Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac on Xbox Series X is not a flawless remake—but it’s a surprisingly heartwarming one. It enhances visuals, smooths out rough edges in control, and layers in replay value without losing the core DNA of the original.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a great return for the series. Sure, it deviates from the first two entries, but has its own appeal.

Silent Hill f is a solid entry in the series even if it bucks all the reason to be a Silent Hill game. I still feel like this would have been a great original title. The combat is its biggest weakness and the chasm of fun between the real world and the Shrine Realm really drives that home. I am glad Silent Hill is back, but I do wish they had made the combat a bit more fun and interesting.

Death on the Nile may not be a big-budget spectacle, but it’s a well-crafted mystery with charm and ambition. If you enjoy piecing together clues, catching liars in their contradictions, and unraveling classic stories in new ways, this is a cruise worth boarding.

Thanks to these significant improvements to gameplay, its easy to recommend NBA 2K26 to both newcomers to the franchise and longtime fans. It’s the best playing basketball game we’ve gotten in years, at least 2K23. With that being said, it’s hard not to be frustrated with the things that are still holding the series back. The game would be well served by a firm split between MyCareer and The City, with a Career mode and progression system more akin to MLB: The Show and an online multiplayer component that emphasizes parity rather than pay to win (or in most cases pay to simply be competitive). Feels like this is a pipedream based on the revenue that the series brings in, but it would definitely improve the overall experience.

What can I say, Battlefield 6 feels like a return to form for one of gaming’s most diverse and explosive first-person shooters. The team delivered a gripping campaign full of political intrigue, great characters and enough “only in Battlefield” moments to last us until the next one.

As a beat ’em up, Absolum comes quite close to a perfect 10; the enemies are responsive, the characters are incredibly fun to master, the bosses are unapologetically brutal, and the gorgeous 2D art brings everything together perfectly, creating a game that is beautiful to see in motion. Sadly, some of Absolum’s roguelike mechanics feel alienated from the rest of the game, failing to connect properly in a satisfying way. Modern roguelikes follow an unfortunate trend of only providing players with the most boring, safe tools possible, and it feels like the genre as a whole is now used as a crutch by developers to enforce repetition...Regardless of its issues, Absolum is still a fantastic beat ‘em up developed by some of the most talented people to have touched the genre. Roguelike veterans might find Absolum’s early progression a little grating, but the solid foundation laid out by Guard Crush and Dotemu manages to hold the game together until it hits its stride.

Earthion is a stellar shooter that not only captures the heart of Genesis shooters, but brings the genre forward with stellar visuals, interesting mechanics, and a soundtrack that I could blast on repeat. I love that we live in a world where a game like this can exist. If you grew up loving titles like Hellfire, Truxton, and Musha, this is definitely a game for you. I cannot recommend it enough.

Arctic Awakening is a solid mid-tier narrative adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It nails atmosphere, gives you a memorable companion, and packages everything into a format that’s easy to pick up and finish. It won’t wow you with innovation, and it’s not going to become a genre-defining classic, but it doesn’t need to. If you’re craving the loneliness and mystery of Firewatch but with a colder, stranger backdrop, this is a good pick. If you admire The Long Dark but bounced off its punishing survival mechanics, Arctic Awakening might hit the sweet spot. It’s a game that feels like spending a weekend in the cold; you won’t stay forever, but while you’re there, it’s an experience worth having.

This is an entirely fine sequel for those who want a cute and casual creature collector, as it provides enough busy work to keep you entertained for a minimum 25 hours or so. The exploration and graphics are some of the new game’s highlights, also bringing in new slime species and a higher focus on gadgets. If you liked playing the previous game, then Slime Rancher 2 is more of it, for better or for worse.

If you’re a shmup fan, this is an easy recommendation. If you’re curious but hesitant, prepare for pain—but maybe the good kind. And if you just want something flashy to show off your Series X, well… this ain’t it.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is a great return to form for the series. There are some quirks to clean up, but the base is great. It is sad that the online is basically barren at this time, and I am disappointed there is not an Xbox version, but I loved my time here. I wish Sony cared more about their classic IPs. These games are what made me love the platform.

Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny more than likely won’t compete with the likes of Diablo or Path of Exile, but it doesn’t need to. Its goal is smaller and more focused: to give Nickelodeon characters a new stage to play on while delivering a lighthearted RPG that works for both kids and nostalgic adults. On that front, it rolls a nat’ 20!

Will you get your money’s worth? Probably yes, especially if you enjoy roguelites, mech combat, and alternate history settings. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to; it leans into its strengths. If you want something with deeper tactical complexity or huge narrative ambition, this won’t be your “forever game,” but for what it sets out to do, eh it does it well.

