For people who love the raunchiness of the Konosuba series, there is plenty of that to find in Konosuba: Love for These Clothes of Desire, but if players were looking for something that attempts to subvert the genre when Megumin, Aqua, or Darkness are dressed in a swimsuit or maid outfit, then they probably won’t find that here. This game is fanservice through and through, but it does have plenty of funny moments that will make fans want to see the game through to the end, especially if they can unlock an ending featuring their favorite character.

Though we only get to know the characters for a little while, I found myself becoming genuinely invested in their lives, histories, and personalities. Considering that two people did virtually all the creative work in the game, I was very impressed by the writing and art. If there’s a sequel with these characters, I would jump at the chance to play it. Though short, Death Trick: Double Blind was like any performance worth its salt: sweet, riveting, and unforgettable.

Taken as what it is, a charming game with excellent production quality available entirely for free, there’s little to really complain about. While it likely won’t keep you as engrossed as Holocure, which to be fair has received a fair chunk of post-launch content, Holo X Break is another excellent addition to both the Holo Indie label and the growing roster of quality Hololive fan-games.

I suppose it all comes down to The Exit 8 being a surprisingly comfortable game, especially on the Switch, even though it will get you if you let your guard down. I really like how it works and what it accomplishes with so little. It’s an entertaining diversion with great atmosphere that will be fun for a few runs. But I also expect that once you’ve played it enough times, you’ll have done it all and have no reason to return. If you’re a weirdo like me though, you might still come back a few times because you find it oddly relaxing to take a walk and pick out the “mistakes.”

In a way, I’m still shocked at how absolutely delightful Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya is, and I’m so pleased at the prospect that a Switch release might garner more attention for every version of the game. It’s so much better than I anticipated, and the pacing and nature of it make it a perfect cozy game for someone who wants to sit back, make some friends, and run a restaurant. While the idea of it being a Touhou Project doujin game might be a bit daunting, it’s worth a chance if you love the life sim and restaurant management genres or just want to build up your library of cozy games. There’s more to it than you’d expect.

Umurangi Generation is a game that was never subtle about its message and always conveyed information via the experience well, but playing it in VR on a Meta Quest 3 makes everything more effective. Firsthand exploring the world and encountering both its beauty and horrors is incredible. Especially since the transition from the original game to VR worked so well and came without downsides like motion sickness. I loved the approach and feel like it’s a necessary Meta Quest experience.

The Quintessential Quintuplets: Memories of a Quintessential Summer really sets itself apart with its unique premise that is part tutoring and life management sim, then part visual novel dating sim. It’s true to the series, given there is still that element of helping tutor the sisters. Plus, you absolutely are earning your happy ending here. I enjoyed it, because it’s an approach we don’t often see paired with likable characters and a fun premise, but the approach may make it an acquired taste. Just be sure you really pay attention to the sisters’ stats and make smart choices.

Even though the execution in Everafter Falls isn’t great about getting you adjusted to the farming sim and I wish it leaned more into its premise and mystery from the start, it isn’t a bad game! It has its moments, with the card-based skill acquisition and multifunctional pet both being highlights. Like most games in this genre, I really did find myself getting absorbed in it for hours once I got settled. I just wish it did more to stand out.

Times & Galaxy feels like it blends what you’d expect from adventure games with a sort of newspaper management simulation. You’re investigating situations, piecing together a story. However, you’re also shaping how things are approached and turn out, depending on what you choose. There’s a sense of balancing things. You want to search for truth and find out what’s going on, while also telling your own story based on what you learned. It’s really compelling.

The Palace on the Hill feels like the sort of game where Niku Games wanted to tell a specific story, and the farming, shop management, and life sim mechanics surround it to propel you forward. They aren’t taxing. They won’t hold you back. However, they do provide a sense of ambiance and let you know what life might feel like for Vir in India at that time. You’re experiencing a brief moment in his life, and I do mean brief as I finished in under eight hours. However, it definitely feels like your time is well-spent.

While there is so much to see here, rarely does anything work properly to make the experience feel worthwhile. I do believe there is a solid farming sim RPG in the making with SunnySide, but it could take a long time and plenty of updates to reach that potential. For now, I don’t recommend giving it a look unless you’re okay with quite a lot of grievances.

