I think Luqui and Saiki at Regular Studio did something pretty dang cool here, and Top Hat Studios — for their part — are doing a pretty dang good job of finding and giving small devs shots at getting interesting games out there. this is something that I’m always grateful for, especially since they’re at least partially responsible for one of my favorite games of last year, Labyrinth of the Demon King, making it onto “shelves.” They’ve also published and are publishing quite a few titles, all of which look pretty unique. For the time being, however, MOTORSLICE is a pretty dang interesting parkour platformer, and I would genuinely suggest checking it out!

The Shore is a prime example of what a walking sim done right can look like. Despite its occasional hiccups, it shows that a strong story can convey a story that players will remember long after they have laid their controllers down.

With some of the most beautiful visuals you’ll see on PS5 and a rocking soundtrack full of nostalgic vibes, Mixtape is a meaningful coming-of-age story that is a blast to play through. Paired with a fun trophy list that will have you taking full advantage of its chapter select, it gives you good reason to go back without ever making its main story go on too long. Short and sweet, developer Beethoven & Dinosaur has instantly become one of my favorites with this captivating adventure.

Priced at just $24.99, there’s no doubt that Dragonkin: The Banished delivers a lot of interesting ideas and a fun hack-and-slash experience. While there are some presentation issues and the plot isn’t easy to follow, those who dive in will be rewarded with its unique skill system and city development. Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we get to visit this fantasy world, as Eko Software could do something special with a sequel.

If you’re like me and have been itching for another SimGolf game since 2002, then Under Par Golf Architect will scratch that itch. It’s not as polished, but it also runs on modern systems and isn’t at an 800×600 resolution, so you take the good with the bad. Just know it’s probably best played on PC rather than PS5, which has received a serviceable port but one that never feels quite right.

Blending systems from past RPG greats, as if they’re ingredients in the culinary dishes you will make in the game, Dosa Divas is a fun turn-based RPG that keeps your attention during combat and doesn’t overstay its welcome. With a well-realized world and some funny dialogue, it’s a consistently charming RPG that is worth checking, as even an appetizer can be quite fulfilling.

Pragmata is 2026’s most unique game so far, with its blend of puzzles and third-person action being a total blast. Anyone looking for a fresh experience will want to check it out, as it’s unlike nearly anything else and has a gorgeous sci-fi world to explore as well. Capcom’s recent hot streak isn’t ending yet, as the publisher continues to pump out game of the year contenders at an unprecedented rate.

There has never been a better time to jump into Starfield. The new Free Lanes update and Terran Armada further enhance the experience, which has become highly customizable and a lot of fun once you customize your ship and begin exploring. Whether you’re returning to the Milky Way galaxy or setting off on an adventure for the first time, you’ll find a rewarding experience waiting to be had after years of enhancement.

Neopets – Mega Mini Games Collection – The Neopian Arcade Odyssey is exactly as advertised, but there’s nothing beyond some quick hits of nostalgia. The new minigame falls flat, and there’s nothing here that will compel you to keep chasing high scores. At least the Platinum trophy is easy, so you can eventually delete the game after a few hours that are enjoyable, if not overly fun.

With a lot of customization options, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection allows you to enjoy these seven RPGs on your own terms. They’re a lot of fun to revisit, and the more action-oriented approach makes them meaningfully different from the Battle Network games despite their shared DNA. It’s a no-brainer for Mega Man fans and those hankering for some action RPGs to play.

The PS5 version of New Super Lucky’s Tale is its best console port yet. It plays like a dream at 120 fps and at 4K resolution, allowing for the charming platformer to really shine. If you haven’t checked it out yet, this is certainly the version to get.

Screamer is a refreshing racing game from an incredibly reliable studio. Milestone has taken a chance to do something different, and it has paid off as the anime-influenced story mode is a blast and the game looks fantastic. Playing just as impressively as its visuals, racing fans looking for something new will want to check this out.

Overall, High on Life 2 is actually quite a great game, and an even better experience. Those attuned to humor will really appreciate the style and creative flair in this game. The movement and guns are fun and varied enough to make the rest of the game enjoyable. If it managed to do more with the hub worlds and technical issues, it may have been even more impressive. Nonetheless, it remains an absolute solid choice for anyone looking for something that feels familiar but has enough character to leave an impression. This isn’t one I’m about to forget anytime soon.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a remake done right. Not only does it allow a new generation of fans to enjoy one of the best horror game stories ever, but it’s also faithful in the right ways while expanding the lore and modernizing the gameplay. A beautiful game that is often chilling, any horror game fan will want to check out Team Ninja’s remake.