Ghost of Yōtei is another outstanding achievement by the team at Sucker Punch. While I didn’t love it as much as its predecessor, it is still one of the best games to launch this year. Sony continues to push the envelope when it comes to single player experiences.

Echoes of the End won’t be for everyone. If you need endless sidequests, checklists, or high-octane action around every corner, this might feel too subdued. But if you appreciate a more deliberate pace, strong presentation, and a story that respects your time, it’s worth diving into. At the end of the day, it’s not a perfect package, but it’s a memorable one. And during a time where there are more games than we have hours in a day; that may be Echoes of the End greatest strength.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite isn’t going to be for everyone. If you come looking for high-octane action, you’ll probably bounce off quickly. But if you’re patient and willing to embrace its deliberate pacing, there’s a rewarding experience here. It’s niche, no doubt, but it’s a niche worth exploring.

Madden 26 is the biggest upgrade in years. The revamped franchise mode is great, the on-field mechanics are a welcome change, and it just feels good to play. I ran into several glitches early on, that seem to have been ironed out over the weeks after release. The game continues to chug along and I am enjoying the new stuff, but I do really hope it sees competition again someday. I feel like we go 4-5 years between meaningful upgrades, and even those usually come at a cost. Still if you are an NFL fan the game is solid. The changes are welcome, but how on Earth are we still not able to replicate a halftime show that was created 20 years ago in a $20 game. Something that continues to boggle my mind to this day…

Abiotic Factor is ambitious and often fun, but it’s also clunky and uneven. When it clicks, it really feels like what would happen if Gordon Freeman never picked up a crowbar and only used science. When it doesn’t, you’ll feel the grind, the jank, and the imbalance drag things down. It’s still easy to recommend to survival fans looking for something fresh and cooperative, and the fact that it’s on Game Pass but know going in: this feels like more of a brilliant experiment than polished product.

Mafia: The Old Country is a solid entry in the long-running franchise. I love the focus on the story, and the runtime is welcome in a world of bloat. The performances are stellar and the visuals fantastic outside of the performance issues. Anyone who enjoys a good mob story should not miss this.

Bubsy is a weird character. So many old school gamers know and love him but will freely admit they are bad games. Yet here we are in the year of our lord 2025 and getting one of the best compilations created for a collection of games that so many people do not enjoy. I love it. We need to preserve all games, and I only wish we could get collections like this for every series that has been forgotten by time. This won’t make you love Bubsy, but if you have even an ounce of nostalgia, this is a no-brainer.

Metal Eden doesn’t try to be everything. It isn’t a sprawling open world, and it isn’t a 40-hour epic. What it is, though, is a concentrated shot of kinetic energy. If Doom is the power fantasy and Titanfall is the movement masterclass, Metal Eden is the scrappy cousin that blends the two into something that’s lean, stylish, and just plain fun but repetitive.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an impressive first effort by Sega to re-ignite their classic franchises. The year of the ninja has delivered, and if the rest of their lineup is this good, we are in for a treat. The campaign is short enough to digest, long enough to keep players coming back, and overall is just a blast to play. Even if you don’t have nostalgia for the original games, this is worth checking out. Now bring back Eternal Champions cowards!

Helldivers 2 on Xbox is more than just a port; it’s a chance for new players to experience one of the wildest, most unpredictable co-op shooters out there. It’s not perfect: UI issues, glitchy dropships and mission objectives, and the live-service trappings might not sit well with everyone. But in the right conditions, with the right squad, it’s one of the most fun experiences you can have on the console.

Shuten Order is a game of great ambition, unfortunately lacking in execution and polish to properly shoulder the weight of said ambition. While there is a good story to experience and some great moments sprinkled throughout the adventure, the issues with its storytelling and half-baked gameplay elements makes it come far short of its lofty ambitions.

Titanic Scion is a step forward for the series in some areas but still weighed down by the same problems that kept the original from reaching greatness. If you loved the first game, you’ll find more of what you enjoy here, and the mech customization remains a highlight. For everyone else, it’s a stylish but middling action game that struggles to stand out for long stretches. The original game had a lot of post-game support and with any luck Titanic Scion will as well, because currently it sits firmly in the ‘meh’ category; just another fun, forgettable game.

