Mouse: P.I. For Hire is one of those titles that works better than you think it would. Nailing the Doom-like gunplay and rubber-hose art style, it’s just as enjoyable to play as it is to look at. Plus, with a stellar cast, especially Troy Baker, it’s one of the most memorable shooters you can play. There are a few holes in it, like various glitches and repetitive elements, but it's a cheese worth taking a bite of.

I don’t know that we will ever get more of these games, but I think that’s fine, because what’s here is going to endure as an interesting experiment. If anything, the boldness of pairing this game next to a decidedly safe mainline Resident Evil title says to me that Capcom is confident that the weird still has a place next to the secure. Pragmata is a game that I think some people are really going to love and some people are going to completely bounce off of, but those are the kinds of games that you still talk about in ten years.

[Marathon has] brought a multiplayer shooter back into the rotation for my friend group. A central game for us to rally around, to share memes, tips and tricks, and just discuss theories and where it could go next. The possibilities in Tau Ceti IV feel endless if Bungie is given the runway to continue building out this universe.

Even with so many systems and so much “stuff” to account for, the formula here is nearly perfect and I find myself struggling for things to truly complain about. Pokemon Pokopia is a master class in cozy game design and an absolute triumph.

WWE 2K26 will scratch that video game wrestling itch, with a Wrestlemania-sized offering of matches, modes, and wrestlers to choose from. Changes to the way things are unlocked are disappointing, turning the game into more of a grind than it should be, but the different formats you'll play in order to unlock those items rise above the grind. The Island continues to impress, while the MyGM and Universe modes allow you to get deep into the nitty-gritty of show planning in a way other wrestling games have yet to manage…WWE 2K26 is another championship-caliber entry in the franchise, but it still has a ways to go to become a Hall of Famer.

Resident Evil Requiem, to me, is one of the series’ best. As a culmination of every game that came before, I can confidently say that the story serves as both a fitting conclusion for many threads left open over the years and a benchmark for where we can expect to go from here. It combines the best parts of virtually every modern Resident Evil title, offering the iconic horror atmosphere that pioneered a genre, incredibly satisfying combat mechanics, and immersive puzzle design that even newcomers can enjoy.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties brings quite a lot to the table in terms of a remake, with its refined combat mechanics along with new story content and mini-games. While the pacing and visual changes might be offputting to veteran fans, this is a sleek and modernized way to play this entry.

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is a strong remake and one that does a lot to improve upon its predecessor. An RPG that revels in nostalgia and the warmness you feel after a night out with friends, even if it's that one friend who doesn't realize last call at the bar was hours ago.

In the end, my disappointment with the content in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack has done nothing to harm my love for the game, and I fully intend to keep playing for many, many more hours into the future. That’s why this review still gets 5/5 stars. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a masterful experience that feels like a warm hug and – if you’ve spent a long time away – like coming home to friends and family who have been waiting to see you...If, for some reason, you’ve never touched the game, or you stopped playing shortly after release, I highly recommend coming back in and seeing what’s new. And you might as well upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition while you’re at it. Maybe you’ll have better luck with the megaphone than I did.

More than anything, it’s great to see Trails Beyond the Horizon take steps to answer some of the series’ longstanding questions, and set the stage for the grand finale of the entire epic. There’s still nothing else out there quite like Falcom’s series, and Trails Beyond the Horizon is a strong reminder that those hundreds of hours it takes to play all these games is well worth it. And perhaps more importantly, picture proof that Falcom is willing to learn from its past, and I’ve more hope than ever that it might truly be able to stick the landing for the wild experiment that Trails has become.

While the story here is a simple one, it evolves as the town comes alive with lights, and is altogether heartwarming. Combine that with the game’s solid decorating gameplay, and I can see myself coming back to this one each festive season, or any time I need a quick pick-me-up.

A tremendous score, blurry textures at higher resolutions, and an unevenly paced narrative make Octopath Traveler 0 a mixed experience, but one that punches up when it needs to. A comforting experience that I won't soon forget and one I recommend to those looking for something warm and comforting.

By embracing it's stranger side, Kirby Air Riders delivers a refreshing racer that mixes in party game antics to create an encompassing and engaging collection of modes.

Family is complicated, messy, and growing up isn't a linear path. Parental expectations can drag you down like cement boots if not managed accordingly. Despite it all, the fights, the miscommunications, and the people we've left behind, Goodnight Universe's greatest message lies in learning to tell people how you feel, however you can, while you're still here.

Game Freak succeeds in taking the strengths from Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to create what felt like its freshest take on Pokemon’s battle system and exploration yet. I especially recommend it to both newbies and longtime fans who enjoy exploration, experimenting with Pokemon teams, and customizing their outfits.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is an excellent remake, offering voice-acted cutscenes, an overhauled battle system, and a newly rendered world that helps build a sense of place in a larger universe. So much of the Trails series revolves around the interconnected politics of the world, highlighting how each region contributes to the larger picture. This remake reinforces this notion and provides players with a clearer visual identity for Liberl and its towns.

