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.