Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief feels like a product of its era. While seeing it try so many ideas is admirable, it ultimately falls flat in execution as the experience feels disjointed and messy. Although it presents a game world that feels alive and immersive, the primary gameplay loop lacks polish and practical implementation.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is one of the must-play adventure games of 2022. It builds on what was lacking in narrative and gameplay elements of its predecessor and provides players with a heart-racing sprint of an experience. The low points of the pacing are merely used to catch your breath until the next encounter as you see Amicia's own innocence fade. Coincidental set pieces aside, there's a lot to love about this game, and I urge you to find out for yourself. However, this may not be for you if you have an uncontrollable fear of rats.

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.

I set my expectations for The DioField Chronicle relatively high, which is a recipe for disaster. However, I’m pleased to report that I enjoyed this game at every turn. This ambitious cast star in a narrative that is running a contest for how much wool they can pull over each other’s eyes, and I am here for it every step of the way. I’d like some more, please too. A sequel or something in the same world with more political mayhem sounds fantastic. And more Waltaquin.

Prodeus is an excellent experience for modern and retro first-person shooter fans. The pure carnage of the gameplay and high replayable offered makes it a game that can be easily returned to in small bursts or long play sessions. The level themes may be limited, but if you’re here for a challenge and gallons of pixelated blood, you’ve just found one of the most addictive shooters of 2022.

The main takeaway is a reassuring reminder of the importance of having any form and size of a support circle because no matter how tough times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. But, unfortunately, despite such a grand message, it does very little to make an impact, especially in owning such themes and presenting them in their own new and refreshing way since these have been done repeatedly and to a far better standard. It is wildly unique and creative if we are talking about its aesthetics. Furthermore, it is its most memorable aspect since everything else is either middle of the road or falls completely flat.

If you’ve never played NieR:Automata or intend to replay it, I highly recommend picking up this release above all others. The game itself is certainly not perfect, what with its sometimes shallow combat and instances of heavy-handed messaging, but it usually illustrates its intentions splendidly. Plus, the former is made up for with sheer variety and eye-catching animation. You need to have an open mind and accept unconventional pacing to truly appreciate NieR:Automata, and once you do, you’ll never be off Yoko Taro’s wild ride, nor would you want to.

Splatoon 3 has come a long way since the series’ inception on the Wii U and has become one of my favorite competitive games to date, shining brightly with its new quality of life improvements. There’s still a lot on the horizon for this game, given that there are promises to keep the updates coming until 2024, but as it is, you will not regret spending on this fantastic title.

I’m delighted Spike Chunsoft and MAGES have finally brought this highly-desired game to the West after over a decade. Still, it should’ve been treated with more care, so here’s hoping they address these problems with patches in the near future.

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.

Metal: Hellsinger is a pleasant blend of action and rhythm, allowing players to get lost in the mayhem of Hell. While a relatively short campaign might leave players wanting more, what’s already there is an excellent package that fans of rhythm and action will immediately agree is a classic. Metal: Hellsinger will be singing for years to come, and hopefully, there will be some new songs on the horizon.

If the Voice of Cards series continues, I hope they either refine the gameplay systems or undergo a major enough shakeup to breathe new life for returning players. Still, if you enjoyed the last two games, this one will likely be up your alley and is worth considering. Though, those who were not drawn in beforehand won’t find anything to compel them this time around either.

When I first booted up Moonscars, I couldn’t help initially thinking that this would be a familiar experience to other titles of these genres, such as Blasphemous or Slain: Back from Hell. Though there are comparisons for the genres, I think Moonscars does a great job of standing out amongst the rest. The art is terrific, and the combat feels rewarding despite its intensity and difficulty. While the story isn’t gripping, the gothic aesthetic is enticing, and I had a great time trudging through this forlorn adventure.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is a great game, and I would argue that this is the best entry point for beginners to the Taiko games. Perhaps the only thing that prevents it from being a perfect title for everyone is the lack of a diverse minigame selection and the fact that you’re almost required to sign your soul in a subscription model to expand your playtime. Still, otherwise, it has a solid music selection with online support, making it a respectable and formidable package for both new and old fans of the series.

Piofiore: Episodio 1926 is much more than just a simple fandisc, packing a profound story that can be treated as a full-blown sequel. It successfully establishes a sense of continuity from the ending of its predecessor. Still, this means it’s hard or even impossible to enjoy without playing 1925. Regardless, I hold it in high regard and would recommend it if you’re in the mood for a story that manages to be heavy but also lovely in equal proportion.