I know we’re bound to see plenty more Suika Game clones, but as long as we get genuinely creative takes on the watermelon matching formula like Fruit Mountain, I’m okay with it. It absolutely feels like one of the more relaxed and cozy options in this new subset of the puzzle genre. The presentation looks good. Plus the implementation of tossing fruits in a 3D environment with no “walls” around a box really adds a new element of strategy to it.

MyDearest and Kotake Create really did a fantastic job of pulling off The Exit 8 VR on the Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro. I mean, I’m sure it helps that the base game isn’t the most complex title. Even so, I felt no VR sickness or discomfort. It’s so easy find yourself immersed in it. It’s even easier to spot and experience the anomalies, thanks to the sound design and execution. Going through The Exit 8 in VR is now my favorite way to play.

B-Project Ryusei Fantasia is one of those games that is ideal for what it is for those who are aware of B-Pro and the many projects tied to the series. If you “get” it, you’ll love how it handles things and the chance to more closely interact with your favorite characters. For those who aren’t aware of this Mages project, the entry barrier is pretty high! Not impossibly so. I think it feels like PQube was aware of this and released the demo so early ahead of launch as a result to help people prepare. For those who love the series, it’s a lot of fun. I do think people curious about it should give the free trial and anime a chance, as both would really help you when it comes to deciding to pick it up.

Hamster Playground is a pet raising game where it can feel like you’re there to complete missions and earn enough currency for the cosmetics you want. It looks fine and has a silliness to it that I appreciate. I also like that the only essential purchases connected to it involve some affordable minigames, and like you could even just go for the one or two you like instead of all four. It’s pleasant enough, even though I can see it getting tedious as you grind to complete your personal or game-mandated objectives. Considering the base game is free though, the design quality is higher than I expected and it is an entertaining diversion.

The Battle Cats Unite is absolutely entertaining and the formula for the tower defense RTS remains strong, but the remaining mobile roots get annoying. The absurdity of the various cats (or in some cases “cats”) you deploy are as entertaining as ever. Even the cooperative and versus stages are fun. I just wish more had been done to remove the obnoxious free-to-play elements such as the energy restrictions or limited Cat Food currency. If you don’t mind the grind and taking your time, it’s a fun diversion to keep on your system.

The Quintessential Quintuplets: Five Memories Spent With You is a nice cherry on top of the cake for fans of the series. It is very rewarding being able to play a Quintessential Quintuplets story that focuses on seeing the relationship between Futaro and the chosen Nakano sister flourish. While the game doesn’t present original mechanics or ideas like its predecessor does, there is a lot to enjoy here, and a lot of content and attention given to each character.

For both positive and negative reasons, Hakuoki: Chronicles of Wind and Blossom is a classic otome. The quality of the story and the characters are really good, and I can understand why people loved it. But playing it in 2024 after so many other otome games (and from Otomate to boot), it’s hard for me to see what made Hakuoki the special juggernaut it was at the time. Is it good? Oh yeah, if you’re big into otome or historical fantasy games. It’s great that you get both the Edo and Kyoto arcs in one convenient package without having to pay for two games like in certain releases. This is a game that stands very well on its own. But those curious about the legendary reputation of Hakuoki may come out of it scratching their head.

Minor missteps aside with controls side, Those Games 2 can be a genuinely strong minigame collection. It gives a perfect amount of games for each fake mobile game ad, so you don’t feel like they wear out their welcome. They do get genuinely challenging after the first 10 levels, in many cases. It’s a fun game to play when you just want to take 10-15 minutes to play something and feel smart, and doing so in short bursts helps keep you from noticing that some levels can get repetitive.

I love the concept behind Exhausted Man and feel like it is a genuinely clever game, but the nature of some of the tasks mean it’s best played in short bursts. Going into too many challenges at once, especially if you end up with a forced task or one that ends up being more annoying than expected, might even feel a bit stressful. Still, the concept is sound and I do recommend it! Just take your time and don’t rush.

