Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy takes everything good about the first entry and expands on it tenfold. There’s a significant focus on exploration in this entry that makes it feel like a real adventure with limited backtracking and more emphasis and discovery. The battle system is amazing and fluid, if only lacking inaccessibility for its more nuanced systems, and the narrative features relatable moments of reuniting with friends for one more adventure. If you enjoyed the first entry, Atelier Ryza 2 does all of that and more, which is all I could have asked for in a sequel.

Dynasty Warriors Origins breathes new life into the Musou franchise, blending a gripping narrative with refined combat mechanics and expansive exploration. While the game offers engaging storytelling and strategic depth, occasional pacing issues and repetitive side quests may deter newcomers.

Bayonetta is a game that always delivers. It was great when I played it ten years ago, and it’s great today. The added benefit of playing it in 4k 60fps allows us to see Bayonetta at her very best. Still, this version doesn’t add anything on top of the PC version, but it does give a new generation of gamers the chance to experience what this series has to offer.

Pikmin 4 is one of the best Switch experiences I’ve had. There’s an addictive gameplay cycle where every moment spent playing is rewarded with vast new areas to explore and tools to discover. Further, the added Dandori Battles for multiplayer and rankings provides appreciated replayablity. The expanded narrative isn’t overbearing on the experience, and Oatchi only adds to the overall charm found during every moment of gameplay. Sure, the lengthy opening tutorial isn’t completely necessary, but getting past that reveals one of the most wholesome gaming experiences you’ll have this year.

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.

Children of the Sun is a standout puzzle shooter that successfully blends a dark, revenge-driven narrative with unique gameplay mechanics. Its approach to storytelling, through minimalistic but impactful vignettes, and the challenging puzzle aspects of its shooter gameplay make it a memorable experience. However, its dark themes and potential for uncomfortable moments mean it's not a game for everyone.

No More Heroes is a game that sounds like it could be fun, and then on closer examination, looks bizarrely empty, full of padding, and shallow in terms of story depth. However, when you actually experience it, you’re left with an experience that experiments with just how much it can employ the concept of “less is more.” It’s got a down to earth yet absurdist narrative that is incredibly rewarding with an extremely cool and satisfying combat system providing an unstoppable feeling. Some games really do live up to their hype, huh.

Monster Hunter Rise on new platforms is ultimately here for those who have held out. It offers much of what the Steam version has with the ease of being playable on consoles. The absence of cross-play and cross-save is a huge missed opportunity, but new fans have much to look forward to in this adventure. This is a must-play entry in this series, now available across all platforms.

DOOM Eternal has raised the bar of the first-person combat genre and has done it in ways that only id could pull off. The developers took time constructing a game loop of carnage and mayhem while pushing the skills of the player and providing them with all the tools needed to survive. It comes down to great game design, and I’m so happy to have experienced it. There’s a light at the end of all this death and destruction, but getting it isn’t easy. DOOM Eternal takes the player on a journey, and it’s one that I didn’t want to end. There’s no point in denying that this is a must-play title.

2025 has already been and will undoubtedly be home to countless top-of-the-line releases. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has joined that list; a memorable journey for the ages.

Buckshot Roulette is a compelling indie game that stands out for its innovative gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a unique gaming experience and for streamers looking to share intense and engaging content with their viewers. Despite its potential limitations in variety and broader appeal, it's a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of indie game development.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is a standout entry in the Digimon franchise, blending rich storytelling with an expansive Digivolution system that rewards strategy and patience. Set across dual timelines, the game introduces emotionally engaging characters, deep combat mechanics, and a highly customizable team-building experience that longtime fans and newcomers alike can appreciate.

The King of Fighters XV is as good as it gets and feels like a complete package even at launch. Sure, it may not reinvent the wheel for the genre, but it perfects its unique gameplay formula and easily offers the best character roster the series has ever seen. With robust online options, deep gameplay systems, and stellar and stylistic presentation featuring unforgettable music, this is one fighting game that will be in regular rotation on any gaming platform. What was once innovative in 1994 succeeds at feeling just as new and exciting in 2022.

Wild Hearts has so much to offer. From the striking monster designs, distinct weapon variety, and engaging combat, hunters will have a new favorite game to join up with friends and take down enormous foes. Outside of some dips in pacing in the later hours, and a few repetitive encounters, there is little holding this game back from becoming a new name in the genre.

