Metal Slug Tactics is, above all, a tactics game with excellent gameplay and strategic variability that lives up to the legacy left by the franchise, which has already been forgotten by younger generations.

Mario Kart World is the perfect game to pick up if you're a big fan of the series or if you get the chance to buy the Switch 2 bundle that includes it. Otherwise, I think it's totally fine to wait a bit longer and keep enjoying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—for now, at least—until you find the new game on sale. Either way, once you do get your hands on it, I can assure you that Mario Kart World will be one of those titles that stays with you throughout the entire lifespan of the Switch 2.

Chronos: The New Dawn delivers a haunting atmosphere and intriguing story, but its lack of surprises and uneven gameplay hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Saros features gameplay with frenetic combat and a raid system that encourages and excites the player to replay everything dozens of times before finally progressing through the game. Furthermore, its story offers an appealing universe and a foundation that can be easily explored in other titles and even sequels.

After more than 13 hours of climbing (and much more gameplay overall, considering my failures), Cairn proved to be a special game, very consistent with its premise. It became clear, after some time, that it doesn't try to please everyone, but delivers an intense, fun, and quite original experience for those willing to play at its pace.

With its improved graphics, renewed gameplay and good changes, Age of Mythology: Retold brings the legendary game to the level we expect from an RTS in the modern era.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II excels in technical quality, story, and characters — with particular emphasis on the protagonist and her voices. However, the obsession with cinematography ends up sidelining its gameplay mechanics, which hardly have any new features compared to the previous game.

Mullet Madjack is a true love letter to '90s pop culture enthusiasts. The visuals are very appealing, the theme is well-developed, and the references are a treasure trove of surprises. Not to mention the soundtrack, which evokes nostalgic feelings of the good old arcade days.

With about 20 hours of campaign, Enigma of Fear was a good surprise in 2024 and brought that "Brazilian sauce" to a very competitive genre. Despite having some negative points, I'm sure they are all aspects that can be improved in the future.

A game like Two Point Museum is a very easy recommendation for those who like management games and enjoyed the last two titles in the series. Considering what the project has to offer in both campaign and sandbox modes, I would say that the price on PC and consoles is also very reasonable compared to other games of this type. However, it may be worth waiting for a sale if you are in doubt or have a tighter budget.

Ultros has its share of problems and imperfections. Still, I had a great time playing it. The visuals won me over, the exploration entertained me and the whole theme made me question my own life.

For the LEGO fans, the game is worth it, especially for those who have never tried any game from the original series, or who simply love the casual and fun gameplay that is the hallmark of LEGO games. For Horizon fans, the game feels like a parody that doesn't add much in terms of content, other than seeing gameplay adapted for a wider audience, and that includes a split-screen mode.

Possessor(s) is an interesting entry-level Metroidvania for those wanting to explore the genre and enjoy a story with interesting characters and beautiful visuals. The game disappoints in some aspects and may leave you lost at times, but it's worth the price.

There are enough good ideas in Avowed for it to be a fun adventure for Obsidian fans or those who like more casual RPGs, but there isn't enough depth in its mechanics, characters or plot for it to go much further than that. The overall experience is positive, but it definitely doesn't leave a memorable mark after the end credits roll.

Romeo is a Dead Man, developed and published by Suda51's studio, shows that creativity isn't born from constraints, and the director, more than ever, now does what he wants. Even reusing a game mold that unfortunately fell out of use, the title imprints its mark on all the systems and visual elements that compose it, being the most unhinged third-person action experience in recent times.

For those seeking an out-of-the-box FPS with nostalgic elements, a challenging gameplay experience, and a short playtime, Crisol: Theater of Idols is an excellent choice.

Deathbound manages to bring innovations to a consolidated genre, mixing elements that make it ideal for those who want to venture into a soulslike without going through any hardships.

What if Hidetaka Miyazaki had directed a special episode of SpongeBob SquarePants? That's what Another Crab's Treasure is like. Even though it's an unexpected combination, I can say: it just works.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered presents a generous package, bundling three of Lara's iconic adventures alongside their expansions. While it showcases updated graphics derived from the original source code of the three games and incorporates modern controls, the lack of quality of life improvements may hinder its appeal to a newer audience.

It's clear that Escape From Tarkov has great qualities, but it demands too much time to understand and engage with the various gameplay systems involved. While the experience can be fun, the game might not be for you, depending on your preferences.