Poker Night at the Inventory remains a fascinating novelty 15 years later. It’s a fun time capsule of four iconic brands (surprisingly still relevant) combining for a fun crossover that now plays better than ever. Whether you are a poker shark or not, you’ll still find plenty to like here, as you’ll be laughing too much to care that you’re losing all your chips.

Scott Pilgrim EX is filled with a lot of charm, depth, and ambition. While not every choice is a home run, it’s a blast more often than not, and its multiple endings and secrets will keep you playing for far after you roll credits the first time. Tribute Games continues to experiment with beat ’em ups, and this is another strong one from the studio.

Clearly a passion project for Digital Eclipse and Ubisoft, Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is a proper celebration of the limbless platforming icon. His first adventure set the stage for what future titles would be and is still as charming today as when it was originally released 30 years ago. Any fan of Rayman will certainly want to check out this premium rerelease.

There’s no doubt that Tales of Berseria Remastered lives up to its billing and delivers the definitive version of one of Bandai Namco’s best role-playing games. Featuring a beautifully constructed story full of emotional twists and turns, Berseria has aged well and deserves to be revisited. Newcomers and veterans alike will enjoy the new quality-of-life upgrades to this incredible game.

Detractors might cry foul that Capcom has forced two wildly different experiences into one package, but I prefer to think of it as two sides of the same coin. It’s an endless buffet of nail-biting, pulse-pounding action, and, I would argue, survival horror at its finest.

There’s no doubt that Ys X: Proud Nordics is a great action RPG. Featuring a stellar story and fun combat, the action never gets dull. The new story content and gameplay additions are great, although veteran fans will have to decide if they want to replay the game this soon again. However, whether they dive right in or wait a while, the good news is that Proud Nordics will be delivering a fantastic experience once they pick it up, as it’s the definitive version of Nihon Falcom’s latest RPG.

The PlayStation 5 version of Avowed is a total blast, allowing Obsidian’s action RPG to truly shine with its Anniversary Update included. Those who have waited are in for a treat as the world is thrilling to explore and well worth the adventure. Obsidian’s latest fantasy RPG is some of the studio’s best work to date, and it’s great that more people can now enjoy it.

Nioh 3 is the best game yet in the franchise. Featuring varied combat and rewarding players for exploring its open fields, Team Ninja has created a unique and fulfilling action role-playing game. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or have played the prior two games, there’s a blast to be had either alone or with friends in this stellar PS5 game.

While there’s plenty of content on offer, Black Ops 7’s well-executed (if not overly familiar) multiplayer and Zombies modes are eclipsed by a truly baffling, nonsensical campaign. Here’s hoping that 2026’s Call of Duty manages to find its footing again and, hopefully, stick the landing.

Lumines Arise takes Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s puzzle game masterpiece to a new level. With plenty of mesmerizing stages and gameplay that is as entrancing as ever, this is one of the best puzzle games ever made.

While it’s difficult to adapt a story that people already know so well, Microids has done a great job of making sure that it feels fresh with new characters, plot beats, and an updated setting. Whether you know the original Agatha Christie story or not, detective game fans will be in for a treat with Death on the Nile. Let’s hope Microids continues its Agatha Christie adaptations as it clearly has a winning formula on its hands.

Biped 2 can be fun to play with friends, but you really have to be committed to get through the more difficult levels. Featuring solo and four-player modes, there are more ways to enjoy the action than ever before, with each feeling like a unique experience. If you’ve already gotten through Split Fiction and other great co-op games, then this is a great way to continue the challenge, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation.

Once Upon a Katamari gets what has made the series such a long-lasting and beloved gaming franchise. The latest Katamari game is simply a joy to experience, as it gives the Prince plenty of wacky objects to roll up and is a worthy sequel. Both newcomers and series veterans will have a blast with Bandai Namco’s latest, as it’s hard to imagine anyone not smiling while playing.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a true return to form for Team Ninja’s signature series. Featuring the best action you’ll find in a game this year and a great new character in Yakumo, this is a worthy successor to Ninja Gaiden II and avoids the many missteps that plagued 3. Placed well among Team Ninja and PlatinumGames’ best efforts, Ninja Gaiden 4 fully lives up to the hype and is a total blast.

