The Pathless is a visual stunner that lets you explore its gorgeous world via an innovative and fun traversal mechanic. It may be modest in scale, but the platformer leaves a big impact courtesy of smart puzzles and exciting boss battles.

Chimera Squad is a fun, bite-size spin-off of the XCOM series that scales down the scope and stakes. The strategy game is more accessible than its mainline predecessors, but its streamlined nature brings with it a few limitations.

Resident Evil 3 is a stellar remake of a survival-horror classic that honors the past, while updating the game with contemporary graphics and controls.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered introduces two cult classics to contemporary audiences, but some outdated game design elements might prevent it from finding a home with anyone besides die-hard series fans.

South of Midnight is a fun and charming action-adventure game that features a beautiful, unique, and tear-jerking world steeped in Southern gothic folklore.

Game Builder Garage is a tremendously powerful and accessible piece of game development software that gives you the tools and guidance to make video games with ease.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau builds upon the Metroidvania formula to deliver exciting action, emotional storytelling, and African cultural specificity.

If you're looking for a classic, JRPG experience, Bravely Default II is a fantastic pick up. Like the previous series entries, it brings old school role-playing into the modern era, with beautiful graphics and flexible systems.

Mario Tennis Fever is a must-have arcade sports game that wowed me by blending traditional techniques, power-ups, and fantastic, fighting game-like movesets.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania combines 300 stages from Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe into a single, massive package of entertaining and occasionally sadistic ball-rolling action.

Samurai Shodown finally appears on PC, delivering the same tension-filled face-offs that fans enjoyed on console. Lengthy load times and mediocre online components sully the experience a bit, but SNK's weapons-based fighter is a fun and strategic fighting game.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a smaller, tighter title than recent series entries, which results in a fun but relatively uninventive gameplay experience.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a serviceable Nintendo Switch remake of an excellent Game Boy Advance puzzle-platformer that could use more content for its price.

Star Wars Outlaws admirably attempts to simulate the sly space scoundrel life, but it quickly gets lost in a galaxy of frustratingly outdated gameplay and uninspired open-world bloat.

Rise of the Ronin offers an enticing, streamlined take on complex Team Ninja action, but it will prove somewhat disappointing if you're a fan of mechanically rich combat.

With a fresh focus on unique characters and multiplayer mayhem, WarioWare: Get It Together finds room for even more creativity in an already one-of-a-kind series.

Penny's Big Breakaway combines retro gameplay with modern indie innovation to create a stylish 3D platformer that plays well and radiates creativity.

With Jamboree TV, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree gains even more wacky, if shallow, ways to enjoy multiplayer mini-game mayhem.

En Garde’s intense sword fights and infectious atmosphere make it a fun, if fleeting, indie action game.

Pac-Man 99 is gaming in its purest form, marrying classic arcade nostalgia with a dynamic multiplayer twist that makes it hard to put down.

With Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, you drive a physical toy kart across virtual tracks that you design around your home. It's not a full-on Mario Kart experience, but the augmented reality game offers plenty of racing thrills.

Despite its long absence, the beat 'em up remains one of the most enjoyable brawlers ever released, thanks to its fast action and gorgeous sprites.

MultiVersus brings together an eclectic mix of WB characters in a wacky but frustratingly slow free-to-play platform fighter.

Wild Hearts is a refreshing take on monster hunting that features huge creatures, cool weapons, and highly useful support systems.

Evil Genius 2 is the natural continuation of the 2004 base-building, trap-laden classic. New evil geniuses, new minion types, and expanded bases round out this mostly satisfying sequel, but a grindy mid-game and no minion control dulls the game's shine a bit.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is a faithful mobile card game adaptation that’s better for shiny digital collections than thrilling monster battles.

WarioWare: Move It's motion controls inject creative chaos into an already bonkers formula that's great for friends and parties, even if the high wears off a little too quickly.

The Medium impresses with its next-gen graphics and unique, split-screenplay that lets you jump between the human and spirit worlds. Unfortunately, the horror game's not particularly scary.

Lords of the Fallen subverts its Souls-like expectations by delivering an engrossing dual-world gameplay system, though its performance leaves something to be desired.

Ghostwire: Tokyo is a horror-themed shooter that features a cool, ghostly premise and a lavishly rendered open-world Tokyo. However, it doesn't provide many scares or particularly engaging action.

Visions of Mana is a charming action-RPG that celebrates the spirit of its 2D predecessors thanks to its liberating exploration and wonderful visuals, but it lacks some gameplay polish.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a delightful skating and hip-hop mash-up that builds its foundation on Sega's classic Jet Set Radio series, but contains enough narrative and gameplay freshness to stand on its own as an arcade-style action game.

Propulsive, profane, and profound, No More Heroes III is more than happy serving its niche rather than watering itself down to expand its appeal. The game’s file size is 6.9GB, and that's probably not a coincidence. If you're curious about the series, start at the beginning. However, once you’re caught up, you’ll be glad that Suda51 returned to deliver us this Editors’ Choice pick Nintendo Switch game.

