Magical Princess is an admirable daughter-raising and stat management game, and it feels like Neotro and Magi learned from the example Princess Maker set. It’s more streamlined when it comes to presenting information. The Skill and EX Skill system also can make it less daunting and easier to succeed when pursuing certain goals. Most importantly, I really appreciated how important bonds seemed to be here. It really establishes the character Alice as someone with a family and friends who care about her.

Essentially when you experience Opus: Prism Peak, you need to pay attention and play with a purpose. Imagine yourself as Eugene. Think about his mindset and life. Think about your own struggles and past. Do you choose optimism or pessimism? Do you attempt to connect? Do you reject? This is a game where the more you put into it, the more you get in return.

Vampire Crawlers offers Wizardry-like dungeon-crawling and roguelike deckbuilding without abandoning the Vampire Survivor roots.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream builds on the previous entries in the series, with Nintendo crafting a simulation that goes above and beyond with customization elements. It’s as silly and joyful as past games, while letting us basically build the Mii island of our dreams. Minigames can be a hit or miss, especially when it comes to ones that keep proposals from going smoothly. Plus the walled garden nature of it makes it so difficult to share that with others. Unless you can actually manage to meet up with people for local wireless, there’s no way to swap, and it’s a shame that there are extra steps tied to sharing moments. Still, aside from it being locked down, it’s lovely.

Shinehill is an unexpected delight, and it offers a Resident Alien sort of twist on the farming life sim genre. Is it still cozy even when you’re infiltrating a community and carrying out not-always-moral objectives? Shockingly, yes! It is a little buggy in its current state, but it feels stronger every day and is absolutely an unusual approach to a traditional type of simulation.

Arcadia Fallen II feels like it tells a stronger story than its predecessor, and it’s one that feels quite relevant. The character development is handled well. Choices feel like they matter, and we can see results of certain actions. However, since this is still a story where there’s no wrong answer, the storyline will mostly follow the same path until later in the tale when those big decisions play out. Given the range of choices you can make, I could see it being with at least playthroughs to get an idea of the different outcomes.

Homura: The Crimson Warriors feels like an otome game for folks who loved Birushana and Hakuoki. The narrative and themes all follow similar courses. However, it does feel unique and like its own thing even with the whole supernatural enemy, warriors fighting back and rebelling, all while the sole female member of the group ends up being the sort of woman all of them could fall for. It’s a fun story for folks who like a little history and supernatural side to their love stories.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is another win for Capcom game preservation efforts. It grants us access to elements unseen outside of Japan. We get complete control over the experience, with opportunities to make it easier or more difficult. We choose exactly how it displays, making the two-screen game feel as comfortable as someone would like. I’m still a bit disappointed with some font and HD filter appearances. But if you love Mega Man, this is another lovely tribute to an enjoyable spin-off series.

Fishbowl is a heartfelt story about dealing with many different life changes and traumas at once, all while finding a way forward. How we do so depends on choices we make. Not just responses to people around Alo, but how she chooses to live her life and push forward. While some of that routine might feel a little boring, that too feels like a commentary on life and how difficult it might feel to keep moving forward when seeing tangible results takes time. It’s one of those games where you start to really see how important actions are once you’re a few hours into it.

I still feel Super Mario Bros Wonder – Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a 9 out of 10 game, but the upgrade is really geared toward the multiplayer experience. Especially if you have folks who can play with you locally for the new Luma co-star, Toad Brigade Training Camp, or Bellabel Park stages that highlight co-op and versus elements. If you don’t have that kind of community around you, then I think the base version of the game would meet your needs.

Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime features the same heart and humor as other Bonte Avond games. Even better, it pairs that with a strategy game that might seem simple, but gets more involved as you find frogs. It’s incredibly charming, and Bonte Avond proves adept at making someone smile and tear up within the span of a few hours.

Ratcheteer felt really impressive when it debuted on the Playdate, and the DX version is just as enjoyable on the Switch. I do think it felt a little more special when bound to the limitations of Panic’s handheld. It still looks and runs quite well, and this short, top-down action-RPG can be a pleasant way to enjoy an afternoon.

Planet of Lana II is quite a successful sequel that builds on the original in pretty much every way. Wishfully also tells its story in a fascinating way that still leaves every intention and action crystal clear. It might take some time to adjust to inputs, but it’s a brief adventure with interesting puzzles and a promising cliffhanger.

