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.

Promise Mascot Agency is still a strange game. Its repetitive gameplay loop, limited management aspects and refusal to be serious at any point may be off-putting to some. But if you enjoy surreal humor and are seeking a cozy life sim with a vaguely threatening aura, you’ll be able to find a home in Kaso-Michi.

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.

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.

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.

I didn’t expect to enjoy Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani as much as I did. With so many Switch otome games out now and it being another date supernatural boys game like Cafe Enchante or Hiiro no Kakera, I wondered how it’d set itself apart. But it’s such a genuine visual novel, and one where the relationships gradually grow between the heroine and bachelors. It’s really quite lovely.

Cafe Enchante is refreshing. Every character is special in their own way, with personalities that complement each other. The story is structured in a way that you see a relationship naturally develop between the heroine and each of the bachelors. It also takes the time to provide insight into what these otherworldly realms are like, so we have some idea of what we’re getting into even before the more serious conflicts develop. I suppose the best way to describe it as well-rounded.

Garden Story feels like the game you get when you’re aiming for a relaxing action-RPG. People need your help, and they’d like to assist you too if they can. There’s a colorful, arboreal world that needs restoring. It will take time to recover and set things right. But as long as you go at your own pace and make time for people, you can help people in this game.

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.

Dragon Quest Treasures is a lot! It offers tons to do. Players get diverse islands to explore, many quests to complete, and an ample assortment of monsters to collect. It is clearly the sort of game someone is supposed to pick at for weeks. The downside is, it can almost be too overwhelming when it comes to how many tasks fall into your to-do list. As long as you take your time (and regular breaks to rest your thumbs after all the digging), it’s a manageable and sometimes even memorable experience.

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid launched at a time when I really needed it, and that made me appreciate this cozy life sim even more. The older we get, the rarer it is to enjoy weeks of freedom, discovery, and joy. I get so caught up in work, especially around summer events when there are events back-to-back. Millennium Kitchen and Toybox really captured the magic of a peaceful summer where you can live at your own pace. Everything is new and an adventure. It’s refreshing and rejuvenating.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is the sort of Musou game that not only gets what is special about Fire Emblem in general, but about Three Houses specifically. It’s a very involved title. The story gets quite detailed. So much so that folks who don’t have that Three Houses experience might not get the most out of Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. But it’s generally an incredibly solid Musou game and a lot of fun if you are aware of everything going on.

Scarlet Nexus is the sort of game where not only will its combat sell it, but the story and spoilers packed into it will too. It is a title where I was constantly thrown by elements. Sometimes it was an exceptionally clever application of a power. It could be a great enemy design. Or maybe a twist would get me. Even when I wasn’t exactly thrilled with how something might work, I found myself wanting to talk about it.

Front Mission 2 Remake feels like a must-try game for mech and strategy fans. If you like Gundam or tactical RPGs with high customization, this is for you. Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of quality-of-life features or gameplay settings for those who might have played this game before, but it still looks and plays great. Even if you’ve never played a Front Mission game before like me, you can still jump in and enjoy. Just know it might take a bit to get going.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society scratches a particular itch I’ve had for a while. While the game starts as standard fare for the genre, it quickly shows that there are a lot of tricks under its sleeves, mainly in exploration and how to tackle diving into the labyrinth. There were times I felt I was playing a puzzle game while I explored the labyrinth, just to suddenly be reminded that this was an RPG with a deep combat system, all surrounded and neatly wrapped by a whimsical and at times scary story, not unlike that of classical fables.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is up there for the best in the series. It boasts the most amount of content from high-quality boards to characters to minigames. The variety is enough to carry this game on its own, but the quality of the core experience is exceptional as well with how each board works and the many different types of minigames. Though the additional modes, with the exception of Bowser Kaboom Squad, are all pretty much misses, they do nothing to take away from the top-tier solo and multiplayer party experience Super Mario Party Jamboree has.

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.

Even with the pacing problems, Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is the best entry in the series yet. The puzzle-like investigative gameplay is straightforward, doing just enough to challenge the player without overwhelming or being too obscure. It all complements well with the excellent but a bit unique storytelling. This tale is not for every Switch player, being a bit too dark at times, but it is highly rewarding for those it appeals to.