Helldivers 2 gets “games as a service” right, promoting a gameplay cycle that encourages collective play. The space adventure exceeds expectations and could set a new standard for third-person shooters and co-op games.

It's easy to recommend Avowed for what it has become in exactly 365 days: a polished action RPG like few others, dedicated primarily to combat and exploration, with a hooking premise, even if some of its most ambitious ideas don't quite work. Are there problems? Several. But nobody said a game needs to be perfect to captivate the player like Avowed manages to.

Ara History Untold could be a great competitor to other strategy games, such as Civilization. It relies on an efficient turn-based system, which helps you plan your next steps, and a progressive storyline that makes it a pleasure to see everything evolve into the most modern world.

Tides of Tomorrow is the kind of game that can take you by surprise, especially if you've played several other titles where "choices matter." It's refreshing to find a game where there's a greater impact not only on the world being created around you but also on the world of other players. Even if some aspects are simpler, I believe the game balances this with its mechanics of shared visions and lives among the Tidewalkers.

Without much fanfare, Screamer is a classic arcade racing game. Authentic and with a vibrant 1980s anime aesthetic, the reboot didn't need to adapt to genre trends to deliver a fun, drift-focused experience. Essentially, the game draws inspiration from its own past to show that arcade-style races are still going strong in 2026.

Princess Peach: Showtime is a very interesting, fun and creative game. It's great that Nintendo did something original for the princess, who was one of the only main characters in the franchise who didn't already have her own niche.

The new Top Spin has many options in career mode, robust character creation, cross-platform support and the presence of big stars. However, microtransactions and lack of balance take the game away from perfection in the genre.

Little Nightmares 3 is a great entry point for those looking to bring more people into the world of gaming, while also keeping the franchise alive with its well-known standards. Whether solo or in co-op, Low and Alone's adventure captivates with its setting and simplicity.

Rise of the Ronin may not be the most original or beautiful game, but it has solid combat and a captivating cast of characters. While the gameplay tends to be easy most of the time, I had an overall experience with fun confrontations and a balanced challenge.

Baby Steps is, without a doubt, the quirkiest game of 2025 and one of the wildest experiences I've ever had. With an utterly unbearable protagonist and gameplay that makes you want to throw the controller against the wall, I still found myself coming back every day, determined to push Nate forward.

The first brand-new entry in the series since 2012, Lumines Arise retains everything that made it a success and delivers a synesthetic experience in which music, visuals, and gameplay blend together to immerse the player in what’s happening on screen. At the same time, the simplicity of what’s offered can leave the impression that something is missing from the experience — especially when it comes to the variety of challenges.

Above Average, the Onimusha 2 Remaster reaffirms Capcom’s affection for its franchises. Samurai’s Destiny wrestles with a clunky camera and an awkward affinity system—flaws that stand out more clearly today—but these issues don’t overshadow the game’s unique structure, which still feels distinctive: part Resident Evil, part hack and slash. Here’s hoping that the Onimusha-like formula becomes a trend going forward.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties makes controversial decisions, but, looking closely, overall it gets more right than wrong. Analyzing it from the perspective of someone who isn't a purist of the franchise, we have experiences that complement each other and, in the end, fulfill the purpose of entertaining with mafia dramas and great incentives in its "open neighborhood" structure.

Even with problems that can easily be removed or changed after a few updates, High on Life 2 stands out not for its gameplay (which, even though frantic, is still a bit generic) nor for its story, but for its creativity. Memorable and creative boss battles and sharp dialogue without much exaggeration make High on Life 2 excel in its main objective: delivering fun.

Flight Simulator 2024 is the most inclusive version of the franchise, allowing players who always have difficulty playing it to finally find an accessible game. And for the experienced, it is never too realistic, both in the visual part and in its gameplay.

While the story can be confusing, Pacific Drive shines in terms of immersion. It manages to transport you to a unique atmosphere of loneliness, melancholy and nostalgia, bringing back memories of classic TV shows and movies from the 90s.

Earthion is a gift for fans of classic shoot ’em ups and a passionate tribute to the 16-bit era, complete with all the charms and quirks that come with it. Its soundtrack is a standout on its own, the visuals are gorgeous within its style, and the difficulty will delight veterans seeking a real challenge.

In essence, Sonic X Shadow Generations is two games in one. The new content, starring Shadow the Hedgehog, continues the good momentum of modern games about the hedgehog and meets expectations with fun and diverse gameplay. However, the short length may disappoint fans.

