Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the gold standard for a remake of a good game. It expands and improves upon the original without losing any of the charm that made the original game shine. Its flaws are more with the original work than anything the remake did incorrectly. In terms of basic gameplay, it's probably the most enjoyable and well-designed Trails game to date. It also marks the perfect entry point to the Trails franchise, and there's no better way to figure out if this series is for you.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is everything I could imagine a Digimon fan wanting. It's a fun adventure through a digital world, and all of your favorite collectible monsters are there for the ride. The combat system is fun and clear-cut, and it has just enough teeth to feel compelling. Customizing and creating your ideal Digimon is a whole lot of fun. The only real negative is that it feels a bit unpolished in places, and you need to have some of fondness for Digimon to get into the game. It's an excellent experience for fans, but perhaps it's one worth waiting until a few patches have rolled out.

Dying Light: The Beast is a big improvement over Dying Light 2 and avoids feeling like an expanded piece of DLC. At its core, it has the same familiar gameplay that the franchise knows and loves, but there's a degree of polish and flavor that its predecessor was missing. Only a somewhat lackluster plot and disappointing Beast Mode drag down the game, but they won't get in the way of a fun European zombie vacation.

As stated before, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is the best way to experience what is otherwise an average platformer. The game isn't challenging, but it remains a solidly constructed platformer with improvements and changes in the right places. The game looks and sounds as great as it plays, and while it is fairly short by today's standards, that doesn't detract from the overall fun factor. For genre fans, this is a good addition to the library, even if you already have the original iteration from a few console generations ago.

Ghost of Yotei is automatically one of my favorite games of 2025. It comes at a time when people just want to kick some ass in the most beautiful settings imaginable, and it's one of the more satisfying plays you'll find on the PS5. It's the most fun you'll have checking off a to-do list.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is perhaps the best version of an already amazing game. All of its strengths are front and center, and any flaws were present in the original game, even if they're amplified in some cases. Even if you dislike the changes, the classic version is still makes it still an excellent way to experience the game, assuming you don't miss the War of the Lions bonus features. Final Fantasy Tactics remains a classic and a must-play for any fans of strategy RPGs or the Final Fantasy franchise.

Your mileage with Baby Steps will vary greatly. The heavy use of physics and intentionally awkward controls make a game that is designed to be frustrating, even when you feel like you're starting to master the mechanics. This frustration has the potential to be absolutely hilarious if you enjoy misfortune. The absurdity of the cut scenes and how you trigger them only makes the game even funnier. The lack of expected quality of life features somehow makes the game feel more enjoyable. If you frustrate easily and lack the patience to deal with intentional jank, then this game isn't for you. If you are prone to laughing at silly mistakes, then you'll be rewarded with a distinct experience that's worth checking out.

Silent Hill f is a slow-burn horror game that doesn't put its best foot forward, but once it has its hooks in you, they're not coming out. The compelling and well-crafted story does a fantastic job of drawing you in and keeping you invested, even potentially through multiple playthroughs. The combat mechanics can feel a tad overdone. I think Silent Hill f is the best entirely new entry in the franchise in ages, and while it has its flaws, it shows that there's still plenty of life in Konami's franchise.

All that said, the biggest compliment I can give EA Sports Madden NFL 26is that I look forward to playing it again. That wasn't always the case. But for all its shortcomings, I still like seeing my created player running around on the screen as part of a beautiful and immersive on-field presentation. I enjoy the football being played. I like having the sense of control over the fate of my team, and I like all of the options Franchise Mode presents for me to exercise that control. I enjoy Madden again, and that's a start.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a great example of a game that might be inspired by something else but nonetheless manages to be darn fun on its own. It's easy to write it off as a Hades knockoff, but there's enough fun in this game to enjoy it on its own merits. The core mechanics can occasionally be a touch awkward, and the narrative never really grabbed me, but the moment-to-moment gameplay was plenty of fun. If you're looking for a different flavor of action-RPG adventure, Towa hits the mark.

There are two ways to look at Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection. The games aren't that great. The first Bubsy game is tolerable, but each sequel has enough bad design decisions that you need the patience of a saint and a healthy helping of cheats and the rewind function to want to reach the end. As far as being an interactive historical archive, this collection is only matched by Atari 50 and the like. It's packed with enough extras and behind-the-scenes material to be fascinating — even for those who aren't fans of the series. Ultimately, it is good that this compilation exists, as even the bad games should be preserved for future generations. The chances that you'll actually want to play anything are very slim.

Losing game after game can be frustrating, but when you finally nail that perfect run, the endorphin rush is exhilarating. Ridge Racer is a game that inspired a legion of others, and it is also a game that holds up on its own. Sitting down to play today is just as thrilling as it was in 1993, and the new leaderboards ensure there is always a reason to take "one more lap."

LEGO Voyagers is an awesome co-op experience that lasts for just the right amount of time. In four hours of playtime, you'll get a delightful little puzzle platformer with good, simple puzzles and lots of heart, even if there isn't dialogue to drive things along. The presentation is fantastic, and even though the game has a few minor issues, players should give this game a shot if they're a genre fan looking for a new co-op game to play.