If you want to do well in Wax Heads, you need to pay attention to the people, writing, art, and music around you. There’s a line in the tutorial that suggests “records are like puzzle boxes,” and that’s very true. You never know when taking the time to actually look at the LP itself or investigate the back notes could result in finding exactly what the customer is looking for. Which, in turn, makes the experience all the more satisfying for you as a player.

Playing Disgaea 7 is a heartening experience. While Disgaea 6 may have shaken some people’s faith, this entry should restore the confidence that the team knows what they’re doing. It’s more in line with what a longtime fan of the series would expect to see. Like hey, they got it right this time. It made me glad to not only return to the Netherworld again, but keep coming back for the supplemental challenges.

Born of Bread is a lighthearted and easy-to-pick-up game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It clearly wears its influences on its sleeves and borrows a lot from the original “family recipe.” While the similarities might not be to everyone’s taste, the developers at WildArts Studio Inc. know what makes the genre fun and keep the ingredients that work while tossing in their own brand of humor and lots of personality. You shouldn’t go into this game expecting to play the next big Paper Mario, but rather a charming and light RPG with heaps of humor.

The world is vivid, and the density of details is on scale with the sort of thing you might find hidden in flavor text or within a franchise’s extended universe, rather than its core content. Despite this, it’s approachable, and the incentive to gather and implement information emphasizes the importance of details which can sometimes be considered tools rather than trivia. It’s hard to say that the story would work in another medium, but as a game, it is exemplary of the genre’s potential and might even make a case for an alternative to traditional reading for people who struggle in maintaining focus.

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 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.

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.

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.

If otome games are your jam, then you’ll pick this one up regardless. However, this isn’t your typical otome, and you’re in for a real treat with these characters, the setting, the art (look at her dress up there!), and story full of twists and turns. Highly recommended to friends and family.

WitchSpring R feels like it is the comfort food of JRPGs. It isn’t too taxing. There are some typical JRPG story elements. Its turn-based battle system is sound. The story starts a bit slow, due to a tutorial holding your hand through every gameplay element. However, there’s some fun stuff happening with the lore and Pieberry’s story can be entertaining.

I’m genuinely impressed with Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei. It presents an intriguing take on historical events in an easily digestible way. It presents players with love interests who are interesting both due to their backgrounds and nature as warriors, as well as romantic partners. Shanao is a strong heroine. It looks great. Not to mention with the “if” routes, it ends up feeling even fuller. It’s another great Switch otome game.

Dark Deity is a small game that understands its limitations. It delivers thought-provoking battles, if not necessarily the most balanced ones. It gives players a lot of tactical choice, if not in the most informed way. And it cuts clear corners, but it feels like they’re the right corners to cut. Because what’s here is a fun time.

Ultimately, if you want a hack-and-slash RPG with high-speed and fun gameplay but with a middling storyline, this could be a sleeper hit for some players. While not as deep as I wanted it to be, the game handles its mission format and character-progression system well enough. I just wish the story had a little more depth to match its intriguing post-apocalyptic themes and world setting.

There’s a sense that Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a game that wants to repay longtime fans for their commitment. The music and cutscenes draw from a deep well of nostalgia without relying on it. That said, fans looking for a game that advances the story might be disappointed. Within the context of the franchise, Melody of Memory isn’t the next big moment for Sora, Kairi, or any other of the game’s characters. Instead, it’s a celebration of the moments that have already happened for those characters with a very strong focus on Sora.

Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is a surprise indie hit this year. If you like games like Mouthwashing that come out of nowhere, this is one to check out. The hook is the incredible graphics. It feels like what we remember a 1980s or 90s anime to look like. But it goes beyond that with minimally challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and witty writing. While I did run into some problematic bugs, I look forward to the next story in this sci-fi universe.

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.

For the two people that remember the Commodore 64 and for the one person that remembers Sabreman, Sabre Wulf should bring back memories. For everyone else, know that Sabre Wulf is an excellent platformer in the style of the famous "Donkey Kong Country."

Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is a game that manages to feel both carefree and thoughtful. It is easy to run through each level. You know time is at a premium. You have an idea of what your characters can do. But at the same time, success comes from planning ahead. Being careful and biding your time can be critical. Given that you can be in and out of an area in minutes, it keeps things from getting stale. But that swiftness makes repeated runs even more inviting as you search for answers and secrets.

