Irem Collection Vol. 1 contains a trio of tough, but satisfying shooters that deserve remembrance. But with numerous problems with the emulation and a complete lack of historical context, the games here deserve far better.

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Yu Suzuki’s arcade games helped propel gaming into the third dimension. Coin-ops like Space Harrier, Out Run, and After Burner felt innovative, each dazzling the senses as they tested reflexes for a few fleeting moments. Air Twister, the pioneer’s latest, does little to advance the basic formula. Expectedly. It looks and sounds better and attempts to inject long-term incentive. But this feels like the arcade pioneer coasting rather than truly tapping into his creative spirit.

Astlibra Revision is the antithesis of hurried development cycles and design by committee. Instead, fifteen years of indie effort has produced an action-platformer where stats are just as important as the timing of your sword (or staff) swings. Extending a fantasy world that feels familiar but also invites discovery, it’s a confident title that ranks among the very best adventures found on the Switch.

Loddlenaut’s chilled-out campaign might lack combat or even complexity. But somehow, becoming a subaquatic custodian is as soothing as a low-tide ocean swim on the hottest day of the year. Moon Lagoon invitation to wind down and restore your might blue home shouldn’t be overlooked.

GUNHEAD offers an intriguing mix of ideas, blending the potency of mech-based combat with some of the intrigue of a heist film. Initially, exploring the innards of defense-packed vessels is stirring, thanks to hard-hitting fights and the potential to trigger alarms. But before long, privateering grows routine, and you’ll probably wish the developers injected a bit more variety.

A few minor imperfections are found in Cuisineer’s delectable amalgam of dungeon-based action and restaurant management. But these wayward flavors aren’t enough to spoil the piquancy that BattleBrew Productions has cooked up. With lovely art and refreshingly relaxed pacing, this is a dish that fans of cozy games will savor.

UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~ isn’t interested in quickly summarizing the key points of a relationship. Instead, it’s fascinated by the impact of social bonds and the intricacies of new pairings. The novel’s premise centers around overwriting tragic memories with new ones. But likely, you’ll want UsoNatsu’s ruminations to linger for as long as possible.

Ultimately, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is a mediocre spin-off. While the relationship between Nunu and Willump can be charming, the game’s succession of gentle puzzles feels too ordinary and sporadically glitches. The main thing this road trip offers is a sweet bond between boy and yeti.

A small team of Polish developers did something the big conglomerates like Activision or Electronic Arts would have botched and made a solid RoboCop game. Sure, there are a handful of technical glitches, but Rogue City builds on Verhoeven’s film, pushing the character in new directions. If you’re a fan of the movie, consider this worthy companion piece.

Alan Wake II understands that horror should tap into our fear of uncertainty and a dislike for disorientation, rather than just providing jump scares. Remedy’s latest is at its best when it’s elusive, and you have little idea where the plotline is headed next. Occasionally, it can be a bit self-congratulatory. But if you overlook that quibble, you’re in for a harrowing time.

Although there’s a bit of redundancy and some lethargic load times in the VISCO Collection, there's some solid 90's-era arcade action to be found.

At first, Aged Through Blood’s blend of Trails-style bike tricks, slow-motion gunplay, and exploration seems shrewd. But the mixture of mechanics eventually grows laborious across Laika’s 10- to 12-hour trek. If developer Brainwash Gang could get the action to match the quality of the exposition, I’d gladly ride again with this mama coyote.

2023’s Astrosmash feels like the product of an industry that’s increasingly favoring profitability over artistic expression. Yes, it vaguely plays like the original, looks less pixelated, and now has obligatory power-ups, effectively checking off the minimum qualifications for any update. But for fans of Mattel’s ground-based shooter, it’s a missed opportunity to truly honor a classic.

The last decade has seen far more simulations than exaggerated, NFL Blitz-style interpretations of football. And like a prodigious rookie, Wild Card Football seizes the opportunity, mixing a straightforward adaptation of the sport with collectable cards that can influence a play. Like any newcomer, there’s room for improvement, so you’ll find the campaign too grindy and the commentary too reserved. Hopefully, it will be allowed to mature for a few more seasons.

Likeable WarioWare-clones are rare, especially on non-Nintendo platforms. While not all of Super 56’s mini-games are winners, there’s more than enough clever one-button challenges. More importantly, there’s incentive for replay, ensuring that the game can hold you attention for longer than a single weekend.