I’m usually a sceptic about remaking influential video games. However, I think Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake walks a fine line between revamping an old title, with its improved systems and added side stories, and keeping everything that made the original PS2 game a special and deeply influential experience at the time. It remains a very special game, and there’s more to chew on for fans.

Path of Mystery: A Brush with Death ranges from dramatic to comedic as we watch college students attempt to solve a cold case, and Imagineer and Toybox handled its execution and presentation well. It looks great, with dynamic scenes, vivid character portraits, and clear visual distinctions between the past and present. It also manages to balance the tone well, hitting the right sorts of beats with appropriate emotions. It definitely reminded me of the Ace Attorney series, and I think folks who liked one would enjoy the other.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection feels like it prioritizes story, characters, and combat in a way that makes the game feel even more like a JRPG. It’s another strong entry in a series of great Monster Hunter spin-offs for certain. I do wish there was a bit more diversity when it came to den design. And while combat is fun, it can drag on a bit. Still, it’s quite enjoyable and well worth your time.

Esoteric Ebb is an unexpected delight that pairs elements of D&D campaigns with Disco Elysium, which turns out to be a perfect fit. There’s an absurdist element that’s delightful, but the social commentary also feels quite apt and deep at the same time. The execution of the RPG elements also means that feels like there’s always more to explore, which I appreciated.

Pokemon Pokopia invites us to discover, explore, rebuild, and reconnect, rewarding us for every action along the way.

Between Slay the Princess and Scarlet Hollow, Black Tabby Games is fast turning into a developer whose titles you can’t afford to ignore. The creativity, character development, and world-building are excellent in this latest visual novel, and the degree to which our experiences can change based on our choices is astonishing. It’s so well-thought out and impressive, and a perfect example of “your choices matter.”

Resident Evil Requiem feels like if Capcom took parts from 2R, 4R, 6, 7, and 8, then sanded them all down to fit together. As a game, it might be the most fun installment I’ve played in a very long time. It combines both classic survival horror and fast-paced action-horror without feeling completely incongruent or like it’s compromising something. Its strong level design is a promising step in the new direction the series is taking, yet it’s dragged down only by a weak and forgettable story.

Reanimal is an ominous, tense adventure that puts you in unsettling situations and leaves you to draw your own conclusions about what’s going on. So much so that it almost feels like the end is only the beginning of analyzing what’s happened here. While short, there are some interesting puzzles and encounters, the pacing is good, the NPC intelligence in single-player is competent, and there’s some great character and environmental design elements at play. A few bugs that will likely be patched out in a few weeks aside, it’s a great horror game.

A gem of a game with quirky characters and an intriguing plot that's hard to put down, Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse is a game that I believe everyone should experience.

While I’m a bit disappointed in the Adventure campaign, Mario Tennis Fever feels generally strong thanks to its Fever Rackets and range of modes. There are a lot of different ways to play tennis packed into this Super Mario sports game spin-off, and they often play with the idea of using special abilities to make things more exciting. Which can mean things like Mix It Up and Trial Towers modes can feel a little extra entertaining. I appreciate what Camelot and Nintendo did here and how it built on Mario Tennis Aces.

Mewgenics is satisfying, and I think the development team isn’t exaggerating when they say the campaign can last over 200 hours. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.

Team Ninja has leveraged the studio’s years of experience to make Nioh 3 feel the most interesting out of any game in the series. Being accessible doesn’t mean that the game makes compromises with its intended audience. Nioh 3 can also be the studio’s most devilish endeavor. The inclusion of so many options and flexibility, both in combat and exploration, means that frustration is kept at a minimum in a genre known for its challenge, while maintaining the friction necessary for triumph to taste oh so sweet.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined smooths out a lot of rough edges, but it loses some of the flavor of the original in the process.

TR-49 is a perfect type of puzzle for people who love reading through tons of data to complete intricate investigations.

Tales of Xillia Remastered is another totally fine remaster, with Bandai Namco ensuring all of the original’s content is paired with some QOL additions on the Switch. It’s a totally serviceable way to play the game. Especially since it only first appeared on the PS3, limiting its scope. There are some instances on the original Switch where it is noticeably not hitting the same marks as other platforms, but it does run better on a Switch 2 if you’ve got one. It’s definitely worth revisiting if you love the series.