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.

I feel like Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is one of the essential Meta Quest 3 apps now. It’s a real showcase of what the headset is capable of, and the array of accessibility options makes me feel like this is the action game that could maybe be the one anyone, even those who previously had issues with motion sickness, could easily play. The premise also makes it incredibly accessible, since you can go in with any level of familiarity with the series. It feels like a solid staple for the standalone VR headset.

I enjoyed A Highland Song so much that I almost went through my first attempt to reach the lighthouse in a single sitting, and then did get there the second time I played through it. I’m excited to go through it again, next time taking a different path and more leisurely approach. It’s good at building up a world through context, and I want to see if I can hear and learn more about Moira and her life by traveling alongside her again.

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.

Robotics;Notes Elite is an immersive visual novel that does its best to bring you into a world where it really feels like a group of teenagers can not only build an impressive mech, but make a difference in the world. We have characters who are well written and dealing with all sorts of challenges, while still occasionally getting chances to occasionally be teenagers. It’s continuing the Science Adventure tradition of having subtle means of guiding the story, unexpected takes on the floundering school club genre and twists into territories you wouldn’t expect. The only downsides are it really does require some prior knowledge of the series’ world and formula, but odds are anyone interested more known understands what they’re committing themselves to.

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.

Blue Prince will break you, but sometimes it’s nice to be broken. Just like the blueprints pun my partner had to point out to me, there is something beautiful about finding the solution to something that was right in front of you the whole time. It’s clear that some technical aspects like the rate of room or items drops, and crashes need to be fixed. However, in terms of draftsmanship, Blue Prince stands unrivaled.

Toem is an utterly delightful Switch photography game that is filled with personality and doesn’t wear out its welcome. It rewards you for taking your time and paying attention. Which doesn’t mean you can’t rush through and finish it in a single weekend if you’d like. But it is the sort of adventure that goes out of its way to make someone feel comfortable. And with all of its little details, I imagine a player might be able to return a few times to check out little extras they might have missed.

Battlefield Waltz is one of those Switch otome games that I feel is a good option for folks who want a strong protagonist, fun love interests with fascinating backstories, great art, and an opportunity to get to know supporting characters. There’s so much to this game. Plus, it includes some mature elements and topics and tends to handle them pretty well, all without being depressing. I’m a fan, and I think it’ll end up being one of the strongest Switch otome games in 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fans of the fourth to sixth Ace Attorney games will be delighted to experience these games again, I’m sure. I was certainly excited to see characters like Klavier and Rayfa once more, and in HD too! It’s also a good introduction for those who never played them before on the 3DS. Now that I’m done playing through this trilogy though, I think I’ll go back and revisit the Phoenix Wright games and The Great Ace Attorney.

A joyful love letter to the original teenagers with attitude.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a solid retro revival. It’s got satisfying gunplay, a good balance of old school mechanics with modern tweaks and offers a good challenge. Fans of the series will have a blast, even if its visuals sometimes get in the way.

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the formula, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX ain’t it! It’s very much the game it once was, just with some handy quality-of-life upgrades. But that in itself has a lot of merit these days.

In the end, though, those nitpicks are minor, and River City Girls 2 is an unequivocal improvement on its predecessor. It builds on the distinct atmosphere of River City Girls and greatly expands its horizons, without losing any of the charm of the original. I don’t know if I’d agree with some of the characters when they claim “Sequels are always better,” but I can say that this sequel definitely is.

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

In many ways, your interest in a monster-catching game is driven by whether one focuses on aspects you particularly like. Like competitive play? Or meticulously customizing creatures? But Nexomon: Extinction puts its best foot forward, delivering the most polished version of itself it can offer. And often, polish is what many players miss when exploring outside Pokémon’s safe, well-padded confines.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is another example of the incredible work the people at Arc System Works can do. It perfectly captures the spirit of both Persona 3 and 4, all without pandering or feeling unnecessary. It’s incredibly robust. It looks and plays well on the PS4. It is considerate of people coming to it who aren’t well-versed with fighting games, yet also ready to challenge people who know what they’re doing. The only thing that might deter some people from getting invested is how heavily it relies on the source property. It really does mean knowing and loving Persona 4, at the very least. But even if you don’t and just appreciate a solid fighter, it is worth someone’s time.