Knight vs Giant: The Broken Excalibur is just a bit more than Hades meets King Arthur’s court. Controlling a resurrected Arthur is enjoyable thanks to potent weapons and spells upgraded with frequent perks. Even if the storytelling is second class, responsive controls and feverish combat make this a worthy consideration for any roguelike fan.

Although Savant – Ascent REMIX is still a delightfully hectic shooter, this reworking leaves out a few of the original game’s best qualities. D-Pad Studio’s shooting and sprite work remain skilled, but the beats and power-up system have been discarded, making for a lesser experience.

There’s a first-rate game buried deep within Silent Hope. But tiresome combat and hub world busywork prohibit players from ever seeing the game’s potential. The trend of tuning a game to pad playtime rather than delivering a sense of fulfilment claims yet another victim.

Whether you’re a Type-Moon follower with Saber wallpaper on your phone or just someone who appreciate virtual tourism, Fate/Samurai Remnant’s journey to Keian-Era Japan will delight. There’s a storyline that doesn’t assume familiarity with previous works that erupts in regular doses of intense, action-driven combat. But of all, the writing is a cut above any previous works set in the Fate multiverse.

Bouncing back from a disappointing predecessor, Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless’ back-to-basics approach is appreciated. Developer Nippon Ichi seems to have listened to feedback, increasing the number of classes and rethinking how auto-battling is implemented. Factor in a shift to the setting that allows for a soundtrack with traditional instrumentation and a mild teasing of otaku and this is the course-correction the franchise needed.

Yes, The Legend of Nayuta is part of that prolific Nihon Falcom property where storylines can stretch on for hundreds of hours. But this accessible spin-off shirks tradition, having more in common with Falcom’s action-driven Ys and Zwei games. While it’s now eleven years old, few developers make action RPGs as satisfying as Boundless Trails.

The Making of Karateka demonstrates a deep-rooted respect of the source material. Most contemporary collections are driven by profits rather than an interest in historical preservation, establishing this as a shining benchmark for single-game curation. Capcom, Konami, it’s time to step it up.

Elaborate expositional lore and deck-based battles are unexceptional today. But when Baten Kaitos and its prequel were released, these constituents were rather uncommon in console RPGs. Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster’s bundling of Monolith Soft and tri-Crescendo’s titles offers a chance to revisit this overlooked GameCube duology and observe developments that would have a significant impact on the genre. Have little interest in role-playing history? Well, there’s about 100 hours of adventure waiting for you.

Disregard the reviewers who can’t appreciate a bit of horndog humor- Mugen Souls Z is routinely funny. The downside is the occasional sections between the snickers, with conversations that sporadically drag.

A thoroughly disappointing PC port undermines Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX's improvements. The lack of Steam Deck support and the presence of screen tearing is about as frustrating as losing two ships on the first stage.

Commanding a budding criminal organization is straightforward thanks to Don Duality’s card-based mechanics. In the short term, that means wrestling with randomness, as you simultaneously balance events in the underworld and the restaurant used to launder money. But in the long run, a life of crime grows dull a bit too soon.

Eternights starts in familiar territory, as a cast of likable characters build relational bonds, just as the apocalypse nears. But this is no Persona clone, with Studio Sai pushing the plot and action in remarkably different directions. It’s evident that a great deal of care and consideration went into one of the best surprises of 2023.

Dokapon Kingdom Connect is the type of eccentric title we don’t seem to see enough of anymore. As a board game with role-playing elements, it’s best enjoyed with friends, where a friendly match can turn into a cold-blooded rivalry. For individuals, it’s a bit less spirited but well-suited for moments when you don’t want a tenacious test of reflexes or intelligence.

Given the novel’s taut pacing, likable leads, and first-rate aesthetics, Anonymous;Code serves as one of the most approachable entry points into the Science Adventure games. It might not top the emotional crests of Steins;Gate, but it's every bit as wonderfully mind-bending.

Rune Factory 3 Special makes few missteps in this remaster of the 2010 DS title. But for Switch owners, the availability of the technical superior Rune Factory 4 Special makes this effort a bit superfluous for all but the most fervent franchise devotees.

While Hamster Corporation’s emulation is impeccable, Taito’s gems don’t receive any sense of context. Sure, this meets the requirements for digital preservation, but the essential historical accompaniments are missing.

While a multitude of titles have paid homage to SNES-era role-playing times, Sea of Stars is one of the few efforts that truly understands what makes the source material so beloved. Charmingly wholesome and aesthetically adept, Sabotage Studio’s follow-up to The Messenger will keep you beguiled through its blissful 30- (or so) hour campaign.

Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles demonstrates the prodigious aptitude of Nippon Ichi’s early years. Across the two titles in this anthology, we follow characters at pivotal points in their lives. Despite the fairy tale-esque simplicity, expect your heart to be warmed by three generations of cheerful heroines.

Despite a few frustrating moments and a bug that prohibits completion, Sprawl’s six-hour jaunt is remarkably fun. Across that succinct span, you’ll master bullet time-enriched gunplay while parkouring about. If Max Payne with relaxed gravity sounds remotely interesting, consider spending an afternoon inside this dystopia.

Dust & Neon provides some engaging twin-stick firefights across its brief missions. Between the taut pacing, tough play, and the allure of meta-game progression, this is an above-average action-roguelike. If you aren’t burned out on the genre, Dust & Neon is worth hunting down.

Unless a miracle patch materializes, Die After Sunset might be doomed after launch. Gunning down the game’s relentlessly respawning enemies just to earn mediocre perks isn’t enough to lift this colorful third-person shooter out of the pits.

While entertaining in short doses, Quantum: Recharged enhancements don’t change a rather simple formula. Sure, spinning around and leaving traps feels fluid and is mildly satisfying. But the advancement of increasingly dangerous enemies across every game grows stale before long.

At launch, Hammerwatch II doesn’t live up to the legacy established by its predecessors. It’s evident that Crackshell wanted to push play toward an open world. But convoluted characteristics like vague quest details, an underdeveloped day/night cycle, inadequate control schemes, and time limits on quests all work to undermine the studio’s ambitions.

At $15, UFO: Unidentified Falling Objects offers a compelling campaign, standalone challenges, and a robust multiplayer component. Fans of action puzzlers like Mr. Driller or Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo will want to take UFO for a test flight via Steam demo. Despite the simplistic visuals, play is stellar.

Individually, PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe can be a chore. But with a group of friends, the game can feel like a sport as you cooperatively chase down goals and attempt to clean up the dystopian world of Junktown.

Much like "A Star is Born", White Album: Memories like Falling Snow watches the effect fame has on a relationship. Sure, some of the character flirt with cliché and some of the routes are predictable, but the visual novel's exploration into the underbelly of the music idol life industry make it worthwhile.

Sure, they’re not much depth to Witch's Rhythm Puzzle. Disrobing these sorceresses in strip Tetris-style matches is the real allure. But given the game’s pixel-art visual style and how the rhythm component timing can be challenging, the game ends up being as silly as it is sexy.

Many director's cuts can be a dubious proposition. But Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed main rip-off is centered on the removal of antagonist apparel. For many, that will be a very good thing.

If you’re seeking a unique roguelike, look no further than Ninja or Die. Runs are split between soaring across the screen and managing your inventory, which might seem like a dissonant approach. But that kind of creativity is overflowing in Nao Games’ inaugural outing, which is poised to become one of this summer’s sleeper hits.

Remnant II is the exemplary sequel that truly improves on its predecessor, with dozens of additions and changes that thoroughly improve the experience. While the single-player experience is worthwhile given the game’s adept procedural level generation, the campaign truly shines with a couple of friends or even anonymous players - courtesy of the convenient Adventure Mode.

You’ll need the hand-eye skills of a surgeon and the patience of a monk to make it through Mr. Run and Jump vibrant worlds. Although there’s fulfillment, there’s also the frustration of making a small error in timing, before repeating the same challenge for the twentieth time.

A distant descendant of Sokoban, Hafiz Mohd Rozlan’s Cramped Room of Death offers an extended test of engrossing, turn-based brain testers. Guiding a super-sized sprite through a labyrinth filled with enemies and chokepoints will put your intellect, and occasionally your persistence, to the test.

Awakening still offers an adept adaption of Oda Nobunaga’s (or any other daimyō) attempt to unify Japan. But a push toward accessibility means that the strategy has been simplified, with your retainers doing the bulk of the work. If you’ve been waiting for an entry point for the property, this might be an opportunity worth seizing. The rest of us should stick with the game’s superior predecessor.

Dragon Quest Treasures isn’t one of the beloved franchise's best spin-offs, but it’s a worthwhile adventure that succeeds due to an imaginative location and an invigorating sense of autonomy. Dragon Quest XI’s Erik and Mia might not get the backstory they deserve, but their younger days make for a diverting action-driven experience.

