Touken Ranbu Warriors manages to find its little niche. There’s abundant appeal in Touken Ranbu’s premise of swords turned into beautiful men, and that translates well into a 3D action game, despite the lack of any sword-collecting aspect. Somewhat simplified musou action is balanced out by the variety of missions and a quicker pace of play. But most of all, it’s the fascination with history that both Warriors and Touken Ranbu share, and the latter’s unique premise of protecting the past from those who would try to alter it, that lends this game a fresh perspective on a well-trod slice of history.

Approached purely as a strategy game, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia may seem a little simplistic. But then, it’s not trying to be the next Europa Universalis, and what it lacks in systemic complexity it makes up for in the clever interplay between grand strategy and its tactical RPG side. Along with an intriguing world and captivating stories to discover, that combination makes for a fantastic experience.

But those are minor complaints, really. Before We Leave is an intriguing, enjoyable game—one that puts its own twist on a Settlers-style civilisation-building game with a heavy environmental focus and a reframing of the colonialist implications that tend to underpin the genre. It’s a relaxed, chilled-out city-building experience, but within the premise of reclaiming your own land instead of colonising someone else’s, it’s also a thought-provoking one.

Gal Guardians: Demon Purge is a balancing act: between modern and retro game design, between loving homage and forging its own identity, between “Classicvania” and “Metroidvania”. It walks those tightropes admirably, and the result is a game that anyone with a fondness for Castlevania—whichever era it may be—should check out.

If you can take the time to master it, Glyph can be a rewarding game—in terms of both a wealth of collectibles and secrets to find, and in the intrinsic satisfaction that comes with expertly navigating Glyph through whatever deadly shortcut you’ve decided works for you. With its little round hero and ball-based physics, Glyph puts an interesting twist on the familiarity of the classic 3D platformer.

Lovingly crafted and unpretentious, Shadow Warrior 3 is equal parts hilarious and thrilling, thanks in no small part to its exceptionally charismatic protagonist.

As a sequel to Arcade Spirits, The New Challengers hits just the right spot: the same sense of humour, energy, and delightful characterisation, but without simply being more of the same. The esports plot takes it in some wonderful new directions, both narratively and thematically, and there’s a clever riff on fighting games in a fun little minigame. The meme-fuelled humour might be laid on a little too thick this time, but endearing, layered characters are still the heart and soul of the game.

Habroxia 2 is a classic shoot-’em-up at core, complete with its pixel-art aesthetic and clear influence from the genre’s early kings. But with some fresh ideas and enough modern design sense to avoid feeling stuck in the past or overly derivative, it gets just the right balance between retro style and modern playability.

As I said, each game included here is a lot of fun in its own right—if you just want to jam some good, classic shmups, or maybe revisit an old arcade favourite, you’re in good hands here. But as is often the case with a collection like this, the story that unfolds when you have a whole series presented side-by-side in one package can be a fascinating one. With Ray’z Arcade Chronology, that story is the way Taito took a nifty concept—RayForce’s two-layer combat—and turned it into a particularly creative, experimental approach to the shift to 3D graphics.

Ocean’s Heart is a game that clearly comes from a place of deep affection for the classic Legend of Zelda games, and it does a fine job of channeling those. But with its gorgeous setting and endearing hero, it also finds its own place within the space of “Zelda-likes”.

Some pacing issues aside, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is gripping adventure. It uses the setting of the Werewolf: The Apocalypse tabletop RPG and relatively recent real-world events for a fascinating exploration of environmentalism, activism, and Polish culture, backed by a clever mix of visual novel storytelling, RPG systems, and comic book influence.

Z-Warp might be one of the more conventional shmups from a studio that usually leans into the experimental side, but I think it might be Panda Indie’s best yet. The mix of Cave-esque movement, creative bullet patterns, and the inventive twist on bombs makes for a satisfying bullet hell, drenched in the grimy atmosphere of its lo-fi pixel art and sci-fi horror theming. Forget what you know about clinging to your bomb stock—in Z-Warp, that button is your best friend.

Sam & Max Save the World is a hilarious game that moves effortlessly between surreal screwball comedy, buddy cop sitcom, and sharp satire of American society. That’s reason enough for the new lease on life that comes with a remaster and a Switch release, but as one of Telltale’s formative works, it’s also an important part of videogame history that was at risk of being lost forever.