I’m not sure whether to think of Yurukill as a decent shmup with a good adventure game attached, or a good adventure game with a decent shmup minigame inserted into it. Perhaps it doesn’t matter, as the two disparate flavors taste great together all the same.

Diablo IV introduces one of the most integral characters from its expansive catalogue of lore to weave a tapestry about choice, parenthood, while transitioning the series into something more resembling a live service game.

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.

Even with these problems, I had an absolute blast in Enoch, and I still am. The game doesn’t end when the credits roll, and there’s still so much left I can do. Not to mention, I could always re-roll another class. With all that though, I somehow don’t think People Can Fly is done with Enoch just yet. There is so much potential in this world, and it will be exciting to see what comes next.

Gust’s Fairy Tail game is one of those adaptations where it feels like the developer really understood what people love about the series.

There are times I loved Moon. I really enjoyed training Tao and adore my Gramby. I liked talking to and reviving flowers. There were also times when I felt completely lost and flummoxed, wondering what it is I was supposed to do. I admire what Moon does and think Onion Games should be commended for bringing it to a wider audience. It’s an important piece of history. Though, while time spent with it won’t be a waste and I think even people who don’t “get” it could find things to appreciate and love about it, it is admittedly not for everyone. Still, those curious should absolutely investigate it, spend a lot of time learning about it from its manual, and maybe give it a chance.

Rockman Zero 4 isn't going to score huge on the originality scale or alter anyone's mind about the state of Mega Man games. Yet, it's probably the best portable action oriented Mega Man title to date. [JPN Import]

Despite its occasional flaws, I liked Convergence a lot. It may not be the game that gets me into League of Legends, but it did provide a great introduction to the world and its cast. It’s a solid platformer, combining satisfying movement and combat with a surprisingly heartfelt story.

Unlike that other game about the mushroom-y apocalypse, Void Terrarium is an optimistic game despite its dour premise. It isn’t afraid to be funny even in a sad context, and it really clings onto a sense of hope.

Final Fantasy XVI is without question a great game, but after about 45 hours with it, I can't help but think it often isn't great at being a Final Fantasy game.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town’s Switch port is a means of preserving the past while gradually adjusting it so it is slightly more in tune with modern sensibilities. There aren’t drastic changes here. It will definitely feel a bit dated and difficult, due to the way stamina and a player’s inventory were handled back in the day. But there are plenty of positive changes, from new additions that range from characters to crops, changes that do make it easier to take care of your homestead, and more opportunities to fall in love with (all) of your favorite characters. It’s a welcome opportunity to sample a try a change of pace.

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.

It is drawing from a beloved series, as the original Hyrule Warriors did. It gives us a new way to play and, in so doing, opens up new options. It isn’t going to be for everyone, but it does a lot that some fans of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will appreciate. It isn’t for everyone, but it is interesting.

One neat addition that Nintendo did add was multiplayer support. Up to four people can be banging the congas together. When playing in four player mode, or even two player mode Namco has created slightly different segments for each player to hit the drums to.

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.

The Switch is a great platform for games to dip into for a bit when you have a few minutes, but Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia isn’t one of them. It’s a commitment. A rewarding one, perhaps! But it asks players to stick around and learn, stick around and strategize, stick around and grind through dozens of battle maps. It’s more of a hobby than a diversion, but players looking for just that will find a game that gels well with their sensibilities.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is an intimate story about overcoming isolation, rebuilding your future, and finding community that will resonate with many. The game’s card creating mechanics will be perfect for the artistically inclined, and are welcoming to those lacking the skill. Deconstructeam surprised me with the variety of outcomes that the card divination sections offer, and I’m looking forward to jumping into the game again and spending more time with Fortuna and Ábramar.

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.

In Stars and Time is a novel game that makes a game about a time loop more manageable with some clever execution and a stylish approach. It looks and feels memorable, while still being simple and fun. If you appreciate adventure and narrative-heavy RPGs, it could be worth investigating.

Windjammers 2 is a safe sequel, restraining ambitions to make sure what’s delivered is fun enough. That means some might be disappointed! But it’s ultimately a fun game to play, especially with friends.

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.

