The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is the pinnacle of Trails storytelling alongside the best evolution of the hybrid action turn-based combat.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a must-play video game for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It has extreme complexity in the Digivolution and Personality system, but it is also super easy to get your hands on and play.

Keeper is Double Fine at its absolute best; a breathtaking, wordless journey that proves emotion and artistry can speak louder than dialogue.

After waiting for decades, Shinobi and Joe Musashi have not just made a proper return, but are a shining example of what SEGA can do with its older titles, should it want to. It’s simply flawless, full of enjoyable combat, tricky sections, and plenty to keep ninja gaming fans happy from start to finish.

In the end, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater proves that there is nothing quite like Metal Gear Solid on offer today. Konami has proven that it still has what it takes, while staying true to the original effort, and modernising in all the right places. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater sits alongside Silent Hill 2 as one of the best remakes in gaming.

Donkey Kong Bananza is nothing short of a revelation and revolution about what DK can be as a character and how his games can be different from Mario’s, Kirby’s, and others of his platforming ilk. He and Pauline are the epic “dynamic duo” that Nintendo can rally around to start the Switch 2 age, and you’ll love this game from start to finish…then go back for even more.

Magical Princess evolves the child-rearing simulator genre as it uses bonds and all the multiple endings to provide added incentive to the game. It has amazing art, stunning visuals, and a lot of heart and passion in each character and situation.

A phenomenal Visual Novel experience.

Despite a few minor issues, Crimson Desert sets a new benchmark for this style of open-world experience, one that will be extremely difficult for future games to match.

Borderlands 4 is an amazing entry in the series, Full of Gun’s, Exploration and Explosions. You can sink hours upon hours into this game, never feeling like you don’t have something to do.

Revisiting Starfield has been a blast. While returning players may need some time to adjust to the changes, there is no doubt in my mind that, with years of updates culminating in Free Lanes and Terran Armada, Starfield is a better game in 2026 than it has ever been…If you are jumping in for the first time on PlayStation 5, you will be playing the most polished version of Starfield yet. And if you have a PS5 Pro, you will also be playing the best-looking console version available.

Absolum blends the best of 2D beat ’em ups and roguelike design into a loop that’s challenging, unpredictable, and downright addictive. It doesn’t reinvent either genre, but its tight combat, branching paths, and stunning presentation make it a must-play for fans of both. Despite being Dotemu’s first original IP, you’d never know it. This is a masterclass in design that kept me hooked, even as it repeatedly kicked my teeth in.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the definitive way to start the Trails series. It is an amazing game, and the story and themes are just as relevant today as they were 20 years ago.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is everything you could wish for from an action RPG, with a heavy focus on systems that lean in to support the way you want to play. Not only is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II a brilliant sequel, but it’s a genre-defining game that pushes an otherwise stagnant genre forward for the first time in a decade.

Persona 3 Reload is amazing on Nintendo Switch 2. To have this Persona 3 experience on the go on a mobile Nintendo console is just great. If you can overlook the lowered FPS, it is a great addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 Library. From the Memento Mori theme story, the memorable cast, soundtrack, and battle system, you will not regret it.

Square Enix and Naoki Hamaguchi’s team did an amazing job with this port to Nintendo Switch 2. The resolution and frame performance are the trade-off, but not by much. Handheld mode is where the breaks in illusion show. Docked mode is the optimal way to play on Nintendo Switch 2. Everything else is intact and the added Streamline Progression options are a great addition. Just make sure you have a new SD card if you are adding this version to your library.

Dwarves: Glory, Death, and Loot, a fun roguelite auto-battler that will keep you entertained for hours on end through its addictive progression and seemingly endless builds.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a return to form for the Sonic kart-racing series, while adding exciting mechanics like portals that shift your race mid-race. The tracks are creative and colorful, the visuals shine. On the downside, handling can feel loose in tighter turns, rubber-banding and item chaos sometimes detract from competitive racing. Still, if you're looking for a fun, fast-paced kart racing, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers.

Gears of War: Reloaded breathes new life into a classic, delivering upgraded visuals, smoother performance, and all the brutal cover-shooting action that made the original legendary. From the chilling horror elements and iconic boss encounters to the witty squad banter, it proves just how well Gears of War has aged nearly 20 years later. With 4K, HDR, high frame rates, and full cross-play multiplayer, this is the best way for veterans and newcomers alike to experience the start of the saga.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a fantastic first Story of Seasons game on the Nintendo Switch 2. It has a cute art style, and it is very cozy.