Super Meat Boy Forever is no doubt going to be a controversial game, especially among Super Meat Boy purists. But its new ideas bring a world of new possibilities for precision platforming challenges and sheer level design creativity. Dying over and over again in an effort to master the precise jumps and perfect timing each level demands rarely feels as good as it does in Super Meat Boy Forever.

Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice manages to be both a welcome expansion for old fans and a surprisingly good place for a new player to jump in. It builds upon Blades of the Shogun in intriguing ways, and even though its challenge and complexity mirrors the later stages of that game, brevity and instructive level design make Aiko’s Choice uniquely placed to showcase what makes tactical stealth games as engrossing as they can be. For a niche genre that’s not exactly known to be welcoming to newcomers, that’s an impressive feat.

Those technical troubles aside, 9 Years of Shadows is a marvelous adventure. It’s a more intimate take on the metroidvania formula, but what it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in clever design and synergy between its moving parts. The sheer beauty of the game and the world it asks you to explore don’t hurt, either.

It may be a little uneven at times, but even at its worst, Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands is still a whole lot of fun. When all the pieces come together, though? When pure adrenaline and absolute serenity find just the right balance, and don’t just coexist but reinforce one another? In those moments, it’s sublime.

With the latest re-release of Shantae, the entire series is now readily available on Nintendo Switch. It’s a delightful franchise that’s gone from strength to strength over the past 20 years, and to have the game that started it all easily accessible, with the convenience of save states to help work around some of its more dated elements, is a true joy.

If you’re after an authentic skate sim and don’t mind some rough edges, Session: Skate Sim absolutely nails it. No other game has captured the feel of skateboarding quite like this, and the steep learning curve baked into the unique control scheme—frustrating as it can be at times—only helps sell that idea. Because, hey, skating is hard, but the excitement that comes with it makes all the falls worthwhile, and that’s what Session gets spot on.

Between the monster-raising simulation reminiscent of handheld virtual pets, the relatively untouched PlayStation aesthetic, and the crucial role that CDs hold in both game design and narrative, Monster Rancher is about as quintessentially ‘90s as a game can get. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX does a fine job of carrying these two PS1 classics into today’s age, both preserving the originals’ charm, and reworking that core, CD-driven system for an age of digital media. And with the social media potential of the latter—the endlessly shareable fun of seeing what monsters your favourite albums create—maybe Monster Rancher is a quintessentially 2020s game, too.

Monster Hunter is a series about systems—Capcom can’t escape that, no matter how much marketing and PR they throw at it. But it isn’t a series about getting it either, as much as its staunchest adherents would have you believe. It’s about feeling it. And Monster Hunter Rise feels good—simple as that.

The new features are arguably a little superficial, but then again, just having Arise: A Simple Story on Switch—a platform it feels like it should have been on all along—is the major draw for this Definitive Edition. Arise is a beautiful story of life, love, and loss, delivered with care, nuance, and heart-rending potency. It’s a simple story, for sure, but that simplicity is part of what makes it so universal, and so powerful.

As a follow-up to Cotton Reboot and the first entirely new entry in a long time, Cotton Fantasy does everything it needs to. Play as Cotton, and you’ll get a new game that builds off Reboot’s revamped systems without reinventing the wheel—which, honestly, would have been enough. But Success and Studio Saizansen weren’t content with “enough”, and with a roster of such wildly different characters and their unique mechanics, Fantasy pushes the Cotton foundation in all sorts of new directions.

The Hundred Year Kingdom has become my go-to when I want a quick little game to unwind with before bed (that inevitably ends up keeping me up way later than I should, because of that “one more turn!” itch). It’s pocket-sized strategy game whose minimalist systems hide a surprising amount of depth and soothing, satisfying way of scratching that civilization-building itch.

Mini Motorways is a surprisingly ambitious game for its scope. It executes a simple yet remarkably thoughtful premise and largely achieves great results. In everything from its visual style to its gameplay, Mini Motorways is broadly accessible, and smartly introduces the player to increasingly complex scenarios. Even though it doesn’t quite match the design perfection of something like Tetris, that’s still a pretty remarkable comparison to inspire.

