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

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

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom features all of the amazing hallmarks of the series, yet feels completely innovative, unique, and fresh.

God of War Ragnarok is as slick and beautifully crafted a game as you will play this generation, and my experience with it has been delightfully bug-free.

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

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance accomplished exactly what I hoped for. It took the messy base game, made it look and play better, and expanded upon every single aspect. This results in a polished and finally complete experience worth (re)visiting. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance reaches its full potential in almost every way possible and now confidently stands toe-to-toe with its predecessors.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a joy to play, a step forward for the series, and perhaps the best entry yet.

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

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

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is both the best Paper Mario entry and a Switch game everyone should own and play.

After watching the credits roll on Akito and K.K.’s journey, I still find myself itching to finish up every single thing in Ghostwire: Tokyo. Pray at those last few Jizo statues. Find the remaining tanuki. Figure out how to get inside of the 24th floor of the shopping complex so I can take out its pesky corruption spot. I’m forty hours in and counting and one hundred percent willing to do it all over again.

Hades sets itself apart from other entries in the roguelike genre with an intricate and engrossing story, while simultaneously creating a varied experience for both casual and hardcore players. With thousands of Boon possibilities accompanied by the different Aspects each individual weapon has and the perks granted to you by the Mirror, it gives players the opportunity to customize their builds to an incredible degree. Hades was more than worth the wait, as the full release is easily Game of the Year material.

By the end of it, everything swells together to create something that lingers in the back of the mind, gnawing away like a memory desperate to resurface. SIGNALIS is a game that I will never forget. And I will never forget the promise that was made between ELSTER and Ariane — of their love as selfish and cruel or beautiful and compassionate as it may be — that persisted through endless cycles of distortion and tragedy.

Trails through Daybreak builds on everything I love about one of the the greatest JRPG series of all time. It’s such a grand adventure, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this arc goes. if you’re already a Trails fan, picking up this game is a no-brainer. You likely already own it in Japanese. For new players, this might be the game that finally gets you to check out the series.

Alan Wake 2 is a psychological horror masterpiece and one of the best narrative games ever made. Remedy Entertainment took everything they learned from its previous projects, such as Control and Quantum Break, and delivered a riveting story experience that will leave players on the edge of their seats until the game’s final scene. The long-awaited sequel is not only groundbreaking and ambitious, but it has now set the bar for how story-driven games can be told.

Armored Core VI may be the best game FromSoftware has made to date, building upon already solid foundations from Sekiro and Dark Souls and further innovating on the punishing combat the developer is known for.

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

Calling a title “the best game of 2024” may come across as rather shortsighted when done so in February. I don’t care. I’m going to say it. I believe Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the best game we are going to see in 2024, and it also gives me faith in the future of the series.

Of all the excellent Gamecube titles out there Resident Evil 4 is one of the few games to live up and surpass all of the hype around it. [JPN Import]

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is full of the sorts of complexities and nuances that make you want to double back and analyze the script, lore, and artwork in every scene. There’s so much going on, but it’s handled in a way where you’re typically never given more than you can handle. Rather, it prepares you for its major moments.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an absolutely massive adventure, just like its predecessor Breath of the Wild. However, it isn’t as though we’re retreading familiar paths or going through an expansion of the existing game. Rather, it does feel entirely new, with its new creative elements adding more freedom while still offering a bit more structure when it comes to visiting Temples and following its story. The technical elements and execution mean that it could be welcoming to all audiences and gameplay styles, and it’s a prime example of what sorts of heights the Nintendo Switch can hit.

Perhaps the best thing of all is how Spiritfarer builds, grows, and ends. Not only are the souls you helping growing and accepting and your boat building, but Stella herself is developing. The story creeps up around you while life is happening, which is incredibly apt. There are highs and lows, as these moments will constantly hit you and make you chuckle or perhaps cry.

Chrono Cross has always been an essential JRPG, and this The Radical Dreamers Edition remaster makes it feel even more important. The story, the design direction, the way it handles its parallel worlds and characters, its battle system, and its precursor game that shows how it grew? They’re all extraordinary. Like Chrono Trigger before it, it is historically important and an example of exemplary game design.

Despite those small things, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection blew me away on the PS5. The breathtaking landscapes and fluid gameplay heighted by the addition of improved feedback from the DualSense controller took a fantastic experience to another level.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a superb sequel. It has everything that made the first game a surprise hit, but expands and adds to it with a level of care that shines through the whole thing.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered does far more than simply justify its existence on the PS5. The new visuals and animations are absolutely stunning, and the added content is significant. With the new game modes and behind the scenes content, there’s plenty here for returning players to enjoy and newcomers to savor. Regardless of your past experience with The Last of Us Part II, this remaster deserves your time.