If you enjoy Dominion, Tanto Cuore, and other kinds of strategic deck-building games, then Heart of Crown Online should be in your library. If the genre is new to you, it’s a good place to start! The concept is entertaining, and the single-player Scenario Mode is a helpful way to learn how to play. Since it also spent time in Steam Early Access, it feels really solid at launch too.

Big Hops is a really pleasant platformer that gives players many ways to approach its challenges. It’s versatile, and the controls feel pitch perfect. The nature of it also means we get to see some pretty varied biomes. Some worlds do feel more interesting than others, sadly, and and the story could be stronger. Still, it’s quite enjoyable and worth someone’s time if they enjoyed titles like Yooka Laylee and Super Mario 64.

Cassette Boy is at its best when challenging you to rethink your perspective to solve puzzles in this The Legend of Zelda and Fez style adventure. There are times when it can really test you and make you think! The minimalistic design direction is also a highlight. However, some combat elements can occasionally feel finicky, especially when the bow is involved. It definitely can be quite clever, and it’s well worth at the very least trying the demo if you also enjoyed games like Fez.

Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights ended up being a fantastic otome game that blended romantic comedy with drama. The cast is wonderful. The story it tells is captivating. It avoids the traps of falling into archetypes. There are all the quality of life features we expect from a visual novel. It’s a sound game, and I even think people who aren’t into otomes may enjoy it.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a lot, and it feels like an installment that attempts to cover almost every possible aspect of the series. It doesn’t top the earliest Mamoru Endo DS entries for me. However, there’s so much here that it feels like a mode exists for every possible player. Not to mention that it is admirable to see it not only released, but is genuinely good. There are some minor issues, such as balancing and NPC intelligence in matches. The CPU isn’t great about making decisions. However, the fact that we are seeing rebalancing and substantial updates like Re-Story make me wonder if this could eventually turn into a 9 out of 10 game in a few weeks or months with additional patches and fixes to things like online multiplayer.

The gameplay in Angeline Era is challenging and entertaining, reminiscent of Ys games, but its story feels even more important.

The Good Old Days captures the same sort of spirit as The Goonies, while also feeling like a unique Metroidvania. There are many ways to approach it and solve Sean’s money problems. All of them can be interesting. Can it get a little clunky? Yes. However, the nature of it and way it encourages replays does mean subsequent runs feel a little more manageable.

The struggle in Death Howl is real, both in terms of its story and challenge. It’s meaningful and haunting. While it can mean going through quite a bit of grinding and dealing with major foes and a bit of unfair RNG, it is a battle worth fighting.

News Tower is a satisfying business management simulation that involves optimizing offices and reporting procedures to ensure success. It feels like there’s are opportunities to keep investing and growing. It can even be so satisfying that it stays compelling for hours. There are some minor issues and sometimes it might feel a bit too easy or routine when you get used to things, but I still very much recommend it.

Dogpile combines the Suika Game formula with deck-building, and I really like the results. It’s quite clever and incredibly cute. I loved playing around with certain builds and trying to capitalize on putting together decks that involved certain mechanics. Did I see myself getting near the endgame? Eliminate all smaller dogs to prioritize minimized versions of larger ones in the deck! Did I want to make things easier for myself and not worry about placements? Try and add friendly and pack traits to as many dogs as possible. I really loved challenging myself and working things out.

I really love PancitoMerge and feel like it’s a more stylish and thoughtful approach to the Suika Game style matching and merging puzzle. The different pan dulce desserts all look fantastic. The themes are great. I loved being able to serve customers in the name of more points and bag management. Even something so similar as a little bag shake helped a lot. It means longer game sessions, which I saw as a plus, as well. It’s just a lovely little puzzle game.

Goodnight Universe features a wonderful story with great performances and a unique, competent control scheme. Said method even works pretty well, considering it’s relying only on eye-tracking! I will say part of the experience is lacking without that, so you should make sure you can play under optimal conditions. But even if you can’t, the narrative and performances from its stacked cast are pretty great.

I love how Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks and plays, but it doesn’t feel as narratively satisfying or mentally stimulating as the original trilogy.

Ultimately, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a solid brawler that continues Dotemu’s streak of great games. If you’re a hardcore Marvel fan, add a point to the score, since you’ll have a great time, but if you’re like me and have never found these heroes particularly compelling, this won’t change your mind.