WWE 2K26 may not reinvent the series, but it refines it in ways that matter, resulting in one of the strongest entries the franchise has delivered in years.

EA Sports Madden NFL 26 marks one of the franchise’s biggest leaps in years, especially in Franchise Mode, which finally gets meaningful depth and realism. On-field gameplay feels smoother and more fluid, with better animations, more responsive passing, and smarter AI. Overall this instalment breathes new life into the series, especially for Franchise fans, delivering smarter design choices, improved gameplay flow, and a more immersive presentation that make it the most exciting entry in over a decade.

Octopath Traveler 0 shows that this game series still has serious legs. It has the most content in the series, the most playable characters, and some of the grandest moments.

No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is a fun experience with tons of wacky times with Kaname Date. It also has some great storytelling.

An Audio and Visual Upgrade but some parts fall flat, This is the nature of yearly sport games unfortunately. But the ability to play from High School all the way to the NFL is a reason I would get both College Football & Madden this year.

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles proves that the original game is still a strong video game. Adding voice acting makes it almost a whole different experience.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a worthwhile return to form for the first-person Samus Aran titles. Viewros is beautifully designed, the combat is quick and intense, and yes, the Galactic Federation soldiers absolutely add to the story. Ignore the hate posts online and enjoy the ride.

Heavy Lunch Studio LLC successfully delivered on an RPG that takes from classics such as Earthbound and Pokémon and makes it all their own in Hermit and Pig. Featuring wonderful writing, a busy battle system that challenges you to think on your feet, great characters, and an explorable trippy world.

Yaoling Mythical Journey is a fun creature-collector with a battle system that is centered on party building.

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a fantastic metroidvania game that implements RPG mechanics and action combat that feels satisfying.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a solid direction for the series to make the already deep building elements as set dressing for a more narrative-focused Rune Factory experience. It can be jarring for long-time players of the series, though.

Mario Kart World feels like a true expansion of the franchise in many ways. The Nintendo Switch 2’s abilities allow for grander courses, more intense races, and experiences that’ll appeal to both hardcore racers and those who just want to roam around and see everything with their friends.

You might be left feeling like F1 25 is playing things a bit too safe and not taking any risks. BUT who can blame Codemasters for coasting behind a safety car when they have no direct competition.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion delivers one of the best modern Marvel beat ’em up experiences in years. With authentic character personalities, sharp animations, and nonstop comic-book energy, it feels made for longtime Marvel fans. A deeper X-Men and Fantastic Four roster would have elevated it even more, but the core gameplay is outstanding.

Silent Hill f does what the developers intended to do: Capture the soul and spirit of the first three Silent Hill games and put it into an unapologetically Japanese package. However, after playing the game, I walked away feeling like this was more like Forbidden Siren or Fatal Frame than a Silent Hill. The removal of the town itself is a big loss, but this game is one hell of a horror game that would have done really well even if it didn't have the Silent Hill brand attached to it.

Vampire Crawlers blends deckbuilding and roguelike action into a surprisingly addictive loop. It may not click with everyone, but for those who enjoy experimenting with builds and chasing “one more run,” it’s an easy recommendation, especially at its price point.

Reanimal is Tarsier Studios at its darkest and most uncompromising.

2026 begins brightly for the indie scene as Big Hops delivers tons of fun with its enjoyable platforming and vibrant world. The unique use of vegetables as items that help expand Hops repertoire, plenty of things to collect, and animals to meet along the way make the four biomes worth exploring. Big Hops is a 3D adventure you don’t want to miss.

People of Note is a musical turn-based RPG that has a lot of love for the medium. It is a phenomenal time that will leave you wanting to hear the songs on loop.

Resident Evil Requiem concocts a winning formula for combining survival horror with bombastic action. By mixing elements from every game in the series, Requiem triumphantly celebrates 30 years of Resident Evil. While not every note proves fresh, the game’s weapon variety, intriguing storyline, and endearing duo of Grace and Leon make for a horror experience sure to thrill fans and newcomers alike.

WiZmans World Re;Try is a solid time. I am glad it is finally out of Japan for the first time. There is a lot of customization for your characters, and a lot of depth, especially given that there are only four main elements to worry about. If you are fine without having voice acting and the longer dungeon designs, then this is definitely a recommended title.

