Elsie offers a fresh take on the roguelike bullet hell genre, packed with challenging mechanics, boss fights, and unique customization options. While some systems feel underutilized, its intense combat and Mega Man X-inspired platforming shine, making it a must-play for genre fans.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings back the iconic 2010 Wii platformer with a fresh coat of paint. Though the nostalgia is undeniable, the gameplay mechanics and morality system feel outdated, leaving much to be desired. Its charming premise and art style may appeal to diehard fans, but performance issues on PC further dampen the experience.

Reynatis, the latest action RPG from FuRyu, combines intriguing world-building and fluid combat but falters in storytelling and gameplay depth. Despite contributions from Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima, the rushed narrative leaves the experience feeling incomplete. The combat mechanics are engaging but lack challenge, while repetitive dungeons and lackluster side quests drag down the pacing. With some polish and deeper storytelling, Reynatis could have been something special, but as it stands, it’s a fun yet flawed journey.

The Plucky Squire was truly a delightful and charming adventure, filled to the brim with clever jokes, beautiful graphics and a range of fun gameplay mechanics. It does not overstay its welcome, and instead offers a polished experience from start to finish. Even though it sometimes holds the players hands a bit too much for my taste, I had a fantastic time and wish I could play it for the first time again.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster allowed me to re-write the past where I once passed on the franchise. Surprisingly, even in 2024, this insane combination of genres holds up. Discovering the various ways of using items and navigating this mall over multiple runs was consistently fun, capped off by some of the most insane psychopath bosses I've ever fought against. Dead Rising was released almost 20 years ago, making it a product of its time, but I feel the changes to the script were unnecessary and hurt the uncomfortable impact these characters were meant to deliver. The updated visuals and controls may entice modern players to this release, but the core systems that make Dead Rising a must-play have been here since the beginning, and I'm glad to be able to join in the hype surrounding this series.

Cricket: Jae's Really Peculiar Game is a very personal story that touches on modern and nuanced social issues under the umbrella of loss, which we all struggle with. A deep sense of nostalgia fuels the experience through the colorful turn-based battles and imaginative boss encounters, providing older gamers with a familiar stage and giving newcomers a chance to enjoy an RPG from beginning to end, regardless of their skill level. While the overall experience could have been more focused, with less time spent on half-baked systems, it's an enjoyable and charming adventure that will easily find its audience.

Hollowbody is a love letter to the survival horror genre of the early 2000s. It’s not without its flaws, particularly in combat variety and puzzle depth, but its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. For fans of classic survival horror, it offers a beautifully atmospheric, tension-filled experience that feels both nostalgic and new. It becomes a game that you want to see through, if only to witness how far this rabbit hole goes. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this developer in the future.

Ultimately, Fairy Tail: Beach Volleyball Havoc has an interesting premise, but it struggles to deliver a polished and enjoyable experience. The chaotic, magic-infused volleyball matches have the potential to be fun, but the lack of control and balance holds it back. Fans of Fairy Tail might appreciate the effort to bring something new to the franchise, but as it stands, the game feels more like a missed opportunity than a solid addition to the series.

Despite the narrative not being that captivating, the heart of this experience, the boss battles, are some of the most challenging and satisfying I’ve ever faced. Add in a compellingly compact skill system, an intense soundtrack, and exceptional movement, and you have an absolute must-play for the boss-rush genre that mustn’t be overlooked.

Caravan SandWitch is a heartwarming and relaxing exploration game that invites players into the vibrant world of Cigalo. Developed by the small studio Plane Toast, the game blends a captivating narrative about family, community, and belonging with intuitive mechanics. Though a few rough edges remain, Caravan SandWitch offers a peaceful, visually stunning journey that’s sure to resonate with fans of exploration-based adventures.

Celestia: Chain of Fate offers a blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery, following protagonist Aria through her magical journey. While visually stunning with charming CG scenes, the game suffers from an underdeveloped log system and unclear romance mechanics, leaving players uncertain about their decisions. Despite its strengths in character design and world-building, the lack of closure due to being 'the first book' and the absence of voice acting limit its full potential.

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.