While getting the D&D license for this VR strategy game is nice, Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked’s appeal lies in it being an enjoyable multiplayer tactical adventure. There are a few cumbersome elements, like the hireling assigning issue, that I’d love to see worked out in later patches. But what’s here works well and is enjoyable, especially if you have at least one other person to play with.

Galaxy Princess Zorana is a worthy successor to Long Live the Queen and a stat-management sim Princess Maker fans shouldn’t ignore. Is it harrowing? Absolutely. Will you need to keep notes and a slew of save files? Definitely. Is it worth all the trouble? I think so! However, if you’re unfamiliar with the Hanako Games’ previous entry or the genre, I’d recommend going with something more forgiving like a version of Princess Maker 2or Mushroom Musumebefore attempting to help Zorana take the throne.

I really appreciate how Videoverse does capture the spirit of older online gaming communities like Miiverse. It definitely feels like exploring online in the 2000s, when we needed to embrace limitations and do all we could to work within them. The ambiance is impeccable and really does recreate the atmosphere of a waning console community in that time period. There are some times when the UI and progression system can be a little user-unfriendly. But aside from those instances, it’s a bit like playing through a game designed to feel like a time capsule from an internet era.

Dispatch is a fun and exciting adventure set in a world full of characters and factions I’d love to see more of. It’s hard not to get attached to this ragtag team of misfits and their exhausted work dad. I didn’t even realize how much I’d grown to like them until the more hard-hitting scenes. Here’s hoping that we’ll get a second season and that Phenomaman and Royd—the best boys, second only to Beef the fat dog—get more screentime then.

I knew I’d like Kirby Air Riders, since I enjoyed the GameCube original, but I didn’t expect this game to feel stronger than Mario Kart World. It’s so enjoyable and robust. There’s room for both racers on the Switch 2, of course. But if I had to pick a favorite and never touch the other game again, I’d pick Kirby Air Riders every time.

The Switch 2 port of Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an absolutely fine option for a newcomer to go with when picking up entries in the series. The story offers its own complexities and can go a little deeper into some nuances now that we’re familiar with Kazuma Kiryu and yakuza clans in general. The combat flows and includes upgrades from later entries and Kiwami releases. We’re able to go to Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Goro Majima gets his own campaign. While the appearance and performance is closer to the PS4 version of Yakuza Kiwami 2 than the PS5 one, it still runs fairly well and looks good on the Switch 2. It’s a handy way to catch up.

While Winter Burrow doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of survival games, it’s also a charming and calming anthropomorphic mouse life sim. Yes, trying to get by in a big, cold world when you’re a teeny, tiny mouse with very little is tough! But if you take your time, plot out a reliable routine, and keep pushing forward, you might be okay.

I feel like the nature of the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack makes it easier to appreciate the story that’s told. The first Atelier Ryza game debuted back in Fall 2019. The second showed up in late 2020/early 2021, depending on where you lived, so it didn’t feel like too large of a gap between continuing things. But the third was a March 2023 release. A lot can be forgotten in the span between 2019 and 2023. Since we’re getting them as a whole now, I found it easier to appreciate the nuances and development of all the characters and notice all the connections and influences in the story.

With Lumines Arise, the Tetris Effect developers delivered another puzzle game that is gorgeous to look at and works well. I do feel it isn’t as approachable as their previous effort. But this is a very capable Lumines game that offers a range of single-player options that left me quite impressed.

I really like when the Otomate otome games from Idea Factory aren’t predictable, and combining revenge with accidentally falling in love in Mistonia’s Hope: The Lost Delight is a fantastic pairing. I loved most of the routes, even on odd occasions where the romantic element felt a bit forced into scenes. The story is strong, Rose is a really capable heroine, and the way that you can pursue betrayal as an option for your endgame can be quite a twist. I think it’s my favorite Aksys otome in 2025.

It is usually obvious what moves you need to make in MotionRec, and the fun comes from figuring out how to do it. The level design is executed well, so it gradually ramps up the challenge while also ensuring like the resulting solutions aren’t obtuse or popping up out of nowhere. The design is also quite unique, and the pixelated aesthetic suits the situation and allows you to more clearly pinpoint opportunities. Those who love platformers that make you think would probably be able to spend a few fun afternoons with this one.