At the end of the day, Space Cobra Adventure: The Awakening isn’t a bad game, but it’s not the triumphant return fans might have hoped for. It sits squarely in that “middling” territory: fun enough for fans of the character, but lacking the mechanical and narrative polish to recommend widely. For every moment that feels like a love letter to the source material, there’s another that reminds you of its rough edges. If you’re already invested in Cobra’s universe as I am, you’ll find things to enjoy here. If you’re not, this probably isn’t the game that’s going to win you over.

Discounty isn’t trying to be a sprawling life simulator, and that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on shopkeeping and small-town charm, and in those areas it succeeds. The store management loop is fun, the characters are memorable, and the atmosphere is cozy in a way that few games pull off. It does stumble with clunky controls, slow pacing, and a lack of meaningful downtime activities, but those issues don’t outweigh the charm at its core. In the end Discounty is a refreshing spin on cozy sims that makes running a supermarket surprisingly engaging.

So, the big question is whether this is worth revisiting with the HD collection with the original already existing. For me it is a mixed bag. I loved revisiting this absolute classic. The new visuals really do look amazing, and the minor quality of life improvements make it easier to just enjoy the game. Still, I would have loved to see so much more included or updated.

While Iwakura Aria isn’t Mages Inc’s best work, the mystery of the Iwakura family was one well worth uncovering, featuring a great sense of suspense and foreboding dread that kept me reading well past my bedtime.

The most frustrating thing about Sengoku Dynasty is that you can see the potential hiding under all the rough edges. The visuals sell the fantasy, the survival loop has moments of satisfaction, and building up a village from nothing is conceptually strong. But the execution drags everything down. It feels like a foundation for a great game that never got the time to mature into one. Sengoku Dynasty is a game I wanted to love. I see the pieces of something truly unique, but those pieces never come together. The constant grind, poor villager AI, empty world, and clunky systems overshadow the good ideas. It’s not unplayable; it just isn’t enjoyable for long stretches.

Fantasy Finds is exactly the kind of DLC Two Point fans have come to expect: not earth-shattering, but smart, funny, and designed to deepen the systems you already love. It doesn’t reinvent Two Point Museum, but it enriches it with new mechanics, new aesthetics, and plenty of silly surprises. For players who already own the base game, this is a no-brainer. It’s an excuse to dive back into your old saves, hire some fantasy misfits, and watch as your polished exhibits are visited by goblins and chicken-ified tourists alike.

The Toaplan Arcade Collection is an interesting piece of history. There are some deep cuts here, and I enjoyed discovering the games I had never played. Of course, revisiting classics such as Truxton, Hellfire, and of course Zero Wing on my Xbox in 2025 was a trip. I love the renaissance that shooters are in. Bring them all back! Being able to just sit down at my modern console and do a run of Tiger Heli is really cool.

The Toaplan Arcade Collection is an interesting piece of history. There are some deep cuts here, and I enjoyed discovering the games I had never played. Of course, revisiting classics such as Truxton, Hellfire, and of course Zero Wing on my Xbox in 2025 was a trip. I love the renaissance that shooters are in. Bring them all back! Being able to just sit down at my modern console and do a run of Tiger Heli is really cool.

Gradius Origins is a phenomenal package that has just about everything you could want from one of these. The games included are incredible, they created a new entry just for the collection, and the additions and inclusions are simply amazing. I had a great time just digging through all the stuff, the only way it could be better is having a documentary built in, sort of like what Digital Eclipse does with their Gold series. This is as close to that standard as far as these collections go. Now I want Konami to do Contra and Castlevania like this one. Definitely recommended if you have any affinity for the series or genre.

Ra Ra Boom has style and ambition, but style alone can’t make up for undercooked gameplay that never fully clicks. Combat is rough around the edges, the lane system just feels ‘there’ and the story lacks any real staying power. Ra Ra Boom feels like the type of game that presents well in motion and in screenshots but the fun starts to waiver the more time you spend with it.

Donkey Kong Bananza should have launched with the Switch 2. This is the first game that has made me super excited to own the console. This is the next great platformer from Nintendo and gives me even more excitement for the next proper Mario game. DK holds his own though and I cannot recommend this enough. If you have a Switch 2, this game should be in your library.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound doesn’t try to be everything, unlike many games nowadays; no, it just tries to be damn good at what it is. And that’s exactly why it works. This is the most focused, confident entry the series has seen in years. No bloated cutscenes, no watered-down combat, no unnecessary frills. Just you, your blade, and a demon army to cut through. It’s not perfect though, the short runtime and limited build variety may leave some wanting more but what’s here is tight, polished, and relentlessly fun. For fans of Black, Sigma, or even the NES originals, this is the closest we’ve gotten to the true spirit of Ninja Gaiden in over a decade.

