Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a lovely game through-and-through so if you like the idea of getting lost in a lighthearted old-school adventure that's full of fun surprises then you'll enjoy every second of this adventure.

Ikaruga is a classic shoot 'em up in every sense of the word and I'm happy to say that it holds up beautifully after over 15 years. Its polarity mechanic and breathtaking atmosphere certainly put it head and shoulders above many other entries in the genre.

Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S is the best classic-style Picross game that I've ever played thanks to its cheerful presentation, streamlined gameplay, ridiculous amount of puzzles, and rewarding unlockables. If you're a Hatsune Miku or Picross fan, it's a must-play.

Splasher is an exciting, colorful, and challenging game that platforming aficionados need to check out. Completing it once is a monumental task on its own but the fast and fluid controls and clever level design make replaying and perfecting stages just as enjoyable.

Even though I enjoyed its online multiplayer much more than its story mode, there's no denying that DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is a great fighting game. It's also one that the more you play it, the more you'll enjoy it because of its steep yet rewarding learning curve.

When it comes to great shoot 'em ups, DoDonPachi Resurrection is one of the best with challenging yet easily digestible gameplay and stylish eye-popping visuals. Plus, the fact that it's jam-packed with modes and content makes it one complete package.

I had a lovely time playing Luigi's Mansion 2 HD as it brought back memories as well as solidified how special of a series these ghost-busting adventures are. Plus, the animation and audio design remain some of the best in all of gaming.

X-Morph: Defense is one of the most impressive and addictive games that I've played all year. The blend of twin-stick shooting and tower defense is perfect for some intense gameplay and the fact that you can enjoy it with a pal is the icing on the cake.

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution does so much right that it's easily one of the best games that the franchise has ever had. It just goes to show that old-school approaches to making a memorable game doesn't mean that its quality will suffer.

Gears 5: Hivebusters is a must-play for any fan of the series. From its dire situations to its jaw-dropping combat scenes, it's hard to pull yourself away from the action-packed campaign and once you've completed it, you'll gladly play through it again.

Railway Empire is simply one of the best real-time strategy experiences that I've ever played on a console and juggling its many rewarding tasks in order to succeed in building a nation is nothing short of satisfying. My conductor hat is off.

It may sound heretical to some but I actually enjoy Vagante more than Spelunky. With its variety of character classes and equipment along with full cooperative multiplayer support, this indie gem is easily one of my new favourite games. See you online!

Mr. Driller Drill Land is the best game in the series and one of my favourite Switch games in recent memory. If you enjoy action-packed arcade fun with plenty of cheerful humour, you'll thoroughly dig this.

I had a lovely time with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and its quirky look at human existence made me realise just how silly we all are.

I'm very happy that I waited to play FREEDOM WARS Remastered online before writing my review because its action-intense combat lends itself so perfectly to multiplayer matches that I can't wait to play it again. You know what? I think I'll go do that now.

SaGa Emerald Beyond is a wonderful RPG for anyone who loves experiencing multiple worlds and stories while partaking in incredibly gratifying encounters against imaginative enemies. This is the sort of game that we need more of.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a great tactical stealth game that has not only held up wonderfully on its own, this new Nintendo Switch 2 release is the definitive way to play it on console so definitely get it if you enjoy challenging strategic gameplay.

Linelight is one of the best indie puzzlers ever made. Its immersive, challenging, and varied gameplay is presented in such an accessible and brilliant way that even after you're done with it, you'll think fondly back at this little light for years to come.

This latest Namco Museum features enough fantastic games to delight both long-time gamers and the retro-curious. After all these years, it's great to see Namco still putting together incredible compilations and digging up a few buried treasures in the process.

Summer in Mara is a super-fun and colourful adventure with a ton of content that you can enjoy for many hours. Anyone who's a fan of these kinds of games will feel right at home with Koa and her chums so here's hoping this gem gets the attention that it deserves.