Carrion is the most wonderfully writhing Metroid-like game we've seen yet, one that's filled with blood and puzzles. The game could benefit from a map, but it's still a fun title in which you control a vengeful monster.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is a colorful and fun Nintendo Switch platformer that's best suited for young gamers.

WRC 10's precise controls and detailed graphics wonderfully replicate rally racing, though graphical hiccups occasionally sour the experience.

Though it takes time and skill to master, Cygni: All Guns Blazing is a satisfying arcade-style shoot 'em up that only gets better with replays.

Featuring beautiful sprite work, creative puzzles, and fun action-RPG mechanics, Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth recalls Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, while forging its own path.

Lego 2K Drive is a thrilling and creative open-world racing game for all ages that stops just short of reaching its full potential.

Wuthering Waves distinguishes itself from rival free-to-play action-RPGs by featuring clever, hard-hitting combat and terrific climbing and parkour abilities that encourage exploration.

Disney Illusion Island’s dazzling presentation, tight platforming, and kid-friendly approach to nonlinear design will amaze young gamers, but its shallow mechanics may make less of an impression on Metroidvania veterans.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a retro horror adventure game with strong narrative options, but it feels a bit too familiar.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot pays homage to the classic manga and anime with its faithful representation of the source material. Unfortunately, its gameplay is too thin to satisfy anyone but serious devotees.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remake the original Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo Switch. They're still lengthy, fun Pokemon adventures, but not much has been added, and even the remade graphics are showing their age.

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is an impressive remaster of a flawed, but highly original, photo-based horror game.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition for the Switch valiantly tries to evoke the speedrunning spirit of Nintendo's real-world, 1990 competition, but the challenges are too flimsy for a 2024 release.

Need for Speed Unbound is a beautiful street racing game that features a cool soundtrack and welcome cross-platform play, but frustrating car physics and CPU drivers sully the experience.

Watch Dogs: Legion - Bloodline injects new fun into the vanilla game, but stumbles a bit. Returning characters improve the narrative, but this DLC add-on lacks the base game’s free-form, squad-based action.

Outriders offers a deeper narrative than its looter contemporaries, but it's ultimately a run-of-the-mill shooter that leaves no lasting impact.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remake the original Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo Switch. They're still lengthy, fun Pokemon adventures, but not much has been added, and even the remade graphics are showing their age.

Mario Strikers makes its long-awaited return as a deliriously fun and accessible soccer game that's packed with character customization and online modes.

Fresh out of Steam Early Access, Eastern Exorcist delivers fantastic visuals, exhilarating combat, and a fascinating story. However, bland level design dulls the experience a bit.

DIG: Deep in Galaxies is an engaging roguelike platformer that tasks you with digging and shooting through different planets with dozens of high-powered abilities and weapons.

With a strong enough internet connection, Control Ultimate Edition - Cloud Version lets you stream a surprisingly seamless rendition of Remedy’s cutting-edge shooter to Nintendo’s modest tablet.

Zenless Zone Zero delivers adrenaline-pumping action with gorgeous visuals and art direction, but it lacks meaningful exploration.

Like its titular creatures, the food-finding game Bugsnax combines a mishmash of weird parts into an endearing, adorable, and eccentric new creation.

Enjoy casual spins on popular sports, such as soccer and tennis, in this motion-controlled game collection for the Nintendo Switch. Although volleyball and a few other new additions feature disappointing controls, returning fan favorites showcase just how exciting it is to move your body while playing a video game.

Sonic's beloved, 2D adventures return with a fresh coat of HD paint. However, this otherwise enjoyable collection of Genesis-era games is marred by a few technical issues.

Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots is a highly entertaining sports game for casual players and simulation enthusiasts, even if its simplistic presentation leaves something to be desired.

Dirt 5 returns the series to its arcade roots by delivering a streamlined racing experience packed with thrilling competition and beautiful environments.

Watch Dogs: Legion delivers an immersive open world where nearly any character that you encounter can become a high-tech freedom fighter. Legion's unique hacking mechanics and mission variety make it an excellent series entry.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet take the beloved series in a long-awaited open-world direction on the Nintendo Switch, one that's filled with enjoyable battles and multiple storylines.

Daemon X Machina impresses with its focus on big guns, mecha customization, and wild, anime-style action. But its head-scratching story and lifeless environments prevent it from being an instant classic.

Halo 2 Anniversary is a blast to play, but like the other games in The Master Chief Collection, it has problems, too. The non-stop action is occasionally sidelined by bugs, so patiently wait for fixes.

The remade Legend of Mana is a beefy, 2D, action-RPG that features gorgeous art, fantastic music, and tons of content that improves upon the original game in nearly every way.

Ninja Gaiden is an amazing, trailblazing series that set new action game standards, but this collection offers nothing new for longtime fans. In fact, this bare-bones port lacks the original games' multiplayer modes.

