Evan’s Remains is a beautiful game that blends puzzle and visual novel elements together to tell a gripping narrative. However, some dark themes emerge from this with a few convenient “ah-ha” moments that don’t really match up with what is revealed to the player. Still, the journey is one that is most difficult to put down as you find yourself anxious to uncover everything it has to offer.

Windjammers 2 is a welcome modern interpretation of a timeless classic. It may not reinvent the wheel, but thanks to stylistic visuals and some new gameplay systems, this is a game you’re going to want to add to your multiplayer rotation, even if you happen to be still playing the original Windjammers.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a solid compilation of some fantastic games. No, not all of them are winners, but the vast majority are engaging simple versions of the best tabletop games around. Though the single-player experience might be slightly lacking, Clubhouse Games is undoubtedly one of the best local multiplayer experiences on the Switch.

Despite being well over two decades old, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny has aged remarkably well, boasting terrific action combat bolstered by memorable bosses and cleverly designed puzzles that are all consistently gratifying. Admittedly, the bulk of the narrative and character writing is relatively weak. However, they’re still an improvement over what the debut entry provided, personally giving me hope for the later titles. Moreover, the newly added Hell Mode and easily accessible minigames make this return a meticulous one. Here’s hoping the rest of the franchise receives remastered treatments before Way of the Sword finally graces us.

Sorcerer’s Choice: Angel or Demon is a BL visual novel with gorgeous illustrations and a well-executed handling of its characters. Though its fantasy setting feels generic, and the character corruption themes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a good entry point in the genre.

I found myself unexpectedly invested in the story of ITTA; its dark themes and mysterious characters held my attention throughout its short campaign. Aside from a few technical issues and the lack of a real postgame, ITTA is a bullet-hell experience that will quickly satisfy any craving you might have for the genre.

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.

Contra: Operation Galuga revitalizes the classic run-and-gun arcade essence of the original Contra series. Developed by WayForward, it embraces the franchise's roots with engaging character dynamics, challenging gameplay, and a low-barrier-of-entry narrative that's delightfully campy. Featuring a mix of old and new characters, each bringing unique weapon proficiencies and environmental abilities, the game encourages players to master its eight stages through strategic customization and skillful play.

All of this makes 8-Bit Adventures 2 shine as a quality game regardless if it doesn’t present any groundbreaking systems in the genre. This game is a love letter to retro adventures that we’re intimately familiar with by now. Rather than push it to be something that seeks to change the experience, it celebrates it. If you’re looking for something that seeks to innovate, you’re likely to find something better elsewhere. But if you want an entertaining, lighthearted, and endearing experience, this is the game for you.

Maneater: Truth Quest is for those Maneater fans who only stopped playing because they completed everything the base game had to offer. This new expansion ups the challenge, but at the cost of repeated mission types. The narration steals the show throughout every moment of gameplay. Now, you can add conspiracies and bull shark facts to the useless knowledge Maneater has taught us, and yet, I’m all here for it.

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.

A Void Hope delivers a captivating adventure set in a dark, 1980s-inspired world, blending metroidvania elements with puzzles and exploration. The story, centered around a mysterious illness, unfolds through the journey of characters Gilda and Keegan, offering a mix of exploration, minimalistic combat, and environmental puzzles. Despite its brief duration and some navigational puzzles, the game's engaging narrative and atmospheric retro soundtrack create a memorable experience.

Biped might have the visual appeal of a children’s game, but it is most definitely a challenging and demanding co-op experience. Working together through each stage will put your thumbs to the test as you move these little robots across each environment. The replayability is there for those that want to meet the high expectations of the developers, but for most, this will just be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Mamorukun ReCurse wasn’t on my radar, but it earns its place with sharp twin-stick action, solid preservation work, and a weird charm that sticks. City Connection brings this 2008 arcade shmup back with a package that feels both respectful and modern. The unique, non-scrolling stage design and multiple gameplay modes keep things interesting across skill levels. Some features like rewind and clearer visual cues are missing, but what’s here still delivers a satisfying and memorable run. It’s a welcome revival that makes the upcoming sequel feel worth anticipating.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an excellent extension of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. The game features a charming cast of characters who embark on a memorable quest that I wasn’t expecting. Still, there are definitely some balancing issues found in the PVP offerings, which make matches much easier for those who pay. As a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I felt right at home in terms of the battle system and turn-based mechanics found in this adventure, which pave the way for a great mobile RPG experience.