Cyber Clutch: Hot Import Nights is a game that looks good on paper and screenshots but falls short in several aspects. The biggest issue is the AI and handling, which are key components of a racing game. I get their vision, I want to love the game, but I just can’t. It feels like a few more months in the oven and this could be a good title to return to if the developers clean it up, but as it is, it is hard to recommend.

Ruffy and the Riverside is one of the most creative games I’ve played all year. It’s a puzzle-platformer that puts puzzles first, throws platforming in for flavor, and somehow wraps it all in a technicolor cartoon aesthetic that shouldn’t work but totally does. Zockrates Laboratories didn’t just make a game; they made a vibe. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you like your games clever, your worlds weird, and your protagonists one jazz hand away from a nervous breakdown, Ruffy is your guy.

IREM and ININ continue to deliver classic arcade games to modern consoles, and I am here for it. While this collection doesn’t have a marquee title to boast, the games included here are definitely fun. I enjoyed revisiting these as well as playing something I had missed when it came out. I love these old collections and hope we continue to see more of them. Bring on Volume 4 and let’s get even weirder with it.

Shadow Labyrinth is a hard game to nail down. It does some cool things here and there but is bogged down by poor level design and tedious Metroidvania game play. I wanted to love it, but came away just slightly entertained. The price helps, only clocking in at $29.99 makes it easier to swallow. I wish it was better, but at worst, it is a decent “one of those” that fails to capture the magic of the genre.

Killing Floor 3 is a weird one. It looks better. It’s technically deeper. The gore and co-op moments still slap. But it’s also slower, clunkier, and more controlled than the chaos we used to love.

Wuchang has some neat ideas, but the inconsistent difficulty and confusing story really made it hard to enjoy a lot of times. Still, I love the world, and combat feels great and responsive. This is a solid effort from a first-time studio, and I think people who really enjoy the genre have yet another one they can get into. The campaign is long, clocking in at just under 50 hours with plenty more once credits roll. Fans will love it, but for those like me, this one doesn’t do enough to overcome my issues with the genre.

Golden Tee Arcade Classics is a decent package with some awkward controls. These games have a place in history, and it is great to finally see them come to modern consoles, but the controls are going to throw off a whole new generation of players. I was excited to dig in until the game humbled my skills with its controls. I still love having these available to play whenever I want, but unless you have deep-seated nostalgia for the series, there are better golf games to check out.

Even though it is much shorter and less ambitious than the other titles in the series, “No Sleep for Kaname Date” is a good time, albeit with the stipulation that it should not be the introduction to the series for anyone and strictly for the fans of special agent Date and his misadventures.

Robocop: Unfinished Business doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just straps some spikes on it and rolls it through a burning tower full of mercs. If you loved Rogue City, this is more of what made that game so surprisingly compelling: big guns, bigger satire, and a chrome-plated hero who never forgets his humanity. It’s a shame the polish wasn’t quite there, but if you can overlook the rough edges, there’s plenty of meat on this cyborg bone.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is another outstanding package of classic games that reignites my love for the series. I wonder if THUG will even be in consideration, and honestly, I don’t have nearly as much nostalgia for those games, I kind of fell off at that point. I still played them all, but my memories are from those first four games. I would love it if this sparked the return of the series for a new game, as I feel like the remakes have run their course.

Wizard of Legend 2 is a smart sequel. It grows the formula, expands the world, and doubles down on build variety without losing the core “magic” that made the original stand out. Yes, the combat feeling has changed, and no, it’s not quite as tight. But the added depth, visual upgrade, and co-op potential more than make up for it, if the technical side keeps improving.

Tron: Catalyst is one of those games that’s easy to admire, even if it doesn’t quite hit every target. It builds a compelling world, executes an interesting premise, and looks incredible doing it. But by the end, the cracks start to show. Combat could use more depth, the Glitch mechanic feels underdeveloped, and the world; despite its beauty it really lacks things to do. Still, for fans of Tron, isometric action games, or stylish sci-fi in general, this is a strong entry. I’d love to see Bithell take another swing at this universe. With more time and ambition, a follow-up could turn these sparks into something explosive.