At best, Ed-0: Zombie Uprising recalls those wonderfully offbeat PlayStation 2 titles that would intermittently emerge from Japan. Unapologetically janky, this is the interactive equivalent of a pulpy B-movie, with ambitions that obviously outstrip the game’s budget.

Not long ago, it was evident when you were playing a fan-made project. Touhou: New World delivers the visual splendor and absorbing action of a corporate-backed development team yet was crafted by a small team of hobbyists. Lessening a bit of bloat and tweaking some balancing issues would let this David humble an industry of Goliaths, much like Reimu’s takedown of New World’s bosses.

Is a modern artistic work that still holds up 25 years later a classic? Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg makes a strong case for admitting GUST’s inaugural entry in the role-playing hall of fame. While the foundations are comparatively simplistic and the relationships can seem cartoonish, Salburg’s cycle of friending, fighting, gathering, and mixing ingredients is nearly as absorbing as ever.

Innovative and thoroughly polished, NeverAwake is ideal for shooter fans seeking a Burton-esque excursion through a young girl's psyche.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie comes with one of the biggest prerequisites in modern media. You’ll need to have played at least four, and ideally six, 40+ hour role-playing games to fully appreciate the intricacies of this title. That’s a substantial expectation, but if you have committed to the property, Reverie’s assemblage of personalities provides an impeccable farewell (and playful introduction) that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.

D Life’s molten display of whirling particles is hypnotic, while its ‘capture colors in a ring’ play mechanic is relaxing. Oddly, a synthesis of these two sentiments isn’t all that common in gaming. As such, D Life is recommended for those who are delighted by interactive ingenuity.

Alongside Raiden, and R-Type, Taito’s Ray games rank among the best STG franchises of the twentieth century. As such, Ray’z Arcade Chronology is essential for fans of the genre, compiling a trio of time-tested shooters.

Trepang2 is the R-rated summer blockbuster that Hollywood and Hong Kong don’t make anymore. For a back-to-basics ballistic barrage with options for slow-motion and cloaking, this is a triumphant FPS experience.

All too frequently, video game escapism means slaying hundreds of opponents. But Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life recreation of agrarian life is an entirely dissimilar experience, driven by an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Whether tending to a thriving garden or basking in the warmth of social interaction, its virtues largely continue to shine twenty years later.

Energy management decisions help deliver enough strategic depth to Tour de France 2023’s chase for the yellow jersey. But the game’s unsophisticated physics modeling and middling aesthetics do little to elevate the sense of simulation. That said, there’s masochistic enjoyment to be had in the game’s reproduction of 150+ kilometer stages- where a single bad decision can ruin an hour of focused effort.

Like a prodigious medical school grad, Fall of Porcupine shows breathtaking potential. For a while, the game makes good on its premise detailing some of the unstated difficulties of working as a junior doctor. But then the game seems to fold under the weight of its ambitions, delivering a particularly disheartening third act. Porcupine reminds us that the truly talented are susceptible to burnout.

If Tiny Thor could offer a tempered difficulty setting for those who lack god-like reflexes, it would earn an unmitigated recommendation. Instead, players with honed skills are the ones most likely to enjoy the juvenile god’s exploits and wielding the mini-Mjölnir.

Forza Polpo! channels the delights of 1995’s Jumping Flash!, as you guide a mechanized creature capable of leaping over skyscrapers. Thirty years on, some of the difficulties of first-person soaring and firefights haven’t been remedied. But when the sky is the limit, a few faults can be forgiven.

Raiden III represented a transitional time in the franchise’s 33-year history, following an extended hiatus and a shift on the business side of things. MIKADO MANIAX might not catalog what was going on behind the scenes but offers a revitalizing remix that STG fans will want in their collection.

Once you’ve mastered the fine art of aquarium design, the game evolves into a tycoon sim. Here, the relaxing pacing gives way to a bit more urgency, as you ensure that everything in your garage is ready for sale by the time the crowds trickle in. Fortunately, the easy jazz soundtrack can calm any worked-up nerves. Like Cruise Ship Manager, you’ll notice a fair amount of bugs and oddities, but given the affordable price point, some of the jank is forgivable.

At present, the game is lacking polish and the potential to be a scumbag. Yet there’s enjoyment to be had when your ship is gliding along smoothly and a fire breaks out below deck. As such, those without patience will want to wait for a deep discount before sailing the simulated seas.

