What Dragon Ball Z: Sparkling ends up as is a good game for the millions of Dragon Ball fans out there even though it doesn’t have the general appeal of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3.

Pokemon Violet and Pokemon Scarlet certainly don’t put their best feet forward. They run rough. Visual downgrades are clear. But ultimately, once you settle in, they’re certainly full Pokemon games. We’re hoping some post-launch bug-squashing will help them run better, but in the long term, The Pokemon Company might need to implement a plan that offers Game Freak longer development windows for tentpole releases.

It may seem like I’ve been unduly harsh to Creatures of Ava, but that is because there are some excellent ideas here, but the execution has missed the mark. Nothing is wrong with a creature-taming title stepping back from a traditional combat system and embracing a pacifist approach. If anything, exploring this avenue can provide an opportunity to craft a distinctive identity in the genre, but you need to make sure other aspects of the gameplay are compelling. I often found myself going through the motions rather than wanting to see what was next. Strangely, I think the game tried to be too smart for its own good and backfired. It packed too many ideas, and there was little thought on how these mechanics would benefit one another. If you like some of the concepts that Creatures of Ava dabbles in, you will find some redeeming characteristics which might be worth your time. However, I don’t think I’ll return to Creatures of Ava anytime soon.

These issues are relatively easy to overlook in light of the fact that there’s really nothing quite like Metal Max Xeno Reborn in the JRPG space. It may still be a bit spartan and feel undercooked compared to its better-known, more lavishly produced contemporaries, but its focus on vehicle combat and spare, understated storytelling makes it unique and rarely boring. Appreciating what Metal Max Xeno Reborn does in spite of itself feels kind of like digging an old relic out of a pile of junk, dusting it off, and finding that it’s still got some life in it. It’s not quite a treasure, but it’s farther from being trash than it’s ever been.

The Breakers Collection may really only be one game with some variance, but that one game is a really good time. The small, seemingly uninspired roster has a ton of variety and creativity in its characters, rewarding your experimentation with some wild attacks to discover. Its Breaker system means you’ll continue to find a lot of depth as you really get to know it, and its sense of humor (intentional or not) mixed with impressive moves mean you’ll be hollering with laughter or excitement as you play. It’s such a wonderful treat of a game, and a real gift to be able to play on modern consoles.

If you’re a fan of the series, Fairy Tail 2 is a great time, although technical issues on Switch hinder the experience.

Persona 5: The Phantom X is a difficult game to recommend. As a gacha game, it’s elevated by lifting so much from Persona 5. But the inverse is true, as the gacha elements have weakened a lot of what made the original game great. If you loved the style of Persona 5 and want something free and casual that lets you kick around in its world some more, there’s fun to be found in Persona 5: The Phantom X. But those who min-max the Fusion system or hate gachas are unlikely to be convinced.

Electroplankton doesn't provide thrills as much as it stimulates creativity. One major disappointment is that while Electroplankton does promote art, it doesn't allow you to save anything. [JPN Import]

There is nothing offensive about the story in Little Hope, and nothing immediately sets off warning bells or narrative decisions I would tell players to consider before going into it. At most, the game is just boring and uninteresting.

Kaze and the Wild Masks is a loving homage to Donkey Kong Country, but it has a few unique platforming ideas and its own stunning visual style. Just don’t expect it to go easy on you, based on its cute protagonist and impressive worlds.

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.

Demon Slayer Sweep the Board is the prime board game iteration of the series for fans. While it won’t be as welcome an experience for newcomers, it is an excellent departure from the core series. The boards are varied in stellar ways, while the minigames have great controls. The non-linear nature of the missions mean it works well no matter how you play. Whether you have a party of friends to play with or just want to compete against the CPU, it all works better than I expected. It’s just a shame the characters lack so much detail visually.

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.

Bleach Rebirth of Souls is fun once you get over the jargon-y names of its mechanics and some nuisance elements. It’s not exactly wowing me, but as far as 3D fighters go, it’s one of the better ones.

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.

From a preservation standpoint, Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend does everything people would need. You have all three games easily accessible in a single compilation. You can hop in without much effort, go through each one, and perhaps go through things a little more swiftly than you normally would. The three titles haven’t all held up as well as you might remember, but they were from a different era. It’s a way to honor the past, though only die-hard SaGa fans and people who played them when they were fresh and new might get the most out of the experience.