At the heart of all this, though, OlliOlli World is classic OlliOlli. It’s part combo-centric skating game, part momentum-driven platformer, part arcade-style score chaser that rewards mastery and experimentation. All these pieces come together wonderfully, and those moments when you’re grinding along a tree branch or the spine of some monstrous skeleton in the desert, clinging to your perfect combo and praying you nail the landing, are pure adrenaline. New tricks, new gimmicks, and an intriguing new setting add a lot to an already strong core, and there’s more room for expression and a lower skill floor, but OlliOlli World is still the absolute rush OlliOlli has always been.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is an outstanding entry for existing fans and a great starting point for new ones. If you're prepared to read through hours of text, this entry provides a collection of supremely well-written cases populated by fascinating characters with no prior series investment required. While its portable origins are plain to see, these newly translated games are a well-earned triumph brought about by a dedicated fanbase.

In short, Experiment 101 delivers an ambitious experience in Biomutant. Repetitive mission design and shoddy pacing at disparate points in the story hold it back from being a true masterpiece in its genre, but exhilarating combat and meaningful incentive for exploration make this an entertaining open-world game.

Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is a game with a point to make, and it does so decisively. The gibbons’ majestic brachiation is a great foundation for an exhilarating momentum platformer that doubles as a potent insight into the threats faced by a critically endangered species.

I think Welcome to Elk is one of those games where the less you know about it going in, the better. That might seem an odd thing to write after a few hundred words trying to describe it, but it’s also so unique and unusual that whatever expectations you might have, they’re almost certainly not going to prepare you for what’s inside. And in a game so fundamentally about stories—not just telling stories that would otherwise risk being forgotten, but exploring the way stories are told and the lives they take on in the process—that willingness to reject expectations goes a long way.

But as a case study in how well musou action and turn-based strategy can work together, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires delivers. It’s the best parts of Koei Tecmo’s grand strategy games and the energetic, strategic combat of Dynasty Warriors, rolled together in a way that elevates both sides of the calculation. That’s long been the case for the Empires line, but building off the strong foundation of Dynasty Warriors 9, this one does it better than most.

Warp Frontier is an intriguing, impressive game. It’s got all the pieces of a classic point-and-click adventure, with a few neat twists on that formula and a neat hint system in case you get stuck. Through that, it weaves a gripping science-fiction tale, blending noir and dystopian influences through an excellent, uniquely Australian script backed by equally strong voice performances. Whether you’re after a puzzle-filled adventure game or just an engrossing and thought-provoking story, Warp Frontier has you covered.

Tasomachi: Behind the Twilight may be an “unpolished” game, but that lack of polish is exactly what makes it such an interesting and enjoyable game to explore. The lack of finesse doesn’t break the game or detract from the experience, but it does add so much to the atmosphere and character of the world. It’s a nice, relaxing way to enjoy the collect-them-all nature of classic 3D platformers, but more than that, it’s a wonderful, mysterious place that’s easy to get lost in—not in spite of its rough edges, but because of them.

Cozy Grove isn’t shy about its Animal Crossing inspirations, and while it may not have the sheer expanse of Nintendo’s island paradise, it brings some fresh ideas and plenty of its own spooky-cute personality into the mix. Most of all, it’s a game that knows how soothing a familiar slice of routine can be, and builds itself around those little daily bursts of comfort—never overstaying its welcome, but always there to ease you into a new day or to help you drift away at night.

Though the circumstances that made a whole new release necessary are disappointing (for Christophe Galati more than anyone, I’d imagine), Save me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition really does live up to the “Definitive” part of its name. It keeps intact everything that made Save me Mr Tako so great back in 2018—the authentic Game Boy look and feel, the vibrant world, the nifty platforming, the surprisingly deep and heartfelt story—but with a bunch of welcome tweaks, balance improvements, and new features that really bring out the best of a delightful, if overlooked, indie gem.

Online troubles notwithstanding, MLB The Show 21 is a fantastic game that keeps the series in place as the best baseball sim you can play. It’s not quite the visual jump you’d expect from a new console generation, but the revamped Road to the Show, fun new features like Stadium Creator, and plenty of little tweaks across the board make it a far more substantial step forward than last year’s outing, and something that belongs in every baseball fan’s collection.

In true Alfa System style, Castle of Shikigami 2 sets a rock-solid shmup foundation and then builds on that with creative flair, unique character, and inventive twists–like a match-three style puzzle boss. The Steam port brings revives an arcade classic with the remixed layouts and bullet patterns of New Entry mode and a revamped translation that, if missing some of the comical nonsense of the original English script, offers a much more coherent take on a game that puts a lot of stake in its energetic, character-specific cutscenes.