If you get invited to LEGO Party! then be sure to go because with its incredibly entertaining mini-games and commentators that'll make you crack up as you explore its jam-packed super-silly boards, this is one funky fresh shindig that you won't soon forget.

Strange Brigade definitely took me by surprise as it's one of the most fun-filled cooperative online games out there. The amount of variety makes the gameplay constantly enjoyable and working together with friends is super-satisfying.

Marvel's Iron Man VR provides some of the most enjoyable action-packed missions ever available in a virtual reality game. You may have to lollygag around for a while before being able to actually play these missions but they're definitely worth the wait.

My gaming chum and I absolutely adore Ready, Steady, Ship! and we can't wait for even more factory fun so bring on the DLC and sequel, please. It's a genuinely unique co-op experience that's packed with variety; every genre enthusiast simply needs to play it.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection contains the incredible origins of a series that should never be forgotten. It may not be the definitive compilation of all things X but reliving these classics is a must for any Mega Man fan.

Over a decade later, Borderlands still offers righteous good times. The fact that you can now play it portably is just awesome so clear some space on your SD card and get ready to shoot some Midget Psychos in the head.

We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is exactly what its name will lead you to believe as it's an excellent classic silly fun time that looks better than ever and has a pinch of extra content that's sure to delight long-time fans so play it; okay, Mr. Sunshine?

As a huge fan of all things Kunio-kun, I must say that I'm extremely impressed with River City Girls. In fact, it may just be the best game in the franchise. Sorry if you're reading this, Kunio and Riki, but these girls proved to be more kickass than you are.

Even with its faults, Culdcept Revolt is one of the most addictive 3DS games that I've ever played. If you're a fan of Monopoly and JRPGs then this is a game that you need to add to your collection.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a great start to a brand new arc with its elements ranging from expected to impressively fresh and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Devil May Cry 5 features incredible action-intense gameplay as well as gorgeous visuals, engaging cutscenes, and phenomenal audio. If it included a little more variety then it would easily be the best in the series.

Strategic war games don't get much more engaging than Valkyria Chronicles 4. Its memorable world, satisfying gameplay, and oodles of content will delight any fan of the genre for dozens of hours.

It took a while but I ended up thoroughly enjoying the strategic management gameplay of Endzone - A World Apart: Survivor Edition. It may have a steep learning curve but if you're willing to put some effort in, you'll eventually have a great time.

Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes is the best indie surprise of the year so far. Its combination of pinball action, strategic roguelike structure, and cartoony goofiness is just great for anyone who loves having fun with their video games.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Borderlands 4 and although it doesn't reinvent the series, it provides a formula that fans will appreciate while newcomers will surely be impressed by the frantic co-op online multiplayer zaniness.

UNSIGHTED does a lot of things and it does them extremely well. So, if you enjoy the classic Zelda formula, Metroidvania exploration, twin-stick shooting, and reaction-based combat then you'll love your time with this gem of an indie.

Take it from someone who doesn't usually enjoy unchallenging laidback adventures; OMNO is undoubtedly a wonderful experience. From its stylish visuals to its consistently rewarding collectibles and sense of progression, it really is the cat's pajamas.

A great JRPG that any fan of the series should pick up. It may get a little boring from time to time but with such a variety of content to master, how could you pass up exploring this colourful, lively, and fantastical world?

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a supremely fun one-on-many fighting experience with familiar grand scale battles combining with freshly challenging elements that can really put your skills and reflexes to the test and it works wonderfully on Nintendo Switch 2.

Tetris Effect: Connected PSVR2 is a culmination of everything since the original released in 2018 and the fact that it looks so awesome thanks to PlayStation VR2 means that it's by far the best way to experience it yet. Oh, and the new modes are cool, too.

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a massive RPG for a handheld console with a serious and involving story that'll keep you hooked as you travel back and forth in time to unlock each new event only to finally reach the plot's satisfying climax.