You’ll get the most out of Triangle Strategy if you bring a little patience to the proceedings. It starts slow. It throws a lot of story at you. The most interesting tactical powers show up in later levels. And you only see some of its compelling narrative beats in a second or third play. It’s destined to be a game you either shrug off in the early hours or add to your list of favorites.

There’s so much to Dungeon Encounters. People might not even notice at a first glance. But the systems at play are so compelling and rewarding. Finding a new item. Beating a party of foes that stumped you before. Managing to track down a wandering adventure. Saving a party of fallen allies that died earlier because you overestimated your abilities. It’s enthralling. And given the nature of the Switch, it is even more satisfying playing Dungeon Encounters there in any situation and taking tons of notes. It’s one of my favorite surprises in 2021.

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.

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.

Slightly lumpy pacing aside, though, Eastward feels like a bright, beautifully rendered action-RPG, with a uniquely positive atmosphere. Those looking for a lighthearted experience would do well to take the trip.

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.

V Rising felt like an enjoyable survival crafting experience on controller once I got into the groove of it. Its fascinating blend of Diablo style action-RPG elements with deep progression, crafting, and building all work in tandem. While the world often feels empty at times due to the lack of NPCs to talk to, whether playing alone or with others, and there is no meaningful story of note, its gameplay hooks and vampire theme make this worth a look in its long-awaited 1.0 release.

It's incredible how moving this game is. The boss fights in particular, both with the people you face and how they are handled, are extraordinary.

While it might not be the perfect FMV game, The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is pretty darn close. With the entwined stories, spectacular acting, and lengthy scenes, it truly is an interactive experience fans of the genre should not miss. And I’d personally love to see Haruka get tangled up in more adventures such as this one. She’s a character that speaks to my soul. Let me traipse around Japan solving crimes with her, please and thank you in advance.

Visions of Mana doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows damn well what makes a wheel work. It plays like a game we all remember from childhood, but with all the modern frills. The game delivers a beautifully crafted, nostalgic JRPG experience that’s worth checking out.

Amnesia: The Bunker exists for one purpose and one purpose only: to terrify you. It isn’t here to be groundbreaking, it isn’t here to flip any scripts, it’s just here to instill fear. And it does an incredible job of that. The stage is set from the second you’re left to your own devices, and it only gets worse as you progress. It’s the kind of game that makes you want to put on a pair of nice headphones and turn off the lights to immerse yourself, then make you regret that decision for all the right reasons. There’s definitely room to improve on certain things, particularly when it comes to the story and controls, but it’s a very solid game that any horror fan should play. If you’re looking for something that’ll scare you, you will absolutely find it here.

In short, Sonic Colors Ultimate remains one of the better Sonic the Hedgehog games to appear over the last 11 years.

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.

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.

Lil Gator Game is an adventure that ambles along, taking elements from games its developer loved and implementing them along the way. In a way, that might also keep some players from connecting with it. But even so, it is generally a charming and cozy way to spend some afternoons.

In the case of Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sunblink did so much to the Sanrio game since its Apple Arcade debut that the Switch release genuinely feels like a bigger, stronger, and better Animal Crossing like game.

If you’re a fan of this genre, I don’t think you could find a better game in it than House Flipper 2. Some of the edges need a little sanding, but that polish could come from patches or future DLC. However, these hiccups don’t hold the game back and it’s still a blast to sink hours into.

KOF XV is pretty great, especially at launch. It is responsive, it looks great, and it offers a large roster of characters. I would have liked more to do on my own. Especially since I’m a big fan of the characters and would like the Story mode to have more… well, story to it. But SNK clearly put a lot of work into getting it right, and it shows.

Yohane the Parhelion -Blaze in the Deepblue- is a solid Metroidvania experience full of pleasant surprises that will delight seasoned veterans of both the genre and Love Live fans. With plenty to explore and discover, this game is well worth your time and dollar.

Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island is packed to the brim with challenging dungeons. The amount of content available is staggering and will keep returning fans and newcomers alike busy for hours. While the steep learning curve of the series can turn away those jumping in for the first time, the game does a good job at keeping the difficulty intact and welcome newcomers alike. Features like the online rescue systems, Monster Dojo, and plenty of in-game manuals explain the mechanics clearly without subtracting from the experience. I fear that the series might still struggle to connect with new audiences, but if you’ve ever been curious about it, this might be the best time to jump into the Mystery Dungeon train.