Thwarting disaster through the cultivation of social bonds is a promising idea, as Makoto Shinkai and the Persona series have demonstrated. While Loop8: Summer of Gods transports port us to rural Japan, circa 1983, it does little with either the context or concept. The result is an unsatisfying time cycle that delivers few role-playing rewards and few characters worthy of truly caring about.

Playing The Millennium Girl and The Fafnir Knight on original Nintendo DS/3DS hardware remains the best way to experience the early Etrian Odyssey titles. But the Origins Collection offers a respectable alternative, delivering a trio of gaming’s top-tier dungeon crawls, with only a minimum of sacrifices.

No longer a remarkable rookie, Super Mega Baseball’s fourth outing is blemished by crashes and the inclusion of MLB alumni who fail to demonstrate their renowned skills. Additions like a Draft mode as well as cross-play aren’t able to shine until some of the fundamentals are fixed.

System Shock’s influence spread through the industry, leaving an indelible imprint on survival horror and first-person puzzler genres. As such, playing the remastered version of the game can evoke feelings of déjà vu. There’s still plenty of impact in your showdown against rogue AI, but the fun feels familiar, even if you somehow missed the original game.

Planet of Lana is downright gorgeous but worrisomely shallow. When it comes to play, the game’s puzzles and basic stealth can feel a bit antiquated and probably won’t challenge your cognitive skills. That said, younger players might appreciate the Ghibli-esque visuals.

Ghostpia: Season One is smart, challenging, and obliquely beautiful. Its ethereal world, where inhabitants mull about rather aimlessly and occasion acts of brutish violence break out, speaks about our own experience, without being overly preachy. It’s not for everyone, but if yearning for an artful read, these five chapters won’t disappoint.

For the past two decades, Puzzle Bobble (aka Bust-A-Move) has been coasting off the momentum of the first four mainline games. Everybubble’s abundant stages, flawless performance, and incorporation of different play modes don’t revolutionize the franchise but delivers a package that’s as well-rounded as a soap bubble.

Trials of Kokoro is an ambitious blend of visual novel and turn-based battling. Fans of the former component might find a bit of frustration. But those who appreciate when role-playing combat delves into buffs and weaknesses will want to undertake this trial.

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord is an amusing but largely average tactical role-playing game. Reuniting with characters like Fang, Eryn, and Tiara is enjoyable and the shift to grid-based battles is an improvement. But you’ll likely wish the game offered more innovation than those delightful, vocalized Muse-driven fights.

While Murtop probably won’t mesmerize over marathon sessions, it’s an inexpensively priced experience that is perfect for brief playtimes. Anyone with a tenderness for the coin-op era should immediately make Murtop a part of their collection.

Adventuring through Abalon will allow you to flex your strategic prowess without taxing your cognitive abilities. Factor in a massive deck of collectible cards as well as an inventory of playable characters that can conquer gridded battlefields, and there’s the potential to maintain a player’s interest for quite a while.

Unconventionality in gaming is gradually being devalued, replaced by overly sanitized, painfully generic efforts. But venturing through Kingdom Connect’s seven continents delivers a much-needed dose of nonconformity. Across that quest, you might even run into a hairdresser willing to change your appearance. Anyone who misses the era when cosmetics weren’t sold for actual money, is likely to have time with Dokapon’s wonderful weirdness.

What’s truly fulfilling about Roots of Pacha is the lesson of how everyone plays a role in the development of civilization. Advancement is often attributed to individuals and I won’t soon forget the village who discovered that grain could be converted into alcohol. But seeing that innovation fuel additional ones elevates Roots of Pacha over most of its peers. While Soda Den didn’t invent the agronomic sim, adding a sense of community and a representation of human development is the kind of innovation the genre truly deserves.

While the fashionably-dressed gents will grab your attention, a respectable rendition of Breakout will maintain it for a few hours. Given Otoko Cross: Pretty Boys Breakup’s reasonable price, the game is an easy recommendation for those attracted to brick smashing or the game’s line-up of heartbreakers.

Although it has a great atmosphere, Showgunners doesn’t cultivate the pathos that it’s capable of. As such, you’ll find pulpy motivations for the polished turn-based strategy, which positions the title in the secondary tier of XCOM-type titles. Tactics fans could do worse.

Nuclear Blaze’s platforming, flame dowsing, and sense of dread are all blistering hot. Even repeated attempts to overcome a thorny section will do little to cool your enthusiasm. What might be an issue is the game’s two-hour length. This port augments the action with a tougher New Game+ component, but it can feel like tossing a single piece of kindling on a once-roaring inferno.

