Blades of Fire combines and enriches the Soulslike and RPG formulas with some new ideas and mechanics that are both welcome and frustrating. While the game looks great and diverse, the gameplay doesn't always work out as well.

This upgraded edition features sharp 4K visuals and makes smart use of Switch 2 hardware like the camera and Joy-Con 2. New modes such as Bowser Live and Carnival Coaster are fun but feel more like tech demos due to their lack of depth. The core Mario Party gameplay is still strong, with new team-based and chaos-driven rule sets adding variety. It's a great choice for newcomers, but returning players may find limited value without full hardware support.

While Donkey Kong Bananza has a few frustrating moments, the new 3D adventure with DK and Pauline is a pleasure throughout thanks to fun visuals, colorful worlds and impressive gameplay that has you grinning from ear to ear (almost) every step of the way.

While Ruffy and the Riverside has a very fun mechanic at its core, the overall experience is a little underbaked due to poor combat, boss battles, and some technical flaws.

Those who already played Bravely Default on the 3DS back in the day won’t miss out on much by skipping this remaster, but for those who haven’t been on an adventure in Luxendarc yet, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is with its graphic, technical and quality of life improvements and lack of microtransactions the best version of the game. The minigames make clever use of the Joy-Cons’ mouse mode and besides the useful rewards they give, they’re also fun to play.

Horwarts Legacy on the Switch 2 is a noticeable improvement over the version we got on the original Switch. The game looks much better, the gameplay is smooth and above all: no more annoying loading times - save for a slow door here or there. And as a very nice bonus you can upgrade from the original version for just 10 bucks.

While the sequel doesn't deviate far from the trodden path, it improves every aspect of the first time we got to travel with Sam. Less walking, more enemies, more variety in infrastructure and some light RPG elements make this a less revolutionary, but vastly improved experience.

A re-release for Switch 2 that is full of puzzling content, but adds little to the original game. If you've never played a Puy Puyo Tetris, this is an excellent game that will keep you entertained for many hours. If you already own the original, this Switch 2 release adds too little to warrant double dipping.

Anyone who’s waited to experience Kiryu’s story from the very beginning will find Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut to be the best version yet. The story remains top-notch, now more expansive than ever and even better presented thanks to new voice acting. Add a fun multiplayer raid mode on top, and there’s little to criticize in this complete package.

Even though the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 has some performance issues, especially with the Phantom Liberty expansion, there is still a great experience to be had. The game performs surprisingly well when you use the Switch 2 as a handheld, which makes this the best version for Cyberpunk 2077 on the go.

Sonic gets overshadowed by his brooding counterpart Shadow in this remaster of 2011's excellent Sonic Generations. The game does have some problems unique to the Nintendo Switch 2, but aside from that it's still a solid entry in the library of Sonic games.

There's no denying Tears of the Kingdom is played best on the Nintendo Switch 2, but the new edition can be somewhat frustrating thanks to the Zelda Notes app that isn't as functional as you would like it to be.

There can be no doubt that the Switch 2 Edition is the best way to play. This is mostly on account of its significant technical upgrades, though some of the new features in the Zelda Notes app are also welcome additions. It's just a shame that several other of those additions are of no real consequence.

There is some fun to be had with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, particularly for trivia enthusiasts and aspiring engineers. Unfortunately, the game can become quite a slog as it goes on, especially as its minigames are very hit or miss.

Mario Kart World is a bold new entry in the beloved kart racing franchise. Knockout Tour is a thrilling new way to play, and while freeroaming in the interconnected world is likely not for everyone, it is fun to have a relaxing Mario Kart mode.

The remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny brings original PS2 game to modern standards with improved graphics and controls. It doesn't re-invent the game, but instead ensures it's kept alive for future generations. This remaster won't win over many new gamers, but will be welcomed of fans of the series. In a way, this is what Remasters are meant to do: preserve and future-proof what otherwise might have been lost forever.

EA Sports F1 25 brings quite a few improvements to the franchise along with an overhaul of the My Team mode. There are still some problems to be found, but in general it's the best F1 game we've had in a long time.

Elden Ring Nightreign departs a lot from the usual FromSoftware formula, which doesn’t always work out. From a hasty experience to boss fights you can’t learn from, it can often be frustrating. The mechanics are solid however and it might tap into a whole new audience.

Lies of P draws heavily from the Soulsborne formula, but gradually carves out its own identity through impactful combat, tactical upgrades, and a steadily growing sense of power. While the game initially falls a bit short, it evolves into a rewarding and meaningful experience that mirrors its protagonist's journey, and is well worth your time.

The Doom Slayer returns in amazing fashion with riveting gameplay, exceptional variety and gorgeous design. It might just be the best iteration of Doom so far, even though some elements pull you out of the game's adrenaline-filled tempo.

Days Gone Remastered adds little in terms of graphics or improvements on old faults. Loading times are still there and old bugs are (still) not fixed, while introducing new ones with DualSense support. Additions like permadeath and horde mode are welcome but not enough to warrant the upgrade.

The First Berserker: Khazan delivers an excellent Soulslike experience that most of the fans of the genre will enjoy. The parry system might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the game still delivers an excellent gameplay experience sprinkled with amazing boss fights.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered isn't just an exceptional nostalgia trip for fans of the original, but also the perfect way for new players to experience one of the most influential RPG's of all time. With improvements across the board while still keeping the excellent core intact, Virtuos has delivered the perfect remaster.

Mandragora is an interesting Metroidvania Soulslike that uses a skill tree to switch gameplay up. Some bugs and repetitive bosses sometimes dampen the experience, but the excellent gameplay is worth exploring.

Sandfall Interactive delivers an impressive first game with this turn-based RPG that channels JRPG’s like Persona and Final Fantasy. The game tells a fantastic story and offers stunning visuals to boot.

Age of Mythology: Retold is not just a re-issue of an RTS classic, but an overhaul that brings the world of Mythology to modern times. Revamping old techniques and introducing new controls and automations, this game proves what was thought to be impossible: a rich RTS experience playable via controller.

MachnineGames delivers with this port of one of 2024's greatest games, and fixes some of the bugs that detracted from Indy's fantastic adventure the first time around. This is the definitive way to play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on a console.

Beautiful, both visually and musically, the game is solidly rooted in folklore and local traditions. South of Midnight combines parkour sections with confined battles to tell an engaging story full of characters from legends, brought to life. It doesn't overstay it's welcome but isn't very challenging either.