Other than a few small quibbles, Wizard with a Gun is remarkably successful at creating a lean but compelling gameplay cycle, with a lot of experimentation to be done between all your options for bullets, guns and special effects. The presentation has a moody edge to it, without being too dark, while the mix of 2D and 3D never rarely becomes difficult to navigate like I feared it might. Even the story, while mostly an unobtrusive backdrop to the gameplay, still contains plenty of interesting little nuggets that help build up the broken world you are exploring. If you and a friend both like crafting and shooting, Wizard with a Gun is an immediate recommendation. But if you’re solo, honestly that recommendation doesn’t become any less glowing.

I really wish the UI in Genso Manege had been handled a bit differently, as it ended up being an otome game I both really enjoyed and couldn’t often play for extended periods.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies quite well to Civilization VII. In some areas, developer Firaxis crafted the most stunning and welcoming entry in the franchise by a long shot.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is great for many reasons, ranging from being a means of preserving fantastic games, easily play Power Stone, and reminding people the Rival Schools series existed. The roster of games available is sound, though I’m not a fan of Capcom Fighting Evolution. The online component seemed stable under the conditions I tested it and like a boon for accessibility. Not only that, but the actual accessibility features that make it more inviting for beginners and allow us insights into development via the Museum are lovely. I suppose it’d be appropriate to call this a sensible collection that fills missing gaps when it comes to accessing Capcom’s 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.

Of course, if you’re just here for a fun linear adventure, you’ll have a blast. The Plucky Squire is an imaginative romp full of joy and wonder despite how much it holds your hand in the process.

Gamers eager for something different and darker will eat Killer 7 up. Whereas some gamers will absolutely loathe the game because it takes time to get into and time to relearn controls. [JPN Import]

Live A Live is a success, both as a self-contained remake of a quirky cult classic and as a prototype for the future of JRPG remakes. Its weaknesses are those of the preserved original’s game design, but it makes these sacrifices intentionally and has a lot to offer those interested in its pace and structure.

If you find the gameplay loop of the Two Point franchise repetitive, then this title won’t suddenly make you start seeing it from a different lens. However, fans of the genre will feel right at home with Two Point Museum, as it changes just enough of the core features to make it enjoyable and refreshing. Truthfully, Two Point Hospital is still my favourite entry, as you can fully grit your teeth into one stage before moving on to the next. But this is still a delightful experience, and if you’re on the hunt for your next business management title, then be sure to put Two Point Museum on your radar.

A Memoir Blue is a peek into someone else’s life. We don’t know Miriam. We don’t speak her language. But by the end of the game, the player will know exactly what she went through. It is touching and accomplishes a lot, in part thanks to its visual direction and soundtrack. Just know going in that it is more of an experience than anything else, and a brief one at that.

It essentially feels like Square Enix set a new standard with the SaGa Frontier remaster. It made up for lost time. SaGa series mechanics, with entries’ multiple storylines, battle systems that reward performing certain actions, and non-linear nature, were always ahead of their time. Back in the day, SaGa Frontier was among those that didn’t get its proper due. Now that the line as a whole is experiencing a renaissance, SaGa Frontier Remastered feels like something of a crown jewel.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero continues the series’ strong strategy game tradition while also telling a story where the heroine isn’t a pariah, but the new entry is also incredibly predictable.

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

Lego Bricktales really works well in VR, and it is a lot of fun to play on the Quest 3. It really does feel like building is more fun when you’re going hands-on with the headset’s controllers to move each brick and go more hands-on, in a way, with the creations. Plus there is the feeling of each diorama and project being right in front of you, as though you were going through an actual set in your living room. It’s one of the cozier and relaxed VR games I’ve played, and I appreciate this new approach to the adventure.

Solo Leveling: Arise is one of the most impressive mobile games I’ve ever played. Unlike most anime mobile games, it adapts the series smartly in a welcome way. The action RPG combat is lightning fast, requires immense skill, and, most importantly, feels fun to use. Though the story moves a little too fast and it plays awkwardly with a touchscreen, the stellar presentation is leaps and bounds above most mobile games these days. Any fan of the series needs to give this a shot on mobile or PC.

Black Myth Wukong is a gorgeous game that has taken great efforts to make an interesting and exciting reimagining of one of East Asia’s most popular myths. The game is solid, and outside of frame drops, otherwise performs very well. And it’s probably one of the best action RPG I’ve played all year.