There’s no better way to put it: Ghost of Yotei is more Ghost of Tsushima. It’s a sequel that sticks closely to what worked in the original game, with an emphasis on its engaging open world and even more stunning visuals. The narrative quality leaves a bit to be desired, and the combat—though more versatile—also has its repetitive moments, but the experience remains one of the best gaming has to offer when it comes to samurai games.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is an honest soulsvania that respects the genre's conventions and understands what makes the combination of these styles so special, even if it has an uninspired character design. Combat and exploration flow in harmony and are the elements that drive the experience from beginning to end. The story, however, is relegated to a supporting role.

Despite its unbalanced and sometimes frustrating combat, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake still tells an excellent story that deserves recognition. Outside of the narrative, however, its visual presentation is inconsistent, especially by the modern standards expected from a remake. For players who do not rely on Portuguese subtitles, the title can still be enjoyable and serve as a good entry point to the franchise.

Stellar Blade is shallow in terms of narrative and has a problematic protagonist, but it has great graphics, soundtrack and action gameplay. The package delivers less than promised, but it is possible to have fun with the game.

EA FC 25 doesn't live up to its launch price. The game has limited improvements, especially in terms of gameplay, which make it only worth it for those who play competitive mode, or for those who can't live without Ultimate Team.

Dune Awakening is a game that appeals both to longtime Dune fans and to players who’ve never read or watched anything from the franchise. Its immersive world makes you want to live in the saga’s universe—whether that’s surviving the harsh deserts of Arrakis or exploring more hospitable planets. At the same time, it’s the kind of game where you’ll easily lose hours building and customizing your bases, gear, equipment, and vehicles.

With more hits than misses, Killing Floor 3 is a solid co-op shooter that thrives on relentless action and stands out thanks to its addictive progression loop. While it’s true the game still lacks enough content to feel fully fleshed out, it serves as a strong entry point for newcomers to the series. Its touch of horror, drenched in blood and gore, gives the experience a unique finishing touch.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a competent game in its simplicity. It's not particularly innovative in its gameplay or narrative, but its mechanics are good enough to entertain and please fans who are missing out on stealth games.

INDIKA is a very out-of-the-box game that promises more than it delivers. The game has a good and immersive story, but makes mistakes in other elements, such as simple puzzles and gameplay without any major new features.

Life is Strange Reunion marks a significant narrative evolution compared to Double Exposure, but leaves a feeling of being made as a big fanfic to please the most enthusiastic fans of the Max and Chloe couple. And that makes a lot of sense, considering that Square Enix marketed the game as the duo's last great adventure.

For those seeking atmospheric horror focused on exploration and suspense, Routine offers a clear, cohesive, and visually striking proposition. It's a short, engaging experience with a strong identity—even if it falls short of its full potential.

Skull and Bones is a very unusual game that will have its own niche and will be a classic "love it or hate it" title. This happens due to the complexity of its gameplay, which can alienate newcomers, and the bugs that, at least on the PS5, appeared constantly.

Crimson Desert is an experience that won’t appeal to everyone, but it can be unforgettable for those who embrace what others might see as flaws. Blending combat, survival, and exploration, the game offers over 100 hours of content that may feel superficial to some yet captivating to others. Despite issues like confusing menus and a clunky inventory system, it remains fun and worthy of attention in 2026. Ultimately, the key question is whether you have the time and willingness to dive into its expansive design, which could shine even brighter if it focused less on quantity and more on personality.

Contra: Operation Galuga is ruthlessly authentic to its roots. In the right hands, the simple gameplay loop should satisfy and bring a much-welcomed dose of nostalgia. However, the fun shouldn't last many hours, and will yield more for players who are keen on challenges and the "replay factor".

For fans of boomer shooters focused on speed, skill, and mastery of mechanics, the game has everything to please, even with some repetitive visuals and a deliberately cluttered interface.

Without much fanfare, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition arrives to quietly do its homework—introducing an excellent adventure to a new audience while preserving what made the original so memorable at the time of its release. While it stands as the definitive version of the debut title and gives us a reason to finally retire the PS3, Xbox 360, and even the original PC versions, the remaster falls short of addressing the list of graphical issues it really should have fixed.

Aware of its limitations, Edens Zero is not only a faithful adaptation designed to win fans' approval, but also a good action RPG that even serves the purpose of winning over fans of the genre, whether you like Hiro Mashima's work or not. In other words, Edens Zero is, surprisingly, more than a standard anime game and makes do with its features.

