The Switch version of Life is Strange 2 is not the best version of this adventure. However, this doesn’t make it a terrible choice. The experience is serviceable on both handheld and docked modes, and while the models lack graphically, as the game progresses, shadows and dirt make them look more natural. Unfortunately, players won’t find anything new or impressive with this port. Regardless, I recommend this version to those who haven’t played it before or are looking for a new title to play while on the go, proving that a tale of two brothers is excellent no matter what version players decide to play.

Pac-Man: Mega Tunnel Battle is a unique approach to turning the Pac-Man formula into a battle royal experience. I think the way it was handled works for this type of game as you independently work on getting high scores while invading other’s boards to rob opponents of possible points. Still, it loses its charm so quickly, given that the online community doesn’t seem to want to lean into the new systems while they focus on clearing their boards in simple Pac-Man fashion.

UmaMusume: Pretty Derby blends gacha mechanics, roguelite training, and idol spectacle into a quirky, stats-heavy mobile experience that rewards dedication but challenges casual play with its steep learning curve and monetization layers.

Persona 5: The Phantom X delivers a visually slick and narratively familiar mobile RPG experience that expands the Persona universe with charm and competent combat, though technical issues and uneven monetization may dampen long-term enjoyment.

Neon Abyss is a mixed bag. While power-ups and synergies offer a fantastic variety, the same cannot be said of the Abyss and its design. There’s fun to be found here, but it ultimately doesn’t supply the addicting gameloop that other genre greats provide, making it tough to continue after an untimely death.

SINoALICE gives us a rather gripping narrative that mobile fans may not be accustomed to. The dark fairy tale themes are very much from the mind of developer Yoko Taro, and it works exceptionally well with the presentation. Unfortunately, that same genius isn’t found in the battle system outside of the standout online Guild Battles. It’s unlikely the current gameplay formula will change, but the game’s story and characters will surely keep you invested across future updates.

I had a difficult but still fun time playing through Star Racer. However, some of the glitches did put me off most of the time, but I still tried to see through some of the game’s positives. However, it’s clear that this racing game is for players who are more familiar with more intense racing titles, getting through obstacles felt stress relieving, but clearly shows how hard Star Racer can be for some players.

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.

Drago Noka is a very ambitious game trying to make its own identity in the life simulation genre. Although charming, poor interactions between NPCs and the economy can make players feel directionless. Compounding this problem is the fact that players must discover many facets. There is a lot for players to sink their teeth into with Drago Noka, but a lack of direction could cause most to lose patience before the world opens up.

So, my scoring may seem at odds with what I’ve said, but that should also demonstrate just how lackluster and dull I found the combat system, coupled with the unpolished models and environments. Still, if you can get past its faults and perhaps enjoy it, Harvestella provides a memorable, varied JRPG experience that boasts standout characters, an intriguing narrative, and one of Square Enix’s best soundtracks in years.

Outriders Worldslayer is a decent expansion to a game that was flawed upon its release. Loot is plentiful, and playing with friends over comms can be a blast. The repetitive gameplay loop and breakneck pacing leave much to be desired, especially when playing solo. Worldslayer won’t convert anybody who wasn’t already on board with Outriders to the cause, as it shares many problems with its predecessor. Still, Worldslayer will give fans of the base game reason to return to Enoch’s world.

While Waiting sports lovely graphics and amazing attention to detail, finding the fun and charm in every day situations. It is a unique concept and tells a touching story, but struggles to make some of its mechanics work with each other.

Cuisineer is brimming with personality through and through. Every corner, from its character design to the cheery music and cute enemies, is incredibly charming and will delight anyone looking for a cozy experience. I loved the combat and found myself fighting my way through the dungeons for hours on end. However, the restaurant management starts off incredibly slow and could really use additional layers of complexity to keep players engaged right from the start.

Although Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 makes some improvements over its predecessor, including new characters and a campaign mode, it still falls short of offering a truly distinct gaming experience. The absence of certain characters from the first game is also a disappointment. The upcoming DLC characters may address some of these concerns, but time will tell. It serves as a decent alternative to games like Smash Brothers or Multiverses while players wait for other releases or seek a nostalgic trip down memory lane to battle their favorite Nickelodeon characters in four-person versus matches.

ONI: Road to be the Mightiest Oni is the kind of game you will inevitably cross paths with. You know, one that, over time, becomes a remembered cult classic within indie circles. The experience is worth it for the atmosphere alone, and while the gameplay loop may not be anything remarkable, the journey itself is memorable. If you’re after something Avant-garde and imbued with meaning, it’s worth going through the trials and tribulations to become the mightiest Oni.