Battlefield 6 is one of the PlayStation 5’s best shooters. Featuring a replayable and rewarding campaign, plus some of the most satisfying multiplayer that players have come to expect, this is the full package. This is a game I can’t wait to continue playing for years, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves and how the Portal helps mold the future of the series.

While it’ll never be optimal playing a dense city-building game on a console, Frostpunk 2 is the latest example that it can be done well. The survival game is still thrilling to play with a controller, even if it might take a while for the controls to become second nature. With proper UI scaling and PSSR support, 11 Bit Studios has done a great job with this port.

A lovingly crafted remaster of an all-time great classic, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is the update that the seminal tactical RPG game deserves. The new controls and difficulty options make it the most accessible version of the game, while the gameplay and presentation tweaks are undeniable upgrades. While completists will still miss some of the War of the Lions content, this classic has stood the test of time and is a must-buy for RPG fans.

Sometimes half a head is all you need, as Henry Halfhead is an imaginative and fun time for gamers of all ages. With a surprisingly impactful narrative and some creative puzzles, this goes beyond a simple sandbox and winds up being a PS5 game with a lot of heart that you should check out.

LEGO Voyagers is a rather brief affair (my first playthrough clocked in at just over three hours), but each minute brings with it something new and novel. Whether you’re working together to repair a train track or taking a minute to unwind and play on a makeshift see-saw, it’s packed with these special moments that highlight the importance of friendships in our lives. It’s also, surprisingly, an incredibly emotional game (especially during its final moments), but I won’t dare spoil any of that for you. Even if LEGO Voyagers could be reworked into a strictly single-player affair, the result wouldn’t be half as good as it currently stands. It’s very much a game that’s not about the destination, but rather, the journey you make together.

While it’s not quite making a childhood dream a reality, Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is the next best thing. Featuring in-depth gameplay and plenty of variety, it winds up being a great time either solo or with a squad of friends. Fans of the genre will find plenty to like here and it’s the best firefighting game on the market.

If I’m being honest, reviewing Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots comes with its own pain points, but very little of that has to do with the game itself. Yes, there are certainly some shortcomings, some of which I hope can be addressed post-launch, but my misgivings come from whether or not I should recommend it to others. On the one hand, I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time with Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, and it’s likely that other fans of the franchise will as well. That being said, it’s difficult to recommend it to those who haven’t gravitated towards the genre in the past. And even for those who grew up playing these types of games, you should temper your expectations a bit. For every birdie or eagle that Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots lands, its head gets stuck in a sand trap just as often.

One of the most unique and fun strategy games to come out in recent years, Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids is worth checking out for adventurous gamers. Whether you’re looking to have fun solo, co-op, or competitively, it has you covered.

Even with its limited modes and maps (or rather, map, singular), Midnight Murder Club makes for a wildly good time if you can sign up a few friends. It might lack the flash and panache seen in modern live-service titles, but if you’ve been yearning for an online shooter that emphasizes gameplay and good times over all else, look no further.

Whether you’re a fan of action platformers or you’re a Cobra superfan, there’s a lot to like about Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening. While it only covers the first 12 episodes of the show and completes The Ultimate Weapon arc, we’ll hopefully get a sequel that completes the story (the show ran for 31 episodes and gets increasingly out there as the final episode deals with the body of Adolf Hitler). With great presentation, this is a real treat for fans of the show.

Ultimately, Gears of War: Reloaded is a great way for PlayStation owners to get into the series or for returning players to scratch that nostalgia itch. With cover shooters not nearly as en vogue in 2025, it’s nice to see that the game that kick-started the trend is still a delight. Grab a buddy and dive into the campaign together; you’ll have a great time.

With a wide range of difficulty settings and over 25 catchy songs, Fresh Tracks is the latest must-own PS5 rhythm game. Whether you’re a relative newbie to music-based games or look forward to mastering difficult runs, Buffalo Buffalo’s debut game is a triumphant success. Stylish and fun to replay, players will look forward to every restart rather than bemoaning a run coming to an end.