Stray Children is a unique and special JRPG from developers known for PS1 obscure gems and aren’t afraid to embrace every element of that era. Every frustration even feels like it is there for a reason, just like every joyful, poignant, or dark moment does. It’s so unusual and does feel like it belongs alongside games like Moon: Remix RPG Adventure and Undertale, while also possessing its own unique message and fostering an individual atmosphere. It’s a special game, albeit a niche one, and I hope people accept it.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment feels like a more niche The Legend of Zelda game, but Tears of the Kingdoms fans may appreciate its lore. It’s interesting and attempts to capture the concept of land, sky, and underground spaces from Tears of the Kingdom too. It’s effective in using campaign missions to open up areas of Hyrule, tell its story, and emphasize the importance of fights against named or major opponents. At the very least, we got to see Omega Force experiment a bit with its formula. But in short, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is an interesting Musou game made for a very specific audience.

Square Enix has honored its intention to make the new release order work in a narrative sense. Dragon Quest III served as the original climax of the trilogy, with an exciting conclusion that tied the three games together. It’s now Dragon Quest II‘s job to see the trilogy’s story off, and things have been reworked to make it the grand conclusion it needs to be. Some of the original identity of the game is lost in that process, but I think it makes sense for this project. In a lot of ways, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is an ideal outcome for a remake. The original games are still out there, but this release offers such different takes on both that it’s more than worthy to stand alongside them.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a really respectable Switch 2 horror game and early addition to its launch library. While it leans more toward a survival title with horror elements, it’s still unnerving enough to suit someone’s needs. Plus the post-launch patches left it in a strong position. Sure, there are a few elements that aren’t quite perfect, but it’s really fascinating.

Undusted: Letters from the Past combines cleaning up interesting and poignant items with stories about why each one matters. It’s an incredibly soothing and cozy kind of game, much along the lines of PowerWash Simulator. It’s definitely a little more condensed with a more contained focus, which some may or may not appreciate. Still, I loved the pacing, the attention to detail on each small item, and the way we learn about Adora and her family as we restore everything.

Once Upon a Katamari feels like it is as strong of an entry as a game like We Love Katamari. The time traveling element really suits the series. The character customization is a lot of fun. I’m not a KatamariBall fan and think the Simple control scheme option is far from it. But overall Once Upon a Katamari is a great installment that captures the essence of the series.

Ball x Pit is a novel game that combines many roguelike, block-busting, and city organization elements in a way that makes sense. It’s quite clever, and I felt like it was pretty fair too! Due to the way ball fusions work and the nature of characters, it’s pretty easy to feel empowered as you play. I did feel a bit disappointed to find actually taking down some bosses right away wasn’t exactly an easy prospect due to not having build up New Ballbylon enough ahead of time. It is both creative and satisfying though, and scratches the same sort of itch as Vampire Survivors.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a follow-up to Arceus that feels both similar and different due to its focus on living alongside Pokemon in a modern city. The two themes are Mega Evolution and embracing life alongside Pokemon, and Game Freak and Nintendo are constantly showing and telling how that works. Admittedly, I miss the more varied biomes and locations from Arceus. But I do appreciate the story, the ambiance, the attention paid to characters, and how much it feels like a real city. After over 35 hours with it, I’m quite pleased.

I appreciate the execution in Battle Suit Aces and how it prioritizes characters and stories, resulting in a game that reminds me of Gundam series in the best ways. The card-based combat system encourages investment in factions and incentivizes additional missions so you can build up your characters. It also sends you into battles that can make you think, even early on, so it feels genuinely satisfying when you discover card combinations that work for you. I really appreciate the story it tells and how Trinket Studios told it.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a solid kart racer that I feel I enjoyed as much as recent Sonic & All-Stars Racing games. There’s a great selection of characters and tons of vehicle customization options, which are great. The nature of the Rivals and Travel Rings systems also makes it feel different than similar titles such as Mario Kart World. I do worry the Gadget Plate unlocking element might make it a little unfair when playing co-op locally, and some of the water and air racing might not feel as fantastic as the standard racing. It’s still quite impressive and leaves a great impression.

The Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 remaster duo give Switch owners a chance to experience two really great games in the series. Both are still wonderful platforms that do some really fun and fantastic things when it comes to level design and playing around with gravity. However, I will say they are a bit disappointing when compared to both other companies’ recent remasters and Nintendo’s own endeavors. Plus, I do think the visual improvements and handling of the motion controls/touchscreen components are better in the second game than the first. I definitely say they are worth picking up if you never experienced either game before.