If you have a soft spot for classic 3D platformers and imaginative game worlds, you'll have a lovely time with Balan Wonderworld. With a heartfelt story, plenty of cuteness, a clever costume system, and oodles of stages to master; it's one incredible adventure.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit is a modern retro-style game done right so grab a pen and paper to write your passwords down and have a blast shooting your way through its clever stages as you take in the very cool chiptunes and oodles of goofy references.

Is Aragami 2 rough around the edges? You bet. Does it lack challenge? Unfortunately. But, that doesn't mean that it isn't a heck of a lot of fun. In fact, its arcade-style approach to stealth gameplay had me hooked and I'm looking forward to more sneaky action.

Mary Skelter: Nightmares is one of the most delightful and impressive RPGs that I've played in a long time. Both old-school dungeon crawler fans and those curious about the genre definitely have a bloody enjoyable adventure ahead of them.

Under Defeat is such a challenging explosion-filled shoot 'em up that it's hard to put it down, especially with its distinct modes and helicopters to pilot. Throw in flashy visuals and a great soundtrack and you have one radical arcade shooter.

Islets keeps things simple with its Metroidvania formula yet it accomplishes its satisfying gameplay so exceptionally well that it's hard to stop playing it once you start. Plus, watching the islands come together has to be one of the most rewarding mechanics in the genre.

Mario Sports Superstars is bursting at the seams with a varied collection of enjoyable content. If you're a fan of Mario's sports games then this is one compilation that you'll likely find yourself enjoying for years to come.

Melbits World is the cutest game that I've ever played. Not only that, it's also impressively challenging and a fantastic co-op experience for up to 4 players. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys local multiplayer with friends.

It's great to see Nintendo bringing new life to their classics, especially after such a long time since the original Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga was released. The graphics are dramatically improved, the map is more accessible than ever, and everything that you loved from the original is still here along with some bells and whistles and a brand new untold story.

Countless fantastic 2D action games released since Cave Story initially debuted yet it remains a wonderful experience that every genre fan needs to play. Now that it's available on Switch, even more gamers can see why it's such a timeless classic.

After enjoying it for hours, Bonfire Peaks is easily one my favourite practical puzzle games of all time. From its distinctly presented world to its unconventional premise and its wealth of tricky puzzles to its variety of mechanics; it has everything you'd want from the genre.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered is indeed wonderful with its action-packed campaign and highly enjoyable gameplay. As if that's not enough, there's an underlying message that I'm sure we could all use right now.

Typoman: Revised isn't afraid to test your wits and word descrambling abilities as well as your grasp of the English language (I don't think there would be any way for non-English speakers to complete the campaign). It also makes sure you've been paying attention to all of the mechanics by throwing in a few tricky puzzles right at the end. Typoman: Revised is a notable improvement over the original game and will be especially endearing for gamers who have a love of the English language.

Knights of Grayfang is one of the most impressive RPGs that I've played in quite a while. Its everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach to party progression and exploration make it incredibly rewarding while the game world remains nothing short of memorable.

Holy Potatoes! We're In Space?! offers a brilliant premise along with addictive gameplay that'll keep you hooked as you explore galaxy after galaxy. If you enjoy strategic battles and management games with a side of fries, this is a game for you.

The highly competitive puzzle action of Touhou Spell Bubble is exciting stuff that cleverly incorporates rhythm gameplay and a satisfying layer of strategy. If you enjoy these kinds of games then you'll certainly have a blast with what this adorable puzzler has to offer.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society builds upon its predecessor Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk while also making for a much more streamlined experience and that's great; well, as long as you take time to learn the ins and outs of its many systems.

