The gameplay loop in Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is as enjoyable and addictive as you'd expect from a good roguelike. But its uninventive level design and the inevitable repetitiveness of objectives can, in the medium term, diminish motivation and interest, as players must stick to the theme to stay engaged in a game that pays little attention to deepening any underlying narrative threads.

With a major imbalance throughout its structure, a clear lack of experience in some decisions, and the need for greater refinement, Echoes of the End is an average action-adventure game that fails to deliver its full potential despite having some good ideas.

Far from revolutionizing or innovating, Metal Eden is a first-person shooter that manages to combine the classics and the cutting-edge of the genre, immersed in an increasingly pervasive and disturbing theme. Dynamic, challenging, and exciting, it's not a perfect game, but it makes excellent use of its technical and aesthetic qualities to entertain from beginning to end.

Heading Out is an interesting proposition that stands out for its themes, its uncompromising arcade racing style, and its visual aesthetic. It lacks much of the randomness that should be emphasized in a roguelike, which sometimes makes the experience unpleasant.

Combining a brutal setting, strong psychological elements, and engaging narrative, Cronos: The New Dawn represents another success for Bloober Team, although the repetition of objectives and limited variety in combat compromise the pace at times.

Hirogami is a game that enchants with its concept and art direction, but on the other hand, it struggles with the execution of some of its key mechanics. Hiro's transformations are detailed and work very well, encouraging exploration. However, its weak story and truncated, slow-flowing combat leave something to be desired. Still, despite being an average title, it can please fans of the genre.

Despite the poor dialogue, empty open world, and other issues, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a fun action game thanks to its combat and storyline that make up for its flaws.

With elements that compromise the experience, Lost Soul Aside is an example of a game that could have been excellent but drags on unnecessarily. The fast-paced combat delivers satisfying combos and the soundtrack is memorable, but even these strengths fall flat during a campaign hampered by a shallow narrative.

Hell is Us is a game that stands out for its boldness in making you think. It breaks from the norm and manages to captivate you in a way that perhaps other similar titles in the genre couldn't. With a well-told narrative and top-notch exploration, the title is worth every second of your attention.

Super Robot Wars Y is an excellent crossover and an exceptional Strategy RPG, with fun gameplay and a story that not only makes good use of its characters and franchises, but delivers something consistent and very entertaining.

A fresh take on a classic franchise, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers a solid and smooth roguelite experience. It won't be universally popular among players, but it has the potential to surprise those open to change.

PlayStation finally welcomes one of the best action franchises, in its best possible version. Gears of War: Reloaded is excellent and a complete package to please all players, especially those experiencing the series for the first time.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is, honestly, the definition of a video game. It has an incredible and addictive combat system, stunning graphics, a well-executed metroidvania vibe in the levels, a cliché story that perfectly matches the theme, and challenging extra modes.

Combining tension and fun, Midnight Murder Club offers an affordable price and works very well when played with friends, although its lack of content limits long-term interest.

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is the must-have lost chapter for fans and a good entry point for those wanting to explore the franchise. Playing it evokes a nostalgic feeling, partly thanks to its pixel art style, but at the same time, we know it's something new. Its simple story features entertaining dialogue and an interesting and organic exploration, but the lack of a map is sometimes missed.

Gradius Origins brings to PS5 some of the most important horizontal shmups in history, all released between the 80s and 90s, with different versions of each title, in addition to a series of new features and extras that will please both newcomers to the genre and, especially, the most passionate fans.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a fantastic game because the title it's based on is splendid. Konami offers excellent graphics in this new version. The only problem is that there was room to modernize elements of the original game while still maintaining respect for the work, but the developer decided to play safe. This means that if you're expecting something different from what you've known for over 20 years, you'll be disappointed. On the other hand, for those looking to relive Snake's adventure or experience the saga for the first time, Metal Gear Solid Delta is an excellent option.

Surprisingly, Madden NFL 26 finally delivers (albeit partially) on its promises of truly delivering significant improvements over its predecessors, whether in terms of more dynamic gameplay; a visual presentation that better explores what's already established; and the dynamics within its main modes. Despite some technical issues and controversial concepts, it's the best the franchise has offered in a long time.

Mafia: The Old Country is superb in some aspects, delivering a few hours of fun in an inviting world at a modest price. However, it fails to offer improved gameplay and has an uninspiring story and narrative.

Somber Echoes is a good metroidvania with a great movement system. The combat is simple and the story is weak, but it's worth checking out if you're looking for games in the genre.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is easily one of the best 2D action games ever and possibly the best 2D title in the series to date. The gameplay constantly challenges the player's precision and provides all the necessary mechanics for seamless fighting and jumping if skilled enough. The Game Kitchen not only respected the 2D Ninja Gaiden format - they elevated it to a new level.

While it may seem like just another rehashed product meant to cash in on nostalgia, Heretic + Hexen is the definitive way to fully appreciate two of the genre's most important games. Welcomed accessibility and quality-of-life updates, which add value to what was already incredible, make this package an indispensable library addition for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Sengoku Dynasty is so diverse and bold that it will certainly offer dozens of dense hours of tasks and duties to be completed, but not necessarily with the fun and addictive way that the best games in the genre manage to do. There's no doubt about how grand and diverse the game manages to be even with a modest production scope, but it's the artistic and gameplay details that take away some of the shine it deserves.

Wildgate is a fun multiplayer game that has a touch of other titles from the late 2000s and also draws inspiration from more recent ones. With a touch of treasure hunting and capture the flag, Wildgate is a kind of Battle Royale that manages to be fun... except when the player ends up getting stuck in its lengthy matchmaking process.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is an excellent stealth game with challenging enviromental and combat puzzles, as well as a great story. All of these elements combine well to create a must-play experience for fans of the genre.

Patapon 1+2 Replay is a collection that lovingly revives two of the most creative games in the PSP catalog and brings them back with a fresh look, quality-of-life improvements, and the same captivating and fun gameplay. The combination of rhythm and strategy continues to work incredibly well, and even with the absence of Patapon 3, it's an experience worth rediscovering.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a beautiful example of adaptation and a clear evolution compared to the first game in the series. The sequel greatly expands the cast, refines the exploration, narrative, and combat systems, and offers the best visuals the subgenre can currently achieve.

9 Years of Shadows is one of those indies that manages to leave a lasting impression. The armor mechanics are well thought out and bring fluidity to exploration, especially during boss fights. Even with its mediocre story and minor technical issues, the title makes up for it with creativity, charming pixel art, and an excellent soundtrack, a well-designed atmosphere, and well-functioning gameplay. For those who enjoy metroidvanias and are looking for something new within the genre, it's worth giving it a try.