Muv-Luv Remastered, as a whole, sets up a foundation for one of the most intriguing visual novels to come out of Japan. This means that what you’re experiencing is happening for a reason. Muv-Luv Extra might feel a bit trope-heavy and as though the dynamic nature of character portraits and movements are the only thing setting it apart, due to it laying groundwork regarding characters. Muv-Luv Unlimited is when it starts getting interesting and we get into the meat of things, due to the new mysteries being introduced and way what we learned in the first game shapes the lives of characters like Takeru and Meiya. Put together in one package with Muv-Luv Remastered, and we get a solid start to Age’s story.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles is one of those anime games that I’d say is more than serviceable, but isn’t extraordinary. People who like TenSura a lot will definitely get more out of the game than someone who is completely unfamiliar with it. I’d even say for the right price, someone who enjoys the Tales of combat system might even want to consider it. That really is the draw of the title, and it’s fun to take advantage of characters’ unique traits. While it isn’t trendsetting or amazing, it’s perfectly fine.

With Muv-Luv Alternative Remastered, Age tells such a striking and emotional story. The events of it stick with you, especially if you put in the time and went through every part of the adventure. The only downside to it all is that it really does demand that dedication. The pay-off is fantastic if you are willing to go through Extra and Unlimited first. I would still say it is a great story if you don’t, but the character development and hints leading up to what happens here builds in a great way and results in a fascinating sci-fi story.

Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch feels designed to keep you captivated by the events of Hikaru and Lilun’s lives as they deal with the odds that are stacked against them. Every win for them is one for the reader as well. It takes its time to show how these young people develop and find their footing, and it’s great when we get to see them succeed.

I was absolutely fascinated by My Lovely Empress during my first run, when I tried to avoid as much bloodshed as possible and search for a healthy ending. I was shocked the second time around when things got much darker. It can be intriguing, even when it starts to get repetitive, and I appreciated the new approach GameChanger Studio took with the My Lovely series this time around.

It means that Pico Park 2, much like the original game, is a “your mileage may vary” title depending on who joins you when you play. If you have a group of four people who can all be in the same room together, it might be absolutely incredible. Especially if they are all familiar with the series and experienced with how games like this work. If you’re only playing with one other person, it could still be great! But you won’t get the full experience and might be frustrated sometimes. I 100% suggest not playing this with random individuals. Even though the in-game messaging system is competent and I had a decent ping playing on the Switch against others, randos are a nightmare in Pico Park 2 and ruin the experience.

Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography feels like the sort of edutainment game that you use in conjunction with other learning tools to help make learning a language more fun. It’s honestly a cozy tool! You explore the streets of a city. You get to see what can or can create a flashcard when you take photos. There are little tests of your knowledge. However, it does feel supplemental to a regular experience and, since it is more about building up a vocabulary collection, may not be enough for some people on its own.

Metro Quester: Osaka is an absolutely great game and follow-up to the original KEMCO and Thousand Games RPG. It maintains the same feeling of desperation as you strive to find resources. There’s the same thrill as you uncover new paths or helpful items. The battle system still feels really different and efficient. I highly recommend it and, if someone hasn’t played the original, might even say to play this entry if you only can pick up one of them.

I like the idea of I-Chu: Chibi Edition, as having a one-purchase version of a mobile game that grants you to access to almost everything is appealing. However, the way it forces you to unlock everything, the awkward localization, and the still frustrating gacha system hold it back. The music is good! The rhythm game element is pretty solid! Once you get some decent cards, you can make some strong teams! It’s just all of the other stuff surrounding it bogs it down.

I really appreciate the chances that Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost takes, in terms of gameplay, because it is a solid rhythm game! The track listing is fantastic. It’s drawing from all the amazing Touhou Project music we love. I just wish the story was either handled better or more approachable for those who aren’t familiar with the series, as that’s going to be quite a barrier for most people to overcome if they give it a chance. Knowing you need to go through that to even unlock your songs is a lot.

Thronefall is an absolutely wonderful RTS game from Grizzly Games that pulls ideas from past strategy and tower defense titles, then executes them in a stylish, minimalistic manner. There are no overwhelming choices. Upgrade trees make sense. Stages are broken up into digestible chunks. The only downside is perhaps that there isn’t more of it, but at least we can replay the areas that are there on higher difficulties later.