Here’s yet another farming RPG, but one that turns the familiar setup in a philosophical, existential direction—and dares to really, really go places with it. What at first looks like another descendant of Harvest Moon ends up bearing a closer resemblance, thematically and tonally, to NieR Automata. That’s not a comparison that’s easy to live up to, but Harvestella manages to leave its mark.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a thrilling step for the Pokemon franchise, and introduces a new style of gameplay that I hope to see further expanded in sequels. Though it shows a lot of promise, the game fails to compete with other open world titles in presentation and variety. I’m stoked about the future of the series, but wish this particular entry aimed higher. Despite that lack of ambition, the game’s charm is undeniable and kept me engaged throughout. For the first time in a while, I’m excited to see what comes next for Pokemon.

Among Wadjet Eye’s back catalogue, Primordia is certainly one of the most memorable: a gripping sci-fi romp that’s mysterious and dramatic, with fascinating philosophical subtext and just the right amount of humour to balance everything out. It shows its age in some ways, but nonetheless makes a smooth transition to Switch and finds a natural home in handheld mode. If you like classic point-and-clicks and want a different, more thoughtful type of post-apocalypse to explore on your Switch, Primordia is one you don’t want to miss.

Between stunning performances, a sharp new script, gorgeous, cinematic presentation, and the fluid action that ties everything together, it tells that story beautifully. Xuan Yuan Sword may not be a well-known name in the west, but it should be—and Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is a wonderful demonstration of why.

Technical struggles in the open world aside, No More Heroes III proves its worth as a brutally satisfying and subversive action game with magnificent boss fights and hilarity in spades.

With Lunar Edition being Black Label-style remix rather than just an updated or enhanced version, it’s a bit of a shame the original Space Moth or DX version aren’t included (especially since they’re not otherwise available on Switch). But, nice as such inclusions would be, they’re far from necessary—a clever twist on classic bullet hell action and systemic interplay that’s a delight to explore make Space Moth: Lunar Edition more than capable of standing on its own.

Gal*Gun Returns doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Double Peace or Gal*Gun 2, but it’s still a thoroughly enjoyable rail shooter, and one that’s far more subversive and clever than its infamy would have you think.

But such little problems are worth contending with for a game as pleasant and relaxing as Cat Cafe Manager. Just the right balance between a casual management sim, Story of Seasons-esque slice of small-town life, and laid-back but fun customer service game loop makes for a relaxing, engaging hook, all tied together with a host of adorable cats and charming locals to get to know, and the sometimes funny, often touching stories that unfold through them. It’s may not be groundbreaking, but Cat Cafe Manager hits just the right spot for a quiet way to unwind.

It doesn’t make a good first impression, but there’s a lot to like about Chocobo GP. It may not be as finely-tuned as the genre’s king, but there’s a lot more depth and nuance to the game than there first appears, especially in the 64-player tournaments that are the centrepiece. At the very least, its goofy sense of humour, playful jabs at Final Fantasy’s legacy, and the endearing nature of the Chocobo spinoff series create a delightful atmosphere that’s perfect for some kart racing shenanigans.

Beneath all the new technical capabilities and extra DLC features, the core of Days Gone on PC is still Days Gone, for better and worse. It’s a game that can be a lot of fun to play in the moment, with a good balance between stealth, action, and exploration and the exhilaration that comes with fighting its zombie hordes. But it’s also a game that struggles to stand out from a very crowded room; that despite its story-driven focus and early signs of promise, ends up tracing all the same cliches as every other zombie outing before it.

If you want to play something that scratches that life sim itch while also breaking away from the Harvest Moon mold just a little bit, you can’t go too far wrong with My Time At Portia. It suffers here and there from the simple fact that it’s an adaptation of a game that wasn’t designed around touchscreens to begin with, but this is still a more than serviceable port of a very enjoyable game.

For anyone on the hunt for a new metroidvania to chew on, Islets hits the right notes. It’s built on a clear understanding of what makes the genre tick, with a couple of fresh ideas thrown into the mix—even if the potential in those ideas is left underexplored. It’s a relatively concise affair, for better or worse, but with humour and personality laced over a strong exploration-platformer foundation, it’s not a bad way to spend a few hours.

The best way to think of LOUD is like an interactive demo tape in the form of a Switch game. It doesn’t have the flash, licensed music, or sheer song count that bigger-budget rhythm games tend to shoot for, but in its place its something fresh, original, and invigorating in its raw energy. While it falls short of its narrative ambitions, it makes up for that in a kickass soundtrack and finely-tuned rhythm action core—and aren’t those the most important things in any music game?