OneShot: World Machine Edition is one of those experiences you want to try for yourself without reading too much of it. If a puzzle adventure with a mysterious storyline sounds like your thing, then this is a game that offers a sizeable journey and some measure of replay value too. It may not always feel ideal for playing on console, and the pacing can be a tad sluggish, but the meta-gaming motifs remain intact.

Trails has a fanbase with drastically differing opinions everywhere you look, so my advice is to let your heart dictate your perceptions of these games without letting outside interference impede prospective enjoyment. If you’re a newcomer to Crossbell or Trails as a whole, I hope my review can at least act as a sturdy bridge for what you can expect from this highly anticipated Western release, my critiques aside.

Soulstice is an awesome ode to classic action-adventure games. It expertly wears its inspirations proudly while telling an impactful story full of epic battles. Sadly, there’s a missed opportunity to create tension with large-scale encounters in its early moments, but Soulstice comes together in its second act with a unique and fast action system that is beautifully choreographed across the gothic landscape. I hope this isn’t the last we see of Briar and Lute.

Amnesia: Later x Crowd is simply an outstanding package for its price, offering a great selection of stories to enjoy, especially compared to its predecessor. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this double feature, but the titles complement each other so well, and I would definitely recommend it to any fans who want to spend more time with this endearing cast.

Amnesia: Memories is a decent otome, with plenty of its usual heart-throbbing twists and turns, but unfortunately, its user experience ages like a rotten apple on the Switch. I can’t count how often I became frustrated rather than fascinated by the love interests. Still, there’s a lot to be said about the insanity of the routes that motivated me to uncover this unforgettable mystery.

Broken Pieces has a narrative that entices players to solve the mysteries of Saint-Exil and the cult that has taken residence. While simple combat might make the title a slower play for most, anyone who loves puzzles and riddles will enjoy their time in Saint-Exil and want more. This provides a great experience within the survival horror genre, other titles should take note.

Pac-Man World Re-Pac is a revived, gratifying 3D platformer that any fan of the genre should consider picking up. Its consistently engaging level design, well-implemented difficulty, and unique boss battles provide a rewarding experience. Even when considering some level design oddities, there are no vital drawbacks to embracing this delightful journey. Here’s hoping the sequel receives similar treatment.

Circus Electrique is enjoyable not only for its accurate depiction of the Victorian era aesthetic but also for its distinctive class and combat system and flexibility found in creating lineup combinations. The idea behind the game’s creation is innovative, but what it offers in creativity lacks execution. Several thematic elements make it stand out from typical genre tropes, yet I can’t help but feel that it would have been better served if it had focused on polishing its foundation.

There’s a lot packed in Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness, but it will take someone willing to play through the 5-hour opening to discover it. However, the original story and challenging survival gameplay elements of Deep in Abyss will have you invested in your quest to be a White Whistle for hours. This is definitely a step in the right direction for game adaptations of anime, as the quality of the systems and added dub options make it a must-play for fans.

Madden 23 returns to its roots by focusing on gameplay improvement and player experience. Though no significant developments or additions were made to its multiple game modes, this still feels like a step in the right direction for a franchise that has otherwise been taking it in the shins in recent years. It still remains to be seen whether EA can build on the solid foundation of this year’s release, but at the very least, the game is a fitting tribute to the legend of John Madden, who preached fundamentals above all else.

Despite some minor setbacks, Eyes in the Dark holds a lot of charm and fun. Each run may take a little longer, but that time flies by — despite the simplicity of the enemies and difficulty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is much to see with Eyes in the Dark.

Brok the Investigator is a charming take on a classic genre, regardless if the systems don’t play nice with each other. The story has a slow start, and the combat is a bit messy, but those who stick around will discover some great moments of investigation gameplay and memorable character interactions. Brok may not always be the best choice for the job, but the heart that is in this title will keep you engaged.

LOOPERS is a memorable adventure with an engaging and charming cast. Its short length and captivating story beats make it perfect for all visual novel fans to enjoy. While the narrative may not hit the extremely high bars set by previous novels from Ryukishi07 and Key, LOOPERS sets its own pace to provide a much-needed experience in this genre.