Possessor(s) isn’t short on heart and style, but sometimes the gameplay doesn’t seem as innovative and tight as the concept. I desperately wanted to find out what would happen to Luca and Rhem, and seeing what happened to the demons and the world as a result of corporate greed.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central is the welcome return of a quirky classic rhythm game. While musically it’s now more Selena Gomez than Selena, and some technical issues threaten to get in the way, the game remains excellent. Add some friends to the mix and it truly will be the center of any party.

Arcana of Paradise: The Tower feels like the concept is sound. A roguelike deck builder with more puzzles to it and possibly caring for your current and future party members is a novel idea. However, even with the real-time element forcing you to act quickly, it doesn’t feel like this is a critical affair. There’s a lack of tension that keeps it from feeling like an achievement when you do well, and the recurring events means you’re rarely surprised and already prepared for most things headed your way.

Death Note Killer Within is better than I expected it to be, but is also a game where your experience hinges on other people’s behavior and actually getting to complete a match. If you are only playing with people you know, everyone is on a PC, and you all are committed, it can be a lot of fun! If you aren’t, then good luck! My enjoyment tanked pretty severely once random players got involved in my matches, and I suspect it isn’t an isolated issue. If that problem gets fixed and we see more reaction to reports about bad behavior, I think it could be a solid 6/10. But because it becomes so difficult to actually finish a round, it might be better to wait for a patch.

There are some areas in which Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town feels like it definitely needs a little more time and room to grow. The progress I’ve seen in the time I’ve played is encouraging, and I’m confident that it will offer plenty of opportunities down the way. People who enjoy these sorts of farming sims for the progress you can make and routines you can build will be pleased. Especially since it constantly offers new hallmarks to hit.

Pokemon Violet and Pokemon Scarlet certainly don’t put their best feet forward. They run rough. Visual downgrades are clear. But ultimately, once you settle in, they’re certainly full Pokemon games. We’re hoping some post-launch bug-squashing will help them run better, but in the long term, The Pokemon Company might need to implement a plan that offers Game Freak longer development windows for tentpole releases.

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.

Fortunately, that means Legend of Mana is getting its own moment on the Switch, PS4, and PC with a remaster. While it doesn’t exactly address every issue present in the original game, it looks amazing and includes some features that might ease frustrations.

Sand Land shows what can be done with licensed manga and games. The game is a great vehicular action-RPG, and easily one of the best anime and manga games available. Despite some early pacing issues, the game is at its best when introducing a vast and engrossing world, accompanied by the beautiful visuals and great story penned by the late Akira Toriyama.

Cozy Grove is charming, to be certain. It definitely gives you a sense of purpose with its ghosts you can help find peace, collection to fill, and island to decorate. But there are also times when it can feel quite limiting. Once you complete your tasks for the day, you’re really done and your immediately available storage space can discourage you from prep work for ensuing days. Your supernatural neighbors aren’t good for socializing in the same way Animal Crossing’s villagers are. It can also feel a bit cluttered and difficult to find what to do, due to the color palette and environment. It is for certain a thing people interested in life sims would likely enjoy, but it feels very structured and interested in keeping you on its timeline.

For a text-heavy and narrative-focused game, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is one in which the story is actually the weakest point. The game could have been shorter, because the latter half of the story kind of falls apart. (It’s already not a very long game though.) The writing style is plenty melodramatic and poetic, but it feels far too heavy-handed and can round to alienating. It wants me to feel something so bad, but it never gives me the chance to form these emotional ties to the plot or characters. Sometimes the metaphors don’t work, aiming for deep and landing somewhere in strange. Though I can see the various team members’ individual passion shine through in the game’s components, a tighter vision would have saved this particular reverie’s heart.

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.

Lonesome Village is pleasant. The world is bright and colorful. Despite things being Very Wrong around town, there’s no sense of pressing danger. It encourages you to take in the scenery and solve puzzles at your leisure. While that means it can feel a little too rudimentary, it’s generally a good time. Especially as villagers start to return and you get a chance to interact with more (virtual) “people” again.

For a game that would make most anybody do a double take because of its mixture of anime art style, action shooter genre, and soulslike gameplay, Little Witch Nobeta comes together very well as a whole. The shooter components are enjoyable to play with and offer enough diversity to give you several options for battles. The soulslike parts add fun and difficulty, as well as a tiny bit of a strategic element in the upgrade system. And though the story isn’t grandiose or deep, with most of the worldbuilding coming in the form of the stories attached to items found throughout the castle, there’s enough to carry the game forward, which is fine by me. It’s not perfect, but the game is nothing if not fun, and I’ll definitely be coming back to play some more of it.