Flowstone Saga is a charming blend of RPG and puzzle game with a zippy pace and lots of mechanics to engage with. The presentation is great, with colorful, detailed visuals and a strong soundtrack. The story doesn’t hit the same high notes as the rest of the game, but it does its job well enough to keep you engaged for the duration of this relatively brief yet enjoyable journey. In some ways, it feels like the game could have gone longer and explored some of its mechanics more thoroughly, but I give it credit for wrapping up before it got repetitive. If you’re looking for a lighter bite between all of the gigantic RPGs releasing these days, this should fit the bill nicely.

As far as horror games go, Clock Tower isn’t exactly in my personal top five favorites, but it’s still such a highly influential and important work that I’m surprised it took this long for it to make its way out of Japan with an official English localization. While its dated graphics and gameplay may turn away some people, it’s definitely something to experience for yourself if you’re interested in this kind of history.

Potionomics: Masterwork Edition makes me feel like someone coming to the Switch version is immediately getting access to the best version of the game. While there are some minor balancing issues remaining and someone might be as hit-or-miss on characters as I was, the changes and additions based on player feedback result in a markedly improved experience. It really makes it easier to appreciate Sylvia’s adventures in capitalism.

Some minor quirks aside that could, in all honesty, be fixed by patches before too long, Core Keeper is a delight of a game that excels at offering options for being creative and tackling situations. It is easy to get engrossed in finding your way through the depths, establishing a settlement, and making progress, thanks to the intuitive systems in place. Core Keeper is definitely a game those who loved ones like Terraria and Minecraft should investigate.

You probably are still going to experience a lot of heartbreak going through Virche Evermore – EpiC: Lycoris-! Surprise! But I absolutely think it is worth it, especially considering the new Drifter storyline and Ankou route. The execution of the fandisk is also rather interesting, since it really does a solid job of taking us into the past, present, and future, with all of these extra stories and moments with the characters so well organized. That does mean that it is 100% not a standalone experience, but you have to expect that from otome game follow ups and Virche Evermore -ErroR: Salvation- players will enjoy this for what it is.

Great God Grove is a great romp about the importance of good communication. If you enjoy puzzle games, the works of Double Fine, or Undertale, you’ll find a lot to love here.

SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky has its good points. The production values haven’t been skimped on, the setting is well-realized, and some of the characters are very interesting to get to know. Sadly, the writing on the whole is very uneven, leading to a lot of routes that don’t pay off properly and a couple really poor characters. There’s some potential here but the game ultimately fails to realize it, despite taking a very long time to get everything into position. It’s an inauspicious Western debut for such a beloved franchise.

Homicipher is an experimental visual novel that asks you to keep an open mind for the unknown. All that is gold does not glitter, and not all creatures that crawl on the floor in a terrifying manner are monsters. Only by making the effort to learn and communicating with them you might discover that the unknown might not be as scary after all.

Beyblade video games have a reputation for not being too great. Although there are blemishes in the gameplay and the environmental spaces, which could have been improved, I think this is the best Beyblade game out there. But by no means is this game stellar, either. Ultimately, you will find redeemable characteristics to Beyblade X: Xone if you keep up-to-date with the franchise or have nostalgic memories of earlier generations.

Garden of the Sea attempts to be a laid-back life simulator as you roam around a deserted island. But, the absence of structured tasks or rewarding objectives may lessen its appeal over time. This is further not helped by gameplay bugs, which make some of these tasks more bothersome than they should be. Ultimately, I don’t know why you would choose to play this title in its current state over hard hitters in the genre, like Stardew Valley.

Flare Nuinui Quest is a charming retro platformer that nails the look and feel of classic 8-bit games. Its simple mechanics, nostalgic design, and catchy soundtrack make it a joy to play, even for those with no knowledge of Hololive or Shiranui Flare. For fans of the Vtuber and the wider Hololive universe, the game is an even bigger treat, filled with familiar characters and references that add depth to the experience. While its short length and fan-service-heavy approach might limit its appeal to some players, the low price and polished gameplay make it an easy recommendation for anyone who loves retro platformers. Flare Nuinui Quest proves that even niche projects can deliver big on charm and fun.