The incredible sights and sounds and satisfying mechanics of Starlink: Battle for Atlas make exploring its gorgeous planets a joy. So, if you're looking for your next toys-to-life obsession then this could definitely be it. Just make sure to bring a friend.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink has a lot of character and is a great contribution to action RPGs. Genre fans looking for something new will enjoy this tale, especially its epic boss fights and interactive landscapes to explore; well, if you can get over the initial hurdles, of course.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is the sort of game that becomes better the more you play it so if this is your first time playing it or you haven't played it for years, bring plenty of patience with you and you'll end up having a phenomenal trip to the mall.

I was so impressed with my time playing Traffic Jams that it quickly became one of my favourite PlayStation VR games. The spot-on humour and frantic gameplay combine beautifully into one fun VR experience and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any PSVR owner.

Drago Noka presents an imaginative and attractive pixelated city-builder with a twist and some exceptionally deep gameplay. As long as you're not in it for a story, you'll end up sinking hours into exploring the nooks and crannies of what it has to offer.

Wonder Boy Collection is the kind of compilation that its games do all of the heavy lifting. In other words, it's just alright as an overall package yet the individual games are sure to scratch your itch for old-school entertainment for hours upon hours.

The Quarry is a lot of fun and certainly scratches the itch of wanting to control the dimwitted characters in a teen slasher movie with the hopes of prolonging their survival or killing them all, if you prefer. At just over 10 hours, it's a good length but with so many branching paths and possible endings, I wish that replayability was executed in a more streamlined manner.

Pac-Man 99 is not only an excellent battle royale game; it's also a lovely homage to all things Namco with tons of charming themes to play with. Throw in some clever single player challenge modes and you're left with one impressive package.

I don't care what anyone else says, The Lego Movie 2 Videogame is a ton of fun. With a spot-on blend of familiar Lego gameplay, open-world environments, and an assortment of awesome gadgets; what's not to love?

We Were Here Forever is a phenomenal experience that you and an online friend will thoroughly enjoy, especially if you're into escape rooms. Its puzzles are elaborate, challenging, and, most of all, superbly rewarding even when they're a bit frustrating.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Pioneers of Olive Town. It may have the odd technical issue yet it makes up for that with a solid variety of items to collect and create, many rewarding skills to level up, and new gameplay elements to enjoy.

After having played many Mystery Dungeon style games, it's clear that void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium is in the top-tier of what the genre is capable of. Add in oodles of heart and a lovely presentation and you're left with one exceptional formula.

I didn't expect to love GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon as much as I did. As a revival of an old game that not many folks are aware of, it does an excellent job of offering a modern and challenging roguelike experience. I hope to see many more games like this.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a phenomenal collection of games with incredible updated visuals and a few cool extras. It may have some retro baggage but there's no denying just how classic Crash's first three adventures are.

The fact that Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection exists is incredible as it's comprised of some of the most enjoyable and underrated 2D action games ever made. If you're a fan of the genre, you need to add this to your gaming library.

Under The Island is an adorable, challenging, and silly action adventure game that's packed with variety and secrets to uncover. Great stuff.

For newcomers to the series, void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2 provides a fantastic experience that will make you fall in love with Robbie and Toriko. However, for veterans like me, it can all be a little too familiar, especially with its slow-paced campaign.

Cosmonious High is yet another delightful gem for PlayStation VR2 and I'm very happy that such a unique and charming game exists for the platform. So, if you want some cute and lighthearted fun in the virtual realm then I definitely recommend it.

Undead Horde 2: Necropolis is simply one of my favourite indie games of the year so far thanks to its incredibly rewarding structure and variety of horde types that make configuring your army a treat. If that sounds good to you then I highly recommend this indie gem.

It may not give a good first impression but once you start to learn strategies and achieve higher and higher scores, Quantum: Recharged quickly turns into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable arcade-style games that you'll ever play.

LIVE A LIVE kept me excited for what the next chapter would entail with each one boasting unique characters, settings, and gameplay so it's a perfect game for anyone who relishes variety. I just wish each chapter was fleshed out with more depth and unique elements.