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.

After being unimpressed with Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash and Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, I was pleasantly surprised with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a wild ride that embraces its weirdness. Offering a mix of campy horror and dark comedy that’s rarely seen in games. If this remaster gives a new audience the chance to experience Garcia Hotspur’s journey in 2024, then it has more than accomplished its mission. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a welcome return for a cult classic that deserves another moment in the spotlight.

I absolutely recommend Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and think it’s a gorgeous game. I loved the story it told and the characters I encountered. I just feel like some design choices keep it from being absolutely perfect. I’d have loved more incentives to really explore levels and maps that would make it easier to get around and find secrets. The game is absolutely worth your time, especially if you love detailed characters and a fun story.

Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi excels at providing you with a DRPG that feels fresh without feeling completely new. The high risk, high reward gameplay is incredibly challenging at first and becomes rewarding once you find your stride. I often found myself wishing the game opened up a lot faster and was smoother to play, but those issues feel small in the grand scheme of it all.

This is a case of Atlus counting on people missing SMT III Nocturne the first time around. It doesn’t do a terrible job of making it accessible and slightly modernizing things. SMT III Nocturne just doesn’t go to the same lengths as, say, SaGa Frontier Remastered. And that’s okay! It doesn’t have to! When one of the original selling points of a game was “featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry series” back in the day, being capable and readily available might be enough. After all, it is still telling a haunting story, making you think both in and out of battle. SMT III Nocturne HD Remaster does what Atlus JRPGs do best, and that’s captivate an audience.

It's a unique take on the FPS, RPG and action genres, but at the same time Dirge of Cerberus doesn’t execute either of these genres extremely well. If you’re willing to be patient with the game’s controls Dirge of Cerberus offers a new experience and more background on the Final Fantasy VII universe. [JPN Import]

Tengoku Struggle: Strayside is a delightful otome game. This is the one you pick up and play if you like a well-rounded world, a heroine who stands up for herself and has a personality, and a cast of heroes and villains who all feel interesting. It’s easy to get invested in its story.

Impostor Factory is a surprisingly beautiful game that questions what it means to have a meaningful life. It tells a cyclical narrative that still manages to feel honest and emotionally raw. It works best if you go into it with as little information as possible, so I won’t say much more than that on how the story unfolds. It is a bit predictable and slow moving. Still it tells incredibly competent story that surprised me with how evocative it was. In the end, the bits of sc-fi and the explanation of an AI-driven time loop were the perfect additions to a game so deeply entrenched in human emotion. Impostor Factory knows what it’s about and delivers on that point.

Overall, Ubisoft has created a very entertaining Vikings game, one that will only get better with patches for the visual weirdness. As long as you don't expect Assassin's Creed Valhalla to be like past AC games where the Order is tantamount to everything the main character does, AC fans will find plenty to enjoy.

Despite the fact that the game expects players to have watched the anime or read through the light novels and manga, this Switch game stands on its own well enough without having prior knowledge about the My Next Life as a Villainess series. As I mentioned earlier, the game does assume that the player has watched the anime or read the manga or light novels, but the game is good about establishing who each character is and what their relationship is to Catarina. Anybody who loves playing otome games should have no problem diving into the world of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! with this game, and it can be an interesting gateway into the rest of the series given that the game is treated as self-contained story. Fans of the series will absolutely find this game delightful for the new storylines of their favorite characters and get the chance to see Catarina accidentally stumble into more hilarious situations thinking they are death flags when they are actually romance flags.

In truth, it makes me wonder if the fate of Riot Forge would have been different if we had seen more titles like Bandle Tale that were so approachable and required so little investment in League of Legends and its characters. It’s an ideal sort of introduction to an element of that world, as well as a fairly strong cozy game for people willing to be patient with it and take their time.

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.

Without the, ahem, near-infinite wealth of content of its predecessor, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is unlikely to be anyone’s favorite Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio game. But as a side story? It’s a great time.

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.

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.

The Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred expansion has me torn. I love a lot of the new changes, and I really wanted to say that I loved the story, but I don't.

The Switch version of Yakuza Kiwami might not be the absolutely ideal way to play the first game in the Like a Dragon series, but it runs quite well on the system and remains an absolute delight. The port is quite capable and runs better than I expected to. It would probably look better on another console or PC, but the joy that comes from actually playing an entry on a Nintendo system and see it go so well more than makes up for that.