Barrage Fantasia may be a bit no-frills as an overall package, but the core game is rock solid: a retro-styled bullet hell that knows what makes the genre work and leans into that. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but packs enough of its own ideas to feel unique, with stylish pixel art and cute, eccentric character designs to top it all off.

Preservationist gripes aside, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a great remake of a delightful, if flawed, Mega Drive classic. The new art style is gorgeous, capturing the vibrant beauty of the original wonderfully, and the modern tweaks are welcome, though a few more wouldn’t go amiss. But most importantly, it stays true to what made Monster World IV so unique, which, for a game that Sega seems to have largely forgotten about, is lovely to see.

The rudimentary nature of the game underneath all the moody presentation mean Gynoug’s appeal is probably going to be limited to the most die-hard shoot-’em-up fanatics, historians, and those with a nostalgic connection to it. But that’s all the more reason to preserve it in a readily available, accessible way—and with the suite of conveniences layered over the top of , that’s exactly what Ratalaika Games have achieved.

Gensou SkyDrift is easily one of the more unique kart racers I’ve played, if a little rough around the edges. Unbalanced spells, aggressive rubber-banding, and a relative lack of game modes are frequent sources of frustration, but it’s also so full of clever ideas and the inherent charm of the Touhou property that it’s hard to get too mad at it. And hey, if it’s a choice between a polished game and an interesting one, I’ll choose the latter every time.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is exactly what you’d expect from a full-game follow-up to Assault on Dragon’s Keep: a raucous, often hilarious parody of Dungeons & Dragons built on Borderlands’ looter-shooter foundations. Bigger isn’t always better, and it can feel needlessly drawn out at times, but the shooter-looter action, wild energy, and Tina’s Bunker Master antics are a whole lot of fun.

All these pieces come together to make ELEX II’s world a fascinating one to explore and get lost in, so long as you approach it with the right frame of mind. There’s more to discover than you could ever see in one playthrough, but that’s also not really the point—it’s not about checklists and activities that pave the road to 100% completion, but about discovery and adventure. And, yes, the jank is part of that—it’s unwieldy and often frustrating, it’s going to be a deal-breaker for a lot of people, but there’s a certain low-budget charm in the messiness of the game’s combat and pulpy dialogue. Polished to a sheen isn’t always better, and ELEX II is a nice reminder of that.

If you come to Onde looking for a typical puzzle platformer or a rhythm game, you might find yourself disappointed. But take it for what it is—a game that takes pieces of the above, and uses them to drive an atmospheric, sensory experience of colour and sound—and you’ll find something worthwhile. Some rough edges and odd design decisions hold it back a little, but it’s a game that certainly leaves a lasting impression.

That limited scope, while understandable for an indie team working with a presumably modest budget and not wanting to bite off more than they can chew, nonetheless takes some of the wind out of Flutter Away’s sails. That aside, this is still an enjoyable game that largely succeeds in its goal of creating a relaxing, soothing atmosphere that you can use to unwind, whether that’s by ticking off simple objectives and seeing a cute story unfold through them, or just taking a moment to bask in the serenity.

Comparisons to Vampire Survivors are inevitable, and while Void Scrapper doesn’t quite hit the same highs, it’s an impressive effort that puts its own little twist on the latest genre du jour.

In a genre that’s grown crowded in recent years, Patron finds a way to stand out with deep, intricate social systems that build cleverly on city builder foundations. The limited information tools and lack of any sort of scenario mode make it feel a little rudimentary, but the quirks of the social system and the way it interacts with everything else make this worth a look.

Turrican Flashback is still a solid collection. Super Turrican 2 is an odd and stark omission, but it’s nice to have the rest of the series readily available on current platforms, keeping their history and influence alive.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is a good game, and by extension, so is Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. But it’s also a remaster of a game that’s now more than a decade old, which was itself a deliberate effort to return to the series’ roots, and it comes hot on the heels of one of the best—and most creative—games in Kirby’s history. Nostalgia and the series’ innate sense of joy go a long way, but Return to Dream Land Deluxe struggles to step out of the shadow of Kirby’s more recent adventures.

Even with the added “help” features that Initiate Edition introduces, Cultist Simulator demands a willingness to fumble around in the dark–not only to see the best of what the game has to offer, but even just to come to grips with its basic fundamentals. If you’ve got the time and patience to meet its demands, Cultist Simulator can be a fascinating game, but an overcommitment to being deliberately obtuse robs the game of impact in what should be its strongest moments.