In the end, Dead Reset is a fun romp despite its limitations. The acting is quite good and does a good job of carrying a story that contains a few plot holes. The major branching points don't happen until the very end, but this game is enjoyable, and the experience doesn't overstay its welcome . While this isn't the type of game to change anyone's mind about the limitations of the interactive movie, it's fun enough that you'll want to complete at least one run before thinking about moving on to something else.

Katanaut is a perfectly fun but ultimately rather forgettable Dead Cells-style title. It's perfectly competent at what it sets out to do, and the strong presentation goes a long way, but at the end of the day, it doesn't manage to carve out its own identity. It's absolutely worth a shot if you're burned out on similar games, but don't expect quite as much replay value.

Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots is fine overall. The core gameplay experience remains unchanged, the performance is solid, and the modes are plentiful enough to keep you occupied for a very long time, even if that means that unlocking the roster can feel like a grind. However, the courses you play are merely fine, some of the mechanics feel dated, and the presentation lacks polish. Longtime fans may pick up this title anyway, considering how long it has been between entries. More casual fans will have a good time, but don't go in expecting the high standards of the previous titles in the franchise.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a weird sequel that doesn't manage to feel like an expansion on the first game, but it doesn't manage to be its own beast either. It exists in a middle ground between trying to reinvent the franchise and trying to keep what people liked from the first game, but I'm not quite sure it managed to meet either. It's not a bad game, but it feels disjointed and unfocused enough that it also lacks anything to strongly recommend it.

Cronos: The New Dawn feels like an average game coming on the heels of the amazing Silent Hill 2 remake. The reasonably fun gunplay is dragged down by a lackluster story and occasional moments of annoyance. It has a lot of cool ideas, but none of them quite hit the mark in the way I hoped. It's still a perfectly fun little survival horror romp but doesn't quite go anywhere above that. It's absolutely worth a shot if you're looking for something to fill the Dead Space-shaped hole in your heart, but it could've used a little extra punch.

Edens Zero really is a game made for existing fans, specifically those who aren't too picky about their gameplay. The combat is serviceable enough to provide button-mashers with some fun, and the open world gives the game some legs once the story section has been completed. For those new to the series, the rushed and initially convoluted storytelling provides a terrible first impression, while the gameplay's stunted nature makes you wonder why the game was made into an action-RPG title instead of a more straightforward action title. Overall, the game can be decent, but it fares poorly when compared to many other anime-based games on the market.

Super Robot Wars Y is a darn fun entry in the franchise, and it tries very hard to bridge the gap between the Super Robot Wars 30 style and the style of older games. It isn't perfect, with a tad too many stages and the poor utilization of some series, but if you're a fan of Super Robot Wars, there's a whole lot to like, and in the long run, it's probably an even better introduction to the franchise than Super Robot Wars 30. If you like cool giant robots and insane fan fiction plots, there's nowhere better to turn than Super Robot Wars Y.

As a whole, The Knightling is an enjoyable romp. The lighthearted storyline and tone complement an adventure that feels open and engaging at almost every opportunity. The use of a shield as your only weapon and pseudo multitool is novel but very enjoyable, and the presentation is good overall. It needs a little more polish and bug fixing for the game to be considered solid. For adventure fans who are looking for something that doesn't follow the Souls-like trend, The Knightling is worth checking out.

Chip 'n Clawz vs. The Brainioids is a fine game overall. Despite some control issues with the strategy portions, the mixture of third-person action with RTS elements works thanks to the approach of simplicity over complexity. The campaign lasts for a decent amount of time, with collectibles and the quest for a five-star rating giving you a reason to replay the stages. Versus mode works fine, while the addition of split-screen play gives the game some legs if you're having a tough time finding anyone to play with online. Chip 'n Clawz has a few quirks, but it is a fun experience for those looking for a title that's a little more involved than running and bashing in small arenas.

Gears of War: Reloaded is a very solid game, even if the base is nearly 20 years old. The concept of a cover-based, stop-and-pop shooter may feel out of date, since so many other games have done this since the original title's release. The feeling of fast but weighted movement and meaty gunplay is still unmatched after all this time, though. It is a game that's easy to pick up and play without any compromises, and the title still has a great presentation despite the minor touch-ups from the original remake. For PS5 owners in particular, Reloaded is a perfect way to experience a very influential modern classic.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a polished and enjoyable, if slightly unambitious, entry into the franchise. It does everything it needs to, and it does it well. It's a notable improvement over the original game in terms of quality of life and general design. The worst thing about it is that it's a predictable entry in the franchise, which makes it a fantastic starting point for those looking to get into Story of Seasons, but it might feel too safe for longtime fans. If you have any interest or love for the franchise, there's a lot to like, even if it feels safe.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a wonderful revival of the long-dormant franchise, and it combines excellent combat with an engaging pseudo-Metroidvania gameplay style. I had a rollicking good time from start to finish. My only real complaint comes from the somewhat finicky precision platforming, but even that is limited to some optional, late-game areas. If you're a fan of the franchise, there's a lot to like, but this latest ninja revival is good for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

Overall, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a well done remaster of a game that remains as classic as it ever was. The changes are a mix of positive and negative, but there aren't any that drag down the experience. At worst, they're a matter of preference. For many people, this title is likely to be the optimal way to experience Metal Gear Solid 3, and it's easy to be impressed by the sheer amount of work that went into capturing the classic original.