Aragami 2 will surely scratch any itch that you’re looking for within the stealth action genre. Laying waste to unsuspecting enemies with your buddies and jumping from rooftop to rooftop provides a certain sense of satisfaction. Unfortunately, however, the other systems can’t keep up with this action, leaving the narrative, AI, and overall game loop to simply exist in hopes the play doesn’t get lost in the shadows.

Anomaly Agent offers a succinct gaming experience, combining platforming and combat within a sci-fi narrative. As Agent 70, players address global anomalies, facing challenges that require both strategy and skill. The game balances its story, combat, and platforming elements effectively. However, repetitive boss fights and a simple upgrade system are questionable. Despite these issues, its design and mechanics make it a notable indie game, with enough depth to encourage replayability.

Disgaea RPG represents your typical mobile gaming experience, for better and for worse. It offers a ton of content around this exceptionally large cast of characters for fans of the series to dive headfirst into. However, it borrows many core elements from other mobile games when it should have relied more on the deep strategic planning the series is known for. Still, the game is undoubtedly addicting, and I’m excited to see how this western release evolves.

Phantom Abyss offers a thrilling gaming experience, but it won't keep you hooked for hours on end without a group of friends to tackle the temples alongside you.

Maneater is the equivalent of a satisfying popcorn flick. It promises all the gameplay one would imagine when assuming the role of a killer mutant shark. Thrashing helpless victims and dominating other vicious predators still make for a ridiculously entertaining adventure. Even acknowledging the graphical inferiorities, the foundation of Maneater’s gameplay is enjoyable enough for it to still be a pretty solid experience. If you are concerned about testing the waters on this deep-sea Switch port, don’t worry, there’s a lot of massacring mayhem to be had.

Fatal Fury: First Contact may not make you a fan of the NeoGeo Pocket fighters due to its lack of additional content, but there is a rather enjoyable fighter for those looking for a nostalgia trip. The animations and pixel designs are gorgeous, but I couldn’t help but want more to do.

Mixtape is a visually stylish coming-of-age adventure that captures the awkward charm of teenage friendships through strong writing, slick transitions, and a distinct John Hughes-inspired atmosphere. While Beethoven and Dinosaur delivers memorable characters and an ambitious presentation, the experience struggles to justify itself as a game due to repetitive autoscrollers, shallow interactivity, and minimal player agency. Its soundtrack-driven storytelling and nostalgic tone will resonate with some players, but others may find the lack of meaningful gameplay leaves the emotional journey feeling passive rather than immersive.

Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani is a decent otome, but not one that I would recommend to everyone. While I appreciate the English release, the story fails to find its footing in the early moments, which is a shame because the conclusion is exciting. Further, the romance comes off more platonic than genuine on some routes, but I enjoyed the ghostly premise and charming cast.

Tanuki Justice is an enjoyable and welcome retro release, one that recaptures the magic of ninja action games like Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden while adding some bullet hell shenanigans to provide a different type of challenge. There are some mechanical imperfections and omissions which do hamper the intended fast-paced ninja action. Still, the experience as a whole tends to shine through thanks to its vibrant presentation and strong level design.

Love Flute‘s gameplay is dull, and the lack of connection between a story about music and the music in the story feels like a missed opportunity. Taken purely as a visual novel, though, the good balance of slice-of-life comedy to heartfelt dramatic moments, driven by skillfully voiced characters, does make for an enjoyable short read.

Star Hunter DX is a charming and dazzling tribute to the classics of the genre. The 2-D art style is reminiscent of the old arcades paired with a nostalgic 16-bit soundtrack. Controls are responsive with a nice variety of abilities and difficulty modes to play through the campaign. However, the lack of extra modes was disappointing and weighed on the replayability. Still, if you’re looking for a colorful shmup to test your skills, look no further.

White Album: Memories like Falling Snow is a curious title that focuses on a unique relationship dilemma and how a depressed young man struggles with it. It feels a little underdeveloped for what it could have done, but fans of Japanese adventure games will likely find it an endearing title. Here’s hoping the sequel also comes so we can see how Aquaplus further developed the concept into another drama.

Metro Quester reimagines RPG gaming by putting numbers and statistics at the forefront, leaving behind flashy graphics. Set in a minimalist post-apocalyptic Japan, players must survive by collecting resources and food while taking on monsters. Its user-friendly interface makes it a perfect portable RPG, offering strategic combat and a laid-back gameplay loop. For RPG enthusiasts in search of a gameplay-focused experience reminiscent of classic text-based RPGs, Metro Quester hits the mark.