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.

Knotwords is clever. It is the kind of game that regularly gives you a reason to return to it. There are minor variations to make it more challenging or accommodate people learning how to play. It’s also rather accessible, in terms of the UI, offering hints, and visibility. It is definitely a game folks who enjoy Wordle, crossword, and KenKen puzzles should check out.

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.

Cocoon is a strange game but one that’s worth the experience for those willing to accept that. The visual design is a treat of surreal imagery, and the puzzle design is superb. If you like unfathomable narratives and journeys through alien worlds, it’s highly recommended.

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.

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.

Unpacking is an incredibly chill game. It’s exactly what you want to play when you need to decompress. There’s a place for everything, and it’s up to you to put it in that place. There’s no rush. Enjoy looking at what the person accumulated. Think about what certain items mean. Hope that they find happiness in each new place. Then, if you feel like you need to calm down or want to enjoy the art again, head back and do things different next time.

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.

The Etrian Odyssey games have always been a triumph, and Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is the sort of loving proof of concept to convince Switch and PC owners that yes, it’s still just as good on a platform that doesn’t feature two screens. Etrian Odyssey I, II, and III remain fantastic, challenging, and engaging games that will drive players to explore. Even better is that the auto-mapping and difficulty options increase the ease of entry, making them even more appealing. It’s wonderful to see all three games again, and I hope this is a precursor to a seventh installment.

Pacific Drive is a weird game. If you want to be swept into story of science gone horribly wrong, enjoy unique twists on the survival genre or have the capacity to fall in love with a car, there’s something here for you. However, its randomness and weird difficulty spikes are likely to be off-putting for others.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is everything that it should be. While its gameplay systems may feel archaic in this new age of tactical RPGs, it somehow enhances the harshness of its narrative. This will no doubt make it daunting for those unfamiliar with this style of tactics title. It certainly won’t be for everyone, but remains a tried and true classic. And those who haven’t yet had to experience the Ogre Battle series will be in for a treat. As its themes of self-sacrifice and perseverance against all odds stand the test of time, even if its gameplay may not.

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.

C-Smash VRS is a really admirable take on Cosmic Smash that is so much fun on the Meta Quest 3, due to it being a really enjoyable VR tennis that also combines Breakout elements to make more of an arcade experience if you’re playing alone. Likewise, it’s quite enjoyable with others or an opponent. Just make sure you get used to your limits and boundaries before trying to get competitive.

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.

Ultimately what you’re getting with Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is more of the same things you enjoyed last time. They’re very good things! But many players may find that the first game already offered all the high points of this sequel, and that the new modes don’t offer very much to rekindle their interest.

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.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is rather niche, though with a hardcore cult following. But with its updated looks and wider availability, hopefully it will emerge into the spotlight and dance its way into people’s hearts.

If someone were to ask me which KEMCO games to play, Metro Quester would not just be on that list. It would absolutely be somewhere near the top of it. While the nature of it means it isn’t going to be for everyone who typically goes for every KEMCO RPG, it’s a really special and challenging experience that makes you think about all your actions.

What I can say for Kunitsu-Gami is that it feels like a game that could have existed on the PlayStation 2, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. It’s experimental and interesting, and I’m glad Capcom Development Studio 1 was able to make this game. The way it builds on the tower-defense genre and gives the player a more active role through the use of Soh as an avatar makes the game immediately more involved and interesting. I hope Kunitsu-Gami ends up garnering some kind of success so that it can show Capcom that these risks can be taken, even for AA titles, so we can see more of what its various development studios can create outside of established franchises.

DOOM: The Dark Ages feels packed with situations that test a player and challenge them to use every element in their arsenal. Not to mention, it’s also quite accessible and filled with collectibles that make it worth replaying Chapters in its story. However, I do feel like it is geared toward people who played DOOM and DOOM Eternal, with a narrative that sometimes necessitates prior knowledge of the storyline since 2016. Also, the mecha dragon and Atlan mech sections don’t leave the sort of grand impression one might expect.