EA Sports College Football 26, especially patched up, will definitely get you ready for this year's IRL college football season. But I can't shake the feeling like it slipped a half-step or two. The honeymoon period is over. Let's see how they respond.

Mafia: The Old Country is a playable movie first and a game second. It's a well-crafted, engaging, if sometimes overly predictable narrative of Mafia intrigue. If that sort of thing appeals to you, then there's a whole lot to like, and it's probably worth playing for that on its own merits. As a game, it feels somewhat lackluster, with most of the actual gameplay feeling like the bare minimum before one can return to the story, and it's supported by some great set pieces. If you want a cool period crime drama, then The Old Country has you covered, but don't expect much more beyond that.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is good once you come to grips with the approach. The minor gameplay tweaks are welcome, but the presence of some longstanding bugs test your tolerance for having an authentic experience. The game has a mostly fantastic presentation, but what will hold your attention is the gameplay with a world that isn't as sprawling as Skyrim yet is just as packed with interesting things to do and some side-quests that can grab your attention better than the main questline. If you have a powerful PC and want to experience this with good gamepad support, you'll be happy with this remastering of a modern classic.

The Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy can be ranked a step above the Xbox Series S iteration of the game. The presentation is miles above the original Switch version, and by comparison, it doesn't feel as if anything was compromised to make the port work. The presence of mouse controls gives the game more range in the gameplay department, but the base game was already strong enough that the new control scheme is more of a bonus rather than something that changes one's stance on the title. If you owned the game on the original Switch, then it feels foolish not to do the $10 upgrade. For Harry Potter fans who either want a dedicated version of the game on the go or own nothing but Nintendo consoles, this title is a must-have.

Lies of P: Overture serves as an excellent return to a game that surprised many players in a good way. The story does a very good job of setting up the events of the main title. The new weapons keep the combat feeling fresh thanks to how dramatically different they are. The game is still tough, especially if it has been a while since you last played the title, but the different difficulty levels help to ease people into a genre that can be notoriously unforgiving. For fans of the game, the Overture DLC feels essential.

Spy Drops is a game with a novel concept but bad execution. The idea of smaller missions for a bite-sized stealth experience is neat, and the game mostly nails the graphical aesthetic of a top-tier game from the original PlayStation's timeline. Everything else, especially the stealth mechanics, are so poorly done that the whole experience feels like an absolute chore to get through. Unless you're the forgiving type who's absolutely craving any kind of stealth experience, don't bother with Spy Drops unless it massively overhauls everything with patches.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a better sequel in just about every way. While the actual fighting mechanics remain unchanged due to the absence of new additions, more characters from the start and expansions to a few modes give the game some real legs, whether you're playing solo or with friends and rivals. While this still doesn't reach the heights of the developer's previous Naruto titles, this is easily the best of the Demon Slayer titles so far, and it's an easy purchase for fans of the series and anime fighting games in general.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a pitch-perfect revival of the NES classics. It captures the same fun run-and-slash feel of the original games while modernizing enough to be exciting to play, whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer. The fantastic soundtrack and excellent graphics elevate it and make the entire package shine. The closest thing I can come to as a complaint is the somewhat low difficulty level, and that is more in comparison to the franchise as a whole rather than this game being too easy. If you're a fan of action-platformers or a Ninja Gaiden fan in general, you'll find a ton to love in Ragebound.

By itself, Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings game is fine. The aesthetic is accurate, and the emphasis on cooking makes it feel very different from many other games of this type. However, the game feels like it is lacking in other areas that are seen as genre staples, making the game feel rather light at first glance. This is before you start to compare the game to other licensed cozy life sims and see that those games have much more to offer before the amount of stuff to do starts to dry up. Again, this game is fine, but there are better examples of the genre.

In terms of overall design, I really feel like Wuchang: Fallen Feathers falls firmly in the "solid and fun but not exceptional" category. While the boss fights are fun, they didn't knock off my socks. I had a good time with it, and it's a solid entry in the Soulslike genre. It does its job quite well, but it doesn't really stand out from the crowd, either. It has some great design choices. I hope to see other games in the genre adapt in the future, but otherwise, it's a fairly by-the-numbers Souls game that is a good time but a little too safe for its own good.

In the end, RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business is a solid and more focused version of the kind of things offered by the main game. The story is straightforward but good, while the flashbacks become essential to the story instead of acting as diversions. While the gameplay remains relatively unchanged, it is still a thrill to walk around as a nearly invincible metallic man. The addition of the cryo cannon is neat, even if you might not use it all that much. The game does lack polish in places, but the solid shooting and darkly humorous interactions with the tower's populace will make you more forgiving of some of the visual anomalies. If you're a fan of the franchise or shooters in general, you'll have some fun with Unfinished Business.