Master Magistrate is an excellent detective adventure that is continually engaging during every moment of gameplay. The cast of characters is full of interesting voices and personalities who keep this mystery grounded. This is further enhanced with the game’s visual presentation, which makes it stand out effectively as it carves out its own identity within the genre. Where it falls apart is found in some of its delivery, but that won’t hinder the overall experience. If you’re in the mood to gather clues and solve cases, then you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

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.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate delivers a slick, fast-paced roguelike experience with deep build variety and fun co-op mechanics. While its mobile roots show in places, the game's combat and nostalgic charm make it a worthy pick for fans of the franchise and genre.

Liberated presents an affectingly grim dystopian narrative stylized in a viscerally dark comic style. Transitioning from panels of illustrations to action scenes never gets old and is extremely enjoyable. Some in-game graphics are sadly dated with lengthy load times, and the short runtime of the adventure might leave some wanting more, but if you’re looking for a cautionary tale as compelling as it is cynical, Liberated is the comic and game for you.

Darius Cozmic Collection is a piece of history for shmup fans. The collection includes a full catalog of the series that allows you to experience some titles that weren’t easily accessible before this release. While I wish there was more history featured in the collection, it was a blast playing these games again, or for the first time.

Forza Horizon 6 is a gorgeous open-world racer that absolutely sells the fantasy of driving through Japan, from winding mountain passes to neon-lit streets packed with cars worth obsessing over. The presentation is top-tier, the customization systems are deeper than ever, and there’s still a ton of fun to be had cruising around with friends, but underneath all of that, the game feels a little too comfortable repeating the same Horizon formula. The campaign quickly falls into familiar patterns, and despite finally bringing the series to Japan, it barely scratches the surface of the underground drift and street racing culture that made this setting so exciting in the first place. It’s still one of the best arcade racers out there, but longtime fans may come away wanting more than just another beautiful map and a recycled checklist of activities.

The PC version of Daemon X Machina is perhaps the best way to experience this high action game. Flying through the air and shooting down enemies at up to 200 fps looked and felt incredible. While the story might leave you scratching your head, this is undoubtedly an incredibly fun game to play.

Re:Call busts out the gate with clever gameplay systems that deal with memory manipulation and puzzle solving. It’s an additive affair as you attempt multiple times to get the story straight and progress the narrative. However, the balance of gameplay and storytelling is lost in the final chapters as the narrative is the true highlight of the experience. Make this your next weekend game; you won’t regret it.

OlliOlli World opens the door for new and old fans with casual and hardcore systems to master. Its controller layout takes some getting used to, and the frame rate issue doesn't make that easier, but there's so much here to keep you invested. It's a game that demands to be replayed, and luckily it's so damn fun that that isn't an issue, and the sheer amount of content will keep you skating for hours.

Where Winds Meet is an ambitious Wuxia MMO that blends stunning visuals, deep side content, and martial arts combat in a rich Ancient China setting. While the main story serves as a basic anchor, the game shines in its expansive exploration, variety of roles, and immersive online interactions. However, high system demands and optional AI features may deter some players.

Samurai Warriors 5 provides a fresh start for the franchise through a focused narrative while retaining what fans love. It builds on the established formula rather than overhauling it completely created a balanced action experience. Despite issues with repetitive movesets and the limited Ultimate Skills, I had a great time returning to the battlefield that has only been better with this updated aesthetic.

First Snow plays it safe with its storytelling and pacing. Still, the free cost of entry allowed the studio to give the reader an insight into characters and relationships that can be expanded upon later. The game features some fantastic art direction, and it’s college cast allows the writers to create a story that a lot more people can instantly relate to, without having to try and reminisce on high school days. The entire story comes off as a familiar and comfortable tale that I enjoyed, which makes me excited for whatever the team puts out next. It’s merely free yuri real estate.

Samurai Shodown’s fighting system of reading your opponents moves and responding to turn the tide of a match, no matter your skill level, allows it to stand out in the genre. Matches are a bit slower-paced than other fighters, but it still manages to pack a punch. On Switch, the game runs well at the cost of a visual downgrade. All-in-all, the only thing I could have hoped for was a proper story tieing together this unique roster instead of a glorified Arcade Mode. If you’re wondering, Shiki is best girl.