The House in Fata Morgana borrows the moves of classic tragedies, performing events past to demonstrate the tragedy of the current. It is impressive how little time it takes to understand the motives and dreams of the Rose Manor residents, even when they fall to their lowest extent. The storytelling, art style, and music harmonizes its themes of vintage times and freely mold each scene from childish hope to shock and terror. Having every game in this series on one of the most convenient gaming systems for visual novels makes it very difficult to argue its value.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a thrilling, intricate journey that thrives on its imaginative and adventurous gameplay. Even with the reused map, limited compelling story beats, and unmemorable characters, the unprecedented player freedom and addictive systems pick up the slack. The return of actual dungeons was most welcomed, and the attention to delivering a genuine Zelda adventure can be found in almost every moment of this experience...Depending on how you received Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom might rejuvenate your urge for adventure to the point where you could likely skip this first entry entirely and find enjoyment here. The new systems, conveniences, and lack of map familiarity will likely make it far more effective from a pure gameplay standpoint. Still, it’s great to see this series continue to innovate and provide a lasting experience for fans.

Hades II on Switch 2 delivers a masterclass in roguelite design, expanding on its predecessor with a darker tone, richer character arcs, and deeper mechanical systems. Supergiant Games refines the formula with a compelling new protagonist, rewarding exploration, and an ambitious progression loop that keeps each run fresh and addictive.

Persona 5 Royal is everything I could want out of a re-release. The game's style and charm shine brightest in this version as it made an already great game even better. The balances and new additions were based on long-time fan criticisms, and it's evident that the developers used it as a foundation to update this adventure while still throwing in some quality-of-life changes that I didn't know the game needed, but ended up loving anyway.

Astro Bot offers a fresh yet nostalgic platforming experience that excels with its smooth gameplay and well-designed levels. Featuring countless collectibles and secrets, the game immerses players with nods to classic PlayStation IPs. Despite minor flaws in enemy design, Astro Bot stands as a must-play title that honors PlayStation’s platforming legacy.

Metroid Prime Remastered is a shining example of what a remaster should strive for; not only is the original game intact with enhanced visuals, but players can customize the controls based on previous versions. Add in the extra menu that gives more reasons to complete the game outside of achievements, and this release is the best version of Metroid Prime, not only for long-time fans but those wanting to dip their toes in for the first time.

Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon is a stellar remake of Type-Moon's classic visual novel. This partial reimagining brings modern graphics and expanded storylines for Arcueid and Ciel, providing an engaging and immersive experience. With captivating characters, a well-woven narrative, and enhanced presentation, this visual novel is a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

The Witcher 3 is commonly cited as one of the best video games ever made. While I would never have called it “perfect,” it was always close. This final release brings it even closer.

In just about every way, Metaphor: ReFantazio checks all the boxes for a masterful fantasy epic. Between the addictive gameplay design, endlessly strategic combat, and gripping narrative propelled by a compelling cast, this is an undeniable must-play that's guaranteed to be Atlus's next big hit.

Although challenging and grand, Elden Ring brilliantly immerses players in its fantasy world. The game rewards every type of player, from the curious explorer to the action-hungry warrior; you'll find something to love about this game. Even after 30 hours, there are still many adventures that await me in The Lands Between. This is an evolution of every Soulslike game that came before, and although brutally challenging, I couldn't put it down for a second.

The Last of Us Part 2 has a lot to say about us as people after we connected ourselves to these characters in the first entry. The journey is one that is not for squeamish, but it was one that deserved to be told. As the player, we must once again witness the reality of this harsh world and those who are brought up in it...The Last of Us Part 2 is a masterclass in environmental design, and that cannot be overlooked. The messiness of the second act doesn’t overshadow how significant this adventure is.

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.

Resident Evil 4 remains a divisive entry in the series as it caters to fans of survival horror and action within a well-crafted gaming experience. The updated narrative, by far, makes this a solid entry as it fills in plot holes and provides character growth that wasn't present before. The atmosphere and level design only enhance the enjoyment, but the popcorn action structure of the final area hurts the overall pacing. Still, this is undeniably a stellar remake of an already fantastic game.

Brilliant boss battles, captivating world design, and immaculate platforming are all bolstered by stellar, consistent challenge, resulting in one of the best metroidvanias on the market. Granted, the side content isn’t on the same scale as cathartic accomplishment, but as a core experience, Silksong is a wonderful showcase of what happens when a team brings their desired vision to life on their own terms and schedule.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an exceptional sequel that surpasses expectations in nearly every aspect. It combines compelling storytelling, innovative combat, and a wealth of engaging content to deliver an unforgettable adventure. As a bold continuation of the saga, it sets the stage for the final installment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. Square Enix has truly outdone itself, showcasing the depth and potential of the Final Fantasy VII universe.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder ushers in a new era for Mario games, injecting a dose of zany fun with its vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and diverse character lineup. The game’s unconventional levels and the option to team up with friendly apparitions while playing with others outside your core group add an extra layer of enjoyment. It’s a delightful addition to the Mario universe, bringing a fresh and thrilling twist to the 2D Mario series, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed pulls from key narrative moments across the series and creates a magnificent narrative that ties up loose ends. It relies heavily on series knowledge, making it the perfect expansion for fans who have stuck with the series for so many years. The unique features allow it to differentiate itself from the base game, but the lack of party variety seems like an oversite. Still, this was a fantastic conclusion to this adventure, and it has me eager to experience the next chapter.