With a charming aesthetic that hearkens back to the mid-2000s and a gripping story, Matsuro Palette really surprised me with how much I liked it. It’s short and sweet, just difficult enough to provide a challenge, but easy enough that you can beat it in one day if you wish. While I don’t think I’d like a sequel of it, it did leave me wanting to see more between the painter and the girl.

ebut Project: Cooking Cafe is a silly, joyful game that encourages someone to be creative. Or to commit food crimes. It isn’t as varied as the Cooking Mama series when it comes to minigames. However, it makes up for that by letting someone be as unhinged as possible during certain steps of the cooking and baking process, resulting in the most ridiculous recipes. I really appreciate everything it does.

Maid Cafe on Electric Street feels like it is designed to recreate the experience of living in Japan, being in a maid cafe environment, and going through your day-to-day life. However, it’s done in a way where it isn’t exactly idealized, due to the fact that there are still moments that remind you that real-life isn’t always happy and fun, and being at a maid cafe wouldn’t be an easy life with everyone excited, energetic, and a perfect idol-type. I appreciated its quieter moments and simplicity, and how it let me gradually work toward a better tomorrow.

I’ve spent over twenty hours with Everholm, and I know I’ve only scratched the surface of what there is to see. I like the aesthetic vibe of Everholm, and the gameplay has an enticing daily routine cycle that will be a hit with fans of Stardew Valley. The supernatural mystery failed to hook me in, but the tasks were so enjoyable that it wasn’t as big of a deal as it should have been. But there are quite a few issues that sometimes break the immersion. That said, the developers are already addressing some of these issues, which is great to see, as Everholm definitely has the fundamental ingredients of an excellent farming sim.

I just wish there had been more romance to it, with more fleshed out characters, especially Sachsen since this is his moment.

Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop has a lot going for it, but I think a lot of your enjoyment will be based on how or where you play it.

It's more than worth giving them a try.

A tight, punchy package.

It's absolutely worth the time invested.

DoDonPachi SaiDaiOuJou is one of those games that basically you tell a bullet hell fan to pick up because it is an essential title, but perhaps advise a more casual fan to consider if they like the developer or series first.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector did an incredible job of leaving me feeling lost, desperate, enraged at in-game entities or opponents, and like I was struggling to survive in a galaxy where every decision mattered.

Dance of Cards, overall, is a strong Poker and narrative game that went all-out with its gambling theme, aiming to make the player feel the same fear and exhilaration as its in-game characters. I really came to this game expecting very little, but instead got an experience that drew me into the lives of its characters and had me experiencing a hint of their own terror and the rush of a deadly risk. While I have my problems with the ending and some of the game’s problems, it’s still an impressive game that has a lot to offer if you’re willing to give yourself over to its quirks.

There are a lot of reasons to play Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To, such as if you love Panel de Pon or Puzzle League or you want a dating sim that features more than visual novel gameplay.

I love the concept behind While Waiting and the message the game conveys, but boy does it frustrate me sometimes.

While the developers obviously put heart and passion into Waiting in the Lime Forest, it’s hard to recommend this game at its price when it doesn’t feel like it offers much in story or gameplay. Maybe in future updates, BARON DU JUVÉNILE will add more mini-games or another ending. In any case, I wish them well on their future endeavors and hope they can bring any lessons they learned from this to their next project.

Cabernet is one of the more unique vampire games I’ve played, and I enjoyed maintaining a balance of managing Liza’s life while also dealing with more pressing tasks. It helped that some of her new contemporaries are also quite personable and fascinating. I just wish that some of the major campaign elements, at least early on, were a little more thrilling or that the Switch version was better optimized for the console.

I love the idea behind what’s going on in Despera Drops, and the push for answers and vindication meant I really loved seeing explanations in this otome game. Unfortunately, I feel that “thriller” part and some great character designs are the only focus. It doesn’t do a good job of balancing that with the romantic elements you’d expect from the genre. Add in two routes I felt weren’t handled well and, while I do recommend parts of it, I don’t feel it’s a perfect crime.

The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle is a nostalgic blast to the past that gives newer players the chance to explore more options beyond the third game, as well as offers older players the opportunity to relive their childhood. Compared to the conveniences of modern entries, some of the older titles might feel frustrating to navigate. It’s almost like a metaphor for real life.