With a unique look and a story hook that keeps you wanting to continue, Particle Hearts is a successful puzzle game. That being said, it doesn’t reach the highs of the genre’s best, and its exploration can lead you to getting lost at points. However, it’s still a worthwhile experience if you want to scratch that puzzle itch on PS5.

A beautiful experience from start to finish, Sword of the Sea is one of the PS5’s best games. With its impactful imagery and responsive gameplay, Giant Squid’s third game will make you want to jump right back into New Game Plus to see everything it has to offer. Don’t overlook this exploration masterpiece.

The wait was certainly worth it for PlayStation owners as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced brings players the ultimate version of Ninja Theory’s sequel. Featuring some of the most impressive cinematic gaming moments outside of Naughty Dog, Hellblade II consistently astounds with its big moments of spectacle. A technical marvel with two great reasons to replay the game after the credits roll, it’s an essential purchase for all PlayStation owners.

In a vacuum, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers would stand as a resounding success, especially when you consider that it was helmed by a relatively unknown developer. But, when compared to its genre contemporaries, it fails to reach the same impressive highs of the games it clearly holds reverence for.

The Ready or Not PS5 port is excellent. The measured, tactical gameplay features action-packed moments and some of the most memorable co-op gameplay you can have. Unafraid to deal with content that most other shooters would shy away from, this is a brave shooter that is as interesting as it is to play. Anyone looking for something different from standard FPS games should give it a shot with friends.

While Wheel World isn’t the PlayStation 5’s best racing game, it’s a great diversion to play in between them. Good for a weekend of whimsy and adventure, this bicycle racing game is charming enough to win over any racing game fan. Just don’t be surprised if you finish it in a single sitting, as the parts system is incredibly rewarding and really gets its hooks in you.

Death Stranding 2 isn’t the revolution that the first game was. Instead, it refines almost all aspects of the original to make an excellent, well-polished experience. On the Beach firmly establishes the Death Stranding universe and makes it a franchise in which I could see many more stories told (even if they’re not by Kojima himself). It might be Kojima’s most well-rounded title to date, and it shows that he’s still got the touch even as he enters his 60s.

The Gex Trilogy lives up to its name and brings all three Gex games to modern consoles. With solid quality-of-life updates and a nice array of bonus features, there’s a lot here for fans to sink their teeth into. While the 3D sequels haven’t aged like wine, they’re still interesting to revisit, and the original side-scroller is still quite a lot of fun.

Roboquest is filled with great ideas and is one of the most refreshing shooters in recent years. With no shortage of interesting guns and upgrades, it’s a roguelite that you’ll keep going back to. I’ll certainly be coming back thanks to its massive replayability, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming PlayStation VR2 version, which will certainly be a wild trip.

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a wonderful roguelike that is one of the PS5’s most replayable games. Thanks to the familiar characters and foes, there’s an instant charm and solid story that will immediately grab your interest. With co-op and difficult options, this is both a great entry point for those new to the genre and a fresh challenge.

Little Kitty, Big City delivers exactly what you want from it. You get to play as a cute little cat, cause some mischief, collect some fish, and eventually find yourself back home. It’s a charming misadventure starring a cute feline and one that isn’t extended without good reason. If you’re looking for a fun afternoon of gaming, then this fits the bill nicely.

Doom: The Dark Ages shows that the team at id Software refuses to rest on its laurels and is always looking to iterate upon Doom’s fantastic base. The addition of the shield helps the gameplay feel entirely fresh, with the parry system and melee combat helping it differentiate itself from Doom Eternal, which perfected the push-forward combat. With a varied campaign that features some truly stellar moments and boss encounters, this is one of the best PS5 shooters ever made.

Captain Blood is such an interesting release, a true time capsule from a different era of gaming. From the static camera angles to the way it treats quick-time events, it is clear that the team was inspired by Resident Evil 4 and the PS2 God of War games during development. This simultaneously winds up being the game’s greatest selling point and its limiting factor. Beyond a novelty, it’s also just a fun swashbuckling time with plenty of action by taking full advantage of its pirate motif.

Forza Horizon 5 was well worth the wait for PS5 owners, who are getting the incredible racing game in its most content-rich state yet. Filled with polish and a progression system that makes every gameplay session feel meaningful, this is one of the best racing games ever made and a must-own for fans. If you’ve been a PlayStation-exclusive gamer, then make sure to check out what you’ve been missing.