Touch Detective 3 is a missing piece of a puzzle that is just as delightful as the previous two games, and it’s great to have the full collection of all three games easily accessible on the Switch as Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files. There is a downside to the release, however. The port doesn’t feel optimized for the console, both when it comes to its graphics and the control scheme.

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.

While Wuthering Waves has improved since its lackluster launch, its weak story and lingering managerial issues persist to hamper it.

One huge graphical glitch in the game is that Derrick's appendages seem to penetrate enemy corpses when he's picking up items from them. All of the sudden parts of his hand seem to vanish, go through the enemy or both.

I’m genuinely disappointed. Star Trek seems perfect for a narrative-heavy adventure game, and Star Trek Resurgence’s bugs, design, and QTEs keep people from getting properly invested. I don’t regret my time with the game, and I did enjoy the tale it told. However it’s executed in such a sloppy fashion and littered with issues that draws a player’s attention away from what matters.

Knockout Home Fitness is a handy exercise game for the Switch and fills a niche. It isn’t as intensive or potentially lengthy as, say, something like Ring Fit Adventure. Rather, it invites someone to show up every day for a few minutes to be active. It isn’t too strenuous or demanding. The virtual trainers are clear and easy to understand. It’s generally peppy, which people might appreciate if they want something to quickly check in with each day.

Ultimately, RPGolf Legends could be a suitable distraction for those who have been waiting too long for a game like Sports Story. It’s forgettably pleasant and largely inoffensive, a stopgap for those who need it. If ArticNet continues to work on the franchise, we’d really like to see a focus on mechanical depth in the next installment.

There is absolutely a fun and maybe even great experience somewhere in Mineko’s Night Market, but right now it is hidden behind balancing issues and Switch performance problems. I could absolutely see Meowza perhaps patching it and making any criticism I have for the title irrelevant over the coming weeks and months. But at launch, it can end up feeling a little too tedious and costly.

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.

When you're running away from a zombie flinging what ever items you're carrying in your hands it feels like something out of a horror movie spoof. What is even funnier is that attacking the zombies with weapons other than a gun is surprisingly effective.

I adore the Tiny Garden aesthetics. It’s such a charming little sandbox. Frankly, it made me wish I still owned some of my old Polly Pocket sets. You know, the more detailed ones from the 90s that ended up more intricate than the ones being sold today. There are some times when it isn’t exactly user-friendly, and I do wish the demo was still present in case others experienced the issue getting it to run that I did. But it’s definitely a cozy way to relax.

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.

When it comes down to it, The Hundred Year Kingdom’s greatest failing is that it doesn’t make you think. Each session ends up feeling the same.

On the whole, I enjoyed Process of Elimination. The story kept me guessing like a good mystery should and it had some brilliant ideas. However, my frustrations with it all came from feeling it could have pushed those ideas into even more exciting territory. Mystery enthusiasts will definitely find something to love here. But those looking for a meaty strategy experience may feel a little disappointed.

Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles allowed me to check out and rectify a glaring hole in my PS1 JRPG history. The story of Kururu, her mom Cornet, and the other colorful characters from this kingdom is a charming, but highly simple one. Though the gameplay and combat is a bit too simple at times, there’s no denying the catchy Japanese songs and cheery environments kept me playing in both games.

Grace and the rest of the Greek pantheon in Stray Gods are brought to life by expert voice over performances, great art direction, and an affecting story that is intriguing from start to finish, and, but the game is brought down by its performance on the Nintendo Switch. The game tries to harmonize musical elements with choice-driven mechanics, and fails to hit that note well due to an awkward soundtrack. Nevertheless, I had a blast with Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical and visual novel fans looking for something unique will absolutely find this a charming game worth experiencing.

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.

Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a letdown, as it doesn’t feel compelling or rewarding to collect frogs, acquire money, or build up the frog sanctuary. I got more out of games like Usagi Shiima, even though it featured no quests and less “gameplay” to it. The thing is, it’s easy to see how it could have been better. More unique frogs, eliminating the tedious minigames, and making specific pieces of furniture feel more important could have all fixed it. As is, it feels like a boring job instead of a relaxing game about cute frogs.

