Yars Rising revitalizes the classic Yars' Revenge with a fresh Metroidvania twist. WayForward has modernized the gameplay, introducing dynamic puzzle mechanics, engaging platforming sections, and charming character writing. While some elements like backtracking and combat variety could use improvement, the quirky protagonist Emi and the game’s clever integration of hacking puzzles make it a fun experience.

Felix the Cat serves as a trip down memory lane, offering a compilation of classic platformers starring the iconic animated character. While the games themselves are faithful to their originals and showcase the charm and variety of Felix's magical adventures, the overall package feels somewhat lacking. The absence of innovative gameplay and additional content, coupled with the limited appeal of Felix to modern audiences, might make this compilation more suited for nostalgic fans or collectors interested in video game history.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light provides a look back at the humble beginnings of this SRPG series that continues to find new fans to this day. It shows its age in systems and visuals, but the added options to speed up the experience and save anywhere makes it accessible for non-seasoned retro gamers. This is a game that I’m glad made it to this generation, at least to preserve its official western release.

Alone in the Dark is the best thing that has happened to this series in a very long time. It presents this supernatural and strange narrative in a modern light that doesn't overshadow the campy and over-the-top presentation of the original. Still, I feel like the developers are playing it safe here with the gameplay systems, including the underutilized dual protagonist concept. Regardless, the low barrier of entry ensures that anyone playing feels immersed in this world, and a sequel can build on the excellent foundation of this revival.

Mythwrecked presents an original take on the Greek pantheon that turns them into likeable, relatable people with grounded issues, and a very solid gameplay loop that makes the entire thing go down smoothly. Unfortunately, it's hampered by a lack of narrative emphasis and a main character that doesn't get much of her own development.

Edens Zero is a flawed but endearing action RPG that blends heartfelt storytelling with expansive exploration and light RPG mechanics. While hampered by dated visuals and performance hiccups, its character-driven charm and rewarding gameplay loop make it a worthwhile experience for fans and curious newcomers alike.

Romero Games’ step into this strategic genre is a brave and bold one that has certainly paid off. Empire of Sin perfectly captures the feeling of Chicago in the 1920s and delivers a tight, tactical experience that plays itself in such a way that this title will easily be spoken about in the same light as XCOM – but perhaps even beyond that, due to the deep, unique tycoon elements, it has to offer.

The potential for Curse of the Sea Rats was high, and the opening moments were exceptionally promising. Unfortunately, it fails to encourage players to explore the world with repetitive questlines and a lack of skills. The diverse cast does little to move the narrative in any way, which is a shame because they have the potential to be more than pallet swaps. Still, the experience is gorgeous, and the combat animations deliver a nostalgic punch to keep you pressing forward.

SkateBIRD is a serene and meditative experience but relies a little too heavily on nostalgia with its design while removing any real challenge. Controls hindered the opportunity to get more out of this experience, and I found my bird spent more time rolling on the ground than around on the skateboard. The mission, dialogue, and overall narrative were fun to uncover but isn’t there enough to sustain your interest after completion, essentially clipping the wings of replayability.

Madden NFL 21 is a strange beast. It is the same fun football experience that millions of players have come to love, yet I still expected a little more from it. While it features refined gameplay and fun game modes, its lackluster story mode and plethora of graphical glitches don’t reflect what a game releasing this year should look like. The online modes will keep you playing through various simulation and customizable options, but most of this is just more of the same in comparison to what has already been delivered. If you’re a seasoned Madden fan looking for your yearly fix of football goodness, I doubt Madden NFL 21 will disappoint you, but that doesn’t mean it’s a flawless experience.

Ogre Tale is more than just your standard everyday beat ’em up as it has some of the best character writing in the genre. It’s a game that you can take at your own pace and will consistently provide you with new items and upgrades after each mission. The game could use some difficulty balancing and additional controller support, but nothing really takes away from the overall fun experience. The saddest part is, when it’s over, your left wishing you can hang out with these characters just a little bit longer.

Bloodrayne Betrayal Fresh Bites is a title that deserved this re-release to get it in front of new players. Combat is initially fun and easy to grasp, and the gorgeous art is enough to get anyone into the door. However, once you are there, the slightly inconsistent art style of the protagonist and easy trivialization of the combat; makes this title hard for me to recommend outside of players looking to give themselves a challenge intentionally.

While it doesn't necessarily break new ground compared to its genre contemporaries, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a well-crafted action roguelite that wholeheartedly embraces its strengths. Alongside an exceptional combat flow and meaningful weapon customization, evocative character arcs shine with memorable individuality. Even if the title's greatest avenues of potential, namely the boss variety, aren't reached, this is still a worthwhile triple adventure for action enthusiasts.

Survival Kids on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a charming yet highly simplified co-op adventure aimed squarely at young children, offering basic problem-solving and guided exploration that may leave older fans of the original series feeling underwhelmed.

