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

If there's one downside to Mario RPG it is the level of difficulty. Once you master all the timing tricks like giving extra damage, jumping on the enemies heads before battle, dodging and how to get extra coins the game becomes much easier than any other RPG. [JPN Import]

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

Jack Jeanne is an absolute delight. It’s one of my favorite games of 2023. I’d easily consider it my favorite Switch otome game, in the same way Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 3rd Story stole my heart on the 3DS. It’s so well-executed. Anyone who enjoys visual novels, even if they normally don’t go for ones that are dating sims, should give it a chance.

Engaging as other installments of the series, Advance Wars Dual Strike doesn't stray far from the formula. If you're looking for a complex tactics game look no further.

Animal Well is a minimalistic experience that is about taking in the things you see around you. Yes, there’s platforming. You definitely need to keep roaming around and experimenting to find out which way you should go and where helpful items to progress may be. If the idea of being plopped in a foreign place that is ominous with no explanation and residents that may or may not want you there sounds appealing, Animal Well will prove an interesting trip and reward you with secrets to uncover.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Better than the original in many ways and the original was already a great game.

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.

Chicory is a game for a particular subset of moods. It can be an engaging mood lifter. Or an effective break from life’s stresses. Or even a therapeutic way of dealing with personal troubles. But everyone has these moods sometimes, and coincidentally, everyone should also play Chicory.

Tekken 8 is daunting to get into, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the same kind of fear you feel when you start something new and exciting in your life.

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.

Much like Kasuga's dragonfish tattoo feels like a quirky but faithful successor to Kiryu's dragon, Yakuza: Like a Dragon rebuilds the franchise by leaving a lot of it in place. The new protagonist doesn't feel like he has seven games of story in him, but his eagerness to join the fray could carry the next few entries. And hey, if you want another game with the classic combat style, there's always a chance of a Judgment sequel.

Dragon Quest VIII is bound to polarize RPG gamers. Veterans will appreciate Dragon Quest VIII’s challenge, excellent localization and emphasis on exploration. However, compared to most modern RPGs the story is a mere skeleton and the battle system is primitive. [JPN Import]

Unicorn Overlord is, as a whole, a loving and well-crafted return to the Ogre Battle formula. If the character designs aren’t a dealbreaker for you — and we’d understand if they are — there’s a lot of interesting tactical decisions to make.

While it’s unlikely to transcend genre preferences, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a gift for those who love JRPG trappings. There are lands to explore, combat systems to optimize, and lore implications for longtime franchise fans. And at the very least? You certainly get your money’s worth.

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

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

FFVII Remake Intergrade is a game full of moments both expected and unexpected. It is packed with people you recognize and, unless you went all in on Compilation of FFVII, don’t. Its fundamental gameplay is tight and does enough that it engages you with what-ifs. What could happen this time and how will things change since Square Enix is able to things out more? And with FF7R INTERmission especially, we’re getting hints of how additional stories could go. We’re seeing an extra viewpoint providing details as to why someone else, Yuffie, was around Midgar and eventually joined the team. It’s a promise of things to come, and suggests the future is bright for FFVII even 24 years after its 1997 debut.

It is clear that Dawn of Sorrow originally started out as a GBA title. It plays more like an advanced GBA game instead of a full fledged DS title.

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.

As overstuffed as it is, we didn't want Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to end.

Fate/stay night is a great read and introduction to the Fate franchise, and all three routes maintain the same quality in terms of the plot and themes. Personally, I don’t think any route was bad. It just falls to personal preference. Compared to Type-Moon’s newer games or stories, yes, it can be overly wordy. And yes, it looks dated in both Takeuchi’s art style and in the Powerpoint-like transitions. I honestly found it charming though, and it works in the context of such a classic game. So rejoice, Fate fans. Our wish has finally come true.

Whether or not it truly needs to exist, the fact remains: The Last of Us Part I does exist, and it happens to be the best version of an already pretty good game. The additional accessibility options alone justify it for that section of players. Meanwhile, those who are interested in experiencing its story when it looks its best, whether as a first-timer or a veteran revisiting an old favorite, should strongly consider playing it. For everyone else, the other versions are available for less.

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