Mecha Break isn’t a bad game. It’s not a great one either. It’s a classic “7 out of 10 that could be a 9 if it just tightened up.” The bones are solid; mechs feel powerful, battles look great, and customization is top-notch but the meat on those bones feels undercooked. It needs patches, balance tweaks, and maybe a stronger narrative core if it wants to hang with the genre big boys. Still, if you’ve got a soft spot for stompy robots like I do, there is enough here to have a good time with; but mileage will definitely vary.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark doesn’t reinvent the roguelite genre; it just reinvigorates it. It feels fresh and fun and it’s full of charm with its village building mechanic. It’s a game that is full of heart and weird bot jokes. I just wish there was more time spent on the optimization because these glitches and bugs are enough to have me give up the spark.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 isn’t just a continuation but a culmination. It takes what worked from the first two games, sharpens the mechanics, deepens the emotional storytelling, and delivers a strategy RPG experience that is as thoughtful as it is compelling. Be warned though, it’s not a casual playthrough. The tone is heavy, the themes are mature, and the decisions you make actually matter. But if you’re invested in these characters and this world, this third chapter is a rewarding, if sometimes emotionally draining, journey.

Ok look, cards aside, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a wild, ambitious retelling of that original story that dances carefully between nostalgia and complete narrative changes. I was surprised to see a certain character interact with another character so early in the tale, and the changes just kept on coming from there; but in a good way. Each of the character felt like they had more depth this time around, and the side missions don’t just feel like extra padding like in Remake. The story has it all, humor? Yep. Trauma. Oh, it’s here for sure in some big doses. Even though I already know the story beats from Final Fantasy 7 but Rebirth still managed to surprise me time and time again in the best way. Come for the Queen’s Blood, stay for the excellent Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth tale.

Rematch is the kind of sports game that throws out the fluff and dares you to bring the skill. It doesn’t want to hold your hand. It wants to cross you up, score on you, and ask politely if you’d like a rematch. It’s not for everyone though, even with it being on Game Pass. There’s no single-player campaign, no casual local couch mode, and no elaborate progression system to dress up your player like a walking peacock. But what’s here is focused, fast, and infuriatingly fun. It’s soccer by way of the fighting game genre: twitchy, intense, and one mistake away from disaster. For me, someone who isn’t a soccer fan, I can appreciate what this game is doing but for fans of this form of football I know you will vibe with Rematch.

I didn’t hate FBC: Firebreak at all, in fact I rather enjoyed my time running through its jobs with my friends; even if we had seen everything the game offers after the first day. But Firebreak isn’t a perfect game, it has a lot of issues, especially with the balance and the constant disconnections which for an online-only game is utterly unacceptable in my opinion. The good news is that all these issues can be fixed, but if I’m honest; I miss the days when players could buy a game, take it home and play it with no issues from start to finish, I know digital is the way but it shouldn’t make these developers dependent on the ‘patch’ crutch. I don’t know, just an ‘old man shouting at clouds’ I guess but FBC: Firebreak is fun to play as long as you have a solid team and temper your expectations.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered is a weird product. It’s not the best Gundam game on PC (that’s still probably Gundam Breaker 3, if I’m being honest), nor is it the most accessible. But for SEED fans, especially those who remember poring over the original’s menus with a translation guide in hand, this remaster is a nostalgic gift. For everyone else? It’s an old warhorse with a new coat of paint and a reminder that sometimes, the past is best visited with tempered expectations.

The Gex Trilogy is a great collection with a few missing pieces. It was a lot of fun to revisit these games as I loved playing them in my youth. The new rewind feature makes the games much more playable, and the updated controls make the second and third game tolerable. Limited Run Games did a great job with this collection, and it is worth it alone for the interviews and extras. Hopefully we can see Gex return in the future, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. He was definitely a product of a certain time.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time isn’t trying to dazzle you. It’s trying to make you feel comfortable. And in that regard, it mostly succeeds. The job system is satisfying, the world is charming, and the story, while simple, has enough emotional payoff to keep you invested. But it also stumbles a bit with the grind that can be exhausting after a while. It’s not a game for everyone but for those willing to settle into its rhythms and forgive a few rough edges, there’s something special here. It’s the kind of game you come back to on quiet evenings not because it demands your attention, but because it earns your time.

Dune: Awakening is not for the faint of heart. It’s slow to start, merciless in its mechanics, and deeply punishing if you’re not prepared to think long-term. But it’s also one of the most immersive, lore-faithful, and ambitious survival MMOs I’ve played in years. It asks you to live in the Dune universe not just walk through it and that’s a rare thing in licensed games. For fans of the franchise, there’s nothing else quite like it. For MMO players tired of formulaic grinds and empty worlds, this is something richer, even if it comes at a cost. But be warned: if you’re looking for fast progress, you’re going to have a bad time. On Arrakis, everything fights back.

Without an upgrade path this title comes down to whether or not you own it already. If you do on Switch, the upgrades aren’t necessarily worth a double dip. However, if you waited for the Switch 2 to jump in, this is more than worth the price of admission. Both games are excellent and worth checking out. I just wish Sega had included an upgrade path for existing owners. The game isn’t that old to begin with. For those that haven’t taken the plunge yet though are in for a treat.