Overall, I found Back to the Dawn to be an incredibly fun and well-crafted game, especially for its budget cost. The excellent visuals and compelling gameplay systems make it one of the best prison escape games I've ever played, and I quickly wanted to hop back in and try a different run even after a successful prison escape. It's just a well-made game from start to finish, and I wanted to go back for more. If you're even slightly interested in the concept, Back to the Dawn is well worth playing and a great example of how indie RPGs can shine.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a good game despite some design choices that can lead to moments of frustration. The viewpoint feels fresh since so few games use it, but the game's various indicators even things out when you compare it to other stealth titles. The strict failure conditions and seemingly rigid process for stealth puzzle-solving can be an annoyance, but it is helped by the game's fast load times and generous checkpoints. The use of team play keeps things interesting. For genre fans, Eriksholm is a good game to check out.

Overall, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is an absolutely fun title if your main exposure to the series was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. You're essentially getting more of the same, but the formula was already solid enough that getting more of what you know in newer locations is a good thing. The conclusion is more complicated if you were an aficionado of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4. With the types of changes and omissions made, a portion of the game feels more like it was inspired by the fourth mainline entry in the series rather than a remake or remastering effort. Purists will be disappointed by these decisions. If you aren't bothered by the changes, you'll find this to be a very good title overall.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the result of all the lessons id Software has learned from previous entries and wrapping the tweaked gameplay in a distinct and oddly compelling setting. It is simultaneously unmistakable as a DOOM game, but it also feels like a fresh approach to the series. I love everything about this game's combat loop, which feels much better integrated than the disjointed loops in the previous game, Eternal. Frankly, I am going to be sad when the next game in the franchise doesn't let me have my shield.

Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered is a pretty by-the-book update of a game that was clearly made for the limitations of the PS Vita. It's genuinely fun to play and smash your way through enemy robots as your favorite Gundam, but it's a very shallow game. You'll probably get bored of the combat loop well before you do everything the game has to offer. Fans of the franchise will have enough fun to make it worth the cash, but those looking for something with more meat on the bones will probably be better off looking elsewhere.

In the end, Tamagotchi World is fine, provided you're willing to live with a number of caveats. The premise is fine, as is the implementation of the jobs in minigame form. The lack of tutorials is odd considering the young age of the intended audience. Additionally, the slow, grindy nature of the game can only keep you occupied for so long before the whole thing becomes boring, especially since there's nothing else to do besides these minigame jobs. If you're a fan of Tamagotchis, then this may be amusing for a short while, but everyone else looking for a solid set of minigames would be better served playing a number of other similar titles from the original Switch library.

As mentioned before, your acceptance of Persona 5: The Phantom X will depend on how you feel about gacha games. If you dislike the concept, then there's nothing that will change your mind, especially since the pop-ups are pretty frequent for microtransactions. For those who are already used to the gacha game style, what you'll find is a fleshed-out JRPG that is still considered novel at a time when games like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero are still a rarity. It isn't as fleshed-out in some areas as the main game, but there's enough to satisfy the die-hard fans who are still craving Persona 5 content, even after finishing the other spin-offs.

Visually, Front Mission 3: Remake is a sideways upgrade. You have fully 3D maps and environments and higher-res models than the PS1 version, but the upgrade is rather lackluster. In some cases, I preferred the PS1 design for the Wanzers to the Remake's version. I also found the map a tad harder to read at times, since enemy mech designs would sometimes slightly blend into the background. It looks far better on high-resolution screens than the blurry and pixelated PS1 version, but I think the art design took a hit. The music is quite good, offering both the original soundtrack and a new remastered modern version that did a good job of remixing the music.

Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition is a great title all around and an excellent launch title for Nintendo's new system. Battle Hub may be silly, but it has lots more personality and more to do than most other titles do in their online lobbies. Fighting Ground does a great job of showing off the new roster and improvements to the fighting engine, while placing an equal amount of attention on both offline and online players. World Tour makes for a slightly nonsensical yet addictive adventure that can serve as a full-fledged Street Fighter RPG. All of this comes together with an absolutely solid presentation if you ignore the fights in World Tour mode. That one issue causes the score to go lower than what we originally gave the game when it came out two years ago. Here's hoping that Capcom patches the issues soon to place this version on par with the other console and PC releases.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an improvement over Death Stranding in almost every way I can think of. It's larger, full of more things to do, and generally a more enjoyable experience. The plot is crazier than ever, which might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but if nothing else, it isn't boring. The only complaint I can think of is that the game is perhaps a touch too easy at times, and even that isn't a huge problem. If you liked the first game, it's very easy to imagine you liking the sequel. Just be prepared for things to be as unfathomably ridiculous as possible at every turn.

Your enjoyment of Survival Kids is going to be heavily dependent on your appreciation of difficulty in games. If you want something breezy or you're playing alongside someone who lacks the patience for a typical survival game, then what you'll find is fine for those wanting to get some satisfaction without putting in a ton of effort. However, if you're expecting a game that builds upon the lineage of the series, prepare to be disappointed because those elements have been drastically toned down, leaving you with a very casual experience that lacks any challenge. Unless you've got young kids playing alongside you, this is a title you may want to pass on unless it is marked down.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a solid remaster of a genuinely amazing game. While not every change is for the better, almost all of them are understandable side effects of porting a game between systems that have very different capabilities. All of Bravely Default's strengths are still present, and if you're a fan of Final Fantasy V or Octopath Traveler, then you'll find a lot of those games' high points present. I would've liked to see more of an upgrade to the game's final quarter, but even with that, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is still one of the best RPGs on the market.