Enter the Gungeon was a super-fun game back in 2016 and now, it's even better. So, if you still haven't played it and you have a fondness for roguelike twin-stick shooters, picking up a copy of this delightful package is a must. [Physical Edition]

I wasn't disappointed by this latest installment in the Hitman franchise. Its awesome graphics, varied gameplay, and tons of content will impress. However, the terrible (and sometimes offensive) writing, confusing menus, and inconsistent AI took me out of the experience enough to warrant a less than stellar score than it would otherwise deserve.

Cotton Reboot provides an incredible experience for shmup fans with its expertly-crafted arrange mode that modernizes the classic to new heights. In fact, it does such a good job with this that it could be used as a template for any shoot 'em up remake.

Tetris Effect: Connected is 2 steps forward and 1 step back from the original 2018 release so if you want to play Tetris online, I can't think of a better option than this. Oh, right; Tetris 99... but that doesn't have a cool single player campaign like this does.

Luigi's Mansion is one of Nintendo's most unique games and now that gamers who never played it before have the opportunity to enjoy it on-the-go and with so many cool new features, it's hard not to full-heartedly recommend this now-portable classic.

Whether you're a fan of the original or merely kart racers in general, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will surely amaze you with its satisfying gameplay and stunning visuals. That being said, this old beaut could definitely use a slight tune-up.

LEGO Bricktales masterfully combines rewarding exploration with clever construction-based puzzles to make for a highly entertaining formula. The controls can be annoying when you're building things but once you see it all come together, you'll have a great time.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 3 contains 2 easygoing adventures; each with an undeniable feminine touch. Even though they both lack challenge, playing these delightful SRPGs still makes for a great change of pace from the current gaming landscape.

Touhou Spell Carnival Limited Edition is such a wonderful package of a unique and rewarding strategic game that comes with a box full of brilliant physical extras. It's such a great set that I'm going to visit IFI's Online Store more often and see what other goodies await.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves may not be the most expansive fighter ever made but what's here is undeniably great stuff that any fighting game enthusiast can easily enjoy. The question is: will Hotaru's ferret be available as a stuffie? I sure hope so.

Ittle Dew may not contain a lengthy adventure but it's so packed with fun that I highly recommend it. Replaying this indie classic definitely made me excited for the prospect of Ittle Dew 3. Will it ever happen? By Itan's beard, I hope so.

Although The Lost Child is a far cry from El Shaddai, Sawaki Takeyasu clearly crafted something special here. If you're a fan of first-person dungeon crawlers then you surely won't be disappointed with this fulfilling monster-recruiting adventure.

Dungeon exploring in Cuisineer is a frantic challenge and the enemies are so adorable that you'll keep wanting to go back. I wish running the restaurant was just as fun, though, as it can get repetitive; I'd rather stare at the delicious recipe book than managing the business.

There are many excellent indie games recently and you can definitely add Dreamscaper to the list. With its pitch-perfect game world, highly rewarding gameplay loop, imaginative premise, and personal boss fights; you'll regret sleeping on this one.

As of this moment, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto is the best game in the franchise so if you enjoy anime fighting games and want a great one on your Switch then you should definitely give this a go.

If you're an existing fan or want to get into the series then Disgaea 1 Complete is a must-buy remake. Its gameplay, humour, and vast amount of content hold up impressively well 15 years after its debut and it looks better than ever, too.

Spelunky is considered a classic roguelike for good reason. Its hazard-filled structure will have you constantly learning new tricks as you continue to progress further and further. In fact, it even remains superior to its recent sequel so I highly recommend giving it a go.

Although the shift to a more action-oriented combat system initially made me hesitant, I ended up loving every second of Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters once it all clicked. Plus, the meta-humour and lovely cast of characters are more delightful than ever.

WarioWare Gold is the ultimate collection of microgames. With so many ways to play, oodles of unlockable goodies, and hilarity lurking around every corner; you'd be a goof not to enjoy Wario's latest fun-filled cash grab.