Code Vein II certainly has its strengths, though many of them are inherited from its predecessor. With interesting, well-developed characters and a wide variety of builds and playstyles, the game can be highly appealing to players who enjoy experimenting with all the combinations it has to offer. Unfortunately, the issues carried over from the past — such as performance problems and weak level design, now further burdened by the puzzling choice of a vast yet lifeless open world — make the title a recommendation only for die-hard souls-like fans or those who already have a special fondness for Bandai’s first game.

Despite its clear structural issues and a level design that falls well short of other games in the genre — including some with smaller scope and budget — Shadow Labyrinth meets nearly all the expectations of a good Metroidvania. With bursts of comforting nostalgia reminiscent of the ghost-eating classic, rewarding exploration, and tight combat, the experience isn’t without its stumbles (some of which I’d consider amateurish), but it’s the kind of passion project we’d like to see more studios of Bandai Namco’s caliber investing in.

If Elden Ring perfected FromSoftware’s classic formula, Nightreign is certainly an attempt to bring that formula into the multiplayer era. While much of the original charm may have been lost in translation—as is often the case—there's still a way to enjoy it on its own terms.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is so faithful to the original PlayStation 2 games that it serves as a reminder that they may not have been as good as they used to be. While this may not be a problem for some, those expecting a more interesting and diverse combat system may be disappointed. In practice, it's a bloated game that can easily become boring.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has qualities that are both appealing and well-executed. With solid art direction and an excellent progression and customization system—for both the protagonist and her equipment—it's clear that Leenzee Games paid close attention to the details surrounding the gameplay. Unfortunately, it’s the gameplay itself that ends up holding the title back when compared to recent competitors like Lies of P or The First Berserker: Khazan. Overall, Wuchang is a good recommendation only for those who, like me, are die-hard fans of the souls-like genre and are willing to overlook some frustrations with its combat and boss encounters—or for those curious enough to try it out via Game Pass.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a roguelite designed for players who, deep down, aren’t exactly fans of the endless repetition the genre usually demands—and especially for those who couldn’t care less about storylines in video games. Fair warning: most of your playtime will likely be spent skipping dialogue without a second thought.

For boxing fans, Undisputed is a promising franchise, but it still has a long way to go. Although the game impresses with its visual realism and the presence of sports stars, the gameplay is a direct hit to the chin, proving to be somewhat poor and full of flaws.

If you have the Playstation 4 version and want to play the new modes, it's worth purchasing during a future promotion, not now. The remaster does bring some advantages, but it lacked a bit of common sense from Naughty Dog, which feels the need to squeeze every last drop from the Cordyceps franchise.

In a year filled with successful shooters like Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders, Call of Duty Black Ops 7 doubles down on zombies and esotericism to stand out. The game refines its formula and expands on what we saw in BO6 with even more content, but without solving some problems.

Despite its bloated content and drawn-out storyline, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined wins over players with its charming visuals and quality-of-life improvements that make its gameplay very satisfying. The ability to change parameters such as experience gain and damage also allows veterans and beginners alike to find their own way to have fun.

My Hero Academia: All’s Justice offers a huge amount of content, multiple game modes, and a visually stunning experience. For fans of the franchise, it's a true amusement park full of references, epic battles, and memorable moments. On the other hand, like any amusement park, the experience can become tiresome. The repetition of fights and animations becomes apparent over time, and the lack of Brazilian Portuguese localization significantly impacts the cost-benefit ratio for the brazilian fans.

Digimon Story Time Stranger left me with a case of Stockholm Syndrome. While the turn-based gameplay and nostalgia captivated me, some structural issues made me feel like I was in a toxic relationship with the game. Fortunately, most of the bugs that bothered me are present in the game's free demo, which is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. With that in mind, it's worth downloading the content and seeing if you're willing to make some compromises during gameplay to enter this magical digital world.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is the “new” SNK at its best. Although the single-player content leaves something to be desired and the cast is divisive for including real-world personalities, the game preserves the legacy of the franchise with well-rounded, responsive and addictive gameplay. The art style and soundtrack are also a great success and remind us that this is, indeed, the same developer that marked our childhood in the arcades.