Overall, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is a solid but unexceptional port of a phenomenal game. It runs smoothly, plays well, and is a ton of fun from start to finish. However, the new content adds nothing to the game, and if you already own Yakuza 0, then there's no major reason to pick it up again. However, if you're interested in learning about the franchise or if you've only played the recent RPG-like entries, Yakuza 0 is by far the best starting point for newcomers. The unnecessary extras don't prevent it from being arguably the high point of the entire franchise and well worth playing if you're curious about the Like a Dragon/Yakuza titles.

In the end, Hitman: World of Assassination — Signature Edition is a solid port of a very impressive game. The game is dense in that it may be difficult, and you'll encounter lots of trial and error, but that's balanced out by the fact that each level can be completed in a nearly unlimited number of ways. The presentation may not have a solid frame rate, but it certainly looks and sounds nicer than expected from a portable console. The lack of complete content on the system is a disappointment, as is the use of a Game—Key cart versus a regular one (considering the game's size), but the mostly online—only requirement for a single—player game makes this a less desirable platform to play on, unless you can ensure that you have an online connection at all times and situations. Still, if this is the only system you have, this isn't a bad way to play a game meant for those with a vicious but creative spirit in them.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fine game overall. Sonic Generations still holds up quite well after all this time, even if the additions feel slightly shoehorned, while Shadow Generations represents a refinement of the formula with a few additions that don't detract from the main game. For Switch 2 owners who never got this game before, this is a great version to get. However, for those who already have the game on the original Switch, the frame rate and resolution boosts aren't enough to ask for full price on the game and DLC again. Those in that situation can deduct a few points from the review's final score.

The concept remains solid with an adventure mode that's endearing if you like silly stories and can overcome holes in the narrative logic. The modes really play around with the formulas of both games well, and the amount of content can keep a puzzle fan busy for quite some time. The lack of an upgrade path for existing owners and the marginal improvements for the Switch 2-exclusive version make it difficult to recommend a double-dip. If you never bought the game before and don't mind sticking with offline play, then you'll have a good time with this title and can give this a higher score. For everyone else, you can safely steer clear from this version.

Overall, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a very solid spin-off of the franchise. It does a good job of capturing what makes the Rune Factory games enjoyable while throwing enough twists and turns into the mix that it doesn't just feel like Rune Factory 6. The town building is engaging enough that I worry that a Rune Factory without it might feel lacking now. The combat is solid but simple, and the cast is likable but not super special. Only the general poor performance drags down the game somewhat, but fans of the Rune Factory franchise should find a lot to like.

Ghost Bear Flash Storm is a strong DLC that, for better or worse, does well to continue the gameplay of Clans. The new campaign is shorter but stronger, and while not every new thing it tries works, it always ends up being interesting. The overly linear mission formats still don't appeal to me personally, but nonetheless, I found myself more interested in my star mates and the missions. With the new mechs and their availability to be used in the original campaign and other modes, there's a good amount of new content that the DLC adds, even though I still pine for missions where I feel less funneled into the places the game wants me to go.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is sure to be a divisive entry in FromSoft's catalog. It isn't the Elden Ring sequel that people might want, and it isn't necessarily a game that will appeal to those who love Souls titles. It's a weird, experimental concept grafted into the skin of a different game. It's an engaging and enjoyable game to play, assuming you meet it halfway. The core mechanics are strong, the boss fights are fun, and it's an enjoyable game. If you've ever wanted to see what a more multiplayer-focused take on the genre is like, Nightreign shines, but those looking for a single-player experience will want to look elsewhere.

Overall, Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 is the strongest game in the franchise to date. While the plot is more over-the-top than the first game, it creates a far more compelling and interesting narrative to the sequel, while also expanding and building upon the many gameplay improvements. The combat system has never been better, and the mechanics have been polished to a sheen. It has flaws, and not all the plot points are going to work, but it's proof that CyberConnect knows how to keep players invested in the franchise.

Monster Train 2 is pretty much everything a sequel should be: bigger, better, more refined, and more fun to play. Some of the mechanical changes are more akin to sideways upgrades, but even then, I preferred the new way once I got used to it. There's so much genuine enjoyment to be had with the game that I could barely put it down and stop playing. If I didn't have other titles to move on to, I would probably still be playing Monster Train 2. Fans of the original or fans of roguelike deck-builders will find a lot to love, and it's easily a must-play for fans of the genre.

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a strong update to a good game. It adds all of the polish and updated features I had wanted. Most of the problems I have with the game are ones that were true of the original release, too. It's a darn fun little follow-up to Onimusha: Warlords, which expands the gameplay without losing the fun feudal Japanese Resident Evil vibe the franchise has always had going for it.