God of Rock is a unique experiment in taking two highly technical genres and mixing them up. Though it’s sometimes an enchanting title, the frustrations can be tremendous as it hardly offers any leeway for newcomers to get into the meat of the game. The game may annoy even those familiar with the genres due to how convoluted this unlikely hotpot ends up, but this is still a unique experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else, and it’s worth a try.

Hood: Outlaws and Legends can be a lot of fun. The heist gameplay is best when you have a party of friends who communicate and coordinate the attack, allowing the multiplayer heavy game modes to provide much of the enjoyment. Still, there’s a lack of polish in this adventure, but more importantly, a lack of content. Adding new weapons, levels, collectibles, and challenges could add value to the experience. For what is, Hood: Outlaws and Legends delivers an innovative multiplayer experience, especially for all those heist aficionados out there.

If you’re new to roguelikes, Lone Ruin’s brevity and simplicity might make it worth a look; if the price is right for you, that is. Unfortunately, its issues with variety and a lackluster arsenal of spells, items, and upgrades hamper the experience. Nevertheless, it tried its best to strike that balance of elements, and I think it’s a commendable effort from a small dev team. To me, though, this doesn’t excel or evolve the roguelike formula in any unique or engaging way and, overall, comes across as a bit hollow and unremarkable.

Poison Control is an unexpected enjoyable gaming experience. The result is a game that only lacks in areas where I wanted more, including enemy variety and stage layout. However, that doesn’t hinder just how addicting this adventure is, which I hope acts as a foundation for a sequel. I may not be the biggest fan of shooters, but Poison Control takes the genre and presents it in a way that could expand the fanbase. If you can’t get behind that, well, the cleaning aspect is just as satisfying.

Lost Ember is a great narrative adventure that acts as a wonderful game to play over an evening. However, the Switch version lacks the beauty found in the other versions. It’s ultimately something that holds this version back because the visuals are a key feature of what makes this such a memorable game. Ultimately, Lost Ember is a game that you should play, but maybe not on the Switch.

Disintegration seemed to be in a hurry to introduce itself to the world, and this ended up hurting its campaign. The plot won’t hold your attention, but the unique gameplay mechanics of FPS and RTS systems will surely keep you invested across each map. When it works, Disintegration is a hell of a fun time. Here’s to hoping that the multiplayer mode evolves with the community.

Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue is fun for about an hour. Then you’ll realize that you’ve seen much of what the game has to offer and must now focus on upgrading and surviving. The rollout of the narrative is appreciated, but this game does have a pacing problem. It doesn’t know if it wants to be a pick-up and play arcade firefighter game or a simulation time sink where most of the fun comes after multiple hours. There’s no doubt some potential here, but I’d wait for a few updates before rushing into this burning building.

In brief moments of gameplay, Potion Party is a lot of fun. Going in expecting more than satisfying short burst of excitement might be a letdown. Its charming visuals and addicting gameloop provide enough to warrant mixing up a few potions and opening up shop, but I couldn’t help but want a bit more variety in the core design.

Mugen Souls Z may be a product of its time, but the West has finally received the full experience. The story is downright insane in a brilliant way, but the gameplay has definitely not aged well. The added DLC and mini-game definitely make this a release for all niche JRPG enthusiasts, as your 10-year-long wait has paid off, and you can finally take these hilarious girls to the bathhouse.

Never7: The End of Infinity Remastered brings Kotaro Uchikoshi’s early work to a new audience, blending romance, mystery, and mind-bending twists. While it may not be as polished as later Infinity titles, its influence on the visual novel genre is undeniable, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

Onee Chanbara Origin is a hack-and-slash that does nothing more than any other hack-and-slash available. It’s best moments are the fluid and fast action when you’re cutting through hordes of enemies at a smooth frame rate with oceans of blood spraying all over. The series seems to be having an identity crisis about how it wants to continue. It needs to make a choice, keep the bikinis and have a bit of more campy fun with these characters, or lose them entirely and create a more polished action experience.

If you can get through the fetch quests and borderline walking simulator elements, then The Good Life has an intriguing narrative for you to unravel and enjoy. It’s charming and unique in its own way, with its goofy presentation and silly supernatural elements. Maybe it’s the good life that SWERY65 had always imagined.

Infinite Guitars fails to establish a cast of characters you care about, which is enhanced by the gameplay that puts the spotlight on JJ, leaving the supporting members to be the backup dancers. There’s little staying power for the cast, and the respective nature of various systems causes tour fatigue much too early. You’ll stay for the punk rock presentation, but you won’t be requesting an encore.

Lost Soul Aside is indisputably not for everybody. But for those who click with its systems, they're in for a compelling gameplay-driven time reminiscent of PlayStation 2-era hack 'n' slashes. If you have been actively following the development of this title since its announcement, then I can undoubtedly understand the sheer disappointment you may feel. Yet, those not burdened with that level of expectation can vibe with Lost Soul Aside's messily ambitious combat-first heart.