Ghost of Yotei is more of what made Ghost of Tsushima so compelling; terrific combat, a memorable protagonist, and a gorgeous world playing host to it all. It's not perfect, there are a few edges to this sword that could have been sharpened, but there are not enough to take away from an incredible experience. I cannot recommend it enough.

The interplay of game systems and gothic styling of playable characters, enemies, weapon, and town upgrades elevates an already incredible game to something all-consuming. Something so good that it scares me.

Consume Me is funny, it’s emotional, and it got me thinking about some of the things people in my life went through to get to where they are today. If the purpose of art is to provoke thought and introspection, Consume Me accomplishes that goal. Just don’t go in expecting a fun roller coaster ride.

Battlefield 6 gets all the core basics right. Shooting, movement, driving, and piloting all feel stellar. The format delivers regular moments of movie-worthy, ostentatious action, while also allowing humble players to spend a whole game just repairing tanks, if that’s more their style. What remains to be seen is if it can deliver the sustained support, balance tweaks, and additions that a fine foundation like this deserves. And as a returning fan, I seriously hope it manages the feat.

Regardless of little annoyances, I did thoroughly enjoy Absolum, and feel kind of bummed it has the misfortune of releasing so close to Hades II as a competitor action-roguelite. There’s room for both, but it is hard - having reviewed both games in close proximity - not to compare the both of them. For people who played Streets of Rage 4’s roguelite DLC and wanted more, Absolum scratches that itch and then some. For traditionalists, it might not be your cup of tea because of the structure, but it makes a valiant effort to get there and endear itself to all. Just be sure you know exactly what you're biting off.

By the time I finished Digimon Story: Time Stranger, I enjoyed it far more than when I started. It takes a lot of time to get going, but once the wheels start spinning, it's a series of twists and turns that has a strong emotional core attached to it. The final boss fight is a perfect encapsulation of tying thematic ideas to mechanical systems and one that might go down as my favorite for the year.

Despite being an iterative sequel, Hades II improves upon its predecessor in every way that matters, making it one of the best action-roguelites out there.

While it may not satisfy those looking for more of a classic survival horror experience, I absolutely loved the heart-wrenching and vibrantly inventive journey that was Silent Hill f. Each finished playthrough beckoned me back into the gloom to start another, even though the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Because I still had more questions, and Silent Hill f still had more answers. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time, and it may just become an instant horror classic.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fantastic kart game that doesn't feel like a half-baked carbon copy. It has many different modes that stand on their own, as well as the portal system that changes up each track and keeps you on your toes. It has a low entry point but a high ceiling, which makes it ideal for anyone to pick up and enjoy.

Borderlands 4 feels a lot like the original Xbox 360 game I played in high school, but it finally grew up and got out of its hometown to see the world. Coming back with a new perspective and some fresh ideas. I'm curious to see how the end game strategies turn out over time, and what the franchise has in store next.

Metal Gear Delta - using the Greek letter that signifies change or difference in mathematics - takes the inner-core of the Snake Eater from two decades ago and acts as a new shell around it, largely superficially with some mechanical adjustments. It is a new wrapper for an old candy bar, a new doll with an extraneous new hat, a dusting of makeup before taking the stage, and despite all of those caveats, it’s still a new coat of paint for one of the most incredible gaming experiences of all time.

Will you enjoy this year if you hated Madden 25? Probably not. However, it certainly feels like EA is one step closer to joining the upper echelon of sports games if it can continue making improvements of this kind each year.

Everything about this game echoes DK’s first big smash onto the screen in those opening moments, even though Bananza is a whole lot more than just mindless smashing. It’s loud, relentless, and in your face, and the amount of heart and creativity took me by surprise at nearly every turn. Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the best platformers I’ve ever played, a stunning showcase for Donkey Kong’s new visual redesign, and the perfect statement that Nintendo is still taking risks that are going to pay off in the Switch 2 era.

I enjoyed most of my time with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. It's a reminder of my younger years, and even though I can't see the scrapes and bruises anymore, I'm still fond of every bail off a skateboard I've had in my years. It's still just as fun to get back on the virtual board and see a world filled with familiar faces and the sounds of those tensor trucks hitting the pavement.

The game has numerous layers and requires considerable thought and strategy, but once you’ve conquered the learning curve, it truly begins to shine.

Mario Kart World's open world and Knockout Tour deliver a bombastic opening volley for the Nintendo Switch 2, though its chaotic 24-player multiplayer could hamper long-term interest.

The best life sims make it fun to hang around in their worlds long after your main objectives are done, and while I can’t say for sure this one will pass that test just yet, Guardians of Azuma is easily the best game of its kind I’ve played in years. I can see myself passing time in its vibrant world for a long time to come.

I walk away from Elden Ring Nightreign with an admiration for the weird thing the team at FromSofware has crafted. Something that doesn't feel like a cheap cash-in of the namesake but an idea that the team wanted to explore. It doesn't get everything perfect, but I'd rather see developers take big swings than stay stagnant. Much like Nightreign's speedy pace, FromSoftware once again proves it's not standing still.