Developer Microids Studio Paris took a well-written story and a well-made game (for 1999) and completely reimagined it for 2025. Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy shows that they dove into the PS5 hardware with both feet and utilized haptics with the controller, as well as utilizing the adaptive triggers in several different areas. They recreated some of the original puzzles while creating a bunch of new puzzles that may test your overall IQ.

There’s certainly room for improvement when it comes to its presentation and performance, but it’s hard to deny that Assassin’s Creed Shadows does so much so well. From its wonderfully realized world to its wealth of engaging quests and distractions, there’s plenty to enjoy here, regardless of whether you’ve fallen off the franchise in recent years.

Ninja Five-O was a great game when it was released in 2003 and it remains one today. Thankfully, this underrated Konami classic is now widely available and can be experienced by all. It’s one of Hudson Soft’s hidden gems and this is a lovely port of it that has some cool features and quality-of-life upgrades.

Hazelight Studios has done it again and crafted one of the PlayStation 5’s best co-op games. Featuring likable characters, terrific boss fights, and more variety than Saturday Night Live, Split Fiction will be one of 2025’s best games. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone that liked A Way Out or It Takes Two, and shows a developer that is truly perfecting its craft.

Whether you’re a Macross veteran or someone who has always wanted to check out the series, Macross -Shooting Insight- features a ton of shoot ’em up fun. Thanks to the constantly changing gameplay, stages always keep players on their toes. With plenty of difficulty options and five different characters with their own story modes, it features great variety and replayability as long as you’re looking to embrace a bullet hell game with idols singing over it (which you should).

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a true achievement. It features the most immersive open world I’ve ever played in and rewards you for every hour that you put into it. Featuring a stellar story, an unprecedented level of freedom, and some truly spectacular moments, developer Warhorse Studios has shown itself as one of the best studios in all of gaming.

With a rehauled gameplay and a more honed focus on storytelling, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is the best Dynasty Warriors game ever made. While the lack of multiplayer and customizability options are sure to irk some longtime fans, the much-improved story mode and combat easily make up for it. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, Origins is well worth checking out and the first truly great game of 2025.

There's an endless list of things to gush and wax poetic about — the haunting soundtrack, the monochrome visuals punctuated by bits of crimson and neon magenta, the callbacks and homages to your favorite PlayStation 1 horror games. It's clear that Simogo has an undying love for the medium as a whole; not because of the winks and nods to the games of the past, but because Lorelei and the Laser Eyes forges its own path, and it does so with a startling amount of confidence and an unwavering artistic vision that has to be seen through to its conclusion. I doubt I'll be able to convince genre detractors to cross the aisle, but if you have even the slightest interest in puzzle or adventure games, you owe it to yourself to give this modern-day masterpiece a try. Just make sure you have some pen and paper, and a bit of patience, at the ready.

While I'm sure that some of my disappointment can be chalked up to its younger target audience, the truth of the matter is a tougher pill to swallow: Lego Horizon Adventures is a half-decent game, but at the end of the day, it's not a good Horizon game, and it's certainly not a good Lego game. Somehow, it manages to be less than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re a series veteran or just interested in why gamers love to shout “EDF!” repeatedly, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 winds up being a lot of fun. It’s the most polished version of shooting giant ants that you’ll find. So, what are you waiting for, soldier? Enlist in the Earth Defense Force today.

In a world of by-the-numbers sequels and soulless cash grabs, Astro Bot stands as an oasis, an absolute masterpiece packed to the brim with charm, creativity, and a genuine love for video games, old and new. There are still four months left in the year, but if I'm being honest, I think I've already found my pick for game of the year.

Space Marine 2 is a great hack ‘n’ slasher regardless of whether or not you’re a Warhammer fan. Its true-to-life recreations of the tabletop game’s painted miniatures will please fans, but its satisfying combat will please anyone. However, it’s definitely best enjoyed in multiplayer given some AI frustrations, and its Operations Mode is a few pieces of content short of being an excellent addition to the package.

Much like the Phoenix Wright, Great Ace Attorney, and Apollo Justice anthologies that came before it, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is unlikely to convert those who have dismissed the franchise (and the adventure genre as a whole) for its more laid-back, slower-paced gameplay. And at the end of the day, it’s a real shame, since Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers up some of the best storytelling and characters the medium has seen. As a diehard fan, I can only hope that Capcom’s commitment to re-releasing every game in the franchise is another step toward a proper, seventh mainline entry. While I’m at it, would it be too much to ask for a port of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright? If so, sue me.