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

Sea of Stars feels like something special. It lovingly honors RPGs that came before it, while also setting its own course. I kept happening upon NPCs, design decisions, and even lines of dialogue that stuck with me. Everything flows together so well and is paired with a heartfelt story that feels innovative while building upon a classic kind of adventure.

Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible and memorable experience. It does some extraordinary things, both in terms of gameplay and its story.

Still, that aside, Pikmin 4 is an extraordinary experience. It’s the coziest installment in the series, especially since some of the new features eliminate the deadline pressure and other stressors from past installments.

Kodaka said while promoting the game that he considers The Hundred Line his “best work” and a game that’s close to his ideal. After experiencing it for myself, I have to agree. It’s unique and unforgettable, and a magnum opus that Too Kyo Games will be hard-pressed to top in the future.

Fire Emblem Engage is amazing and a wonderful way for Nintendo to kick off 2023.

An all around excellent game. It looks phenomenal and plays even better. What started out as a crazy fan based experiment for Square-Enix has panned out to one of the most entertaining titles of the year. [JPN Import]

More than a game that Zelda fans or even action RPG gamers will like. This game is easy to learn, innovative and can appeal to people of all ages. The use of GBA connectivity and all of the extra mini games just fills this game to the brim with replay value. [JPN Import]

With two different quests, multiplayer support, awesome graphics, and rock solid gameplay this game is a hands down winner. [JPN Import]

The visuals in this game are simply amazing. The levels and backgrounds look sharp and are filled with shades of blue. The sun demonstrates realistic reflectivity, it can shine in your eyes and even create shadows.

Improves on its predecessors in every possible way.

Offers a larger and more challenging adventure than the first title. Even though most of the gameplay additions are tweaks off the original game Metroid Prime 2 is still an amazing title.

The visuals in this game are simply amazing. The levels and backgrounds look sharp and are filled with shades of blue. The sun demonstrates realistic reflectivity, it can shine in your eyes and even create shadows.

A brilliant title that takes the best aspects of platforming, puzzle solving and larger than life battles packed into a single epic.

What makes Super Mario Brothers 3 a true classic are two things. First is the great level design. [JPN Import]

Onimusha 3 more accurately represents an action game like "Devil May Cry." Instead of the rigid control scheme used by the "Resident Evil" series, Onimusha 3 has fluid controls. Moving the analog stick around will directly move your character, instead of just turning him. [JPN Import]

I genuinely appreciated almost everything about Urban Myth Dissolution Center, with its art direction, gameplay, and story all being quite captivating

When I played The World Ends with You on my Nintendo DS back in 2008, I was struck by how vibrant and wonderfully unique the game is. I’d hoped for more for years, especially after teases found in the ports. Now we’re back in Shibuya for NEO TWEWY, and it is the sequel the original deserved. Yet, at the same time, it stands tall on its own merits and is a welcoming experience for people completely unfamiliar with the series.

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

Chain of Memories does a great job of getting gamers who are unfamiliar with the series up to par with the story in preparation for "KH2"...A stellar addition to the Game Boy Advance line up. [JPN Import]

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection is just a highly impressive collection of some of the most over-the-top and fun fighting games that have ever been made. By creating easier controls, it allows all of those button-mashing newcomers (like I once was) to hop in and have a great time. With its new practice mode, it allows those of us trying to get serious a means of practicing so we don’t get annihilated by the stone cold killers who’ve been playing the game for decades. It’s just a celebration of some of the greatest titles in the genre.

Oxenfree 2 is a follow-up that has been worth the wait. If you were a fan of the first game, and I certainly was, this will give you more of what you loved. Like the first game, it asks complex questions about the choices we make in life and the direction they can take us, all wrapped up in some creepy analog horror effects. If you’re in need of a narrative adventure game focused on time in more ways than one, Oxenfree 2 is essential.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a worthy successor and end to the beloved rhythm game franchise, and serves as a love letter to its OSTs.

Tsukihime: A piece of blue glass moon is a great entry game for new Type-Moon fans and a fantastic remake for old ones. Though players can dive right in without A Witch on the Holy Night, I do recommend playing that one first if you haven’t! It helps to further your understanding of the story and world. The explanations and narration from Shiki’s point of view make it a really easy story to digest, as new fans of Nasu’s works might feel daunted by how complex the in-universe systems can be. The magic of Nasuverse is on full display in this beautiful remake, and it’s my new recommendation for those who want an action-packed visual novel.

Octopath Traveler 2 opens with the promise of adventure and journeys that show how characters grow and shape the world, and it sends you across a lavish world as you help each individual and, along the way, make Solistia a better place. There is so much potential here, with everyone able to choose how they approach it all. More importantly, it’s approachable, ensuring everyone can appreciate the stories Square Enix and Acquire will tell.