So yes, all the hallmarks of what makes a good Doom game are fully on display in The Dark Ages: overpowered weapons, copious amounts of blood, chaotic combat, a blistering metal soundtrack. Hell. It’s all just been moved around a little bit, remixed to feel fresh. Like spring cleaning. The place may look different, but that doesn’t mean it’s not comfortable. After all, your chair is still your chair, and Doom is still Doom.

For a game so concerned with artists and their creations, and with the importance of light and sound, the sheer artistry on display feels not just impressive, but meaningful, too.

After a swift 30 hours with the game, I will happily tell you how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exceeded my expectations and left me curious for more.

Ultimately I’m of two minds about Dynasty Warriors: Origins. On one hand, it’s a re-evaluation of the Musou formula that’s persisted, and in many ways stagnated, over the years. The changes made to how Omega Force’s winning action formula are presented and executed are stunning. On the other hand, sacrificing multiplayer and a character roster are dramatic compromises for this series, and are impossible to just brush aside. It feels like, in the pursuit of trying something different, something crucial was sacrificed. Origins is a fantastic action game by almost any measure, which will soak up dozens of gameplay hours with ease. But if multiplayer is part of your core concept of what Dynasty Warriors is, or the reason you show up, then you’re going to have to sit this one out. Or try it anyway, because it’s really good.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is just as excellent and entertaining a platformer as it was all the way back in 2010. It can be infuriatingly punishing at times, but surpassing its finely crafted challenges delivers an immense rush of satisfaction in both co-op and solo play. This is without question the best way to experience the game today.

Sniper Elite: Resistance plays it safe with the exception of a few changes. The story is simple to follow, and it feels like something out of a typical action war movie. But that's not to say it's dull. Quite the opposite, actually – the team at Rebellion has mastered the art of killing Nazis, whether that be from afar or up close and personal. Jumping into Sniper Elite: Resistance is a lot like seeing that one friend you haven't spoken to in months, but your conversations pick right back up where you left off. Sure, some things have changed, but the core of what you love is still there, and that familiarity is a nice thing to return to.

I’m hooked once again on the market’s premier strategy franchise. I’m not sure if I like it more than the previous entry, but Civ VII reminds me why I love the genre, and that there’s more wiggle room in my expectations than I knew. I can see myself digging into these layers for the next several years.

Despite my admittedly minor concerns about technical issues, I loved my time with Avowed. I admire that my choices, large and small, have consequences. And because the branching possibilities for how this adventure can shake out can vary wildly, I’m already planning what I want to see the next time I embark on my subsequent trips to The Living Lands.

Like a Dragon is the rare video game that’s enjoyable even when the core gameplay isn’t because of everything around it, and that’s worth celebrating. But I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t wish it played better or did more with the pirate conceit or was better able to marry the inherent conflict of “dudes sailing around on a tall ship in 2024.”

Combined with the strength of its combat, which is some of the best in the business, Monster Hunter Wilds eventually envelops you in its blanket of interconnected systems and ecology, which you can share with your friends. Despite its flaws, there’s just nothing else like a big dose of Monster Hunter.

Two Point Museum feels somehow both cozy and anxiety-triggering all at once; from its graphics and storytelling to its assorted puns and fake ads, this is a deeply unserious game, in the best way. But there is SO MUCH to do, so many things to keep track of, to tweak, to… well, to manage. It's certainly more than Blathers ever asked of me in Animal Crossing. As the announcer drones, "If something looks familiar, you've probably been here before," so fans of Two Point Hospital and Campus should know what's coming. It's also a ton of fun, though, for folks who just love getting lost in museums and want to see what it might be like to put together their own gallery show.

Calling Split Fiction a roller coaster of a game does it a disservice. We’ve yet to ride any real-life track that rebuilds its layout and even the attraction type more than a dozen times as you’re on it. Split Fiction is the entire theme park, condensed into an inventive, explosive, and unmissable experience for two.

I can see myself sticking with WWE 2K25 for a long time. It’s almost anxiety-inducing that this is a yearly franchise, because there’s so much game to dive into here it’ll be impossible to see it through to a satisfying end before having to move on to what’s next.

The slower pace required to fully appreciate this world is a virtue that, as a reviewer with a deadline, I wasn’t properly afforded. As such, I envy those who possess the time and willingness to truly indulge themselves. Because for all its smaller blemishes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows paints a breathtaking canvas that, even after 50 hours, continues to captivate me.

South of Midnight is an early game of the year contender, but that’s not all. It’s one of the best games released in this generation, a game seriously vying for a place on my list of favorite games of all time, and an utter masterpiece that future developers will talk about. At this point, I’m not sure how much more I can really gush about South of Midnight, so please, just play this game.

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is a fantastic entry for both newcomers and older fans, and helps refresh players who haven’t kept up with Bleach, so that they’re ready for the final part of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime adaptation later this year.