The Casting of Frank Stone takes some big swings with its story’s final act that pay off and elevate what otherwise could’ve been just another narrative-focused horror game. Supermassive does a good job of adding some action to its exploration sections and layering in plenty of Easter eggs from the series. Dead by Daylight fans are sure to have a blast, and I hope this isn’t Supermassive’s last foray into making a horror game in an established world.

While the stealth gameplay can sometimes become repetitive, Star Wars Outlaws is largely a blast. The attention to detail is top-notch, with each planet being a lot of fun to explore and side missions providing some of the best moments. While it’s better when it leans toward being an adventure game, Outlaws is undeniably a great foundation point for what should hopefully become Ubisoft’s next great franchise.

It’s hard to say much new about an EDF game at this point, especially when the sequels are so iterative. Are you into shooting giant bugs? Do you want to laugh at how ridiculous everything is and find yourself getting embarrassingly into its dialogue-driven story? Then Earth Defense Force 6 is for you, and you should check it out. Otherwise, you won’t have your mind changed as this is repetitive schlock that is fun but nothing groundbreaking.

Putting aside that minor issue, the most divisive thing about Braid, Anniversary Edition might be how little of the core package has changed. Aside from the visual facelift, the core mechanics and gameplay are just as they were back in 2008, and that more or less dictates who this remaster is for. Those who were turned off by Braid’s strictly linear progression and uncompromising puzzles are unlikely to have a change of heart all these years later. For longtime fans or those who have yet to experience this timeless classic for themselves, Braid, Anniversary Edition is a must-play.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a funny valentine. The graphics aren’t particularly stunning, quest progression can be vague, and it has some deliberately old-school ideas that are frustrating to deal with. Still, the game is able to capture a sense of freedom and wonder while delivering on challenging boss fights throughout exploration. It’s one of the few games that has made me want to investigate every inch of the world map without any prompting by the game through a notification or a quest. And I haven’t had that sensation in an astonishingly long time.

Through its expanded story, fantastic graphics, and abundance of side activities, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth vigorously continues the momentum from FF7 Remake. While some parts of the game are too slow or padded for the sake of content, the majority of the experience is a pleasant ride through nostalgia. It will be curious to see how progress, if any, is carried over to the next game, given all the exploration and items that you can obtain here. At any rate, FF7 Rebirth lives up to its promise as a love letter to the original game and solidly sets up the third and final title in the trilogy.

If there’s one criticism I think will be levied against this new collection of games, it’s that, at the end of the day, it’s simply more of the same. Series diehards and more casual fans will undoubtedly find a lot to like here, and I certainly hope it’s a sign that we’ll be seeing much more of the Ace Attorney franchise in the coming years. For those who weren’t sold on the original trio of Phoenix Wright games, this second collection won’t do much to sway your opinion.

Those 13 years should have led to something better, and it’s surprising that they haven’t. Alan Wake’s gunplay has gone from dull to frustrating in the sequel, while its venture into true survival horror has been plagued by predictability and amateurish jump scares. Its narrative has a few memorable moments and is able to periodically use its outlandish antics to its advantage, yet it is still dragged down by its refusal to provide enough rewarding resolutions to its litany of riddles. Alan Wake 2 doesn’t improve on what made the original such a cult hit and is instead an uncharacteristically rough draft that needed more edits. It’s not a lake or an ocean. It’s a disappointment.

Ghostrunner 2 goes against its programming by repeatedly slowing down, but it’s still made up of enough of its classic parts. Sprinting and dashing around the neon-lit city while cutting down its many cybernetic forces can be an empowering trip that’s only bolstered by its thumping electronic soundtrack. A strong core like this deserves to be expanded upon more robustly through its new and existing mechanics, which just isn’t the case here. Ghostrunner 2 has taken a few steps forward and a few steps back, but even though it is running in place, it’s still faster than most of its competition.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 does not have everything that a modern collection should have. Its inability to ubiquitously implement modern features like save states and rewinding only keeps players from fully celebrating the history this compilation seems intent on celebrating. But the extras paint a decent portrait of its accomplishments by delving deep into its lore and speaking to almost every entry’s significance within the medium. And even though the actual games haven’t seen many improvements, they are still unique marvels generations later that lovingly balance quirky jokes and deadly serious diatribes about nuclear proliferation. The bundle largely captures what makes the franchise so beloved, even if some useful quality-of-life features have sneaked on by it.