I appreciated what Johan Vinet accomplished with Castaway, as it really does capture the same vibes as a GBC Legend of Zelda game would, but just wish there was more to it. The adventure mode feels like it cuts off way too quickly, with no resolution. The Tower is entertaining, but focuses on the weakest part of the experience and strips away the light puzzle solving and boss fights. It feels like Castaway is a teaser for something bigger. What’s here is fun, but strangely unfulfilling.

Keylocker was a frustrating experience. There’s some solid writing and a world that I’d love to explore further. Sadly, it’s buried under an unintuitive combat system and poor plotting for it to realize its full potential.

Fitness Boxing 3 is a totally fine exercise experience, and I would recommend it over the first or second mainline game. The exercises in it make sense and feel like they make a difference if you stick with it. There are some interesting options for when you feel like opting for something other than the straightforward Daily Workout. However, I will say people looking for something a little more fun or engaging would be better served going with the Hatsune Miku or Fist of the North Star entries.

I enjoy Knights in Tight Spaces, but also feel like the game could use a few balancing patches and updates before it hits that roguelike sweet spot. With a few adjustments, this could be a sequel that is the equal of the original Fights in Tight Spaces. For now, it’s just an entertaining game that might put you in a situation where you can’t excel or, in some situations, really win.

I like the concept behind SCHiM and the artistic direction, but certain elements of it frustrated me after I got about 30 levels into it. I found myself wishing for more of a challenge or a story that left me less annoyed at the person I was trying to track down. I imagine it’d be more entertaining if played in shorter bursts. But marathoning it might make you feel a bit depressed as you see yourself constantly just miss someone who just won’t sit still.

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]

Basically, with Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack, you are getting the game for its two RPGs. Rhythmic Adventure 1 is okay enough, I suppose. You can see it set a precedent and, insensitive depiction aside, has its moments. Rhythmic Adventure 2 is genuinely enjoyable, cool, and moves at a great pace. And of course, the standard Taiko mode is fine and has a wide selection of 130 songs. It is just definitely a collection where one part outshines the other.

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.

I didn’t dislike my time with His, the Smile & bloom. I had no strong feelings towards it whatsoever. I didn’t feel emotional, or care about the characters, but I wasn’t bored either. Playing this game is like eating a chocolate bar – not your favorite chocolate – but one you wouldn’t say no to if offered by a friend. You enjoy it while it lasts, but you’re not sad it’s over, and you won’t be thinking about it for the rest of the day.

Somehow, Root Film has two competing problems that turn the whole game into a narrative mess. It’s incapable of telling a compelling mystery, always bogging the player down in needless exploration and conversations to get a single character’s full dialogue. Which leaves it feeling like it deliberately wants to extend its length by wasting the player’s time.

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.

Ultimately, I came away from this new Carmen Sandiego game feeling frustrated. The strong basic mechanics and presentation are let down with baffling progression and repetition. You’d be better off playing the original in a browser for free. At least you might learn something there.

Instead of the tired RPG formula Wild ARMs 4 offers a lot that’s new to the genre like platforming and the hex battle system. If only the storytelling mechanics were up to par Wild ARMs 4 would be a surefire hit.

This isn't your hardcore aerobics DDR game. Instead Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix is a cheerful title that is sure to entertain gamers looking for something slightly new. [JPN Import]

Riven may not be perfect on the Meta Quest 3, but the VR version is worth experiencing if you love the game and series. Considering what needed to be done to bring it to life, it feels incredible to actually be walking around the Age of Riven’s five islands. It’s enough to make me forgive the smaller technical issues and shift to character models from FMV. However, it can be more difficult to play due to it not being as easy to keep track of what you’re doing and work out solutions in optimal fashions, especially since the nature of the medium could mean you’ll have some trouble finding what you are looking for or interact with to proceed.

The game remains a solid revisiting of a years-old game. And it serves as a good way for folks to experience one of strategy and mecha gaming’s foundational works on a current platform. Front Mission 1st: Remake won’t set hearts aflame with novelty, but it is a satisfying return to first principles, with a promise of more to come.

There’s a lot to like about Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles even if it isn’t exactly perfect. It’s a strong first step. The Adventure Mode’s execution and ideas are sound, even if it can feel a bit simple in practice. The Versus mode works well, with characters who feel distinct and have personalities come through. A few more fighters would be appreciated. It certainly looks good. And given a promise of free updates, it seems to have room to grow. In short, it’s enjoyable even if it isn’t perfect yet. And if what is here is the prelude to additional installments, a la the Naruto Ultimate Ninja series, I think it could hint at a bright future for Demon Slayer games.