Blue Prince stands as a puzzle adventure that balances trust in the player’s intuition with just enough guidance to prevent total disarray. Every discovered shortcut, every triumphant puzzle solution, and every unexpected twist makes your journey through the mansion feel incredibly personal. Gliding through these rooms with a mixture of awe and trepidation is a testament to the developer’s confidence in both the design and the player’s curiosity. If you’re looking for a game that thrives on your imagination and resourcefulness, Blue Prince is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Following in the footsteps of the Castlevania Advance Collection, the Castlevania Dominus Collection continues the precedent of being a must-play, masterful collection. The three main DS games included here are all exceptional action RPG experiences with lite metroidvania components that make progression and exploration increasingly fulfilling. Moreover, the inclusion of Haunted Castle and its impressive remake, alongside the numerous customizable options, extra features, and strong handheld and docked performance, only add to the positives this package boasts.

Street Fighter 6 is it. The game that will carry the franchise, the fighting game community, and the genre into the next decade of gaming. It's not even about whether it's better than other fighting games, as it's really more about the bigger picture. Street Fighter 6 creates an environment for all other fighting games and communities to thrive, and so regardless of personal preferences, we all win. It takes everything great about the franchise and delivers more, so depending on what you're looking for from the experience; there's something here for you. As we head into a new generation of fighting games, don't forget there are many warriors like you all over the world, so let's have some fun.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has raised the ante from the previous gift of a game Elden Ring was and will continue to be. There was a reason Elden Ring was game of the year, and if DLC can be game of the year, I would throw this in the running because it is simply that engaging. I never wanted to put the game down or go to bed when my 5 AM sunrise shined through my window. I just wanted to see what Shadow of the Erdtree would throw next, but I have to remember we are only human, and rest is essential. The expansion is substantial and independent, conveniently adding a new experience and fresh direction to your character's development on your next playthrough.

Endwalker is not the end, but it is very definitely an end. In the game, it is the end of the tale of Hydaelyn and Zodiark, the Ascians, and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn who rose to challenge them. In our universe, it is the end of the second era of Final Fantasy XIV, a midnight that transitions into a bright and new day for the players and developers, in which anything could happen. But for now, the clock is still striking twelve, and I’m absolutely thrilled to see what will happen at 12:01.

Scarlet Hollow is a masterfully written horror visual novel that blends eerie storytelling with deep player choice. With a richly detailed world, compelling characters, and a haunting atmosphere, it offers an immersive supernatural mystery experience. Though still incomplete, its branching narrative and impactful decisions make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven horror.

Chained Echoes is a wildly ambitious and impressive turn-based RPG that, aside from minor faults, sticks the landing on all fronts. From its terrific and constantly thought-provoking battle system with well-implemented challenge, to its strongly written cast and masterclass worldbuilding, this is an essential must-play for any fan of the genre that I sincerely hope doesn’t pass anyone’s radar.

Clair Obscur is a genuine standout RPG, driven by courage, sacrifice, and the powerful bonds formed in the midst of tragedy. It pushes you to confront loss and hope in equal measure, resonating long after the credits roll. This is a beautifully tragic expedition that demands your emotional investment, repaying it with a story and characters that will reward the time it takes to develop the skills of not taking any damage in combat. This may be a divisive game within the community due to its skill-based combat system and a few questionable choices with the direction of the story, but all I can tell you is that this is one tragedy you're going to want to see through.

So, it’s not about if you’ll play Animal Well, but when. I feel like it’s the perfect case study for how games should approach game design with player agency. You know the phrase, can’t put a square peg into a round hole? Well, this is the kind of game that wants you to at least try. I’ve never been so lost and yet so motivated at the same time. So confused, and yet, have several options and directions that I can take. So confident, only to be tested moments later. Animal Well is a masterpiece.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ends up being worth the wait between mainline entries. Even with some omissions and issues with the one island per system, the streamlined gameplay and customization show just how much this series has grown over the years. There is so much to do here that it will easily keep me busy crafting, customizing, and collecting for months if not years to come.

Slay the Princess is a game all about perspectives, secrets, about scrutinizing the information you’re given. It’ll worm its way inside your mind, and sometimes you’ll even start second-guessing your own decisions. But that’s the whole fun of it; it asks you to examine your own preconceived notions and your own ideals, and that makes it enjoyable to the very end. For fans of visual novels, unique narrative adventures, and even those outside those circles, this is an essential indie visual novel that is well worth your time.