Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon has enough content to keep players interested, whether they are puzzle aficionados or roguelike veterans. Unfortunately, the game suffers from over-complication of simple concepts but manages to stick the landing with addicting gameplay and a refreshingly simple story.

Mushihimesama is a long overdue and welcome release on Nintendo Switch, serving as an exemplar of its developer’s signature shmup style. The Switch version comes with all modes and features intact, and so whether you are a returning veteran or a complete newcomer, players can approach the experience however they like. However, regardless of who you are, Mushihimesama is the quintessential bullet-hell shooter that is especially a blast to play in handheld mode.

Little Goody Two Shoes offers a captivating and multifaceted adventure that defies initial expectations. It weaves a tale of complexity and deception, gradually unraveling into a supernatural and psychological maze. With a well-developed narrative and unique systems, it keeps players engaged across multiple playthroughs. While it does present some minor challenges, particularly in managing the various gauges, its artistic and audio elements immerse players in a captivating and eerie world. Ultimately, Little Goody Two Shoes stands as a remarkable achievement in the RPG Maker-style horror genre, pushing boundaries and setting a high standard for indie game development.

9 R.I.P. is a unique otome game that explores horror elements to create compelling backstories and circumstances for our protagonist to face. With the usual quality we’ve come to expect from Otomate, this is a great experience throughout.

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit delivers a nostalgic tribute to the AVGN legacy, offering fans a familiar mix of crude humor, retro platforming, and deep-cut references. While it nails the atmosphere and tone of the Nerd's universe, the experience feels more like a short-form homage than a fully fleshed-out game. It’s fun while it lasts, but may leave long-time fans craving more chaos and challenge.

The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake revitalizes two foundational JRPGs with stunning visuals, meaningful narrative expansions, and smart quality-of-life improvements. While some purists may take issue with modern conveniences and simplified dungeon layouts, the remakes deliver a near-definitive experience that bridges nostalgia with accessibility. With a stronger emotional core and improved gameplay balance, this collection elevates the Erdrick Trilogy into essential territory for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

It's clear that a lot of love went into making Streets of Rage 4. The developers have taken this classic series and added just enough to make it their own while also building off of what makes this series so great. The length of the adventure may be an issue for some, but there are more than enough reasons to return to the streets for another round.

Stellar Blade's PC port refines the already polished console experience with stunning visuals, deep combat mechanics, and thoughtful crossover content, delivering a premium action RPG that balances spectacle with substance.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to form for the series, delivering tight 2D action-platforming, masterful level design, and thrilling boss battles, all underscored by stylish pixel art and an energetic soundtrack. Though brief in runtime, its challenge, polish, and replayability make it an experience that every action platforming fan should play.

The presentation feels like a Saturday morning cartoon, and you can tell it was made with great care and affection. For those looking to recapture the feeling of those 90s arcade cabinets, or who are simply looking for a fantastic beat ’em up, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge provides a radically fun time.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake gives this classic a fresh coat of paint with a gorgeous HD-2D look and smart gameplay tweaks that make revisiting it feel worthwhile. With quality-of-life improvements and a flexible job system, it sticks close to its roots but doesn’t shy away from modern touches. While the high encounter rate and straightforward story might feel like holdovers from the past, it’s a satisfying trip back to a genre staple for those who don’t mind a little grind along the way.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel is a brilliant RPG adventure that relies heavily on its cast. Every moment of gameplay is emotionally charged with added choices that weigh on the player’s experience and alter the conclusion. The puzzle-esque battle system is addictive but introduces repetitive scenarios and random difficulty spikes depending on your actions. However, this beautiful story deserves to be experienced by all.

Hogwarts Legacy is a genuine wizarding adventure from beginning to end. There’s no mistaking that the writing and world-building lend so much to the experience that it overshadows the repetitive battle system and unintuitive menu designs. There’s a true sense of discovery provided that stems from the freedom given to players to take on this game the way they want. The jury is still out on the target audience, but I had a magical time.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak brings a fresh start to the Trails series with its new Calvard arc. Featuring an ambitious narrative, innovative gameplay systems, and a compelling new protagonist, Van Arkride, this entry captivates both new and returning players. Despite some issues with difficulty and the LGC alignment system, Daybreak stands out as a remarkable and modern addition to Falcom's storied catalog.

