Dead by Daylight on mobile is plagued with random bugs and lengthy load times, which can all be overlooked with the excuse that this is just the “Dead by Daylight” experience. Still, I found enjoyment during each match as I fought for my life against some of the most terrifying creatures known to exist. It’s like something you know is terrible, but you can’t put it down, and that’s precisely what keeps me playing.

Sadly, most of the time players will be spending with A New Power Awakens: Part 1 will likely be spent grinding senseless battles to get to the main event against Beerus. However, the fight and how the game presents it isn’t interesting enough to warrant going back to the game for. Unless you are really clamoring for more Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot content, it might be best to wait until the second part of the DLC is out for a complete experience.

Code: Realize Future Blessings is a fantastic addition and continuation of the base story as it gives players a chance to spend just a little more time with these characters across some excellent new scenarios. The game fleshes out plot points that its predecessor left on the table all without altering the best moments of the overall story. If you enjoyed Code: Realize Guardian of Rebirth, then I’d give Future Blessings a very strong recommendation. However, if you’re interested in these titles and haven’t played either of them, the dual pack is available called Bouquet of Flowers, which has both this fandisc and the original game on PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita.

Yukikoi Melt is a beautiful visual novel that falls apart within the first hour. There is so much potential crammed in the beginning moments that are never brought up again and make you question why you just spent 20 hours hoping for something that never happens. However, if you’re looking for an exceptionally humorous and lighthearted visual novel about a boy overcoming his hatred for winter, look no further than Yukikoi Melt.

Kingdom Two Crowns makes for one of the more intriguing strategy games that I’ve played in some time. The mobile port looks and runs great, but suffers from a UI that doesn’t give the player enough unit information. Gameplay has a low barrier of entry and doesn’t require much to pick up and start playing. However, it’s trial and error experiences could have been retained even with a little bit of explanation to save the player an early death. Oddly enough, this is one of the more relaxing gaming experiences that I’ve had, which is why I find myself returning to my kingdom time and time again.

Victory Project has a problem with pacing, and it all stems from its flimsy foundation. Everything that happens comes off like a string of coincidences that will cause any player to roll their eyes. It makes the entire narrative more like a day time soap opera than a visual novel full of shocking discoveries, romantic outings, and near-death experiences. Still, it has its moments until the story reminds you of the character’s age difference for what seems like the 50th time.

Machina of the Planet Tree: Unity Unions is much too ambitious for its budget. The developer had an idea for what they wanted this game to be but could not pull it off. There’s not much here outside of mindlessly going through missions with the objective being “Defeat All Enemies” for an hour until the credits roll. I can’t recommend this game; I don’t care how cute the main protagonist is!

Real life Plus: Kaname Komatsuzaki will cost you both your valuable time and money, with next to nothing in return. You’ll be able to clear it at least once in just half an hour, experience some terribly paced attempt at storytelling to set up some H-scenes, and then wonder why you spent $12 on this. Unless you’re looking for a title with some good H-art and nothing else, I can think of no conceivable reason to pick this one up.

Strawberry Vinegar ends up being incredibly straight forward if not a little messy with some of its story elements. I thought the writing was comical and engaging, but then the pacing would be hurt by Rie’s unbalanced characteristics and overly mature attitude. In the end, it’s a visual novel about food and friendship, and you’ll get plenty of that here.

Ultimately, Demon’s Tier+ is a charming twin-stick shooter that doesn’t take a whole lot of skill to get into. Its entry-level mechanics make it approachable to new fans of the genre, but skilled players will quickly discover how to take advantage of the game’s systems and get through it without much trouble.

Warborn has a great foundation of SRPG mechanics and beautiful animations. However, I never once felt connected or concerned about my units or challenged after the first few minutes of a match. Each campaign plays out relatively the same, and after hours of gameplay, you’ll feel like you are merely playing the same mission over and over. I enjoyed the overall aesthetic, but nothing about the gameplay held my attention.

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.

KukkoroDays is an incredibly average story that puts in a little bit of effort not just to be an ecchi visual novel. However, it’d be tough to catch that thanks to the game’s incredibly fast pacing. If you’re here for the qureate illustrations, then this is some of the best work they’ve put out, but the rest of the game will have you wishing that their storytelling was as good as their artwork.

Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe is a great entry point into the gacha genre and the SaGa universe. The connection to the series told through a new adventure flows well with the game’s RPG mechanics. While the game’s story isn’t going to immerse you, there’s no pressure on the player to use real currency by stonewalling them with a high difficulty scale or intimidating PvP mode...If anything, Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe did such a fantastic job introducing me to the universe that I actually ended up buying Romancing SaGa 2 on my phone, so I can finally experience what this classic series has to offer.

Adabana Odd Tales is a romantic tragedy that follows many Shakespearian story beats. It puts a clever spin on Japanese folklore told through the adventures of two complex characters. While the mystery ends up working against the themes of the narrative, the beautiful illustrations and gripping conclusion make this game a truly enjoyable experience.

ATRI -My Dear Moments- is a beautiful visual novel about people trying to figure out how to live in a world that has been literally sinking around them. It plays on the environment of a nigh apocalyptic setting with cautious optimism, defying the angst that would usually permeate tales such as these without just ignoring the traumatic past of the protagonist. It’s a solid recommendation for any visual novel fan who wants a hopeful story with a unique delivery.

Forgotten Trace: Thanatos in Nostalgia has a great first chapter that may be overly wordy, but sets up a gripping mystery. However, it almost immediately turns into a mess due to poor pacing and character building. The timeline feature works to a point but fails to really capitalize on the system, which ends up doing nothing for the narrative. Hopefully, the sequel delivers a more promising structure for these characters to grow in.

Nyan Cafe Macchiato is a visual novel that fails to execute a unique narrative within the genre but does a few interesting things to at least hold the reader’s attention. The illustrations are excellent, which makes it easier to bear with the lacking main protagonist and throwaway story scenes. If you’re looking for a light-hearted comedy with no real direction, then you’ve found it.

Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is a great collection of some of the most iconic fighters released to date. However, it comes at the cost of probably playing single-player or local coop only given the limitation of the online features. Regardless, this was an awesome walk down memory lane and offers a way to share a series’ humble beginnings.

Jiangshi X Daoshi is well worth your time as it pushes what the idea of a visual novel can be. The animations, combined with a simplistic story, makes it a perfect entry point for pretty much anyone. It won’t leave you questioning your existence or provide a feel-good experience, but it does present a group of characters who you can’t help but want to hang out with, which is an excellent foundation for any visual novel.

Phantom Rose was able to get me interested in roguelikes, but after a lengthy play session, you’ll see everything the game has to offer rather quickly. Still, its design holds up, and its card battle system makes for a unique gameplay experience that you may wish evolved more in the later portions.

Synergia is excellent for any fans of cyberpunk thrillers. Getting to understand the nuances of this world and the clash of humanity and AI as the lines blur between their differences was a great experience. The illustrations and supporting cast only complement the joy of following the relationship of the main protagonists. There’s a few moments of overwhelming exposition and confusing plot points, but it all leads up to a satisfying conclusion.

Spiral Memoria manages to be a competent otome game, doing everything that is expected from the genre, but in the process fails to make a distinctive experience, leaving the game entirely forgettable. The story is generic, the structure is inherently flawed, and the presentation is average. If you’re simply looking to have pretty boys romance you, then you may be okay with what this game offers, but the premise seems to be pulled right out of a standard list of what makes an otome game.

Flowers -Le volume sur automne- is a fantastically crafted story with a widespread of interesting, adorable, and fun cast members. I was drawn right into its extremely compelling narrative through its excellent scenarios and pacing. The illustrations will grab your attention, but you’ll stay for the gripping romance that unfolds.

Muv-Luv photonmelodies make up a collection of fandiscs that takes the Muv-Luv series in a few new directions. Each story gives us more insight into this world, with the notable inclusion of Altered Fable. Most of the storytelling comes from a lighthearted perspective, but the pacing is on point for each title, and some of the scenarios make up my favorite in the series. The comedic elements might not always stick, but photonmelodies nails its delivery with excellent character writing and a few good plot points.

Nexomon: Extinction ends up being a great monster-catching RPG thanks to its clever character writing and overall epic narrative. You’re on a quest to save the world, but how you get there is made entirely up to you. There’s some balance that needs to be addressed when it comes to the opening moments along with the game’s difficulty level, but the systems and adorable creatures make this a worthy entry in the genre.

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.

Loca-Love My Commuting Crush is a quick and satisfying game to play alone on Friday night. It’s not dripping with fluffy romance like its predecessor, but it does provide a bit of substance that expands upon the better moments of storytelling this series offers. Regardless of why you play it, there’s enough to look forward to in the next installment, Loca-Love: My Pure Priestess.