I love Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, feel like it is one of the best Falcom JRPGs, and am certain it will be counted among the most ambitious remakes ever made. The combat systems are excellent. The recreation of the world is fantastic. The script and new localization is great. The story is an absolutely fantastic one filled with incredible moments and well-rounded characters who truly develop as individuals as time goes on. It is a wonderful story and perfect starting point for The Legend of heroes.

Some minor hiccups aside, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is both a solid game in the series and the kind of JRPG that incentivizes experimentation due to the range of characters available. I loved playing around with Digivolution and the DigiFarm to create some exceptional allies. It was a shame that there are some minor pacing issues and notifications might not do as good of a job actually notifying me about things. There’s a strong foundation here with a lot of potential to build well-rounded armies of Digimon to help you face all of the game’s challenges.

Hades 2 is a game you need to play. It is that good. It is worth it. You will regret it if you don’t give it a chance and support a developer like Supergiant that consistently gives us meaningful, well-designed, memorable, and most importantly fun games.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles remains a fantastic strategy game, and its story feels even more relevant in 2025. It has everything. Hope. Despair. Loyalty. Betrayal. The option to take on battles that put your critical thinking skills and hours of preparation to the test. This latest release feels like a near perfect one for preparation purposes, due to it offering Classic and Enhanced options. I think if all content from the War of the Lions PSP release made it in, I might even consider it flawless. But even without it, it’s an exemplary experience.

Baby Steps is yet another example of a Bennett Foddy game that can test you, frustrate you, and make you laugh at the silliest situations.. The controls are fantastic, so it feels like they never fail you. The types of terrain and situations can be goofy and challenging. At the same time, there’s a message about growth and development that comes through that made me feel like I wasn’t just having an absolute ball flailing my way through strange spaces, but learning more about Nate and rooting for him in the process.

Silent Hill f is depressing, never holding back as it puts Hinako through the wringer repeatedly. Its thoughtful narrative, full of moving parts and emotional depth, had me hooked. The suspense and tension so characteristic of J-Horror are tempered by Hinako’s combat skills. But maybe that’s the point. The true horror in this game comes not from the monstrous abominations attacking Hinako, but from the harrowing situations her society forces her and other women into.

While I wish it looked better at times, Super Robot Wars Y gets a lot of things right and can offer a substantial challenge. There are some stages that will involve actually thinking about unit placement to ensure you handle all those foes and keep from being wiped out. It can look dated sometimes though, as some assets look familiar, and the UI is pretty bad. I’m also personally sad that Magic Knight Rayearth didn’t return and that we don’t see all of Gundam: The Witch from Mercury represented. While I did like some elements of Super Robot Wars 30 a little more, this is definitely another enjoyable entry in the series.

Whisper of the House is a truly lovely experience in the same vein as Unpacking, but adds its own unique flourishes.

With Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, it feels like Marvelous is really trying to let us create the mech experience we want and loadout we want in a world that needs us. I feel like the interactions between characters and storytelling are so much stronger here, and because of that I wanted to spend more taking on both large and small quests. I felt pulled into the world even more than before, thanks to the ambiance and lore around me, and the ability to really adjust every part of my mech made it easy for me to survive and thrive. On Switch 2 I will say that Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion might occasionally have a few moments, especially if undocked, but I could see that being fixed with patches and they’re minor.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land turned out to be a good Switch game, but the Switch 2 Edition with Star-Crossed World is a great, must-play adventure for the new system. The performance upgrades are a big deal, and they make the game look even more stunning and responsive in handheld mode. The new challenges and levels in the expansion are creative and inventive, and they’re fresh in ways I didn’t anticipate. You really shouldn’t miss this game.

Almost every concern I had about Herdling vanished after about 15 minutes with this enchanting adventure. While I did experience a few technical hiccups on the Switch, these proved to be minor. The experience of guiding these otherworldly entities while appreciating both them and the world around us is magical, even when moments get harrowing. Since I’m fairly confident patches will fix any issues come launch or just after, I can’t think of any reason not to immediately start settling down with Calicorns. Herdling is a magical game about some really unique creatures, and I loved guiding them.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a far stronger game on the Switch 2 than Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar. The setting feels a little less claustrophobic with the move to 3D and redesign for some areas. The characters feel stronger and more interesting thanks to romantic and platonic events. There’s a wide range of crops to grow and items to produce, and it’s always satisfying to get big numbers on a bazaar day after successful restocks. I do wish relationships didn’t end up stuck in limbo because I couldn’t complete certain requests and I had a shipping bin option, and of course the handful of crashes I experienced got me down. Still, I absolutely love this remake and its aesthetic.

