Even though it takes inspiration from Hololive Alternative’s teaser videos and manga, this title is clearly its own loving homage. If you are a fan of Shirakami Fubuki or enjoy fast 2D side-scrolling combat, Fubuki: Zero in on Holoearth – Hololive Alternative could be right up your alley. It is set to release on April 12 on Steam and promises a few hours of energetic fun, especially for those ready to sharpen their reflexes. Kon kon kitsune!

All in Abyss: Judge the Fake does a respectable job of tackling this gambling card game trend by combining it with a good old-fashioned death game. The game doesn’t take that lightly either; each scene is well crafted and goes the distance whether you can stomach it or not. The pacing is just right for a story you may not be completely attached to, and there’s enough here to enjoy even after you’ve cleared the game, that is, if you want to play more Texas Hold ‘Em and be the cutest card player in the region. I promise I’m not being cringe, that’s exactly what Asuha’s goal is. Anyway, I had fun, but don’t expect too much depth.

Star Overdrive once had the potential to be a delightful indie project in which its hoverboard-based open-world exploration was the core of a digestible playtime. However, the additions and emphases of numerous conjoined systems, such as combat, crafting, and upgrading, make the title feel like an overly ambitious mini-Breath of the Wild. Unfortunately, none of the ideas besides the exploration cleanly stick the landing, resulting in a mixed bag of an experience that is often more of a chore than not.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened is a surprisingly topical game to come back to in 2025, and neither its plot nor its excellent puzzle-solving gameplay has aged a day. Not everything in the experience really benefits from the graphical rework that significantly increases the system expectation, but the new expansion takes full advantage of both the more advanced engine and the player’s high understanding of game elements, even if I’d describe it as punishingly difficult. Croteam shot for the sky with the original and lands among the heavens with this remake.

Promise Mascot Agency is one of the most offbeat, gonzo, and bizarre experiences I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this year while also being one of the most wholesome and comfortable. The contrast between the eccentric and the heartfelt really resonated with me. While the gameplay is simple and uncomplicated, it still draws you in because there’s just so much to be done. It just feels satisfying to be helping out these lovable characters and rejuvenating Kaso-Machi. Chaotic and easy-going in tandem, Promise Mascot Agency is a real one-of-a-kind experience.

I arrived expecting a novelty game brimming with fanservice. What I discovered was a tropical playground that merged comedic escapism with a dash of genuine emotional resonance. Whether it was Tamaki’s snarky texts or Honoka’s enthusiastic winks, each interaction felt personal enough to keep me hooked. Now, as I stare at the phone notifications, reality reminds me it is time to take a break, but something tells me Tamaki is patiently waiting for my return. In the end, it is a journey that merges silliness and sincerity, showing us that, if anything, a bikini-clad photo game can have a beating heart beneath the sun-soaked surface.

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.

Although I wish it had expanded on certain story elements, that’s a testament to how intrigued I was by Leila’s journey. The game’s heartfelt approach underscores the creative vision of a small team pouring their souls into a project that feels personal on every level. For players seeking a slower, more reflective experience—one that blends narrative, puzzle-solving, and an almost painterly presentation—Leila is worth exploring, flaws and all. It’s a journey that may leave you with a little more empathy and introspection about life’s quiet turning points, and that’s a commendable takeaway in its own right.

South of Midnight feels like a game that wanted to soar but never really left the ground. It’s undeniably gorgeous and hints at a level of creativity that, under better direction, could have led to an unforgettable adventure. However, between the undercooked combat, stilted platforming, and a meandering story that can’t decide on its central theme, it’s tough to recommend without a few asterisks. Hazel deserved more, and so did we. For now, South of Midnight remains a curiosity—worth a glance if you’re keen on its aesthetics or folk-infused premise, but ultimately lacking the cohesion it needs to shine.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remaster recaptures the whimsical charm of '90s platformers with a lovingly crafted visual upgrade and tight, nostalgic gameplay. While some outdated mechanics and weak boss design hold it back from greatness, fans of the genre will find plenty to appreciate in Croc's long-overdue comeback.

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a respectful revival of a cult-classic JRPG that enhances the original’s watercolor visuals, deep combat, and fragmented storytelling with thoughtful quality-of-life updates. While its nonlinear structure and mysterious mechanics may still challenge newcomers, this remaster is the most accessible and visually compelling way to experience one of Square Enix’s boldest narrative experiments.

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is a surprisingly robust and faithful adaptation of the beloved anime, delivering an expansive story mode, deep character exploration, and a combat system that blends accessibility with strategic depth. Though it suffers from occasional animation hiccups and minor visual bugs, it stands tall as one of the best single-player anime fighting game experiences in recent memory—especially for longtime fans of the series.