Between its sticky brawling mechanics, repetitive level design, and extremely low difficulty, Hellboy Web of Wyrd simply feels like an unfinished game that was early on its journey to greatness. There’s a heft to its combat, yet the controls aren’t nearly snappy enough, and it’s too easy to be engaging. The striking art design means its worlds look nice, but they’re made up of the same rooms and hallways. Incomplete or not, it utterly fails to realize what could have been and only continues Hellboy’s video game curse.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 earns its Turbocharged subtitle as it builds on the original’s base to deliver a more polished and enjoyable sequel. The new mobility mechanics add a lot to the racing, giving Milestone and users more freedom in designing tracks. This is quickly becoming one of the studio’s most enjoyable series and a breath of fresh air in the arcade racing space.

These more intimate scenes coalesce wonderfully with its grander narrative to make Spider-Man 2 an amazing and well-rounded follow-up. Insomniac’s understanding of Spider-Man is unparalleled in the medium, as evidenced by the empowering and expanded combat mechanics, breathtaking traversal, and narrative that focuses on the heroes in addition to those underneath the mask. The team has mastered its craft and, like Spider-Man, is only getting better with experience.

Team Ninja still can’t tell stories, though, as Conqueror of Jiangdong’s cutscenes are nonsensical and haphazardly stitched together to justify going to each level. And while the plot doesn’t matter here, it is yet another example of how the studio is treading water with Conqueror of Jiangdong. This sophomore expansion includes some amazing boss fights, but ones that are still sullied by unhelpful allies and relegated to side missions. These hiccups sit on top of the game’s small pile of problems that is slowly growing as the DLC rolls out. Wo Long is still a quality action game and Conqueror of Jiangdong is a reminder of that, but it also points out — and magnifies — its weaknesses.

While its brevity impedes the story, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is thankfully a lot shorter than the last few entries. However, its relatively slender figure only points out how the series has used quantity to overcompensate for its stagnation. This is laid bare in Mirage, as its stealth and open-world design all pull from eras that have long since fallen out of style — an unforced error that is mostly because of Ubisoft’s decade-long overreliance on that structure. Baghdad’s potential as a classic setting in the franchise has also suffered because of this and has been undermined by the artificiality of its blueprint. Mirage was designed to go back to basics, but it just ended up being too basic.

High on Knife generally stands out in the context of High on Life because it has some of the game’s best overall moments. It hasn’t completely shaken all of the eye-rolling humor that powered the original, but its conciseness and ability to spotlight more deserving characters makes it significantly less grating. Its unique gunplay similarly benefits from a shorter runtime and has also only gotten better with its new pinball-operated weapon. While High on Life showed how Squanch Games has grown over the years, High on Knife demonstrates that there’s still value in brevity.

NASCAR Arcade Rush lives up to its name and delivers a fun, non-simulation racing game that features reimaginings of some of the most iconic racing tracks in the USA. However, it isn’t outlandish and exciting enough to completely win over an average arcade racing game fan, nor is it a love letter enough to NASCAR to make it a must-own game for stock car racing enthusiasts. Instead, it’s in the middle ground, where if you dig both, then you’ll have a good time, but you’ll still find yourself moving on to other games sooner rather than later.

Mortal Kombat 1 has some of the most liberating combat mechanics NetherRealm has ever made, but some of the peripheral features fall a little short of what the studio has achieved prior. Being able to access more tricks and dig into the Kameo system gives fights more depth than they’ve ever had. That ingenuity clashes with the vague unlock system, repetitive Invasion mode, and inconsistent campaign that strangely don’t match the heights of previous NetherRealm games. Mortal Kombat 1 is a victory in many ways, just not a flawless one.

We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is a fun diversion for up to two hours, but there really isn’t enough meat here for it to be more than that. More of a relationship test than a full-fledged game, its third trial is absolutely the highlight of the experience. While it’s worth going through once, don’t expect it to reach the highs of the previous entries or offer too much new to the winning formula.