Deliver at All Costs is a wild ride for a variety of reasons. The difference in tone between the story and the missions creates a strange, disconnected experience that makes the game more intriguing than off-putting. The gameplay is solid, with the mission forgiveness and leeway for creating mayhem being the real highlights. The extreme destructibility is simply an added bonus. The presentation may be a tad flawed in places, but it's still good enough to make this a pleasant experience, especially since the game doesn't last so long that the concept starts to feel stale. Deliver at All Costs is a fun game overall, and it's well worth checking out for those looking for something a bit quirky in their sandbox experiences.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is an easy recommendation for any fighting game fan. Even though Capcom Fighting Evolution isn't that great, the rest of the lineup ranges from solid to stone cold classics. The online performance is quite good, and each individual game is deep enough that they'll keep anyone busy for a long time. Unless you only like a specific type of fighting game or dislike Capcom's output, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a must-have title.

It's all very disappointing because every facet of #DRIVE Rally is something that really could've been something special had it been thought through or fleshed out more than it was. The only strength is the game's presentation and art style, but when the remainder of the package is an arcade-style rally game that has no progression and a series of rough edges, it becomes impossible to want to keep playing for very long.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a welcome attempt to reinvent the most iconic shooter franchise of all time rather than sticking with what had previously worked. Some of the changes work, and some don't, but for the most part, the gameplay is extremely fun, even if it didn't hit the highs of Eternal. An extremely weak plot, some feeble side mechanics, and a somewhat underwhelming soundtrack drag down things a tad, but if you enjoyed Eternal and 2016, then The Dark Ages still has a lot of fun in store for you. Just be prepared to parry like you're playing Metal Gear Rising.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a game with a ton of potential that suffers from feeling half-baked. The first five to 10 hours of the game feel fantastic, and after that, it seems to suffer from being rushed and unpolished, culminating in a particularly lackluster final area and boss. The bones of a fun game are there, but there are enough flaws that it's worth waiting to see how it looks after a few patches.

In the end, Revenge of the Savage Planet is a good follow-up to Journey to the Savage Planet. The concept of exploring new, absurd worlds remains novel, while the expanded tool set and mobility tweaks strengthen the gameplay. The worlds are large and packed with loads to discover, and the game offers up a good amount to do even after you've seen the credits for the first time. For those who love exploring, Revenge of the Savage Planet is well worth checking out.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just one of the best RPGs I've played in ages. It's an easy contender for game of the year. It shines in every area, and any complaints I had were nagging at best. Whether it's the compelling story, exciting gameplay, or beautiful soundtrack, no area of the game felt lacking. If you're a fan of RPGs, you really owe it to yourself to give Clair Obscur a shot.

There's no getting around the fact that just about every aspect of La Quimera is bad. From the story to the gameplay to the presentation, there's barely anything that seems to work as expected. Even the game's short runtime is tarnished by the fact that it abruptly ends. Unless the game gets a major overhaul when it eventually gets released, steer clear of La Quimera and play almost any other first-person shooter instead.

Monster Energy Supercross 25: The Official Video Game is specifically for the hardcore motocross fanatic. Those fans will love things like the ability to play a current season of the sport and the presence of tangible track deformation. For everyone else, this is a difficult game to recommend. From the high difficulty level and steep learning curve to the bare-bones campaign, there's not enough to entice interested players to give this a try. At this rate, your best bet is to wait and see if this game or older entries in the series will reach Game Pass, so you can see if you can gel with this title.

Despite its age, Forza Horizon 5 is a fantastic open-world, arcade-style racing game. The car handling is superb, there's an overwhelming number of events and races, and the large number of secrets ensures that you'll spend a ton of time driving around and exploring every nook and cranny. The structure and flow are so good that the only game that could match this is Burnout Paradise, a remake of a PS3/Xbox 360 game. Even if your only exposure to this type of game is The Crew: Motorfest, you owe it to yourself to grab Forza Horizon 5, even if you're only a casual racing fan. At the moment, there's really nothing else like it out there.

Despite a few missteps, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves remains a solid fighting game and a worthy entry in the series. The fighting system remains good, and the new additions solidify what worked back in Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The various offline modes add lots of material to the game, especially Episodes of South Town, and online play works quite well. The guest characters could've been implemented better, and there are a few presentation-related nitpicks, but overall, fans of SNK fighting games will be pleased with City of the Wolves.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is an absurdly ambitious, delightfully over-the-top and genuinely enjoyable game to play. It captures the same raw insanity of Danganronpa but has a level of raw excess that makes it stand out from the shadow of its big sibling. It does have missteps, including some content which is a tad too uncomfortable for its own good, and the RPG elements end up subsumed by the visual novel gameplay, but if you're a fan of Danganronpa, then this spiritual successor is well worth a look.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is about as ideal of an Indiana Jones experience as you can hope for, and it's easily one of the best adaptations of a film franchise. It captures everything that made the best parts of the franchise shine, while avoiding the pitfalls and missteps of its weaker parts. It's a love letter to everyone's favorite whip-wielding, fedora-wearing adventurer, and the game shows why he still has a place in video games, even among the Nate Drakes and Lara Crofts. Only some slightly weak stealth elements bring down the game a tiny bit. It's a cliché, but ... well, this game belongs in a museum.