AI Limit can appear like a by-the-books souls-like. Still, more than enough gameplay design decisions grant it inherent distinction, favoring those who prefer swifter movement in their action games. Coupled with an impressive array of character customization that individualizes one’s playthrough, alongside engaging exploration, you have a reasonably satisfying package here with a welcoming playtime of 20 hours or so. Yet, the meager challenge and mishandled balancing may turn off those seeking a more fulfilling venture.

Coupled with it's interesting and mysterious story, the game's alternate modes for speedrunners and a recreation of the original as well as It's newer cute cartoony esque visuals of the game's world and it's characters such as Heinrich and the animals he has to face, will help keep players invested in playing through the game.

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark refines its predecessor’s metroidvania formula with charming new protagonists, snappier combat, and a more rewarding exploration loop. While occasional design oversights like limited fast travel and map tools dampen the pace, its heartfelt writing, challenging bosses, and beautifully detailed pixel art make it a must-play for genre fans.

Dark Deity 2 is a clear improvement over its predecessor, offering streamlined, satisfying tactical combat and strong customization. While the story and presentation fall short, the engaging gameplay and replayability make it a worthwhile experience for strategy RPG fans.

Centum is a psychological escape room experience that forces players to question their reality, identity, and choices. With eerie storytelling, cryptic puzzles, and an unsettling atmosphere, this narrative adventure keeps you engaged until its thought-provoking conclusion. While some mechanics feel obtuse, the game’s unique approach to introspection and mystery makes it a compelling experience.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a masterclass in action combat, delivering thrilling boss fights, diverse level design, and tight mechanics that rival the genre’s best. While the narrative and side characters falter in depth, the fluid progression, customizable skill trees, and satisfying difficulty curve make this a standout soul-like experience—even for players unfamiliar with the Dungeon Fighter Online universe.

Without a gacha system—and maybe a simple shop for tension cards—Tribe Nine would have absolutely killed it on the PS Vita or Nintendo Switch. But I’ve been enjoying Tribe Nine a whole lot despite my misgivings about the medium, and I really cannot wait to see what new story beats they can cook up with this formula.

Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute brings the long-lost SEGA Saturn mech classic to modern audiences with a stellar remaster. Featuring a newly translated script, quality-of-life upgrades, and refined gameplay, this port makes one of the most technically impressive 2D action games of the 32-bit era more accessible than ever. While minor balance tweaks improve the experience, the game's demanding difficulty and occasional ammo shortages may still challenge newcomers. Nonetheless, this is the definitive way to play a once-forgotten masterpiece.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a breathtaking evolution of the open-world formula, blending masterful storytelling, refined stealth mechanics, and stunning visuals. With a gripping dual-protagonist narrative and meticulously crafted historical setting, Ubisoft delivers one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed experiences to date.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land takes the beloved RPG series in a bold new direction, blending emotional storytelling with expansive open-world exploration. While its narrative depth and revamped synthesis system shine, underwhelming villains and uneven gameplay balance hold it back from greatness.

Angelic Chaos RE-BOOT delivers a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and soft fantasy in Yuzusoft’s latest visual novel. With an engaging cast of heroines, expressive animations, and high-quality voice acting, this moege excels in character-driven storytelling.

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time is a love letter to both Hololive fans and retro platformers, blending fast-paced action with beautifully designed levels and a charming story. Featuring Ouro Kronii and her time manipulation abilities, the game delivers engaging gameplay, clever stage design, and plenty of Easter eggs for fans. While some mechanics feel underutilized and navigation can be disorienting, Chrono Gear shines as a must-play indie gem for both VTuber enthusiasts and platformer lovers alike.

Wanderstop presents itself as a cozy tea shop sim, but beneath its colorful, Ghibli-esque charm lies a deeply emotional narrative about change, loss, and self-discovery. With an engaging tea-brewing system, lovable characters, and a stunningly vibrant art style, Wanderstop blends heartwarming moments with subtle, existential themes. While a few technical hiccups hold it back, its storytelling and atmosphere make it an unforgettable indie gem.

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster revives two beloved JRPG classics with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements. While Suikoden I offers a solid, if rushed, introduction, Suikoden II stands out as a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. With strategic combat, 108 recruitable characters, and new difficulty options, this remaster reintroduces a long-lost gem to a modern audience—flaws and all.

The Strongest TOFU is a quirky and fast-paced platformer that delivers a surprisingly fun experience. With its simple yet effective mechanics, bite-sized levels, and hilarious tofu-themed presentation, it’s a short but memorable adventure. Add in wacky boss fights, random tofu facts, and even live-action cutscenes, and you have an indie gem that embraces its absurdity while offering solid gameplay.

The Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is a neat idea that goes a long way to preserve its fairly old titles, but on paper it's almost a novelty. There are a few games in the set that are worth digging into, but none of those feature online multiplayer at launch, and a lot of this collection is just going to be filler for most people.