Lies of P is wearing Bloodborne’s cloak, but it has its own heart, one encased in metal and powered by ingenuity. It sometimes transfixes on tropes of the genre to its detriment, yet still overcomes by the sheer quality of its boss fights, combat mechanics, and world design. Lies of P’s steel heart may not be born of blood and flesh, but it still pumps heartily enough to be a worthy substitute for the real deal.

Dimension Shellshock has most of the same strengths as the base game, but a few more shortcomings, as well. The new mode’s roguelite elements lack variety, and its loops aren’t deep or rewarding enough to warrant multiple runs. The gorgeous pixel art and expressive animation don’t get old, but its survival mode is almost as two-dimensional as its sprites.

While it marvelously blows up during the final moments of its descent, Fort Solis is a mostly successful voyage. Puzzling together what happened at the station is an engaging exercise that incentivizes players to inspect every computer and voice recorder in order to shine light on its dark mysteries. Its narrative doesn’t seem to branch much or push forward in any new directions, yet it achieves its modest goals rather well. Fort Solis was misused as a facility by its staff, but Fallen Leaf and Black Drakkar have utilized it well to tell one effective sci-fi thriller.

Even with inconsistent visuals, Immortals of Aveum is an enrapturing experience. Its combat gives players a stunning amount of choices and emboldens them to become the ultimate murderous magnus. The narrative doesn’t give into the most bland fantasy clichés, either, and instead tells a well-constructed tale with flawed characters that are given the space to grow. It’s a magical first effort from Ascendant that has set the stage to grow into a spellbinding series.

You can’t go wrong with Madden NFL 24 as the new superstar showdown mode is a compelling selling point for fans pining for arcade gameplay. Plus, the franchise and superstar modes have been improved in a significant way, and it has more long-term staying power as a result. With the core gameplay as solid as ever, EA’s latest football game is a triumphant offering that is more than a roster update.

Humble Games’ latest offering is a really interesting artistic experiment. While it didn’t leave me thinking that roleplaying musicals will be the wave of the future, I’m glad Summerfall Studios went for such a wild idea. The end result is uneven yet still quite enjoyable. A compelling mystery is bolstered thanks to some great music and strong performances by its cast. It’s a shame that the animation and songwriting can’t match the quality of the other elements, but Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is still well worth checking out.

Ride 5 is yet another impressive offering from Milestone. By focusing on the current generation of hardware, the motorcycle racer isn’t held back and is able to live to its full potential. It all results in a great-looking experience that is easier to get into than ever before and is just as fulfilling to master.

Blasphemous 2 is more ambitious than its predecessor with its fleshed-out swordplay and cleaner dedication to the search action genre. And while these additions give Blasphemous 2 more of an identity, they also give it more room to stumble. Said deeper combat is sticky and held back by its dedication to being adjacent to the soulslike genre. Its narrative tries to broaden the game’s world but suffers because of its lack of a solid recap and overreliance on cryptic storytelling. It’s an artistically sublime world but seemingly pays penitence with its uneven gameplay.

You can tell that Marble It Up! Ultra had a great foundation to build upon, as it is as polished as the marbles you roll around inside the game. The difficulty curve is satisfying, and it’s genuinely fun to improve and start lowering your times in search of unlocking more bonus levels. While it’ll appeal to players that love time trials and a challenge first and foremost, there’s a lot of charm and fun to be had for any fan of platformers.

Being adequate defines Zombie Soup. It’s a serviceable top-down twin-stick shooter that has players downing thousands of zombies much like many of its genre peers. However, just being solid isn’t that attractive anymore — especially in such a cramped genre. Without a defined selling point, a dozen or so engaging boss fights don’t propel Zombie Soup much past the hoards of twin-stick shooters that continue to shamble onto every digital storefront at a steady pace.

Frank and Drake has a few interesting story beats, but they never culminate in a truly compelling mystery. It doesn’t help that the puzzles often feel out of place rather than part of the world. Despite the gorgeous art, it just doesn’t fully come together as a complete experience. Hopefully, the development team will be able to deliver on its promise in another game in the future.

F1 Manager 2023 is a great sequel that improves on every aspect of its predecessor. While the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming, they all serve their purpose and wind up adding to the overall experience. Some smart changes make the actual racing more thrilling than last year’s game. This is a game built to last, and I can’t wait to see how Frontier continues to build this simulation in future installments.