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

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

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

As a super secret, not explained bonus Wipeout Pure can also be used as a web browser for the PSP.

You sort of think that once the second and third versions of a game appear, one of those is probably the “best” version of it. Yet somehow, that isn’t the case here. I feel like Persona 3 Reload is the best version of Persona 3 so far.

One of the best RPGs to come out in a long time. It's an amazing game that blends shades of grey with capable gameplay.

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

Tempopo is another impeccable Witch Beam game. Considering what the company’s done with it, Assault Android Cactus, and Unpacking, I’m starting to wonder if the team can’t miss. It’s deceptively difficult, quite satisfying, and a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Especially when you really start getting into the more challenging stages.

There are no duds (or, perhaps, spuds) in this pack, and each feels designed to lose their charm more slowly than most.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell bids farewell to fans with a beautiful final adventure that captures everything that made the series so charming and displays the developer’s accrued experience. While the game doesn’t do anything new with the Metroidvania genre, Moonlit Farewell delivers a simple, elegant and polished adventure with tight platforming, fun and elegant combat, and a fabulous art style.

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

Everything that you would expect and want in a Zelda title... It really sucks you into the game's world. [JPN Import]

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

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

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

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

Crow Country is one of those games that answer all of my needs for an old-school survival horror title. The game isn’t shy about its inspirations and it is a clear homage to PS1 survival horror games. While it is a somewhat short experience, Crow Country shows that sometimes less is more. And I want more of this.

Tetris Forever is, ultimately, a well-crafted educational documentary about the franchise that’s a joy to work your way through, at which point it becomes a vessel for Tetris Battle Gaiden. The rest of the game library doesn’t offer much to modern players who could instead play Tetris Effect, Tetris 99 or Puyo Puyo Tetris! But the preservation aspect of the release is nice for its own sake.

Super Mario Bros Wonder is clearly designed to be a game for everyone, regardless of skill level. The relative ease of main campaign stages that aren’t hidden away and addition of badges and “easy mode” characters Yoshi and Nabbit absolutely feel welcoming. The plethora of secrets and variety in stages feel more suited for people familiar with the series, giving them something to dig into as they play. While the downside means a somewhat decreased challenge, it’s still a delight.

Princess Peach: Showtime is a fantastic action-adventure title with many transformations that make the game fun and replayable. While some may find the boss battles tedious and repetitive, it is offset by enjoyable combat and a plethora of collectibles, making it fun for those who love the grind. Overall, Princess Peach: Showtime manages to hold its own as a Super Mario spin-off and proves that Mario doesn’t need to be in every game in its universe in order for it to be great.

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster might not have earth-shattering additions, but the graphical updates and quality of life adjustments that are here make it a joy to return to these fantastic JRPGs. Both games are a delight to play on the Switch. There’s a charm here that I longed for when I played Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and I’m delighted to think how much joy they’ll bring others. These are fantastic games, and I hope for further preservation efforts for other entries from Konami.

Crisis Core: FFVII Reunion is a benchmark for how Square Enix should handle its remasters going forward. It provides a nice quality of life upgrade with full voice acting for the entire game and doesn’t change much about it outside of its visuals. This is a game that largely rests on the laurels of its original release and remains good because of Square Enix’s lack of overall changes. It was a blast from the past in the very best way, and also exemplified that while Crisis Core was a great game in 2007, it’s just as good of a game in 2022.

Split Fiction is a delightfully creative co-op adventure with a lot to say about human connection through creativity.

While I took a lot away from it the first time, Death Stranding Director’s Cut affected me far more and left an even more positive impression. Regardless of whether someone likes it or not, it sticks with you. Even if the story doesn’t click, the underlying concepts stay with you. And at a time when we can’t easily travel or connect, having this game where you can and make a difference in strangers’ lives online is very welcome.

In short, Tales of Arise feels satisfying. It’s gorgeous to look at and the battles fun to experience.

I adore Dawnfolk, and I relish every opportunity I get to go through the game’s modes and build up a new homeland. It’s one of those city building and management sims that offers a sufficient challenge, but also doesn’t penalize you for decisions you make as you find your way through situations. Given the array of options also offered beyond a traditional campaign, it also felt like Darenn Keller somehow considered any possible situation I might be in when I head into a session, resulting in it feeling like I always have a moment for it.

Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness refines a gameplay system that was already great, and offers a ton of challenges to keep you busy! And hey, maybe this time, more players will be fortunate enough to discover it.

It is a huge surprise that Namco has decided to release this bizarre but fun game in North America. It's defiantly a nice treat and at an attractive $20 price point it's worth the money.