At present, Dungeon Drafters has an inventory of issues that include crashes, a frustrating user interface, balancing woes, and a script that desperately demands proofreading. Yet, for all these faults, there is potential in the mixture of grid-based movement and the sheer abundance of card-based attacks.

Moons of Darsalon is recommended for those who enjoy old-fashioned, fiddly games where accidents and amusement occur in equal measure.

ArcRunner is a competent third-person roguelike shooter that works best as a co-operative experience. With more variety and a bit of scaling, it could easily accommodate individuals, too.

Whether played solo or with two non-compulsory local partners, Trinity Trigger channels the enjoyment of a ‘90s-era action role-playing game. From interacting with each town’s NPCs to delving into dungeons, almost every part of the game distills a sense of enjoyment.

Labyrinth of Zangetsu revisits the fundamentals of classical function crawling. Peer past the attractive ink-wash-styled visuals and you’ll find an experience that’s a faithful adaptation of board gaming with graph paper and pencil. Largely, this should satisfy purists looking for a timeless crawl where a deluge of crits are ready to punish the imprudent.

Although this is a proficient port of Mitchell’s 1996 arcade title, the pricing feels prohibitive. As such, only the most fervent Strider fans should consider a purchase of Cannon Dancer – Osman until a sale arises. This six-stage jaunt is likable, at least until the last level, but it also feels inferior when measured against Capcom’s classic title.

A Light in the Dark’s central refrain is how unfair life can be. Although that might sound like a cheerless premise, the visual novel effectively cultivates the complicated emotional state of a hostage. Whether the writing was just that good or I bonded with my captors, I didn’t want my confinement to end.

Combat can be fatiguing rather than stimulating, and frustrations are plentiful. But underneath it all is a game with potential, influenced by an assortment of classics. Hunt the Night, but only if you are tolerant and can forgive some conspicuous imperfections.

Before long, expanding your basic oceanic oil rig into a complex city grows tedious. That leaves random events to maintain interest, which is a short-term solution. When coupled with issues arising from the lackluster Switch port, that means you might want to pass on Drill Deal – Oil Tycoon’s offer of an offshore career.

Tower defense games have grown a bit stagnant recently. Although Witch Explorer isn’t perfect, the game offers a curious blend of strategy and shooting. Customary for the genre, it’s grind-heavy, but not prohibitively. The perks you earn provide perceptible upgrades, justifying the extra exertion.

If imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery then Wall World is bestowing lavish praise toward Dome Keeper’s blend of defensive shooting and subterranean drilling. Essentially, it’s the exact same concept but with a slightly better sense of progress.

Following nearly a decade-long retreat, EA Sports PGA Tour has returned. But instead of attempting to beat its competitor with a decade and a half of honed experience, the game often focuses on flash. The 30 courses here all look beautiful and lifelike, while the golfers all mug convincingly after bungling a nine-foot putt. But essentials like smooth swinging and the ability to customize a competition are missing at launch.

Delightful visuals and rigid controls make Curse of the Sea Rats a decidedly uneven experience. The Don Bluth-looking animation is superb, which might be enough of a draw for some. But more particular players will be disappointed by conventional navigation and combat which is often a chore.

Trading tanks for talismans and infantry for imps, GrimGrimoire provides a painterly style to the real-time strategy genre. With an intriguing plotline that tweaks expectations and a remaster that fixes some (but not all) of the game’s faults, OnceMore is worth revisiting or tackling for the first time.

Likely, the road to revenge is lined with dozens of retries, as SIFU injects a bit of permadeath into its martial arts-driven brawling. But given the game's robust new Arenas mode, walking the warriors' path at least offers a compelling value, with the game's story augmented by a collection of challenges that reference some of the greatest moments in action movie history.

Assault Suits Valken: Declassified offers a worthwhile reinvigoration to the best 16-bit mecha title ever made. While the game is rooted in 90’s design decisions, details like a sense of weight and the ability to inflict environmental damage make Valken a must-play experience.

Crafted by a team of ex-Ubisofters, Have a Nice Death offers sinuously animated visuals that recall Rayman Legends, while your moveset channels the dynamism of Devil May Cry. But despite a year in Early Access, the roguelike is tainted by some odd balancing issues that will eventually wear down your incentive or another run. Fear the reaper’s resistance toward growing stronger.