This version of Glover is a flawed port of a game that wears its age on its sleeve. Nothing here is bad enough to chase away those with warm memories of playing the game on Nintendo 64, but there are some differences that will likely chafe for some fans. If you don’t have any particular fondness for Glover, it’s hard to recommend with much vigor. It was decent enough in its time, but enjoying it now requires you to be very tolerant of the rougher aspects that come from such an early example of the genre.

Alter Age makes use of its age-swapping mechanic to add some spice to its combat, but unfortunately fails to use it to make its story any more interesting. It’s a decent RPG that has some good monsters to beat up using its systems, but its trope-filled storyline doesn’t grab the imagination or stir the heart. It’s a decent RPG that I wish had done just a little bit more with its premise, but as is, it still offers a bit of light entertainment.

Book Bound is one of those simple shop management games that doesn’t need to go over the top with details to be enjoyable. It isn’t overly complex or filled with major challenges. Rather, it’s a more relaxed game that feels like it’s about taking your time and gradually building up the bookshop of your dreams, rather than min-maxing your way to commercial success. It’s so pleasant that I found it easy to forgive its occasional clunkiness.

While there are brief moments of intense emotion, Please Be Happy is mostly a very gentle story that might not satisfy those looking for an excessively cute or romantic tale, because that’s not what it is. It’s a story about slowing down and appreciating what you have, looking at yourself and deciding what it is you actually want to do and be. If you can match its pace, you’ll find a satisfying story in a pretty well made package. The pretty anime girls falling in love is just a bonus.

Grimoire Groves offers an overall satisfying gameplay experience. With only three spell slots and great diversity in the way spells interact with enemies, there are a ton of playstyles to develop. Although it takes a bit longer than I’d like to understand what I need to do to progress and how to do it, the cute character dialogue and expanding garden still gives me a sense of accomplishment once I do. Much like gardening, Grimoire Groves requires a little patience. But once you get past that initial struggle, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Urban Jungle is interesting and happens to be one of the better organizational games like Unpacking that I’ve played. I like the defined identity of our avatar and sympathized with her situation. The concept is enjoyable too, and it scratches similar itches. It also encourages a bit of strategy, since you need to take into account other foliage, light, and humidity. However, it can also feel repetitive and restrictive sometimes, and the lack of proper handheld gaming PC and fully comprehensive controller support keeps it from being a Steam Deck must-have. With a few adjustments to the control scheme, it could be a relaxing way to pass some time.

Rift of the NecroDancer features some interesting ideas and a great story mode, which shows how well the concepts from Crypt of the NecroDancer work in a new genre. I’m not the biggest fan of how some enemies are implemented, especially given the difficulty they present on more challenging levels when a lot of concepts are tossed at the player at once. It’s enjoyable and interesting, though how well you do while playing will be determined by your love of the series and music and willingness to really learn how to handle any type of attack. Those without a connection to the series might find themselves frustrated though, especially if they skip the tutorials.

Sometimes I feel like if All in Abyss: Judge the Fake ended after the third chapter, I’d like the game a lot more. After that point, it feels like the other characters didn’t end up being as engaging and the Texas Hold’em hands and execution felt more tedious and uninteresting. I would say it’s close to being the epitome of an uneven game. The idea is interesting! For the first few hours, the Poker parts can feel fun! Some of the early Witches and scenarios made me want to quickly get through to find out what happened. But I feel like the design directions and some choices make it fall apart at points.

Tranquil Isle is enjoyable and can be a leisurely way to relax while developing an island. It’s a low-key town-building game for sure. However, while I enjoyed myself and it runs fine, this sim doesn’t really stand out. It might not be as memorable and eye-catching as other titles in the genre, which I think will keep it from becoming a “classic.”

While I feel like there’s something lovable about most Breath of Fire games, Breath of Fire IV can feel like one of the most memorable ones due to its story and Capcom’s gameplay decisions. So much so that I feel like even without some light enhancements, it holds up well for its age. The extra work GOG put on on compatibility and features helps Breath of Fire IV feel even more worthwhile, even though using a controller with it can feel a bit frustrating as you first find your footing.