Thirsty Suitors is a thoughtful and whimsical story that balances light-hearted humor with a legitimately emotional tale about family, love, and self-acceptance. The game only took me nine hours to finish (even with the restart). But at the end of it, I felt like I’d known everyone in Timber Falls my whole life. Despite how ridiculous the game’s premise and battles are, the characters and their struggles all felt so real. This game wasn’t on my radar at all, but it’s a true hidden gem.

The art and graphics in Cassette Beasts are beautiful, and perfectly match the whimsical, and at times terrifying nature of New Wirral. Without spoiling anything, the design for each boss battle is spectacular. Likewise, character portraits are beautiful and full of personality. In contrast, the game world is simple and not filled with too much detail, which helps with navigation and clarity. Because of this simplicity, the pixel art pops-up and the art style benefits a lot from it.

While the horror in World of Horror wasn’t frightening to me, I really loved the vibes of this game. Everything from the visuals to the story to the music all come together to create this wonderfully crafted tale that intrigues you and makes you want to keep learning more about this doomed seaside town and the bizarre people who live in it. It is astounding that Panstasz hand drew the art of this game in MS Paint and made this game all on his own because it accomplishes so much through its simplistic design and presentation. World of Horror is absolutely an instant cult classic, making it perfect for people who love adventure games or have an appreciation for grotesque, Eldritch horrors.

Sumire is absolutely stunning and is yet another extraordinary indie in the Switch library. It taps right into your feelings and allows you to take charge and perhaps help Sumire and her flower have their perfect day. Or not. It’s all up to you. But no matter what you choose to do, it tends to feel satisfying. And, if you’re feeling up to it, is worth a second or third run to play games with “friends” or try to make the the lives of people (and objects) better.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition feels like a stronger game on the Switch, and quality of life adjustments make it more enjoyable.

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is worth the wait. As you play through it, you can see why it took Midboss so much time to craft the adventure, its characters, and its world. As I went through different people’s memories and delved into the mystery, it constantly felt like a labor of love for everyone involved.

Dead Rising was great in 2006 and it continues to be great as Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. The tension of going through the main story cases, escorting survivors to safety, and trying to complete all side objectives all while managing your in-game countdown is as exhilarating as it was 18 years ago. Perhaps the most impressive thing this new remaster achieves is making me believe that this is how the original 2006 game played. The QoL additions are a game changer and I can’t imagine going back to the original control scheme. Unfortunately, some characters in the new English dub don’t sound as good as the original cast. On the brighter side, that is probably the only sore point I can find in the remaster.

Between Tales of Graces f Remastered‘s challenging endgame dungeon and collectibles, completionists can easily sink over a hundred hours into this game. Its palatable story and fast-paced combat also make it a good introduction to the series if you’ve never played Tales before.

I’m shocked at how enjoyable and well-executed LIttle Noah: Scion of Paradise is. Its a roguelike that ticks all the right boxes. It is approachable, but still challenging. You can go in knowing you’ll grow slightly stronger, but the unpredictability of which Lilliputs you’ll and randomization keeps things fresh. The enemies can be quite strong, but it is possible to learn patterns and survive through proper planning and insight. It is a fantastic game and one of 2022’s better surprises.

We haven’t had this much fun with a card battle RPG since the Pokemon TCG games on the Game Boy Color. If you at all have an affinity for the concept, it’s unlikely that you’re burned out on the idea these days. Give Shadowverse: Champion’s Battle a shot, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be disappointed.

Dredge not only manages to be a compelling fishing game that constantly urged me to scour every part of the option, but also is a great horror game with fantastic ambiance. It is perfectly unsettling, with things going awry when you least expect them. It makes you want to tempt fate by sounding a siren or using lights while on the water alone at night, even though you know whatever’s sounding a horn back at you doesn’t mean you well.

Immortals Fenyx Rising probably has more playstyle customizations than any other Ubisoft game.

Keep Driving is about that brief moment of time when you get that freedom to pick up and go. Safety net? You have family. Obligations? You’re young and unencumbered. Opportunities? They’re absolutely everywhere. Each run can and will feel different, as there are so many options and multiple endings. The only downside is, if you marathon it and take multiple trips in a row, you may get bored due to how repetitive and easy it can be. Still, the road is open ahead of you, and it’s a joy to take off and drive.

An extremely entertaining game from start to finish with enough creativity to make this game stand out from other platform titles.

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

Monster Hunter Rise is without a doubt one of the best Monster Hunter games I have ever played, if not the best outright. It caters to new and veteran players effortlessly, and while some accessibility issues holding it back from outright being a perfect game, it really offers the best of both worlds.

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

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

It’s a genuinely cool, well-crafted endeavor, and the fact that the only real flaws I encountered when playing had to do with its textures sometimes looking a bit outdated, some actions were a little frustrating, and some bugs that should already be fixed in the build everyone will get left me very impressed.