The Alters is a unique, emotionally layered, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking game that will have you questioning your own life choices and then simulating alternate versions of them.

Blazing Strike is a very solid offering from a very small team. Being a fan of classic SNK titles, I really enjoyed my time with it and am glad it is now available on all platforms. I definitely recommend checking it out if you enjoy classic Neo-Geo brawlers. It has some limitations and a lack of depth, but it is extremely fun with some great characters. I’m really looking forward to seeing what this team does next.

TMNT: Tactical Takedown is a decent time if you love the turtles and aren’t expecting a revolutionary tactics game. It has heart, humor, and enough ninja action to keep fans entertained, truly my only issue is the writing in some areas but even its not enough to distract from how much fun this tactics game is; just like my first time trying pineapple on pizza, I was surprised with how much I really enjoyed this unique mash-up and wouldn’t mind another tactical Turtles game.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a lot like the sword Excalibur; the greatness of the sword can be seen underneath but its currently lodged in a rock made of poor optimization. If you can forgive the bugs and all of the jank this game brings to the round table, then you may just find a hauntingly cool world worth exploring.

Onimusha 2 was a great game in its time, but times have changed. It definitely has blemishes that showcase game design from the early 2000s. Still, it was fun revisiting this game and I hope they managed to get the third game out there eventually. I just hope it doesn’t take another six years. With a new entry in the franchise on the horizon it would be a great time to revisit these classics. Just know what you are getting into before diving in.

Bonaparte – A Mechanized Revolution is one of those rare strategy games that dares to be ridiculous in the best way possible. It’s thoughtful and complex where it counts with the tactical combat and branching political choices but it never takes itself too seriously. After all, this is a game where you can debate economic reform in the morning and duel a royalist mech in a vineyard by sunset. While the game is in Early Access as of this review, the developers are on the right track to deliver something special when its finished.

Deliver At all Cost offers plenty in the way of replayability, thanks to its open-world nature and a whole host of mission types. But the repetitive nature of some of the mission designs will wear thin after a time. While the game delivers a fun and chaotic experience that excels in destruction and absurdity it struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion. Fans of Crazy Taxi and the Burnout franchise will appreciate the reckless charm therein but those looking for a deeper story or more refined mechanics may find it lacking.

Kiborg feels like the perfect follow-up from Sobaka Studio; the team behind Redeemer and 9 Monkeys of Sholin. The growth is really shown in the combat fluidity that runs through Kiborg’s moment to moment gameplay. Yes, it is a roguelite so players can expect to die many, many, many times before they find the perfect cybernetic upgrades for success and sure the game is a bit janky; but it’s a lot of fun.

Monster Train 2 is a truly enjoyable experience that feels like the developers have successfully built upon it upon its predecessor’s foundation. Even though it took me a few runs to really get a handle on all the systems at play, once I did I was ‘full-steam ahead’ (these train puns doing it for you?). The new clans, strategic depth, and progression system are all a reason for any fan of the rogue-like deck-builders to try this game. Not to mention the banging soundtrack, some bright and colorful art for the cards and enemies and Monster Train 2 feels like a perfectly blended match made in heaven.

Ultimately, Knock on the Coffin Lid is a solid rogue-like deckbuilding game with some nice additions and twist from the norm. The art style and audio shine throughout the game and there are lots of great deck possibilities. However, it’s held back by the steep learning curve, difficulty and the overly grindy nature that is required to acquire the many unlockable. Fans of the genre will find lots to enjoy here though, there is plenty of room for replay ability just be prepared to grind for new rewards.

Blades of Fire is a welcome return to MercurySteam and I think it’s one that is going to be a sleeper hit. The way the story unfolds and pushes the player to explore the environment that is littered with hidden fights and upgrades that will help Aran become stronger. Even the characters that players will meet along the way are fun and add something to the overall game, and I for one loved Adso but if players like to adventure in silence the developers have allowed for that which is neat. If you are a fan of big, adventure action-RPG’s with a beautiful land to explore and tons of weapons to make and use; then Blades of Fire is going to be for you.

Some of the games included here have not seen the light of day since they were initially released. These collections really showcase that Capcom used to really produce a ton of great fighting games across the spectrum. This collection also showcases that maybe the well is running a bit dry, and I am not sure we see a third iteration unless they want to bring us the other Star Gladiator and Rival Schools titles. I am definitely down for more, but curious what is left in the tank. Still, I cannot recommend these collections enough for people who love fighting games. Some of these titles showcase Capcom at their peak and revisiting them has been an absolute delight.

