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]

Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid is a cozy game above the rest, exuding a charming vibe that just comes across naturally. It’s the ultimate pre-internet summer vacation time capsule. It’s one thing for a video game to help you escape the real world, but what about a game that ends up teaching you to appreciate your world a little more? It’s easy to take the grind of life as ordinary and for granted, but sometimes it’s worth seeing the world like a little kid again.

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.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Remastered attempts to bring the 2002 classic back to life with improved visuals and a nostalgic storyline. However, the game’s archaic combat mechanics, clunky controls, and unrewarding bounty system may deter modern players. While fans of the original may find some enjoyment in revisiting Jango Fett’s journey, the overall experience feels outdated and lacks the refinement needed for a successful remaster. For most, this title might be better left in the past.

Fate/stay night Remastered is an excellent official English debut for visual novel and Type-Moon fans worldwide after a two-decade limbo of existence. The well-implemented script, gorgeous 16:9 visuals, and in-depth customization options make this debut of the Fate series its best iteration yet.

The Tokyo Chronos & Altdeus: Beyond Chronos Twin Pack brings two captivating visual novels to the Nintendo Switch, allowing a wider audience to experience their engaging narratives and stunning visuals. Tokyo Chronos offers a mysterious adventure with rich character writing, while Altdeus: Beyond Chronos combines a powerful narrative with futuristic mecha battles. Both games run smoothly on the Switch, maintaining their emotional depth and immersive soundtracks.

Cat Quest III offers an exceptionally charming and captivating adventure that redefines the series with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. The game features interesting quests, a lush overworld map, and a fun local co-op mode. Despite some issues with NPC impact, broken equipment systems, and balancing, the experience remains rewarding and approachable for players of all skill levels. Perfect for a joyful weekend adventure, Cat Quest III stands out as a delightful addition to the series.

Moonless Moon is a visual novel that thrives in a melancholy feeling and has an interesting concept. However, it never gets quite as deep in emotional or narrative exploration to become a must-play of its genre. Even so, the moody adolescence experience is likely to resonate with some players.

Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune is a delightful metroidvania surprise that combines engaging combat customization, deep gameplay mechanics, and satisfying exploration. Despite its poor English localization and stiff cutscene animations, the game excels with its unique character abilities, challenging boss battles, and immersive sound design. Players will find themselves hooked on the game's addictive progression systems, making it a hidden gem worth exploring for all action RPG and metroidvania fans.

Sword of Convallaria is a tactical RPG that blends nostalgic elements from classic games like Tactics Ogre with modern gacha mechanics. With an engaging combat system, stunning visuals, and an epic soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakamoto, it offers a unique gaming experience despite some slow story progression and energy system constraints.

Minds Beneath Us by BearBoneStudio is a haunting sci-fi adventure set in a dystopian future where humans are used as internet infrastructure. This narrative-driven game offers a compelling storyline, atmospheric visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Despite its clunky save system, the game's deep societal critique and immersive experience make it an unforgettable journey. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking sci-fi adventures, Minds Beneath Us delivers a powerful message about the future of humanity and technology.