R-Type Final 2 is a satisfying shmup with many challenging, carefully crafted stages. Having so many different ships gives it a ton of replay value, and also gives you many strategic options for how you tackle a given area. I wish it had a more striking, clear visual style so I could appreciate the designs and stages more (and die less to dopey things). Still, it’s solid in every other regard (and you should try the demo to see that for yourself), so I can’t stay mad at it for long.

It isn’t a stretch to say Star Ocean: The Divine Force is the best Star Ocean game in years. The atmosphere is great, even if it can feel a little unsteady sometimes or as though it is borrowing a bit too much from past entries. It’s enjoyable in the ways that matter. Combat is fun. Moving around with D.U.M.A is easy and efficient. Even the Es’owa minigame feels worth your time. It’s generally satisfying, not to mention an encouraging step forward for a series that was clearly in trouble.

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.

Sonic Frontiers is a game that is made up of a thousand different interesting ideas, all threaded together in a way that should create something good. But for all it manages to accomplish and for all the great ideas that lurch just beyond the horizon, Sonic Frontiers skids to a halt as it sprints to the finish line. The result is a fragmented and sometimes disjointed mess. Paired with its performance issues, it makes this a tough game to recommend, even if it has pockets of truly enjoyable gameplay that make me excited to see what the developers will come up with next.

It's well-balanced and enjoyable to play.

The most surprising addition to the mix has got to be Yankee Doodle. Playing through that song with the conga beat in the background is something different. [JPN Import]

Prinny 1•2: Exploded and Reloaded is a charming, if sometimes crude, platformer that comes with the signature style and flair Disgaea fans have known and loved for years. Even if you’re mostly unfamiliar with the series, the animations for the Prinny’s themselves and for the enemies on every stage are still a delight and the music is jovial and easy to listen to for hours on end.

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.

Harold Halibut looks beautiful on the outside, and it is even more beautiful once you dive into it. The visuals are an undeniable technical achievement. Its gameplay is undemanding, making the game accessible for many people, even those who are not familiar with the medium of video games. The story and narrative are easy to follow, and depict a modern fable about finding your own home, connecting with others, sharing your perspective, and finding what you want from life.

The story, characters, and gameplay of Shuten Order are genuinely enjoyable, but the translation doesn’t match the game’s innate quality. I’m not trying to discourage anyone from buying Shuten Order. It’s fantastic. I hope it’s as successful as Hundred Line. But I also sincerely hope that a patch comes out to fix up the English script. Blessed be the Shuten Order.

Crime O’Clock is a novel take on a hidden object game. The idea is sound. It can get a bit repetitive, but then someone could argue that is a general flaw inherent in the genre and not necessarily a huge issue here. I really appreciated the design direction and artistic approach, even if the minigames felt a little unnecessary or simple when tossed in. Crime O’Clock is generally a lot of fun, especially for a quick timesink on the Switch.

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.

Main character designer Katsumi Enami breathes new life into the characters, making this silky-smooth 60fps high-speed action game an unmissable treat.

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

Dynasty Warriors 5 fixes the [slowdown] problem by using a smoother game engine. Not only does the game look sharper, but slowdown is reduced to almost nil.

An especially rough port to the Nintendo Switch adds further issues to a game already struggling with its own problems.

People looking for a solid 40 hour dungeon romp will probably be disappointed in [Mega Man] X Command Mission. Not only is the game short, but it plays like an RPG for beginners.

It's fun for a short period of time, easy to beat and doesn't have a strong multiplayer mode. A solid rental, but there are better games out there.

If you need a farming-and-fighting fix, Rune Factory 5 is an option. It just isn’t the best one out there. It’s living in the shadow of its far superior siblings.

Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream shines in some departments but flops in others. I wish the game had concentrated more on the primary campaign because the story here is terrific, and with a few tweaks to the open map environment and battle mechanics, it could have been a quintessential play for any fan. But the multiplayer feels so half-baked and unrewarding that only hardcore fans will enjoy the long, tedious grind to grab every morsel item.

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories feels a bit like a slice-of-life mystery with a hidden seedy side. There’s darkness afoot, and players can make a difference. However, it often feels like it attempts to imply a familiarity with the characters and world that may not be there. While sometimes charming and pleasant enough, it can feel like a very surface-level adventure. There’s nothing wrong with that, though it might be a good idea to wait for a patch or two before heading to Hog Town before catching up with this crew.