While there may be some unfulfilling moments in 7’scarlet, depending on the route, as a whole it’s an enjoyable and often otherworldly otome game. Given how unusual its storyline can get and the twists and revelations that come after chasing after certain love interests, it’s definitely one that stands out among other Aksys, Otomate, and Idea Factory works. I’m glad it’s gotten a Switch release so even more people can experience and appreciate it.

There are times when I wish the Labyrinth of the Demon King gameplay might be a little more responsive or certain elements a little less fiddly, but the aesthetic and graphics are always on-point. It is fantastic about establishing ambiance. So even when I didn’t feel completely captivated by other elements, I felt compelled to keep playing to see what new areas and enemies might look like. One thing is for certain, and that is this game is a love letter to the fifth console generation.

Kabuto Park feels like the type of game you play for about 15-20 minutes every day for a week when you need to take a minute to relax. It’s never taxing. The challenge is minimal. The bugs are cute. I doubt anyone will spend longer than a few hours 100%-ing it, but it’s enjoyable in moderation.

Crude, salacious, yet surprisingly beautiful, SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim is a fun short story for those who enjoy a fantastical take on dark romance. However, I sometimes wish it would veer a lot more into the themes and ideas it brings up.

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.

The concept behind Nova Hearts is good and I like some story elements, but I’m not a fan of its romance and hate its combat. The relationships come across as awkward and superficial, with the script never really providing reasons why I should want Luce to end up with anyone besides “they’re hot.” The combat crawls along, is unenjoyable, and doesn’t feel fair sometimes. Top it all off with some issues with the Switch version, and I’d say it’s best to look to other dating sims on the system.

Bustafellows Season 2 is truly a game for anyone who loved the original otome adventure, and it still doesn’t shy away from pairing romance with the kinds of thrilling stories we’d find in crime dramas. The execution is gorgeous, so the character design is wonderful, portraits look great, and CGs are striking. Teuta is still generally a great heroine, and the continuing romances can feel really fulfilling now that everyone is established. In general, it’s a good way to spend some evenings if you already adore these dudes.

Mushroom Musume is a whimsical approach to the Princess Maker genre, while still being a game that could get dark or a little unsettling depending on the choices you make for your character. It goes quite quickly and it’s really easy to make things work, eliminate some of the dangers or disheartening endings other stat-based raising titles can present. This makes uncovering different types of mushroom daughters and seeing new events easier. However, I do wish runs lasted a little longer considering how much potential there is for each child.

I enjoyed Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy in spite of itself. I think the characters can be cute and fun, and I’m a sucker for any Mystery Dungeon style roguelike. The problem is that it really moves at a plodding pace, the combat system’s AOE and range systems get in the way of themselves, and the dungeon exploration feels more boring than challenging. I do think that, if there’s a sequel, a lot of this could be used as a foundation for something better. Trim some of the fat, like gameplay elements that didn’t work, tighten up the story, and adjust things to play more like Sorcery Saga (which was great) or the original first-person dungeon crawlers. I feel like the issue is that what’s here is too easy of a game with too cumbersome of a combat system for folks looking for a new Mystery Dungeon type of roguelike, but perhaps too slow-moving and awkward for those unfamiliar with the genre.

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.

Hololive Holo’s Hanafuda is a pleasant, casual Hanafuda experience that is great for anyone interested in the card game, not just Vtuber fans. It covers a few different rulesets. Its original Holo Awase option with power-ups adds a little extra flash. It also seemed like there’s a pretty active online multiplayer scene tied to it. And since there are different card themes, you could swap to that, largely ignore the campaign, and enjoy more typical Hanafuda experiences instead.

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

Pastel Parade is such a hit-and-miss game. It’s clear Pastel Parade Project wanted to make a game along the lines of Rhythm Heaven and the aesthetics are there, but there are so many moments and minigames that prove it just doesn’t get some of the biggest takeaways. The repetition, execution of some challenges, and way the actual music doesn’t seem to matter means that, while it looks cute, it never compares to Nintendo’s series.