Some minor quality-of-life ideas aside, Is This Seat Taken is a relaxed game filled with generally pleasant logic puzzles. Is it as difficult as I would have liked? No. However, the experience is so pleasant and the concept is so strong that I felt fine with not being really pushed to work out complex solutions. The concept is great. It looks quite stylish. It’s just fun.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater doesn’t make all of the changes it should have, but it’s hard to strike the balance between quality of life improvements, and weakening the original. Konami has drawn this line at the toes of the original without addressing a few areas that were in need of improvement. Delta is still a version of the best games of all time, but without desired improvements it might not be the definitive one.

The Aquarium does not dance is one of the prime showcases of what someone can accomplish with a RPG Maker horror game. It’s quite unsettling and haunting, and it’s quite easy to feel for both protagonists and antagonists as you explore Bianca Aquarium. The sprite work is also wonderful. Pair that with new CGs, a lovely soundtrack, and great voice acting, and it’s a game that deserves folks’ attention.

While I do wish it picked up the pace a bit, Tiny Bookshop is an absolutely delightful and cozy shop management simulation. I really appreciated the nods to actual literature. The ability to feel like a member of the community via some simple quests and character interactions is lovely too. I admit feeling a little stifled in terms of decoration and selecting stock, primarily due to some very minor pacing issues, but I still enjoyed running this quaint store and am eager to revisit it when I need to relax.

Demon Slayer: the Hinokami Chronicles 2 is the video game equivalent of a popcorn flick. We won’t see this fighter on the competitive scene, but for an anime-based game it can be pretty great. It’s clearly designed to be welcoming to newcomers who love the series and want to play through major moments, but people looking for a bit of a challenge might find it in isolated bouts, Hashira Training Paths, or fights with other players. It honestly makes me hope we might eventually see a third installment too.

Super Mario Party Jamboree remains a solid game, and I feel like Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a natural pick-up for families. If someone is in a home with multiple players who own both Switch or Switch 2 systems, it could be great for game nights. However, if you’re going to go with one Switch or Switch 2 system for a group session or plan to play only online, I think you might be fine sticking with the original game.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a constant series of pleasant surprises and shows exactly what the Switch 2 can handle.

Patapon 1+2 Replay isn’t the most exciting remaster collection, but it is incredibly enjoyable and accessible to newcomers.. Both games are still strong real-time strategy games that look and play unlike anything else out there. It would have been nice if, for preservation purposes, we could have gotten extra features like an extensive art gallery with concept art or lots of music to listen to on demand. The few additions that are there will probably make it more accessible to newcomers or folks unfamiliar with the genre.

Given everything that happened with Cyberpunk 2077 at the start of its life, the fact that the Ultimate Edition is here, is exemplary, and works wonderfully on the Switch 2 is something of a miracle. But it is. The base game is great. The expansion is entertaining. It looks fantastic on the system both docked and undocked. It runs flawlessly. The mouse controls help showcase why that feature is such a wise option for the Switch 2 as a console. It even makes motion controls feel fun and worthwhile. It’s absolutely wonderful and worth playing on the Switch 2.

Islanders: New Shores is, in every way, an improvement from the original Islanders. I found myself continually coming back to it due to the Boons, new array of buildings, and ability to select my “path” in each run. I would sometimes, instead of stepping away after a run, instead save and then immediately go into the free-play sandbox to add more to the island that tripped me up to make it look exactly how I wanted. It’s an incredibly pleasant strategy game.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby has been blowing up on social media lately, so people who didn’t know about it before might have seen what the gameplay is like through screenshots or videos. The heavy RNG and long career mode might be a turn-off for some, but I still urge people to try it out, especially while we’re still receiving daily log-in bonuses for the global launch. It’s definitely a game you have to experience to understand what all the hype is about.