I appreciate how The Cabin Factory builds upon this new walking simulator area of the horror game genre established by The Exit 8, as it does really make picking out anomalies feel critical and helpful in understanding what’s happening. The implementation of some story elements adds insights that might even make it more scary for some people. However, I do think maybe it needs a patch or two with some balancing or adjustments to make sure there aren’t situations that might feel unwinnable. But if you do like these types of horror experience, it’s a fun one.

Touken Ranbu Warriors is made for a very specific audience. It feels meant for people unaccustomed to Musou games, what with its easy control option, small levels, and focused tasks. The grinding elements even seem to be less taxing, with simple minigames and Honmaru area placement to garner experience and such while you’re doing other things. (Just like in the Touken Ranbu Online browser game!) Touken Ranbu Warriors also very much focuses on its characters, showing them interact with one another and pointing out characteristics showcased in the original game, anime, and other spin-offs. This means that while Touken Ranbu Warriors is a Musou game with the trappings we know, it might not be the best choice for someone looking for a new entry to play.

As a mindless game about beating folks up with cool ninja powers, Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is pretty solid. I can also see someone enjoying this game if they’re interested in just messing around with the massive roster. However, as a fighter with depth, a compelling story, or a snapshot of years of Naruto history, it’s weak and struggled to hold my interest. If I want to turn my brain off and mash buttons, it’s something I can see myself playing again, but that’s about it.

The formula is still the same old formula, luckily for Capcom it still remains fun. [JPN Import]

It is in these social aspects that the ideas of Eternights start to shine, even if it is a bit too derivative and occasionally shallow. I only wish the combat and exploration nailed this aspect as well. The game could have been so much more.

Umamusume: Party Dash has the cute horse girls and engaging story of the original game, but lacks replay value unless you have friends or are willing to play against random people online. It’s strange to judge a party game on its “replay value,” I understand. But even if I were to invite a bunch of friends over for Party Dash night, I doubt we’d play it for too long. The small number of mini-games really holds back what could be an awesome spin-off title.

A Tear of Vermillion does have a rich world to explore and an interesting cast. But with out an original story to tie the entire gametogether or great gameplay Legend of Heroes isn’t legendary at all. [JPN Import]

I’m a fan of Fubuki: Zero in on Holoearth, especially if I drop down to the easy difficulty level to really enjoy myself. It’s an entertaining Mega Man-like game wearing a Hololive Vtuber skin. I do think it is at its best if someone really enjoys both that type of game and Cover’s performers. If not, then the length, fact that the weapons from each boss don’t feature any strategic element, and injection of Holoearth and Hololive lore with no explanation could be too high a barrier to jump.

Henry Halfhead is at its best when it allows us the freedom to do whatever we like, play around with object interactions, and enjoy the narrator’s responses to our decisions. I loved hearing about Henry and the constant color commentary. It’s so much fun to experiment! The only thing is that since this can have some physics game properties, some tasks might feel a bit more tedious than others or could involve some unexpected camera effects and perspectives that might involve some temporary discomfort. Still, it is generally delightful and fun to play with for two or three hours.

The Rumble Fish 2 is an enjoyable romp through a bit of fighting game history. It’s got some solid character designs whether you want to look cool or silly, some great moves to make each character compelling to play, and a vast set of special abilities that will tweak your character in all manner of situations. While I don’t think it’s going to cause a massive shift in the competitive scene, I think it’s going to make for a lot of fun nights beating the shirts off of your buddies in your home and down at the local tournaments.

While Samurai Maiden’s characters may be cute, the gameplay is completely unsatisfying. At its best, it is a bland beat’em up sending you slashing through skeletal specters. At its worst, it is infuriating. Samurai Maiden isn’t like Ed-0: Zombie Uprising, which is in early access and only costs $19.99. This would be a far different review it was. It is a disappointing game in a sorry state, and there are far better fanservice-filled beat’em ups out there.

The Callisto Protocol feels like a retread of the PS3 era of survival horror, but perhaps in the worst way possible. It’s clear that this title was made with Dead Space in mind, as it shared the same creator, but it’s also a look at how the genre has evolved since Dead Space was relevant. And while The Callisto Protocol’s narrative is lackluster, the gameplay could have been something great and ultimately redeeming about it. Instead, it feels trapped in the past and a worse iteration of what inspired it.