The original game remains a fun beat-'em-up since it tries to do something different from its contemporaries. The additional characters make the game lean heavily toward being goofy, but few will complain when it also means expanded online play for all. For genre fans who want something breezy, this is well worth checking out.

Lunar Remastered Collection is exactly what it needs to be: a comfortably nostalgic revisit to a comfortably nostalgic pair of games. Neither breaks the mold, but they remain charming and fun enough that they don't overstay their welcome. The remastering is done with a light touch, and there are times when I wish it had gone further, particularly with the translations. It does well enough to make it the best version of the games to pick up. Sometimes you just need an adventure, and Lunar delivers that in spades.

Hollow Survivors is a good game that's held back by a lack of content. The core gameplay loop is a ton of fun and provides engaging gameplay, but there's not enough meat on the bones to keep it fun and compelling for more than a couple of hours. If you're looking for something swift and breezy, Hollow Survivors does the job, but it's lacking when compared to other similar roguelikes on the market.

Monaco 2 isn't too different from the first game, but it remains a delightful experience. The presentation might be a little divisive for those who loved the first game's simpler approach, but the addition of character voices makes the game more charming. The new gameplay additions make the game more approachable, while the addition of randomization gives the game some real legs. Monaco 2 is loads of fun in both co-op and solo play, and those who love a good lighthearted heist will really enjoy this title.

Overall, Promise Mascot Agency is a charming combination of small-town drama and Yakuza crime politics. The absurdity of the setting gives it a flavor all its own, and it neatly threads the needle between ridiculous and serious. The actual gameplay is by the numbers and mostly serves as a delivery vehicle for the story, but it does well enough. If the game sounds appealing, you'll enjoy it quite a bit. Just make sure not to tick off Pinky. She's scary.

Blue Prince is a fascinating game. The premise is enticing for those who like card-based board games, and the bits of randomization help the game feel difficult without being outright unfair about it. The slow trickle of story information might seem frustrating at first, but it helps give one motivation to keep going, especially when you solve a puzzle and everything starts to fall into place. Those who love environmental puzzle titles will get some real joy out of Blue Prince.

Pinball FX VR is a solid pinball game for enthusiasts who want the facsimile of an arcade experience. The idea of building out a virtual pinball arcade experience in your home is neat, but the game thrives on nailing down an overall pinball experience that's close to real life. The only question is whether Zen will follow through to make this into a platform instead of another one-off game, but those who aren't hung up on that debate will find this to be a good addition to their VR game library.

I didn't have high expectations of Assassins Creed: Shadows, as I've really struggled to become engaged with the most recent entries in the series. The setup in Shadows takes a little while, but the resulting payoff is worth it. The gameplay is engaging, but the plot and characters really drive things forward. It must be challenging to develop a game within such a long-running series and have it still feel like something fresh and new, and Shadows is the closest that a game has come to that in quite some time.

Everything about The First Berserker: Khazan is entirely competent. It's a fun and well put-together Soulslike that would serve well as someone's first dip into the genre, especially if the stereotype of high difficulty usually frightens them off. At the same time, Khazan doesn't do anything particularly new that makes it stand out from the crowd. This isn't necessarily a problem, especially if you're a fan of the DFO universe, but it means you need to be in the right mood and mindset to play Khazan.

Atomfall is a fascinating yet familiar game. The story is mysterious, even if the ending might not be that conclusive. The freedom that lies within is very appealing, as is the predominant use of melee versus firearms. The presentation is fine, and while other elements of the game (like stealth) are flawed, those issues are outweighed by the previously mentioned positives. Atomfall is well worth checking out for those looking for a very different experience.

Assassin's Creed: Shadows is an experience that was enriching, beautiful, and at times, gloriously confusing.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a solid game that's full of charm for fans of the cozy game sub-genre. The map is large and varied, the number of characters feels like the right amount. The activities blend in well with the light adventuring aspect, and there are a few quality-of-life changes that feel like they should be adopted by other cozy games. The only knock is in the more prevalent progression gating, but if you aren't bothered by that, then you'll enjoy what this licensed game offers.

I really like most of the changes in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. There are a number of rough spots that keep it from being perfect, but it's a very solid attempt at shaking up the franchise without losing what makes it successful. I can see it being a controversial entry in the franchise due to the shift in tone and gameplay, but it does a lot of things right. I had a great time wandering around, collecting items, and crafting items and weapons. In general, it felt like I was on an adventure. It might not be the Atelier I was used to, but it was plenty of fun.

WWE 2K25 remains a good game, but the cracks are beginning to show. The addition of Chain Wrestling is awesome, but the increased prevalence of Trading Blows slows down the game greatly. The large roster is great, but we could do without the multiple variations of wrestlers taking up spots. The graphical presentation has quite a few blemishes that should be fixed, but it's generally good, and the same can be said for the audio if you can ignore the generic entrance music. MyRISE and the 2K Showcase are splendid, but The Island is too much of a cash grab when MyFACTION already does this. If you can ignore some of the microtransaction-heavy elements, you still have a very good wrestling game with enough content to last until the next WrestleMania season. It'll be interesting to see if WWE 2K will suddenly become the next NBA 2K in that it's a decent game that tries to bleed you of every cent.