All in all, I am excited to revisit and finally finish Deacon’s story and with the inclusion of the Broken Road DLC as well as the new Horde mode there is a lot of extra and brand-new content for players to explore. I just really don’t understand the wisdom of doing this remaster, while I am sure the fans appreciate it very much; I didn’t think Sony was moving forward with the franchise. So, to invest money in this remaster just seems like giving some false hope to fans that are interested in seeing more from Deacon and gang but who am I, just a black guy reviewing games. I am sure Sony knows what they are doing……right?

Look, I freaking love The Precinct but I had a feeling I would when I first saw it back in 2023. The moment-to-moment gameplay feels just like watching those cop shows from the 80’s; running perps down on foot, getting into crazy shootouts and exploding cars, even your partner telling you how close to retirement he is; everything about The Precinct is so deliciously 80’s and I thoroughly savored and enjoyed every moment of it. I do hope we can see more non-lethal options in a sequel or expansion, but I think the ultimate treat would be the ability to be a good cop or bad cop, a morality system would add something for sure, but for now The Precinct stands as a great example of police simulation done right.

I think the team at Silent Games is on to something with Empyreal. As I said the combat has some glimmers of greatness, it just needs to be refined a bit more. I love the fact they hand-designed the levels, but the overall graphics might have suffered as the game certainly is nothing to write home about in that area. But even with all that and the mostly forgettable story, Empyreal does have a solid loot system and some decent customization options which is nice but mileage will vary from gamer to gamer due to the frustrating and sometimes clunky combat.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a fitting swan song for the Switch as its last major exclusive release and showcases just what it takes for a game to truly earn the title of “Definitive Edition”.

There is a lot packed in here, with over 20 hours of brain-bending content, it is definitely worth checking out for both newcomers and returning fans. The upgrades are worthwhile, and the new expansion is extremely fun. I had a blast revisiting this game and it is just as memorable as it was back in 2014. This is a must-play for those that enjoy these types of puzzle games. It really carves out its own niche and executes it extremely well. Hard to believe this game came from the same guys who created Serious Sam.

This is worth your time more than anything if you enjoy puzzles. Please please please don’t sit on Blue Prince (and bring a note pad, you’ll absolutely need it.)

While Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves doesn’t do much to set itself apart from other quality fighters on the market today, it’s a solid new entry in an iconic series that shows that SNK is still a worthy contender amongst the legends of the genre.

Lunar is a special series that is of its time. Both games hold up for me, and for anyone that enjoys classic RPGs, this is a must-have collection. I had a fantastic time revisiting these games and am so glad they are finally available without having to go through other means, or spending a small fortune on classic hardware. I do wish they had used the original voice actors and sped up the movement in Eternal Blue, but this is still an easy recommendation.

Drug Dealer Simulator is not going to appeal to everyone based on what its very game is. But those that do check it out will find a pretty competent business simulator that makes some missteps. Graphics feel dated and bland, there are a lot of menus to navigate, and the game is poor at explaining things. It just feels crazy because almost everything that DDS isn’t, Schedule 1 is. If you have an Xbox, then this is passable drug dealing experience and is worthy of your time until Schedule 1 makes its inevitable console debt that is.

Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars is a great expansion for the series and feels like a celebration of Chinese mythology by not only showcasing excellent storytelling but also building on the top-notch strategic elements from its original release. By introducing the rich tapestry of Chinese legends and pairing it with refined gameplay and the stunning visuals, the expansion successfully reinvigorates the classic game for a new generation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Immortal Pillars offers tons of improvements over the base game and more to love about the Age of Mythology.

The more I played of Steel Seed the more I felt like that old saying where the kid asks for McDonalds and their mom says they have that at home. Yea, well Steel Seed is like the Stellar Blade we have at home. While the game itself is competent, its greatest sin for me is that it just wasn’t very fun. This seed didn’t bring forth the crop I thought it would, and I suggest just skipping this one.

Monster Energy Supercross 25 is a terrible name for such a finely crafted game. This is for the hardcore fans of the sport and Milestone has gone the extra mile to make sure all the realism is intact. They could have done more to ease in casual players, but everything else is fantastic. The new engine levels up the visuals and the customization is very appreciated. You just have to know what you are getting into before diving in. This game takes commitment and practice to fully enjoy it. Once you get past that though, it is one of the best in the genre.