Saros is a confident evolution of Housemarque’s formula and a compelling experience from start to finish. It may not carry the same punishing edge as Returnal, but what it gains in accessibility and progression makes it a game that more players can engage with and enjoy. If you can play it, you absolutely should.

Dying Light: The Beast is everything I wanted from Techland’s return to the series. The combat is brutal and fun, the sandbox world is massive and rewarding to explore, and Beast Mode is an absolute highlight. I feel that this is the best entry in the franchise and a must-play for fans of Dying Light.

Pokémon Legends Z-A dares to be different in various ways, and it comes together beautifully. Sure, not everything works, but it’s a marked improvement over the many issues that Scarlet/Violet had, and improves upon the “graphical issues” that many felt Arceus had. The game is a mix of great characters, fun battles that will test you, and make you feel truly part of a Pokémon community.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is a very unique and interesting game with enough gameplay to make you want to boot it up at random to check a few people, just to keep humanity safe. It does have some small issues with soft-lock missions, but that’s not really worth mentioning when you’re having so much fun.

For those who can’t get enough Indy, The Order of Giants whips up an engaging Indiana Jones mini-adventure. What it lacks in scope it more than makes up for with some of the best puzzles in the entire game. And its standalone Rome story feels like a movie unto itself, filled with rich lore and moments of wonder.

Cairn is a fantastic game that delivers an experience that tries both your thinking and stick skills. Aava is a unique character that serves as a great conduit to the emotions that you may go through while playing and all of its gameplay components work together to make the climb totally worth it.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a Dragon Quest that is not only full of whimsy but also has a lot of heart. It fixes a lot of the issues of the original game and adds more substance to love from this world.

Wander Stars is a quirky RPG that uses vocabulary to fight. It’s old school anime art style and soundtrack will transport you back to the 90’s and will live up to the expectations of those who grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Despite a slow start that almost made me stop playing the game, by the end, Life Is Strange: Reunion became a game that I fell in love with. Thanks to strong writing and excellent performances, Life Is Strange: Reunion delivers the perfect final chapter for Max and Chloe that all long-time fans should play.

ARC Raiders has taken the world by storm, redefining what an extraction shooter is with a brilliant blend of PvP and PvE gameplay. It’s risk vs reward loop won’t be for everyone but for those it captures, it sets a new standard for extraction shooters.

Fantasy Maiden Wars – Dream of the Stray Dreamer – is a fan game made with so much love for the Touhou universe and the Super Robot Wars combat style. It blends the two seamlessly.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I have put into Raccoin so far and can imagine I will be playing it for some time to come. With it’s multiple Raccoon’s and Cards on top of having to beat the previous difficulty to advance, the life span of this game is quite big.

Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter is a take on the Danganronpa death game style of Visual Novel, with a twist. Use your evidence and arguments to find the killers that arise in the style of Ace Attorney. The art and sound design are masterful and add a lot to the experience.

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a faithful recreation of the amazing movie that bears the same name. You get moments to play as Sarah, John, and the T-800, recreating some of the best moments from the film. However, a lack of longer or extra levels that could have added to the playtime of Terminator 2D: No Fate holds it back from being a true masterpiece.

Battlefield 6 is a true return to form for this beloved franchise, with improved gameplay, a substantial multiplayer offering and a fantastic (albeit short) single-player campaign. This game will be looked back on as a classic in the same way we look back on Battlefield 3 & 4 today.

Nioh 3 doesn't reinvent the series, and it does not need to. Instead, Team Ninja refines nearly every system the franchise has built over the years and layers meaningful additions on top. The dual combat styles, interconnected world, improved co-op structure, and player-friendly respec system all feel like natural evolutions rather than gimmicks.

Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is a charming and fantastical adventure. It makes you feel like you are playing through a good cartoon series.

Slots and Daggers is a simple RPG roguelite whose battle system is in the hands of the fate of a slot machine’s reels. Earn coin, spend it between battles, and assemble a game-winning build as you traverse through ten different dungeons or Arena Mode.

EA SPORTS FC 26 provides, without doubt, the best and most authentic gameplay experience in franchise history, even though it’s not quite perfect. The improvements and revamps across many modes offer refreshing play options that enhance replayability more than ever before. It’s just a shame that Player Career Mode didn’t receive the same level of care and attention. Ultimately, EA FC 26 is an easy recommendation and has given me the best experience I’ve had with the franchise in over a decade.

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel doesn’t break the mold when it comes to swarm survivor games, but it doesn’t have to. It offers plenty of replayability, and addictive gameplay that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, if you love norse mythology, then this game is steeped in it.

