a must-play 2D platformer that shines with its sublime movement mechanics and excellent level design. Despite a few narrative and comedic missteps, the game offers fulfilling exploration, captivating combat, and stunning visuals, making it one of the standout titles of 2024.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater delivers a visually stunning and faithful remake of the stealth-action classic, blending modern enhancements with the iconic core experience. While the upgraded controls, camera, and animations improve accessibility and immersion, some of these modern features also reduce the original game's difficulty and tension, slightly shifting the balance that made it so memorable.

Brilliant boss battles, captivating world design, and immaculate platforming are all bolstered by stellar, consistent challenge, resulting in one of the best metroidvanias on the market. Granted, the side content isn’t on the same scale as cathartic accomplishment, but as a core experience, Silksong is a wonderful showcase of what happens when a team brings their desired vision to life on their own terms and schedule.

Savant: Ascent REMIX is an experience that is brief but impactful. Although you can likely clear the game in a few hours, there are plenty of reasons to return for a higher score or try your hand at the unlockable Survival Mode. If anything, I wish the game was longer, but what’s here provides instant gamer satisfaction to anyone who plays through it’s approachable, yet, high challenge and minimal controls.