Yars Rising revitalizes the classic Yars' Revenge with a fresh Metroidvania twist. WayForward has modernized the gameplay, introducing dynamic puzzle mechanics, engaging platforming sections, and charming character writing. While some elements like backtracking and combat variety could use improvement, the quirky protagonist Emi and the game’s clever integration of hacking puzzles make it a fun experience.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a no-brainer, assembling some of the best games from Capcom’s fighting catalog into one impressive collection with plenty of features and extras to boot. These are entertaining games, and so whether you’re a casual fighting fan looking to explore a diverse library of fighting games or just a tournament enthusiast looking to dive straight into Marvel vs. Capcom 2 with all the handy training modes, this collection needs to be a part every gamer’s library, fighting game and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Persona 3 Reload Episode Aigis -The Answer- is a definitive improvement over the original version of The Answer, thanks to its addictive dungeon progression, added character scenes, and emotionally driven narrative. However, the poor pacing can’t be understated, making the fascinating premise lose strength in the efficacy of its staying power. If you are a dedicated fan of Persona 3 Reload’s gameplay systems and narrative, especially the former, then this DLC is undoubtedly for you. Otherwise, you’re better off witnessing it played, especially given how pricy this added scenario is.

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP brings the beloved 2012 zombie-slaying classic back with smoother combat and new content. Protagonist Juliet Starling’s journey mixes humor and action, though the game’s pacing is slowed by overly long stages and gimmicky minigames. While boss fights underwhelm, the satisfying upgrade system and campy charm make it worth revisiting. The remake introduces quality-of-life improvements and additional cosmetic options for players to enjoy.

It feels like a sendoff, the last big adventure game on the switch. I’m happy that this will be the last one on this console, but I desperately crave for Nintendo to fund more Famicom Detective Club games. No expense was spared in crafting this meticulously crafted and fleshed-out narrative. You’d expect the kind of polish and detail if Nintendo were the frontrunners for the adventure game genre.

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.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is the fittingly excellent final collection for this franchise, bringing over two spinoffs, including one that was never officially localized. That alone deserves celebration, but this sequel is at the franchise's heights, while its predecessor doesn't particularly stand out by comparison. Still, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an undeniable must-play for franchise fans as we all await the series' future.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash packs fun moments across its limited set of mini-games. While I wish there were more content, what’s here has enough quality to warrant a few hours hanging out with Tokai, I mean the Horse Girls. The pixel art is gorgeous, and the in-game rewards with new characters on the way showcase that there are plenty of ways to enjoy this chaotic party game.

Yet, despite this, I enjoyed playing Crypt Custodian; despite the setting in Afterlife, it’s a soothing story that can tug on you at times. I liked its themes of forging new friends in the most unexpected of places and how sweet it feels at most points. It also gave off a fun Metroidvania adventure-like theme that reminds me of classic Zelda titles.

The lore-heavy narrative also becomes increasingly compelling thanks to a multi-faceted and charming cast. When throwing in a new game plus and even a brand-new difficulty into the mix, Visions of Mana is a refreshing modern classic that can hook you for a gripping 60-70 hours without relenting.

Gundam Breaker 4 marks a triumphant return to the series' roots, offering fans an intricate and rewarding Gunpla-building experience. While the story may not be the game's strongest aspect, the detailed customization options, engaging combat mechanics, and creative features like Diorama and Painting modes more than make up for it.

Star Wars: Outlaws is, despite some narrative shortcomings, an absolute blast. It’s big enough that I couldn’t even hope to 100% it before launch, but not so massive as to make me question what I’m doing with my life (looking at you, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla). It’s the first game in over a decade to allow players to live in and properly interact with the Star Wars universe.

Bakeru is a delightful modern 3D platformer that captures the essence of classic titles like Goemon. With its vibrant world, challenging combat, and engaging exploration, Bakeru stands out as a must-play for genre fans. Despite some minor shortcomings in its combat mechanics, the game’s overall execution and nostalgic appeal make it an unforgettable experience.

Lilja and Natsuka Painting Lies by Frontwing is a kinetic visual novel that explores the profound bond between a blind painter and her lively assistant. Through a beautifully illustrated journey, the duo navigates challenges that fuel their creative spirits, all while delving into deep philosophical themes. The game stands out with its strong character development and stunning visual presentation, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Black Myth: Wukong delivers a visually stunning action-packed adventure deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. While the combat system is engaging and the world is expansive, the game is hindered by a disjointed narrative and repetitive environments. Players looking for a challenging action experience will find much to enjoy, but the lack of a cohesive story and navigational tools may detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite its flaws, Black Myth: Wukong stands as a unique and ambitious title that is worth experiencing.

Fields of Mistria is incredibly polished for an Early Access game. It boasts a charming cast of fleshed out, loveable characters, and an impressive amount of customisation for both player characters and decoration. The gameplay balances a nice balance between quality of life features, new twists to a well-known formula, and nostalgia. If you are looking for a stand-out title in the farming-sim genre, Fields of Mistria is sure to delight. [Early Access Score = 90]