Football Manager 26 represents the biggest change for the franchise in two decades, with improved tactical options and the best match engine in series history. FM26 is still a strong offering, although some missing features combined with the need to learn a whole new UI might be too much of a challenge for series veterans.

Pragmata blends the strategy of puzzle-solving and the thrill of shooting into a winning combination. It’s a simple gameplay loop set against a simple sci-fi story, but it gets a lot of thruster mileage out of its unique systems and two endearing main characters.

Screamer is a fast, chaotic arcade racer that brings back the spirit of the classics with a modern twist. The speed and twin-stick drifting feel fantastic, but aggressive AI and rubberbanding keep it from reaching its full potential.

Ride 6 is a refined motorcycling racing experience that celebrates bike culture with deep handling, a huge, licensed roster & a rewarding, Skill driven Career mode. Enough to make any Motor Head enthusiast lose many an hour.

Neverness to Everness was a gacha game that took a lot of my time. It has a little of everything in this game. Supernatural fights, car stealing, fishing, bank heists, and everything in between. Since it is a combination of a lot of elements from other games, it doesn’t do as much as those specific games can. It is still a fun time.

ILA: A Frosty Glide delivers on what is a whimsical experience, skating on a broom, and finding a cat. It is a game that you just want to keep gliding around.

Particle Hearts is a pretty interesting experience. It has a sense of loneliness that feels inspired by Shadow of the Colossus. It also had some fun ping ponging of emotions in the environment that reminded me of Flower when I played that game for the first time. It is a game that asks you to stay aware of your surroundings, and you don’t need to finish the game quickly. Take your time to find the best route and find all the little collectibles. Sure, rest under that mushroom. Explore and enjoy the world. If you are interested in adventure platforming titles and a world where you can explore in a unique way, this is the one to look out for.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a visually stunning Metroidvania that nails exploration, atmosphere, and that “one more room” feeling. The module-based progression keeps combat fresh, and the story has enough mystery and emotional weight to keep you pushing forward. But the game isn’t without issues, including unclear direction, overly punishing platforming sections, limited accessibility options, and a frustrating story moments that can remove hard-earned health upgrades. It’s a great experience overall, albeit with a few flaws.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a love letter to 1930s rubber-hose animation wrapped around a tight, fast-paced shooter. The art style is stunning, the gameplay loop is satisfying, and the world Fumi Games has built is full of charm and personality. It ends too soon and can get repetitive in spots, but if Cuphead scratched an itch you didn’t know you had, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is absolutely worth your time.

Darwin’s Paradox! is a super fun 2D Puzzle Platform Adventure game, while i really enjoyed my time with the game and didn’t really encounter much problems other then sometimes being spawned back a bit further then I thought I would upon death, But other then that it is a stupendous game.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is an easy-going, cozy game. It can feel a bit overbearing with all that you can do.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a fun, action-packed homage to the classic series that blends retro charm with a few modern twists. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it delivers a solid experience that longtime fans will appreciate and newcomers can still enjoy; punishing difficulty, with a bit of cheapness and all.

Edens Zero is a weird mesh of older beat ’em ups, Musou, and Action combat that turns out to be quite fun. It can feel outdated with its accessibility and lack of PC options, but it is still really engaging.

I’ve enjoyed my time with the game, even though it kicked my ass way more than other Soulslikes that I’ve played in quite some time.

MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is an entertaining experience that has a lot to offer for those wanting a fun and humorous time. These characters are hilarious, but the gameplay can get a bit repetitive.

Mecha Break delivers what it sets out to do with a sweet entry point into a Hero Shooter. With the potential to continue its dominance with more strikers and modes, for what Mecha Break provides is addicting all on its’ own from the start. While some hurdles can be avoided, such as microtransactions, the rest of the action is smooth enough to set a path for a bright future.

Chip n’ Claws vs. The Brainioids is a fun mashup of RTS and action gameplay. It does have a fun gameplay loop, though it can be a bit overwhelming.

In a year with lots of GOTY contenders and many more indie bangers, Lunchbreak Tactics will definitely fall into the banger category. It won’t be winning any GOTY awards, but if the right audience finds it, I am fully confident it could grow into a really good Esports game, much like Hearthstone.

Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition is without a doubt the best way to play this classic RTS game. It’s more than just a simple remaster with improved visuals and audio. Those upgrades are here, sure, but there’s also a multitude of new content that will keep you entertained for hours.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a very authentic remaster of the original title, but doesn’t offer much reason to play it if you haven’t played it already. Great recommendation for those who haven’t played it on 3DS.

Palia is a great example of what a cozy game can be. It expands the genre and adds a lot of new features that some other cozy games don’t offer. However, it does fall short when compared to cozy game classics like Stardew Valley and the My Time At series. I really enjoyed my time with the game and plan to keep playing, hoping future updates bring even more great content.

Arknights: Endfield is a fantastic free-to-play game. It is still beholden to some of the hangups of a gacha game, with progress gates and luck of the draw dictating your main team.

FBC: Firebreak is a fun fast-paced three player co-op shooter which offers a new perspective on the world of Remedy Entertainment’s Control thus separating itself from the competition. Progression could be streamlined but the core gameplay experience combined with the difficulty and clearance systems make this game an easy recommendation.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy DX has smaller but more meaningful updates than the first DX game in the series. It is still less important narratively to the trilogy than either of the other titles, but it is the title in which gameplay became much more fun and engaging.

Nice Day For Fishing is an enjoyable game that’s best played in short spurts. The battles keep you on your toes with a consistent challenge throughout. There’s always deeper areas to explore and plenty of resource gathering available. However, it does tend to drag out with the repetitive tasks. But aside from that minor quibble, anyone that’s been looking for a Fishing RPG can’t go wrong here, especially if you are a major fan of Epic NPC Man.

All in Abyss: Judge the Fake is a fun combination of Yu-Gi-Oh! and Danganronpa that is much more fun getting to and fighting the bosses than it is for the rest of the game.

Elden Ring Nightreign is the “greatest hits” album of FromSoftware games. With bosses from Dark Souls, builds inspired by Bloodborne and Sekiro, and the world of Elden Ring, it has something for every Soulslike fan. And it’s multiplayer. It throws a lot into one pot and ends up as more of a cracked pot. But patches may fix it over time. No, not that Patches.

Hyrule Warriors Age Of Imprisonment does a great job of building upon what Age of Calamity did, while also being a true canon story that will make you feel a deeper connection to Rauru, Mineru, Zelda, and the other characters you assist along the way. The level of detail and customization is incredible, and is to be praised, and only certain things hold it back from being as great as its predecessor. Even still, this is another Switch 2 title that hits the mark, and it’s one you’ll definitely want to get to see Tears of the Kingdom in an even better light.

Popucom is an entertaining Co-op Puzzle Platformer that has a very simple and charming aesthetic. It may not be a perfect entry into the genre, but it is a fun one.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins Visions of Four Heroes is a solid expansion to the great game that was Dynasty Warriors: Origins.

If you always wanted to play Dynasty Warriors: Origins on the Nintendo Switch 2, and where there are some compromises, it's still a worthwhile experience for fans of Musou games.

Romeo is a Deadman is another memorable SUDA 51 game that will stick with you. The bloody hack n’ slash action, the overall presentation, the blend of retro styles, and the bonkers cast and story. It really is the spirit of video games. Including the rough spots and no block button. Don’t try to understand the madness that is a SUDA 51 game. Just take it all in and enjoy the ride. There is nothing like it.

Replaced is a game that leaves a lasting impression. Its world, characters, and visual design come together to create an experience that is easy to get pulled into, with its combat providing a solid backbone that keeps things engaging throughout.

SLEEP AWAKE is a deeply artistic game that feels like navigating a beautiful yet eerie dreamscape. It’s a bit light on gameplay aside from its eerie stealth sections. But with a haunting atmosphere of psychedelic visuals, otherworldly sounds, and creepy FMV moments, it’s got style for days—or sleepless nights.

While Invincible VS serves the brawlers at heart, it slightly falls short when it comes to giving loyal fans a deeper connection to the original franchise. It also could have used more content and tools to help close the gap between competitive pros and players still trying to find their footing.

Scott Pilgrim EX is a fun game to play. It has a good-sized roster and variety in the characters' movesets. It has some compromises in making it a Metroidvania map system, but it does make it a different experience in the genre.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a superb new IP from Bloober Team, taking inspiration from survival horror greats such as Dead Space and Resident Evil. With an eerie atmosphere throughout and excellent art direction helping to provide top-class environmental storytelling, all while being supported by weighty, impactful combat, Cronos: The New Dawn proves that the space of sci-fi survival horror isn't dead yet.