Postal: Brain Damaged delivers a great throwback to classic FPS games from the 90s and early 00s, delivering breakneck gameplay, lots of fun weapons, and for better or worse, its signature edgy wit.

Hotshot Racing captures the look and feel of classic retro racers, but the track design could use more thrills.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet take the beloved series in a long-awaited open-world direction on the Nintendo Switch, one that's filled with enjoyable battles and multiple storylines.

NHL 23 will satisfy hard-core hockey video game fans, but if you didn't like the recent NHL releases, this year's relatively small additions won't change your mind.

Featuring outstanding cinematic presentation, first-rate voice performances, and superb sound design, Trek to Yomi wraps Akira Kurosawa-like flair around its fun, side-scrolling samurai battles.

Miitopia casts you and your friends in an adorably social, role-playing adventure, even if the novelty wears off before you reach the end of its surprisingly epic quest.

Minecraft Dungeons takes the smash hit construction game into an action-packed new genre, but keeps the friendly aesthetic and accessibility kids love. The game's a tad short and requires some late-stage grinding, though.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids moves the action from England to a beautiful but similar new Ireland locale. Wrath is good if you’re hungry for more Valhalla, but the new features add minimally to the experience, so this DLC won’t make many converts.

Pokemon Unite’s familiar faces and approachable mechanics let everyone enjoy the otherwise inscrutable MOBA genre.

Mario Golf: Super Rush puts delightfully fast-paced twists on arcade-style golf, both in its hilarious multiplayer modes and robust, solo adventures.

Soul Hackers 2 is a decent Japanese role-playing game in the Megami Tensei meta-series, but decent isn't enough when you're competing against titans in your own family.

C-Smash VRS is a game about playing squash in space, but it's also a wonderful, senses-stimulating experience that can only be truly appreciated in virtual reality.

Immortals of Aveum is a magic-focused shooter with excellent graphics and gameplay, but its story and puzzles leave a lot to be desired.

Thunder Ray is a fun but brief take on arcade-style boxing with a cool sci-fi spin that separates it from its inspirations.

Harold Halibut has an impressive story and art style, but it lacks the strong gameplay hooks to keep all but the most patient players engaged.

Warframe is a shockingly polished free-to-play action game that boasts great visuals, gameplay, and replay value. Unfortunately, grinding and odd design choices bog down the late-game experience.

Fireteam Elite doesn’t stray from the horde-heavy, co-op gameplay that's typical of multiplayer shooters, but the newest Alien title is packed with great visuals, smart classes, and great action.

The Divine Force refines the Star Ocean series' combat and exploration to deliver a sci-fi tale with engaging, action-focused gameplay, but a few of the franchise's longstanding flaws persist.

Atmospheric and lushly imagined, Firmament is a joy to explore. Its unique mechanics offer a dynamic puzzle-solving experience, but the game could use more lore.

Memes aside, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is an aggressively ridiculous action-RPG with surprisingly deep combat and subpar performance.

To become a mob kingpin in Empire of Sin, you’ll need brains, brawn, and a high tolerance for boredom.

Marvel's Avengers is a cinematic action game featuring Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, and other popular superheroes. It's packed with cool, customizable loot and punchable bad guys, but the action drags.

Featuring combo-heavy gameplay and a dark fantasy setting, Soulstice delivers Devil May Cry-style action that's marred by some frustrating mechanics.

Battlefield 2042 is an ambitious shooter that features the excellent Portal mode-creation tool, as well as a few, cool game types. Unfortunately, technical issues and balance problems mean that you may want to hold off buying the game until EA Dice irons out the kinks.

The Falconeer blends aerial exploration with dogfighting, but doesn’t stick the landing. It delivers an interesting, but middling, action-fantasy experience that's filled with gorgeous sights and clunky combat.

An homage to fondly remembered wrestling titles of the past, AEW: Fight Forever features a large roster, simple controls, numerous game modes, and a wonderfully entertaining match flow, but some issues keep it from grabbing the gold.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an entertaining beat 'em up with many unlockable characters, but its relatively long load times and inconsistent difficulty make for an occasionally frustrating brawling experience.

Diablo Immortal is an excellent mobile spin on Blizzard’s classic, dungeon-crawling action, but the game's grind means that you may need to stick with it for the long haul to fully appreciate the experience.

More than a nostalgic joke, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl delivers a genuinely fantastic cartoon fighting game just slightly marred by unpolished presentation.

RetroMania Wrestling continues the action-filled fun established by classic, arcade wrestling titles, but features additional mechanics to please contemporary audiences. It isn't the deepest wrestling game, but that's part of its breezy, accessible charm.

Biomutant has the makings of a truly special game, as it features deep character customization and an intriguing, beautiful world to explore. Unfortunately, combat and progression issues prevent it from being an all-time great.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a decent, though bland, introduction to adventure games that's elevated by its off-kilter use of the Pokémon franchise.