Knights in Tight Spaces is a very worthy sequel to Fights in Tight Spaces. Not every new gameplay mechanic hits the mark, but there are enough fresh cards, fresh features, and fresh concepts to make it a genuine delight to play. The party opens up a whole new degree of freedom, and creating a Rube Goldberg machine of chained attacks is fun enough that it could be a game all on its own. Besides, who doesn't like hitting evil skeletons with lightning?

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars is an excellent updated port of two great games. Almost all of the changes are for the better, the translation is massively improved, and it still maintains all of the charm and flavor of the original games. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there's genuinely no better place to start than the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster. Even if you're just a fan of RPGs, it's well worth a try, if only to see what all the hype is about.

Split Fiction is fantastic. The story and characters are great thanks to the nuance sprinkled throughout to give everything and everyone some unexpected depth. The constant switching of various genres keeps the game fresh, since none of the tales linger for too long, and the same can be said for the various gameplay additions in conjunction with the solid platforming. Combined with the cross-platform play and accessibility features to ensure that everyone can get through the title, the only reason to not pick up Split Fiction is if you despise co-op play. For everyone else, grab this early contender for "Best Of" lists for 2025.

I didn't have significant expectations going into playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It is fundamentally the same "type" of game as its predecessor. However, a lot of care has been taken to improve the areas where its predecessor faltered and to reinforce the areas where it had done well. It results in the kind of open-world RPG experience that reminds me of the glory days of Oblivion and Morrowind. As a result, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II sets a high bar for what modern games of the genre should be.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a good game stuck in a package that is far from ideal. Visual artifacts and a few crashes still remain even after three patches, and the game can feel less than optimized when the frame rate drops on powerful hardware. If you're willing to wait just a little longer or are the patient and forgiving type, you'll be rewarded with a safe sequel that can still satisfy fans of the Insomniac-developed games. This title also gets fans primed for the eventual finale what is almost certainly a trilogy. However, this release serves as a warning that Sony and its studios need to do some real work to ensure future game releases are stable from day one, or else they'll lose the PC audience that is crucial to funding future endeavors.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is for a very specific type of Yu-Gi-Oh! player who favors battles against the CPU instead of real people. That player also knows all of the rules of the game, wants a fixed set of cards, and doesn't want further updates from new cards. For them, most of the games in the compilation will be fine if they can get over each title's shortcomings. For everyone else, especially newcomers, the games are cumbersome and unintuitive, so only those with an immense amount of patience would want to give the titles a shot.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a fantastic new entry into the franchise. For the most part, I feel like every new feature feels good and works well, and the monsters are certainly a delight to fight. The only things that might hold it back slightly are some performance issues, but even those don't get in the way of the core fun of smashing monsters, looting gear, and repeating. Fans of the franchise should have a fantastic time with this latest entry, and I hope it becomes a blueprint for future games in the franchise.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gives players exactly what they expect from the title. It's a rollicking, funny, and enjoyable side story that lets fan favorite Goro Majima shine in a way he hasn't since Yakuza 0. The main plot is a little thin, and the pirate mechanics are bare bones, but beneath that, it's a darn fun Yakuza adventure, and it contains perhaps the best iteration of the game's brawler mechanics to date. Any complaints boil down to, "It's more of Like a Dragon," and that's always good.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered takes a few steps forward and a few steps backward from the previous Remastered collection. The games are a little more open, so you won't get many camera issues, but the games still haven't been retuned to handle the mechanics of the modern controls. The frame rate issue when switching between graphical modes has been fixed, and there are a few new mechanics. Some previously cut content makes the games feel like there has been some evolution. The problem is that the games don't feel as good as the trio of titles that came before it. From a preservationist perspective, it's fine to have these titles in a more accessible form. If you have some nostalgia related to these titles, then you might get a kick out of replaying them with a modern lens. Those who are discovering these games for the first time will wonder what the fuss was all about.

Avowed is a game full of fun exploration, an interesting story tied to lackluster combat, and an annoying equipment system that keeps it from reaching its full potential. When I was engaged in Avowed, I would spend hours wandering around, talking to NPCs, and completing quests. However, when the game wasn't firing on all cylinders, I was frustrated and frequently bored. It's a game of high highs and low lows, but the highs were enough to keep me engaged despite the flaws.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is a case of one step forward and one step back. Mechanically, it's the best put-together Trails game to date, as it fixes the problems in the last game and introduces enough new mechanics so it's fun to play. It also retains and refines the likable cast. Unfortunately, the lackluster time travel mechanic and plot structure weaken the experience. It's still a fun game but ends up feeling weaker than its predecessor.

There are a few good things about Neptunia Riders vs. Dogoos. The silly story provides a good vehicle for the shenanigans of Nep Nep and her friends, and going for a completely different genre is always a welcome move. It would've been nice if the game were actually good in every other area. The gameplay loop is far from exciting, especially since it gets very repetitive rather quickly, and the graphical presentation is terrible when you consider the hardware the game is running on. This is also a painfully short experience without any multiplayer capabilities, despite the format being perfect for team or versus play. Unless you're in the habit of collecting every Neptunia-related game, stay away from this title.