Flintlock breaks the expectations of those expecting a game based on the souls formula and proves to be satisfactory overall. However, the game also suffers from budget and polish issues.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a very competent arena fighting game, making full use of CyberConnect2’s expertise in the genre. Beyond that, it delivers top-notch visuals that are on par with the original work, which became popular largely due to this very trait. It's just unfortunate that its need to follow the anime’s release schedule harms the playable content — which can only be described in one way: it's unfinished.

The new edition of Until Dawn has a clear purpose: to reach new audiences, both on PS5 and PC, and test the waters to see if the title has the potential to become a franchise. However, for those who already know the story or played the original, the changes definitely aren't worth the extra money.

While it's great to see Max back with beautiful graphics and decent gameplay, Life is Strange Double Exposure's narrative may disappoint both Chloe fans and lovers of a good story. The game clearly sets a path that Square Enix wants to take with the franchise, and it involves more superpowers and less exciting stories.

Alone in the Dark has several problems, but I still had fun playing it. However, a classic that practically established the way survival horror is today deserved a remake done with more caution and care.

Aphelion succeeds by betting on an interesting theme and a relatively realistic approach to space exploration. The combination of science fiction, human drama, and mystery works well enough to keep the player curious for much of the campaign. However, the game suffers from linearity issues, some repetitive moments, and a lack of technical refinement that prevents the project from reaching its full potential.

I really enjoyed playing Drag x Drive, but it’s pretty noticeable that it can get tiring after a while — either because of the physical effort or simply from playing the same mode over and over. I think a bit more variety and some new modes could really benefit the game in the future. It all comes down to whether Nintendo is willing to invest more development time into it.

As might be imagined, UFL is not ready to displace EA FC and eFootball, but there are elements that could upset the hegemony of both very soon.

Lost Soul Aside is a hack and slash that harks back to the golden age of the genre, with its excellent combat — at times technical, at others mindless — serving as the backbone of the experience. Still, it ends up being one of those games filled with striking highs and discouraging lows. If it weren’t for the anachronistic concept it carries, the title could easily stand among the pantheon of great action games.

Monster Jam Showdown is a game that embraces the genre's fan bubble and doesn't seem to mind breaking it to expand its popularity.

If you're a big fan of Akira Toriyama's work, perhaps it's worth taking a chance on the world of Sand Land. Otherwise, it might be better to stick with the manga or the animated series.

The animations are excellent, combat feels satisfying, and the offline modes offer solid content. But all of that is overshadowed by the lack of balance, a limited character roster, and—most notably—a problematic multiplayer experience (which, to be fair, is expected to improve over time). In the end, Nen x Impact is a decent adaptation, but one riddled with flaws, still far from capturing the depth of Togashi’s manga.

UNBEATABLE is an ambitious and conceptually interesting rhythm game, but it fails to successfully realize its creative vision. The execution is clumsy and leaves much to be desired, indicating that the team needed more development time—especially to polish its Story Mode.

Beyond Good and Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition misses the opportunity to update dated mechanics and deliver a more satisfying experience for a new audience. It gives the impression of being a rushed launch, just to remember that the brand still exists in the Ubisoft catalog.

Although well-intentioned, Rakugaki (RKGK) gets lost in its design choices and sends the player into a free fall: it starts very well, but ends very badly.

Visions of Mana is a short action RPG, with about 25 hours of gameplay, that delivers a bloated and repetitive experience. The exploration mechanics are tedious and its world doesn't take advantage of a fraction of its full potential.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a good game. The surprise release at the Sony event was a wise choice. The problem lies in the price and pacing decisions that impact the experience.

Winter Burrow is a simple, easy-to-understand, and quite short game. It's a cozy game for those who appreciate titles with a carefully crafted, hand-made aesthetic. Despite this, the execution could still be improved in some aspects. Some quality-of-life elements and improvements would be very interesting to make the gameplay more comfortable.

The Precinct had everything it needed to be one of 2025’s biggest surprises — and potentially one of the most fun games of the year. However, it stumbles over its own feet by presenting a collection of bugs and glitches that ruin much of the gameplay experience. While it tries to be innovative in certain aspects, the game quickly becomes highly repetitive, relying on shallow mechanics like issuing fines and chasing down suspects.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is not a bad game, but it never manages to justify its existence or even why the player should buy this version instead of the original.

In one of the trailers for Concord, the character Lennox says an interesting phrase: "Coming close to death is the best way to learn how not to die." In its release week, the game has clearly reached the "near death" stage. Now it's up to the Firewalk team to fulfill their prophecy, or suffer like so many other games in the hero shooter genre.