Cats and Seek: Kyoto is a relaxing hidden object game that’ll be fun to play on the go. However, there isn’t enough content that’ll hold your attention for too long.

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy game, Tiny Bookshop is definitely one to check out. It’s slow-paced, but has wonderful visual aesthetics and easy-to-manage gameplay mechanics.

Rise Eterna 2 doesn’t correct the UI issues of the original, but its brisk approach to gameplay and storytelling makes for a compelling and fun turn-based adventure. Fans of classic Fire Emblem games will feel right at home, and—more importantly—will enjoy the strategic elements that make it unique.

In most respects, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is the definitive way to play the best-selling sequel. But a few of the level and boss alterations prove questionable at best (especially the latter), and the easy (immune) mode is a sizable step back from its more balanced predecessor. Bandai Namco would be wise to address both in an update asap. The game mostly makes up for these mistakes with its aesthetic and control improvements. Add time trial leaderboards, two-player co-op, and plenty of new and returning extras with some fun unlocakables, and you have an adventure that might keep you playing.

Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from the previous version it replaces in the eShop. If you have that, you’re fine. If you don’t, this is a surprisingly deep, highly addictive match-three RPG that’s well worth the price.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are still out of this world. This pair of classic adventures remind us why we love Mario’s 3D outings in the first place. For existing fans, the temptation to replay in this enhanced form is strong. For new players, this is a must-own title.

HYKE: Northern Light(s) places gamers in an attractive world with interesting characters, but doesn’t give them enough to do to really hook fans of retro RPGs. It’s a game worth playing and finishing, but easy to move on from.

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus blends expert storytelling, interesting puzzles and finely crafted spooky pixel art to create a fantastic prequel game that leaves you wanting more of this insidious, addictive world.

Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile translates its ’70s setting into a fun audio-visual package. The mysterious characters (fully voiced) are well-developed, giving the game a page-turning quality. You’ll want to see them reach their conclusions, no matter the outcome. A few well-meaning but ultimately unfortunate choices knock the game down from great to just good, and I suspect this will fare less positively with Christie purists, given some of the liberties. But I think most players will get their money’s worth at $39.99, and the game’s replay value only sweetens the deal. The overall experience delivers an uneven, albeit high-quality, memorable mystery adventure.

Splatterbot is a fun little multiplayer game. It’s simple but makes for a neat party title in short bursts. With a few more options or modes, this could be even better, and we’re excited to see what’s next for Hey! Kookaburra.

Overall, Cronos: The New Dawn is an atmospheric horror outing with an interesting premise that creates a bleak feeling of isolation. It borders on frustrating at times with its high difficulty, but that’s also part and parcel of the genre. It may not convert anyone not already invested in these tough outings, but survival-horror fans are in for a treat.

Covenant of Solitude is a decent RPG. The battles are the heart of the game. However, I wish the item pool were more balanced, the writing were better, and the characters had more of a say. Still, if you’re a fan of RPGs, this game is worth a go.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World breathes new life into this fantastic platformer. Whether you enjoyed the original outing or missed it the first time around, do yourself a favor and check out this game.

Alphadia III is an update to a Japanese mobile game released in 2009. You won’t be tricked into thinking you’re playing something entirely new—and that’s a-okay. The two-year gap between the original and this follow-up is noticeable, with slight upticks to the visuals, some of the writing, and especially the addition of a six-member party. It’ll keep you invested even with customary looks, sounds, and routine gameplay. While not innovative, it delivers familiar fun with more pros than cons, particularly for series fans.

Overall, Time Flies is a unique adventure full of surprises. Don’t let the simple aesthetics and short runtime put you off; this is one of the most creative outings of the year.

You’ll surely enjoy Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9, though some may want to wait for a sale that matches the FX3 volume pricing. In either case, those with “crazy flipper fingers” can expect a good time.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a series callback not just with its familiar characters, but in the simplified exploration, synthesis, and turn-based combat, too. Fans of older Atelier games may welcome the change, but it may have simplified too much for those seeking a challenge worthy of its price tag.

Misc: A Tiny Tale is a very cute game with a surprisingly profound and impactful story that transforms cleaning up the world around you into an adventure.

If you need a little dungeon-crawler distraction and don’t mind exploring deeper than many retro fans will be brave enough to attempt, this game is a good, unique option.

Set aside your notions of how a modern RPG should look and play, and you’re going to have a great time with The Nameless: Slay Dragon. Its focus on the characters and story and how your decisions affect them compensates for its more basic approach to how its world is displayed and navigated.

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a well-made, quality game that’ll prove mostly entertaining for fans well-versed in the series. But it reflects plenty of choices here that are tough to wrap one’s head around, especially when other Shantae games surpass this one in both pace and polish. The restrictive 4-player mode disappointingly fails to live up to the hype. And the inexplicable lack of a map (or any typical hint system) makes this game feel antiquated next to its other entries. Thus, what should be a great game is just a good one. Wait for a sale, and make this Shantae your Half-Price Hero.

The Bubsy games have become unpopular as time has passed, but his collection does its best to make them more playable than they’ve ever been. You can relive the nostalgia of the first two 16-bit games, roll your eyes at that Jaguar entry, and experience the refurbished version of Bubsy 3D that makes the original no longer relevant, all with modern updates and extras. I’m happy to see Atari and Limited Run compile these games and make them available on modern hardware, even if they fall short of their titular “Purrfect” designation. Subjectively, their individual appeal might be narrow (one’s trash is another treasure), and some might not be convinced to join Bubsy’s small fandom. But collectively, this release does plenty right, and those with appreciative mindsets will find value here. It’s better than the sum of its parts.

VARLET doesn’t do anything wrong as far as JRPGs go, but it also doesn’t do enough that’s interesting. The game puts its engaging characters in a typical high school setting and gives them the standard tasks to complete with little challenge to interfere. It’s an OK game to chill with, but it doesn’t leave an impression.

As someone with limited experience with games of this nature, Wild Hearts S has proved surprisingly addictive. Check out the demo if you’re curious, but I really believe it’ll be a game that grows on you. Even though I feel like there are certain respects where I’ve only scratched the surface (dozens of hours in, no less), the game is intuitive in the areas it needs to be. Such approachable depth that avoids the overwhelming trappings makes this game a winner and a keeper.

It’s been so long since a Madden game has been playable on a Nintendo device that pretty much anything would’ve satisfied NFL fans. Thankfully, Madden NFL 26 happens to be a good game that offers a massive playbook of depth and content. Just be prepared to spend time on the practice squad while you get up to speed.

Overall, Herdling is a wonderful adventure. It’s a little rough around the edges in terms of framerates and hit detection, but it presents a unique outing that captures the loneliness of a child and the herd he inherits and protects. If you’re after a sweet journey set among lavish landscapes, this one is worth checking out.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion will thrill fans of mech-based combat. There’s no shortage of customization options or enemies to pound down with your optimized loadouts. Those looking for a more narrative adventure, however, may eventually tire of the explore, fight, rejuvenate/optimize loop.

As management sims go, Discounty has the perfect balance of job tasks to make the game challenging and downtime to keep the game relaxing and cozy. The style is adorable, your character is customizable, the dialogue is funny, and the story is entertaining.