While Yaga doesn’t always deliver on the potential that comes with its unique premise there’s still some good fun to be found. What it lacks in depth it makes up for in style and humour, wrapped around a decent, if uneven, action RPG.

That final level aside, The Pillar: Puzzle Escape is a great way to just shut out the world and unwind for a few hours. Its colourful world, soothing music, and puzzles that, for the most part, manage to be satisfying without being overly taxing make for a chill, relaxing game.

Iris.Fall continues the trend of shadow-based puzzle games, finding plenty of opportunity to build on the core concept of moving 3D objects to create paths among the shadows cast. It doesn’t quite hit the mark with the sort of introspective, abstract storytelling it tries to deliver, but its clever puzzles and stunning presentation nonetheless make Iris.Fall a few hours well spent.

While Trigger Witch doesn’t exactly push the boundaries of the heavily-populated genres it draws from, it mixes them together in a satisfying way. Frenetic twin-stick shooter action backed by tight controls and fluid movement never loses its touch, while exploration, hidden secrets, and puzzle-filled dungeons bring some balance into the mix. The story of gun-worshipping witches who’ve given up on magic is just playful and self-aware enough to work, with a satirical touch and unexpectedly heartfelt moments to help keep it at least a little grounded. It may not be the most original, but there’s an exciting, enjoyable romp to be found in Trigger Witch—long live Ballisticism!

One aspect of Ghostrunner that is consistently impressive is the presentation.

How much you get out of Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is really going to depend on what you expect from it. It’s a familiar fantasy action RPG, but comforting in that familiarity and easy to just lose yourself in. It may have been overshadowed by the games that have followed in its footsteps in the decade since Reckoning first came out, and Open World: The Game has well overstayed its welcome by now, but Kingdoms of Amalur finds the right balance of simple fun and routine yet satisfying RPG loops to make that format work, even today.

In a lot of ways, Metroid Dread is exactly the game that people who’ve been waiting 20-odd years for a new 2D Metroid could want: authentic and mostly true to its roots, but with enough new ideas thrown into the fold that it doesn’t just feel like a retread. Given the pedestal that Metroid gets put on, that’s an impressive achievement in itself. But it’s also uneven in that aim, sometimes clinging too closely to the past, and other times losing sight of what made the older games the classics that they are. Ultimately, what you get out of Metroid Dread will depend on what you expect from Metroid in the first place, but if you want an accomplished exploration platformer and can put up with a bit of frustration and narrative bloat along the way, you’re in good hands here.

But even if it doesn’t always hit that mark, Arietta of Spirits still shows how well a short-form Zelda-like game can work, and with so many games competing for time and attention, that’s an exciting prospect that I’d love to see explored further. More importantly, this is a game that has a poignant story to tell about coping with loss and treasuring what’s dear to you—the kind of intimate tale that benefits from a less-is-more approach, and in daring to go small in a genre you’d normally associate with grand, world-saving adventures, Arietta of Spirits carves a memorable, heartfelt journey.

A gorgeous art style ties the piece together, combining cute, cartoony characters, subaquatic wonder, and the ominous atmosphere of submerged ruins. Metroidvania fans are spoiled for choice right now, and while Pronty may not be remembered as the best of the best, it’s an enjoyable take on the genre with plenty of fresh ideas.

That simple sense of fun and frivolity is the spirit that runs through Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain, and the thing that separates it from more “serious” brain training games. It doesn’t push any boundaries, but what it lacks in a structured training regimen it makes up for in playful energy and a party game touch. Sometimes you want to meticulously practice an instrument, but sometimes you just want to jam—Brain vs Brain is the brain training version of the latter.

On balance, I’m still glad that Adventure Mode is there, giving something with at least a little bit of substance for solo players, but Mario Golf is a party game first and foremost, and Super Rush is no exception. But as a party game, it’s great: the sheer frivolity of Super Mario’s more playful spin on golf makes playing with friends a joy, with plenty of creative courses and neat modes like Speed Golf and Battle Golf to really dial up the fun.

It’s an experimental game that uses its PS1 aesthetic to drive home the surreal atmosphere of this world, and it’s easy to get lost in that atmosphere as you explore and experiment in search of different endings. It’s just a shame that the mystery runs out of steam so much sooner than the game itself does, dulling the impact with each new outing and robbing the “true” ending of much of its potential.