The Red Bell’s Lament is another example of Voltage offering a great otome game that feels different than what we’d expect due to its execution and story. It can be a little light on the romance, but there’s a strong narrative with genuine surprises and fantastic character development. It does feature some flaws at launch, both in terms of some missing translations and actual bugs that might cause issues with progression. However, I’m pretty confident the will be fixed, especially since Voltage made a statement, and result in this being one of the more interesting otome games on the Switch. Once a patch does appear, I think I’d consider it a must-buy for fans of the genre.

While Death Stranding 2: On the Beach can feel like a step forward for gameplay, I feel like Kojima Productions took a step back with its narrative and difficulty.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is the most packed version of what I consider the best game in the series. The story is a fantastic one, and the additional cutscenes present in this release act as a great complement to what’s already here. The gameplay is fantastic, and it runs so well on the Switch 2. Red Light Raid is also entertaining for those who really enjoy the combat system. The English voice acting is generally good, with a few actors feeling out of place or not keeping up with the original Japanese performances, and it is nice to have that option. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a fantastic Like a Dragon game, and I feel itis a perfect addition to the Switch 2 launch library.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a way to experience a fun piece of SMT history again, and it’s another example of Atlus going above and beyond for a remaster. The quality of life adjustments, like battle additions, fast travel system, and newly added demons, are all a big deal. So is making it all look and sound better. But in a way, getting easier, more affordable access to a great game is the best part of this package. In every way, it’s a stronger game than the original.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a remarkable Switch 2 JRPG, and the core gameplay, mechanics, and story remain fresh and relevant. It looks beautiful and runs wonderfully on the Switch 2. I’d even say the new gameplay additions serve as a better introduction to mouse controls for the hardware than the actual tech demo minigame collection Nintendo created. Anyone who picks it up to go with their new system won’t be disappointed.

Mario Kart World is incredible alone or with others online or offline, and it really shows off what might make Switch 2 special. It’s fantastic in more traditional modes like Grand Prix and Battle or new ones such as Knockout Tour and Free Roam. It pays tribute to past games, but feels totally different and innovative in some fun ways. I do wish Grand Prix felt a bit more challenging and perhaps that Koopalings came back, but getting characters like Cow and happening upon new options with Kamek or Dash Food can be a fun surprise during a race. It feels like a must-have game for the new console, while still also leaving a place Mario Kart 8 Deluxe too.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma restored my faith in the series, thanks to its ambitious sense of scope. There are a lot of tasks to balance in this life sim, farming game, and JRPG, and it feels like there’s much more to do than in past Rune Factory entries. But the same time, it doesn’t feel like each of them carries the same weight, as farming can take a backseat to socializing, exploring, and simulation elements. Village management feels more important than farming and caring for livestock, and heading out into the world or sky to explore yields some of more valuable materials and experiences. Rune Factory 4 is my favorite entry in the series, and I think Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is close to being its equal in some ways.

Minor hiccups aside, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is amazing. There’s so much to it, and it is easy to prioritize the elements you like best. There’s an endless wealth of content and options, and you could probably spend months enjoying every element. The original Fantasy Life is one of the best 3DS games, and now Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is one of the best titles we’ll see on the Switch and PC. Since Level-5 also confirmed there will be DLC, I also wonder if we’ll see it get even better.

TMNT: Tactically Takedown is a delightfully challenging game, once you get settled and accustomed to the pace. It does involve quite a bit of adjustment as the story gets started. I wish there was perhaps a bit more of an opportunity to be introduced to movesets or experiment as a result.

I love Monster Train 2 now, and I suspect I’ll love it even more after putting 50 to 100 hours into it. Shiny Shoe did a fantastic job of keeping everything important in Monster Train, not disrespecting the original experience in any way, and implementing new Clans, card types, encounters, and mechanics that keep it challenging in a manageable way. Even the addition of a story is fascinating, considering the original only featured hints at the series’ lore. I love what the team did here, and Monster Train 2 ended up becoming as essential an entry in an roguelike library as the original.

I really enjoyed playing Sunderfolk, and I would love to go through a second time with a larger group and different characters. Though honestly, I’d also be equally happy to go again with the same avatar (I love my Pyromancer) and make different choices. It’s a lot of fun, and the nature of its additional objectives, varying missions between the campaign quests, and possible party compositions means it is the type of title that could be worth replaying with different folks or on varying difficulties. Sunderfolk works quite well and I’d recommend a it for a series of game nights.