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.

Kabuto Park feels like the type of game you play for about 15-20 minutes every day for a week when you need to take a minute to relax. It’s never taxing. The challenge is minimal. The bugs are cute. I doubt anyone will spend longer than a few hours 100%-ing it, but it’s enjoyable in moderation.

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.

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.

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 love Monster Train 2 now, and I suspect I’ll love it even more after putting 50 to 100 hours into it. Shiny Shoe did a fantastic job of keeping everything important in Monster Train, not disrespecting the original experience in any way, and implementing new Clans, card types, encounters, and mechanics that keep it challenging in a manageable way. Even the addition of a story is fascinating, considering the original only featured hints at the series’ lore. I love what the team did here, and Monster Train 2 ended up becoming as essential an entry in an roguelike library as the original.

The Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny remaster is a valuable one, especially with Way of the Sword on the horizon. There are a lot of gameplay elements that help it stand out, like the ally system and how Oni abilities and adventure elements are tied to progression. The quality of life adjustments are welcome as well. However, the campy nature of the story might not be for everyone, and it isn’t the prettiest remaster I’ve seen in the past few years. It’s well worth playing if you love the series and Capcom’s work, but it might not be for everyone.

I really enjoyed playing Sunderfolk, and I would love to go through a second time with a larger group and different characters. Though honestly, I’d also be equally happy to go again with the same avatar (I love my Pyromancer) and make different choices. It’s a lot of fun, and the nature of its additional objectives, varying missions between the campaign quests, and possible party compositions means it is the type of title that could be worth replaying with different folks or on varying difficulties. Sunderfolk works quite well and I’d recommend a it for a series of game nights.

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

There are times when I wish the Labyrinth of the Demon King gameplay might be a little more responsive or certain elements a little less fiddly, but the aesthetic and graphics are always on-point. It is fantastic about establishing ambiance. So even when I didn’t feel completely captivated by other elements, I felt compelled to keep playing to see what new areas and enemies might look like. One thing is for certain, and that is this game is a love letter to the fifth console generation.

While there may be some unfulfilling moments in 7’scarlet, depending on the route, as a whole it’s an enjoyable and often otherworldly otome game. Given how unusual its storyline can get and the twists and revelations that come after chasing after certain love interests, it’s definitely one that stands out among other Aksys, Otomate, and Idea Factory works. I’m glad it’s gotten a Switch release so even more people can experience and appreciate it.

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

Even if you don’t count Oblivion among your favorite The Elder Scrolls games, Oblivion Remastered is a triumph and sets a high bar for what we should expect from a video game remaster. While the game will play exactly as you would expect, it looks, sounds, and perhaps even feels smoother than ever before. Given how different the world looks and quality of life adjustments and changes based on Skyrim, it still might feel like a whole new experience this time around.

I had absolutely no idea I’d enjoy StarVaders as much as I would, and it definitely adds something to the ever-growing roguelike genre. It’s compelling, but inviting. You’re given opportunities to learn, but it will absolutely challenge you once you’ve gotten accustomed to its nuances. There are plenty of options when developing your deck, making the prospect of additional playthroughs promising. Fans of the genre should check it out.

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.

Tranquil Isle is enjoyable and can be a leisurely way to relax while developing an island. It’s a low-key town-building game for sure. However, while I enjoyed myself and it runs fine, this sim doesn’t really stand out. It might not be as memorable and eye-catching as other titles in the genre, which I think will keep it from becoming a “classic.”

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.

Sometimes I feel like if All in Abyss: Judge the Fake ended after the third chapter, I’d like the game a lot more. After that point, it feels like the other characters didn’t end up being as engaging and the Texas Hold’em hands and execution felt more tedious and uninteresting. I would say it’s close to being the epitome of an uneven game. The idea is interesting! For the first few hours, the Poker parts can feel fun! Some of the early Witches and scenarios made me want to quickly get through to find out what happened. But I feel like the design directions and some choices make it fall apart at points.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has visuals and characters that draw in your attention and plenty of systems in play to make every fight feel interesting moment-to-moment. Whether you’re playing ranked online or battling through the hours of content in the single player Episodes of South Town modes (although I wish these were more exciting than just text and battles against nobodies), there’s lots to do and learn while playing this solid fighter.

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.

The complex combat system and menus are off-putting, the visual "upgrades" are lacking, and yet I still found myself coming back to see what's next. Saga Frontier 2 Remastered is a tough recommendation for those unfamiliar with the series, but its concept and storytelling method have undeniable appeal. If you can push through its flaws and steep learning curve, and perhaps partake in a little external reading, there's a solid game beneath its flaws.

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

Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 is another example of how clever and unusual a Strange Scaffold game can be. It’s really appreciated. The fact that it also arrived at a time when I ended up dealing with a lot of serious, unpleasant, and heart-wrenching things made its arrival all the more welcome. It’s well executed and quite a delight.

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.

Rift of the NecroDancer features some interesting ideas and a great story mode, which shows how well the concepts from Crypt of the NecroDancer work in a new genre. I’m not the biggest fan of how some enemies are implemented, especially given the difficulty they present on more challenging levels when a lot of concepts are tossed at the player at once. It’s enjoyable and interesting, though how well you do while playing will be determined by your love of the series and music and willingness to really learn how to handle any type of attack. Those without a connection to the series might find themselves frustrated though, especially if they skip the tutorials.

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

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.

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.