When all the pieces come together, Operation STEEL finds a nice balance between the controlled chaos of a roguelike and the precision of a shoot-’em-up. A bad draw will sometimes put those two influences at odds, but more often than not, there’s an exciting confluence of styles of play that, on paper, seem incompatible. That’s an impressive feat as it is, but even more so for a solo developer’s first project.

It’s that charm and playfulness that keeps Grapple Dog going, through its ups and downs. Slightly unwieldy controls mean the fluidity you’d expect isn’t always there, particularly on the trickier levels that demand more precision, but it’s hard to get too frustrated at something so gosh-darn cute. And when the grapple hook mechanic and nifty level design do come together just right, which is more often than not, the exhilarating result makes the odd annoyance worthwhile. A grappling hook and a dog just go together—I don’t make the rules.

In some ways, Neptunia x Senran Kagura: Ninja Wars is a little disappointing: a mash-up like this should aim a lot higher than what this one does. But missed opportunities aside, Ninja Wars is an enjoyable enough game, with characters that are as lovable as ever, a hefty dose of the humour that both series thrive on, and some downright hilarious moments where they collide. It may not be the dream collaboration it should be, but Ninja Wars is still a worthwhile outing for any Neptunia or Senran Kagura fan, especially with the convenience of a Switch version.

It’s those little humorous little touches that help make keep Maglam Lord going, even if it’s not especially ambitious or finely tuned in its basic action RPG setup. The story of a Demon Lord turned endangered species playfully riffs off JRPG tropes, finding plenty of laughs in the silliness of its own concept. Sharp writing makes sure every joke hits home, even when they seem on paper like they should fall flat, and there’s an unexpectedly earnest heart beating underneath it all. The game itself may not be anything memorable, but the journey that Maglam Lord takes you on makes it all worthwhile.

But “fun, playful way” is really what’s important there—because Train Valley is a lot of fun. It takes a fairly simple concept and adds some well-thought-out layers to create a satisfying, enjoyable train management puzzler. It’s best suited to short play sessions, but in those quick bursts, Train Valley hits a sweet spot.

After almost 15 years, the Mario Strikers franchise has returned in a big way with Battle League Football, an engaging arcade football experience that shines in local play. It could benefit from additional characters and an expanded single player offering but for those looking for a super accessible yet enjoyable sports game to play with others, this will satisfy that role nicely.

I'm torn. On the one hand, Returnal is one of the best third-person shooters you'll find, full of the kind of frantic, precise action that's so satisfying to master, but on a scale and with a sense of atmosphere that's far beyond anything Housemarque has done before. On the other, the ill-conceived idea to make it a roguelike sits at odds with everything the game does best, undermining its greatest strengths and turning an exciting game into a tedious and frustrating one. If you've got the patience for it, this is an adventure that's absolutely worth taking, but I can't help but wonder how incredible Returnal could be if it didn't keep getting in its own way.

So while it has some shortcomings and could stand a little more refinement, Yurukill: The Calumniation Games is exactly the kind of game I love to see: an unusual concept that puts creativity first and dares to experiment, even if the ideas don’t always quite click. And even with its pacing and puzzle design troubles, it’s still a rock-solid shoot ’em up, mixed with an engrossing crime thriller, carried by the most compelling villain since Monokuma.

Bricklandia is a wonderful setting to explore, and it’s clear that the level designers in particular have gone all out in dreaming up the most playful LEGO world they could imagine. Decent kart racing and an abundance of the goofy sense of humour that’s become a defining aspect of LEGO media bring said world to life, and the car building tools introduce an unexpected amount of depth for dedicated builders. Monetisation and open-world fatigue hold 2K Drive back from greatness, but for kids of all ages with some time to kill, it’s a lot of fun.

Taito Milestones 2 features a great assortment of games, but presented with absolutely no historical context or any real reason to buy this collection instead of just buying Arcade Archives releases individually. After the criticism the first Milestones faced fit the exact same thing, that’s a disappointing result.

Despite its fiddly interface and a farming side of things that’s a bit underwhelming, Staxel’s open-ended nature and creative potential make it an enjoyable outing in blocky rural life.At the very least, it shows the potential in this idea of a life sim block-building game: even if it doesn’t get the balance quite right, creative freedom and the laid-back, satisfying rhythm of farm life go hand-in-hand.