Illusion of Itehari is one of those otome games that prioritizes building up not only interesting characters and relationships, but a whole world. The lore can be quite interesting, and the resulting motivations and backstories for everything fascinating. I do think this can be to the detriment of some routes however, as the pacing and execution mean that some are incredibly eventful with great revelations and others plod along and don’t add much even if the love interest is wonderful. If you’re fortunate enough to connect with one of the bachelors who is also tied to critical, major events on Itehari, then I think you’ll have a great time with this Switch otome game.

I appreciate Firefly Village as an experiment into how much you can cut from a Stardew Valley or Story of Seasons style farming game while presenting a cohesive experience. It is interesting. Succinct too! It looks great as well, with some adept spritework. But at the same time, things go so quickly that I didn’t feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from taking my time and watching my virtual farm and life blossom over time. It’s a charming way to pass the time, but you might not get as much out of it as one of the more robust, larger games.

I love the ambiance surrounding Hyke: Northern Light(s), as well as the witch character designs. It’s a beautiful game, for sure, and sometimes it can even feel cozy. I just wish it felt a bit more responsive when playing. The different movesets for each character are great! But sometimes, the execution doesn’t make it feel as tight and precise as it could be.

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.

I don’t think Little Nightmares 3 is one of the best games in the series, even though it absolutely looks ominous. I appreciate elements of the tale that it tells. Especially the dynamic between the leads Low and Alone. There are even some enemy designs I really like. It even offers a bit of a lore implication that I’d like to see addressed in the next entry with Six. The problem is that it sometimes doesn’t feel as cohesive due to the lack of a central villain, setpieces that sometimes make it difficult to see what you need to interact with or do to move forward, and co-op elements that don’t feel all that necessary or valuable. Little Nightmares and its sequel feel far more interesting and essential, with this third entry feeling more like optional supplemental material.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The idea behind A Better World is interesting and the morals make sense, but the game’s execution could be improved. A little more time could have been spent building up to the choices and better explaining and sitting with the repercussions so our ensuing decisions carried more weight. A few quality of life adjustments that would make it easier to go through when replaying or move things along at a better pace would be appreciated too. The ideas explored and way of handling situations is thought-provoking, at the very least, and the free demo should help someone see if it is for them.

Windswept is a demanding platformer that can feel Nintendo Hard at times, but it could prove quite satisfying if you put the time into it. It looks great and the moves can let you speed through levels once you get used to the execution and timing. I do wish that there were some elements to perhaps remove unreasonable segments that seem to only be passable with constant stage replays or that the checkpoint system worked a bit differently. If you’re looking for a challenge though, this offers it.

There are so many great farming games, and you should play one of them instead of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition. Hell, off the top of my head I could recommend Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Dinkum, Fantasy Life i, Tales of Seikyu, and Fields of Mistria. Even Winter Burrow could qualify, since we grow mushrooms in the basement. This game doesn’t control well, has poor pacing, features a lifeless story, and looks so generic. Unless you’re 100% dedicated to playing every game with Harvest Moon in the game, I promise you that you can do better.

Still, there’s something soothing about being an observer decorating in Sumikkogurashi Create a Wonderful Sumikko Island. The San-X mascots are adorable, and it’s easy to check in the in-game index to learn about them or jump to focus on them. There are a substantial number of decorations, and we’re encouraged to use a variety due to requests. There are some frustrations here, especially when it comes to gathering or needing to suit the seasons. Still, it’s quite a pleasant, relaxing, and cozy little decorating game that I think fans of the characters or cute mascots in general will appreciate.

I enjoyed Aeruta quite a bit, with both the battling and bakery management often feeling equally satisfying. Somehow, I feel the repetition that stemmed from handling the shop became less of an issue than facing the similar sorts of hordes over and over again when heading out to fight for ingredients. The difficulty spikes for a few bosses is also frustrating. But each part of the experience is generally solid, and the charming premise and cute characters add to its appeal.

Milano’s Odd Job Collection is absolutely adorable and an example of an inventive import PS1 game, though it shows its age at times. It’s absolutely fantastic to see it more accessible everywhere. There are some elements that can feel a little tedious, as working at the jobs every day can blend together a bit. Especially since there are no scripted events or interactions with other characters. But the some of the minigames can be entertaining and even challenging at higher difficulty levels, and the items we can buy for her temporary home are quite cute.