For a video game to demand the player derive their own meaning from it is asking a lot. This makes Sky: Children of the Light a challenging proposition even as a free release on Switch. For many, it may be a few hours of wandering about before they are put off by the aimlessness of it all. Still, at least for its niche audience, they will likely self-select into this unique gaming community. Sky is a pointless online video game experience driven by the player’s own subjective interpretation, but that’s perhaps the entire point.

With an in-your-face title and wacky cover art, Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials was initially not my cup of tea, but that’s me judging a book by its cover. Nevertheless, Batbarian manages to excel in multiple gameplay elements with beautiful artwork, ambient soundtrack, witty story, inventive puzzles, and evolving combat mechanics. Along with its refreshing arsenal of accessibility options and dozens of hours of gameplay, Batbarian is a hidden gem that Metroidvania and puzzle lovers will fall in love with right off the bat (no pun intended).

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed needs to played without any distractions from other games because the second you put it down, you may never care to return to it. Its lack of quality-of-life features solidifies it as a relic of the past, but its writing and characters make it out to be something that fits right in with your group of otaku friends. It’s not an easy game to get through, but its charm is enough to want a true sequel.

Death’s Door breathes some life into the generalized umbrella of action-adventure titles thanks to its efficient level design coupled with simple to grasp yet enjoyable mechanics. While a few factors, such as the ranged skill usage bar, are questionable in execution, the game’s flow and pace are never significantly hindered from ruining the experience as a whole. Furthermore, the dreary thematic tones exuded by the loneliness of the varied explorable sections alongside the appealing characterizations and dialogue also serve to make Death’s Door an assuredly exceptional time for those feeling even remotely curious.

Cris Tales is a fantasy adventure akin to a fairy tale in both narrative and setting. It’s an amazing experience accompanied by memorable characters, an addictive battle system, and wonderful discoveries. Every moment of the gameplay pushes the RPG to new heights, which is only hindered by lengthy load times and lack of direction for some missions. However, if you’re looking for a callback to retro RPGs, this is one game you absolutely need to play.

Cotton Reboot! is one for the diehard shmup historian. The core experience is largely based on a dated shmup design, which will be noticeable to newcomers and genre veterans. It’s a welcomed preservation of a rare and oft-forgotten Japanese cult classic. Still, some of the choices in the visual presentation make the reboot experience far more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Nevertheless, better shooters are available and even better Cotton games on the horizon, making Cotton Reboot! one for the connoisseurs and collectors.

Black Hair Girl is Best Girl is a title that is not worth your time, even if the title fits your preference. If you want to enjoy a love story, there are plenty of other options out there in the visual novel space. The plot points are generic, and the pacing is all over the place. Further, the dialogue is bizarre and confusing. Despite having two opportunities to present a compelling story, this combination proved to be incompetent.

Within the Blade is an intricate blend of fast-paced stealth and action that we don’t see too often in this genre. While it falters in repetitive level design, it makes up for it in stylish and satisfying gameplay. There’s a high skill ceiling for players who’d like to challenge, and the experience of utilizing the stealth systems makes for interesting bouts of action gameplay.

Nekopara: Cat Boys Paradise is a fun visual novel that can be enjoyed by otome catboy lovers everywhere. The narrative doesn’t overstay its welcome and is only hurt by a lack of quality-of-life features. Each route provides enjoyable insight into the four main characters, which expands the Nekopara universe. The free nature of the visual novel also makes it an easy recommendation fur the purr-fect afternoon otome.

Streets of Rage 4: Mr. X Nightmare DLC exceeded my expectations, adding to an already fantastic game. The new characters and weapons deliver a unique experience, and the survival mode can keep you playing for hours. On top of that, the price is exceptionally reasonable for what you get. If you are a fan of beat ’em ups, this is one DLC that shouldn’t be passed up.

Cyber Hook uses its mechanics to provide a fast-paced and compelling speed-running experience. However, the balance of difficulty doesn’t work in execution as frustrating requirements lead to shorter play sessions. Still, this Switch version manages to offer a high level of enjoyment thanks to responsive controls and the addictive drive to clear challenges that are just out of reach. It’s a good thing you’re equipped with a hook.

Risk System is a decent Switch shmup that offers short and sweet stages and unique boss encounters making it perfect for the console hybrid. Still, its boasted risk system could have been better implemented without the need for unfair deaths as you learn its nuances. Regardless, the challenge is addictive, albeit repetitive, and the lack of credits only forces you to jump right back in and try again.

It’s a shame the Switch version of Heart of the Woods has so many issues and offers a generally poor experience. The story and characters are really enjoyable, and the game deserved more care and polish for its console debut. However, if you want to play Heart of the Woods, the PC version is a better way to experience it.

Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi is an otome from the past that deserves to be experienced by modern fans of the genre. It’s like a time capsule that delivers on a maturely political and action-filled narrative along with some decent romance routes that we don’t see too often. The pacing and required replayability pad the runtime, but the full narrative is a compelling and almost nostalgic experience.

Island Diary is never incredibly moving or particularly hypnotizing or eventful. However, it still manages to be a casual-laid back time with a sense of distant urgency, regardless of its efficacy of utilization. The four characters in this title have enticing relationships and exchanges as they are undoubtedly the crux of the package at large. If you desire a quick, wholesome time with some cute girls overcoming petty and relationship-defining conflicts, this is the visual novel for you.

Suzukuri Dungeon offers an unexpectedly light-hearted narrative with a charming cast of villain characters who are each memorable in their own way. The gameplay sections of strategic dungeon customization kept me engaged for multiple playthroughs to access the additional routes. It’s this blend of gameplay and decent scenario writing that makes it an easy recommendation from me.

Boomerang X is a speedrunner’s delight, but it seems to forget casual action fans. After the first playthrough, you’re free to refine your skills, but there’s not much to do thereafter. The beautiful environments beg to be explored but offer no reward or discovery, which is a missed opportunity. There’s little denying how fun this game is, but I couldn’t help but want more.

Sniper Elite VR is an immersive FPS VR experience that combines arcade mission types with a simulation level of interactivity. Each mission objective varies, and while the sniper class steals the show, there’s a large variety of weapon types that each feels comfortable and fun to use. Item interaction and limited enemy AI can cause frustration, but after playing, I don’t think I can play this series any other way.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an amazing JRPG that offers an exceptional monster collecting experience combined with a great story. The added narrative doesn't lose focus on what makes the Monster Hunter series so addictive and only enhances the experience. This game successfully built on the systems present in the original and improved them for a brand new adventure. While the performance can be questionable, I enjoyed every second of my time exploring the world with my Monsties by my side.

Watch Dogs: Legion Bloodline is a great story expansion that highlights how much better this series is with a true protagonist leading the charge. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same hindering hiccups of the base game and lacks true character growth, but there’s something for fans of the series. I was surprised by just how much content is here, making this reunion with Aiden a welcomed one.

Jeanne at the Clock Tower is a fun romp through time with interesting spins on both familiar and obscure characters. The plot loses steam partway through, and the obligatory sex scenes feel out of place, but the lovely art and soundtrack bolster some fascinating worldbuilding that should satisfy fans of the genre.

Empire of Angels IV is a strange strategy RPG with a narrative that conflicts so heavily with the game’s tone. You’ll likely ignore all reasoning for why any of this is happening and just be happy with a clever battle system. With some improvements and added modern options, the next entry could very well be worth the wait, but be sure to know what you’re getting into here.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus offers a few new scenarios with these characters to warrant the price tag for fans wanting to spend more time with these characters. However, it was much easier to overlook the flaws in the writing and short runtime when the game was free. Although the twists and relationships are notable, I couldn’t help notice by the lack of direction of this updated content that added little to the experience.

Dark Deity manages to be a competent and entertaining SRPG by offering a decent narrative fueled by the influences of classic entries of the genre. It utilizes systems that fans love while introducing quality-of-life mechanics to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. There are many familiar elements about this adventure, but it’s one that I found to be approachable and full of charm.

Arc the Lad R is a disappointing experience whether you play any of the PVP or PVE modes. Auto-battle will get you through most encounters, but this is as barebones as you get. It’s sad to see such a memorable series be reduced to this gacha element, but it’s still nice to be playing an Arc the Land game in 2021.

Kinkoi: Golden Loveriche is a romantic comedy story with a surprisingly touching philosophical side to it. It could have done a better job making each route significant, but it’s an enjoyable ride, especially when it comes to having fun with cute blonde girls and a red-haired kouhai.

If you’re looking for a narrative that has more than its fair share of drama and tension without being overly dramatic or angsty, 7 Years From Now has just what you need. Its minimalist designs become the highlight of the emotional plot as each end guides you to new truths and realizations. I can’t say I’m proud that I was brought to tears by Duplo character models, but it added to this memorable experience.

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny is an awesome entry in the series that brings forth new characters and 3D graphics. The battle animations and tactical systems are as prominent as ever, with a cast that carries the story campaign from beginning to end. There are some moments of growing pains found in this updated graphical direction and added auto systems, but I still found plenty of enjoyment taking down the God of Destruction and showing my SRPG skills. Too bad so many Prinnies had to die along the way.