Despite its shortcomings and the missed opportunity to do more with its roguelite concept, The Dragoness: Command of the Flame is still worthwhile for anyone looking for a slightly different take on the tactical RPG. I can’t tell you if it’ll hit the spot for a Might and Magic fan, but as someone with no background in them—and, therefore, no burden of expectations—I’ve enjoyed my time with it well enough. Whether or not it lives up to its inspirations, it’s still a nice introduction to an interesting niche.

Lone Ruin doesn’t push boundaries, and a lack of complexity means it can wear thin before long, despite the random dynamic inherent in a roguelike. Even so, it’s a game that finds a good foundation in short bursts of play, with a compelling art style to help pull you in. Hardcore roguelike fans may find it limited, but there’s fun to be found here if you want a simpler, more relaxing take on the genre.

So I’m torn. The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is a fascinating game in concept, with its looping narrative, creepy atmosphere, grim yet moving tale, and a psychological horror touch built into some neat gimmicks. But that potential gets lost in annoying puzzle design and the lack of saves—something intended to help build atmosphere, but that too often just kills it—and what should be an eerie, unsettling game instead just becomes a tedious one.

But if you can deal with that, Deiland: Pocket Planet Edition is a fun little farm sim, one that lacks depth but makes up for in charm and the uniqueness of its setting. Put your favourite comfort show on TV and play this while you’re half-watching, and you’ve got a nice way to unwind and turn your mind off for a spell.

Martha is Dead is a remarkable game, in the story that it tells, the way it tells it, and the ideas it explores in the process—a potent, powerful exploration of some of the darkest corners of human existence. It’s deliberately uncomfortable and confronting, but that’s part of what makes it work, and it’s underscored by a genuine sense of empathy, humanity, and a call for the world to be a better place. But, at least for now, game-breaking bugs and technical struggles that go far beyond mild inconvenience mean the Xbox One version should be a last resort.

I’d love to see what the initial vision for Ghostwire: Tokyo was, before former creative director Ikumi Nakamura’s sudden departure from Tango Gameworks, because what we ended up getting feels like the shell of a different, far more interesting game. A rendition of Shibuya that’s authentic, atmospheric, eerie, and brimming personality deserves better than the most banal version of a generic open-world formula that ran out of steam a decade ago. Despite all the potential in its concept, the Ghostwire we got is—despite its ghostly theme—soulless.

Still, if RPGolf Legends’ greatest sins are being a little bland, it could be a lot worse. Its mashup of golf and action RPG is a fun idea, and those disparate pieces come together well to create an adventure that’s full of playful charm. It’s an enjoyable enough romp in its own right, but it also shows there’s potential in this sort of genre clash, and I sincerely hope that’s something ArticNet continues to explore.

If you look only at what is included, Wonder Boy Collection is a decent compilation: a selection of historically significant games—the elusive Monster World IV among them—that hold up surprisingly well, ported cleanly and with the usual assortment of helpful functions. But as good as what’s here is, and despite the marketing speak describing it as a “carefully curated collection”, the package feels incomplete without the two Wonder Boy IIIs. That’d be disappointing regardless, but it’s especially egregious when the (already sold out) limited edition counterpart does include them. Wonder Boy Collection is good for what it is, but it’s missing some crucial pieces, and for the most cynical of reasons. Westone Bit’s classics deserve better than that.

Despite its shortcomings, I have enjoyed my time with Bright Memory: Infinite for what it is. It’s a slick first-person shooter that’s overflowing with energy and that blends gunplay, melee, and psychic abilities in exciting ways, set against a stunning Chinese mythological backdrop. It just feels like it should be so much more: there’s a foundation here for something great, if it only it was more refined and given the space to fully explore that potential.

In almost every regard, Ganryu 2 is spectacular: it looks fantastic, builds on the original game in meaningful ways, nails the level and boss design that’s so crucial in an action platformer, and plays like a dream in the moment. But a horrific continue system that feels restrictive even by arcade standards means that actually experiencing all it has to offer requires the patience of a saint, and what should be a surefire hit instead turns into a painful slog.

RunBeam Galactic probably isn’t a game you’ll pour hours into. But for a quick, fun time-waster that keeps faffing to a minimum, it hits the spot.

Marchen Forest: Mylne and the Forest Gift is a diamond in the rough, and as long as you’re prepared to put up with a bit of frustration, there’s something special here. It’s a surreal twist on the “Alchemist in training” tale popularised by Atelier, full of cute, sometimes creepy characters, quirky humour, and a story that is, by turns, both bizarre and grounded in humanity. If you can look past its rough edges, there’s a lot to like about Marchen Forest.