Resident Evil Village is like a reunion of all the previous games in the series. It takes what worked and gives it to fans in small bites across this horrifying adventure. Tension is created in multiple ways that force you to adjust on the fly, but as scary as it, the thought that answers to all your questions lie beyond the next door will keep you playing long into the night. Resident Evil Village isn’t having an identity crisis. It’s fully aware of what it’s doing. Somehow, the blending of these systems produces the most entertaining nightmare you’ve ever had.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced delivers one of gaming's most cinematic and immersive experiences, with breathtaking visuals, unmatched audio design, and thoughtful refinements, though its restrictive player agency and linear design may not appeal to everyone.

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.

While Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an undeniably unusual choice of a Switch 2 launch title, I'm glad that this turn-based classic, boasting a stellar combat system, a lovable main cast, and one of the best soundtracks ever composed, has been made readily available to a new generation of players. Even over a decade later, this is still an absolute must-play JRPG, but if you've already experienced this on 3DS, then there's not much reason to revisit it.

Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter Episode One delivers a gripping start to its episodic killing game, blending a compelling cast, strong mystery writing, and a distinct 80s-inspired atmosphere with experimental gameplay systems. While its narrative hooks and character dynamics shine, especially for fans of Danganronpa-style experiences, some mechanics like the card-based debates feel underdeveloped and occasionally frustrating. Even so, the first episode lays a promising foundation with intriguing worldbuilding, clever twists, and replay value through its bonding system, making it a standout indie entry in the genre.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a must-play mystery adventure that sticks the landing with its gameplay design, compelling mysteries, and character writing. The soundtrack is also quite catchy. If you’re someone who missed out on the game’s original DS release, then you owe it to yourself to give this remaster a shot, especially if you’re an Ace Attorney fan. I’m thrilled Capcom decided to give this title another chance, so here’s hoping it excels this time around.

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.

Drainus is the perfect price point and the perfect game to play if you have 20 minutes to kill. While you can get through the six stages in less than an hour, it will likely be the most fun few hours you’ve had playing a shmup in a very long time. The unique systems and various customizable options make me wish more was offered in the package, but as it stands, this is a must-play shmup.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a masterful celebration of the franchise’s early years, delivering an unrivaled retro compilation that blends high-quality preservation with fan service. From arcade-perfect ports to rare console versions and a rich behind-the-scenes documentary, this package offers something for both longtime fans and curious newcomers.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist builds upon its predecessor with a stronger narrative focus, improved exploration, and satisfying combat mechanics. While it reuses some familiar ideas, the game’s seamless movement, customizable playstyles, and stunning presentation make it a standout metroidvania for both newcomers and veterans.

Mediterranea Inferno is a brief experience that you can likely see all of in around five hours, but those five hours were some of the most gripping I’ve had all year. I had to go to work between finishing my first run and going back in to see the rest, and it was truly all I could think about. This game isn’t merely a haunting tale of betrayal. It may even betray the player themself with its final twists and turns. It’s queer, it’s brutal, and it’s not for the faint of heart – but if you can handle it, it’s one of the most poignant stories I’ve ever experienced in the medium.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell caps off the beloved series with its signature blend of Metroidvania-style exploration, challenging combat, and enchanting storytelling. This final entry not only concludes the series' narrative arc but also enhances its gameplay with new twists and deepened character journeys. The game's non-linear exploration and customizable combat system offer players a rich and rewarding experience, despite some navigational challenges. Bombservice delivers an intense and memorable adventure, leaving fans hopeful that this isn't the end of their creative journey.

Thunder Lotus Games clearly put a lot of love and heart into Spiritfarer. The whole experience is dripping with emotion, thanks to the engaging and memorable cast of character met throughout this adventure. While its main gameplay loop may become grindy over time, Spiritfarer‘s plot and rewarding upgrade system make the experience feel worthwhile. If you’re in the mood for a good cry or looking for an unforgettable voyage, you can’t go wrong raising the anchor and setting sail on Stella’s ship.

Crow Country emerges as a standout survival horror game, blending classic influences with unique innovations in puzzle design and narrative construction. The game offers a compelling mix of challenging puzzles, engaging story elements, and immersive atmospheric design that sets it apart in a crowded genre. While it excels in creativity and environmental interaction, it is marred by some gameplay mechanics like clunky combat and punishing insta-death puzzles.