Instead of getting a Pokedex at the beginning of the game you're given an enhanced Pokemon Navigator that contains more facts and information than the Pokedex. The game also supports the new wireless link so you don't have to carry a cable to trade or battle Pokemon. [JPN Import]

World of Warcraft The War Within is an excellent start to The World Soul Saga and I’m genuinely interested to see where the story goes next. Hero Talents add some interesting effects and skills to specific classes, which adds a greater variety of how you can play your character, and the narrative, while straightforward, is a lot of fun. The War Within has made me love MMORPGs again, and if Blizzard Entertainment keeps going in this direction, I can see myself playing this game for years to come.

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.

ActRaiser Renaissance is the definition of a pleasant surprise. From its sudden launch as a Nintendo Direct shadowdrop to its refreshing revival of the game, it’s the epitome of the unexpected. It respects the original game. Yet, Sonic Powered and Square Enix built it up to ensure it does even more in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Both people returning to it and those experiencing it for the first time could equally enjoy it. And one can only hope Square Enix will keep in mind what worked here and make any other SNES remakes as robust.

With Persona 3 Portable, we get an experimental way of handling an entry in the Persona series. It is one that can be more inclusive in some ways, while also pulling back to offer a more minimalistic approach. It might not be as robust as Persona 3 FES, but it is an important part of the series’ history and its new ports are appreciated. Especially since Persona 3 Portable runs so well on the Switch. In some ways, it isn’t the most comprehensive version of Persona 3, but it is a fantastic take on the story.

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.

Many of these flaws can be overlooked simply because of how charming the game is. #BLUD has a fun story, genuine laughs and a brilliant cartoony aesthetic. While it does have some rough edges, this is a fun little adventure that’s worth looking into if you think you’d click with its tone. I still think it could have had a better title though.

With a snappy script and some genuinely unnerving jump scares, Paranormasight is a very approachable J-Horror game. The slow process of turning around using a mouse on the PC was a great way to amplify the tension in a lot of scenes. Because it leans heavier into the mystery aspect of the horror-mystery genre, even players who are nervous about horror games can enjoy it. It is a beautifully crafted game that makes imaginative use of its medium. Clocking in at under 10 hours—with some of that time spent lost, idling, or just reading through its impressively detailed files—Paranormasight is a wonderful game for a lazy weekend.

Super Princess Peach will be enjoyed most by those gamers who tackled Nintendo's platformers in the pre-64 days. There’s a lot to collect and for once you get to save Mario. [JPN Import]

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.

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.

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.

If you’ve always wanted to try out a Harvest Moon title, then Harvest Moon: One World is a great entry point. As I can attest, no prior knowledge of previous games is required. So go forth, farm, and save the world, one crop at a time.

9 RIP is another one of those Otomate otome games that experiments with what we expect from these sorts of dating sims, and it’s a great success as a result. The chance the developer took on storytelling means the love interests get more moments with the heroine and also feel like stars of their storylines. It involving urban legends and some horror staples mean we get some unexpected and fun romance options. Plus, the aesthetic is great. There are a few elements that might not be as appreciated people, but I feel like that comes down to personal tastes rather than actual failings on the part of the developer or game itself.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming Pokemon mystery adventure that is anchored by a heartfelt story.

I appreciate what WayForward did with Yars Rising, as it incorporates the source material in some cool ways while doing something entirely new. It’s a solid Metroidvania, and bringing in Yars’ Revenge gameplay for hacking can be entertaining. I just feel that even with the unusual approach to hacking, some design elements and decisions feel a bit bland. It’s enjoyable, but I’m not entirely sure it’s very memorable.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is a solid and charming adventure game. It is sure to captivate point-and-click adventure game and JRPG fans alike. Its stress-free, easy-to-pick-up nature makes it the perfect game to play with kids or by yourself. Most of all, it reminds players of what it truly means to think outside of the box. If you’ve ever daydreamed about entire worlds, scenarios, and characters during class, why not help Kenta do the same?

Kitsune Tails presents itself as a charming homage to classic NES and SNES era platformers with an adorable Queer story, and hides underneath a deep and challenging double album of platforming goodness with a second campaign focused on speed and precise movement, all the while featuring a simple level editor to boot. Despite borrowing a little too much from some classic platformers, I feel like genre fans and speedrunners are going to have a field day with Kitsune Tails.

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.

Even with some flaws, Lunar Remastered Collection is a great way to play these two JRPG classics. If you haven’t played them before, I strongly recommend doing so. Those who have played them probably don’t need me to give them a push. Welcome back, Lunar.