The Lonesome Guild delivers a heartfelt and charming RPG adventure set in the beautifully mysterious world of Etere. With a unique possession-based combat system, a diverse cast of lovable characters, and a strong emotional core focused on friendship and loneliness, this adventure stands out as a cozy alternative to the typical autumn horror lineup. Despite a few mechanical hiccups and repetitive side quests, its thoughtful storytelling and character dynamics make it a memorable experience for RPG fans.

Ib is not a game I would recommend to everyone since enjoying it requires the other party to have an affinity for not only the horror genre but also the pixel-like presentation. Ib’s strengths don’t transcend the bounds of who you’d expect to appreciate it, though, for those who do find themselves impacted, it will likely be an experience you’ll remember for as long as you’re able. The endearingly chilling setting, coupled with the compact well-written cast, creates something genuinely heartfelt that I’m thankful hasn’t been lost to time and has been made more accessible.

Infernax is more than just an ode to black sheep titles that it’s paying homage to. With well-crafted platforming and combat, it surpasses many of the games that inspired it. Further, it is intentionally challenging without relying on cryptic padding or cheap deaths. Those looking for a retro action-adventure without the dated feel will have a bloody great time with Infernax.

SIFU is the must-play action game of the year. Its roguelike systems shouldn't hold back anyone from jumping in and following this thrilling narrative of revenge. The entire experience is like watching a Bruce Lee movie play out with you controlling the choreography. It's as rewarding as it is brutally challenging, but I was having a blast kicking ass whether I was 25 or 55 in-game years old.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late|cl-r| is a fantastic fighting game that’s easy to pick up and understand with its simplistic yet deep tutorials that will set you up for slicing and dicing your foes in no time. It’s a title that has so much to offer in terms of style and presentation that its tough to not be having a great time while playing.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a must-own collection that unites the origins of a collective JRPG powerhouse. Regardless of your feelings on modern Final Fantasy’s direction, you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true classics. With the options to make each experience more accessible, swappable soundtracks, and the inclusion of a more legible font, the console versions are the new go-to. There’s no better time to be a Final Fantasy fan.

Darwin's Paradox! delivers a striking cinematic platformer that pairs expressive, wordless storytelling with demanding, precision-based gameplay, resulting in a short but memorable adventure that balances emotional tone with mechanical depth. While its inventive movement and environmental design consistently shine, a few uneven mechanics and late-game frustrations hold it back from absolute greatness.

Viewfinder is as serine as it is challenging. From the very beginning, this game will captivate you through its unique image manipulation puzzle design and narrative. The explorable areas complement the experience as the situation becomes more complex as the narrative is revealed. The clever and unique puzzle designs set the stage for a very special adventure.

Hitman 3 builds on the structure of its predecessors but doesn't recycle old mechanics. Its creative sandbox systems encourage multiple playthroughs with possible outcomes only limited by your imagination. Returning fans will get the most of this narrative as it ties up a few loose ends but doesn't totally stick the landing. It's absolutely brilliant in execution, though, as you replay missions for different results providing the most robust experience to those who spend the most time playing.

Hades takes away all the annoying parts of the roguelike genre and adds accessible systems without lowering the difficulty that these types of games offer. It is a standout experience within the genre and will test your skills in a balanced and manageable way that makes each run challenging, yet, approachable. There is so much to unlock here and so much to discover that dying for the hundredth time isn’t that bad.

Closer The Distance is a unique life simulation game that challenges players with time management mechanics and an emotionally charged narrative. Set in the quaint village of Yesterby, you guide a family through the aftermath of a tragic loss, balancing their emotional and physical needs. With stunning visuals, exceptional voice acting, and a melancholic tone, this game offers a deeply immersive experience. While the time constraints and challenging objectives may be stressful for some, the game's replay value and narrative depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

The Outer Worlds: Peril On Gorgon doesn’t hinder the experiences of the base game; instead, it enhances this small corner of the universe with more grand adventures. I appreciated the dedication that went into writing the main campaign and found the side-missions to be just as crucial to piecing together the full narrative. There was an abundance of items and weirdly placed enemy encounters that didn’t completely flow with the events, but that didn’t take away from this fantastic space opera experience.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a must-own collection that unites the origins of a collective JRPG powerhouse. Regardless of your feelings on modern Final Fantasy’s direction, you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true classics. With the options to make each experience more accessible, swappable soundtracks, and the inclusion of a more legible font, the console versions are the new go-to. There’s no better time to be a Final Fantasy fan.

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.