I enjoyed Spy x Anya: Operation Memories more than I expected, even though this Spy x Family game occasionally feels a bit awkward and repetitive. I would have appreciated an easier introduction to the experience and less hand-holding, but it’s thoroughly pleasant and true to the series its based on. As long as you’re not trying to speedrun it or marathon it in a single weekend, I think it’d be a lovely game to play at a relaxed pace.

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.

Fairy Tail: Dungeons feels like a straightforward, but still nicely tactical, deck-building game. Being able to play a few quick hands in a fight was great for moments when there wasn’t much time to play, and the ability to dive right in and pick up the rules in seconds made it easy to just jump right into. Even so, the systems underneath had enough depth that it kept pulling me back in to reshape my strategies for the next run.

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.

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.

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.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is a welcome return to new ideas for the franchise, and does manage to avoid inferior minigame replication disappointment by… not replicating the old minigames at all! The choice to ape (pun intended, pun always intended, you know us) Fall Guys’ multiplayer formula isn’t the best, but there’s some fun here. And the main mode is enjoyable too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Howl is a simple blend of genres that offers a lot of fun. It is fast and easy to pick up, but can be pretty hard to master. The game can be on the shorter side, taking approximately 5 hours to reach 100% completion. And while I loved what I played, I still feel like there were a lot of really cool ideas that could be explored further, or enemy variety to improve. In the end, I think that Howl leaving me wanting more and making me think about it far after I finished it speaks more about the quality of the game than about what the game might be lacking. Fans of the puzzle genre and light tactics RPG are sure to have a great time with this one.

If you love mastering movement systems, chasing style ranks or just generally fighting The Man with the power of street art, you need to play RKGK. Its visuals could use some polish but its fluid platforming mechanics are up there with the best.

It may not be the next great JRPG, but if you’ve been looking for a tactics style game that provides a decent challenge, I’m going to recommend picking Monark up when your budget allows. It fits right into the niche, and the story’s twists and turns might just surprise you. If you look past the bland character models and focus on their individual stories, there’s something charming and alluring lurking below the drab surface.

As a whole, Metaphor: ReFantazio is quite charming and fun. It’s interesting to see so many familiar elements from Shin Megami Tensei and Persona in this sort of high fantasy game.

In the end, while Trek to Yomi is a small and deliberately limited affair, its taut structure and evocative visuals carry it well through its short lifespan.

This is a JRPG that I didn’t think we’d ever see released worldwide about 10 years ago, and now it’s here. It’s a joy to play. As long as you’ve been keeping up with the series over the last decade, it will likely delight you as well.

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.

With an oversaturated market for open-world games, Star Wars Outlaws keeps things varied, fast-paced, and constantly rewarding. Developers at Massive Entertainment focused on variety and quality over quantity, and didn’t skimp on visual spectacle. There is always something for Kay Vess and her Trailblazer crew to do, whether it be treasure to find, some gang territory to sneak into and rob, an Imperial space base to assault, or even some card games to play. For a true space scoundrel there is no limit in the galaxy.

If you’re an otome fan, you most likely will already have pre-ordered a copy, and you will not regret your purchase. For those on the fence, I can’t recommend it enough.

As an interactive museum exhibit, Atari 50 is quite successful, if with a clear point of view. As a labor of love, it’s filled to the brim with everything Digital Eclipse could fit. Whether it transcends “well-crafted curiosity” status, though? That’ll depend on your nostalgia for a library of games that has some trouble standing the test of time.

If you don't mind searching the city for action, Need for Speed Underground 2 gives you a chance to become the best street racer out there.

Mega Man Battle Network felt so different when it debuted in 2001, and it still manages to feel unique in 2023. The concepts and ideas are still fun, and the ambiance and art direction are timeless too. Yes, there might not always be earth-shattering improvements between entries, but every game is built on a solid foundation and enjoyable. Especially if you really get into deck-building and care about the characters and their world.

All of these systems come together to make for the first Romancing SaGa game I ever finished and truly enjoyed. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a great JRPG in a packed year of them well worth checking out. Whether you are new to the series or a familiar veteran, there is something to enjoy. Sure, the 3D visuals are colorful and pretty, but nothing too spectacular, and the title certainly lacks the dedicated characters and plot of other JRPGs. However, it makes up for this with the fantastic focus on player choice that is uniquely rewarding and memorable.