Gorn 2 is a solid follow-up to the original; the new weapons, narrative and physics add so much to the already established formula of over the top. Players can expect flying body parts, floppy weapons and some genuinely hilarious moments. The boss fights are lots of fun, and the narrative is a really nice addition to what Gorn 2 offers; I do wish it was a tad longer but as the entity known as Q once said to Capt. Jean-Luc Picard; “All good things must come to an end”. Gorn 2 is a great reason to knock the dust off the VR device in your life, and its coming to everything so there is no reason to not jump into the arena.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a winner on two levels for me. It is a game that is very near and dear to me, and the team came back to really make this remaster worth revisiting outside of nostalgia. They reworked the controls, made it look fantastic, and packed it with so many extras it is hard not to love it. This was one of my most anticipated remasters and it did not disappoint.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an absolute gem of a game and it shines brightest on the PS5. Yep, that feels weird to say since this game is made by team Green; but by leveraging the added tech the PlayStation 5 has the team made the game feel like it was made especially for it. All the work that MachineGames has put into it really made the game shine in a way that; well, it just can’t on the Xbox. If you have been waiting for the PS5 release then I am here to tell you that this game is going knock your socks off and I am not even on a PS5 Pro; I can only imagine how well it handles an adventure of this magnitude.

As a big fan of Into the Bridge, I was expecting more from Grit and Valor – 1949. I ended up enjoying the real-time combat nature of the game even though I was expecting something turn-based. Mechs for me are always cool and some of these had a neat design but the inability to be able to target specific units feels like a huge miss. Grit and Valor isn’t a bad game necessarily it just doesn’t really feel like a good one either; it just doesn’t feel very interesting.

South of Midnight is by far the best game Compulsion has crafted. I love the story, characters, and world. The unique graphics are gorgeous to look at, and the combat is fun and interesting. Being on Game Pass is just the cherry on top. There is a lot to love here and another great game from Xbox this year. Their cadence finally seems to be in place and Xbox owners are eating well. Definitely recommended for just about anyone who enjoys action-adventure games.

The boss fights were a real highlight, it’s a shame the narrative didn’t shine as brightly; but if you are a fan of Dungeon Fighter Online you may enjoy it more than a noob like me.

I wanted to enjoy The Stones of Madness because I really loved The Game Kitchen’s other game series; Blasphemous. Aside from the incredible hand-drawn art style in the Madness game, I wasn’t really a fan of this game. The omission of something as simple and important to tactical-strategy games as the quick save feels like a really big miss. While The Stones of Madness feels unique in its approach to story and indeed the overall mystery; this one just wasn’t for me at the end of the day.

Ninja Five-O is a hidden gem from the GBA that was sadly lost to time. I am thrilled it is now readily available, at least if you own something besides an Xbox. Seriously Microsoft, get this worked out. It doesn’t have a ton of extras that make this package feel as premium as it should, but the game makes up for it. This is a game that deserves to be played, so if you enjoy classic ninja action, this game would make Michael Dudikoff proud.

I really wanted to like Atomfall, as I said that first trailer I was already intrigued by its weird and very British world but its narrative was boring to me. While its visuals for the various zones are drop-dead gorgeous at times, its ‘Leads’ system, while certainly unique; just leads to more frustration that innovation for me. And when you combine that on top of the combat system that has a reliance on melee but then refuses to give you the ability to block an on-coming punch while simultaneously letting you get beat-down by 13 dudes… nah, I had to fall off of this one.

Despite the dumb downed Alchemy and some technical issues, Atelier Yumia marks a great first step towards a new future for this long running series with its fun and rewarding exploration and enjoyable fast paced combat.

33 Immortals isn’t a finished product as of now but what the team has launched with is quite a bit of fun if you can get a room to work together. The lack of any sort of voice communication really handcuffs the MMO-type raid setting that the developers at Thunder Lotus is going for. What the game does have though is a killer hand-drawn art style, a fun and addicting gameplay loop and the benefit of being the only game of its type right now. I hope this recipe is one that sees 33 Immortals make it to the 1.0 finish line and beyond. [Early Access Provisional Score = 80]

I have been a big fan of the Assassin’s Creed games since their inception, back when Jade Raymond was shepherding young Desmond’s journey. It’s been a long time since then and the series has seen lots of changes and to me Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the best this series has ever been. With its destructible environments, fantastic story and excellent characters, Shadows has managed to dethrone Odyssey as my favorite Assassin’s Creed game.

Omega Force’s attempt to enter the roguelite space with Warriors: Abyss is sadly quite underwhelming. I had some fun battling the waves of demons with the plethora of playable characters. But with some ugly graphics, no real randomization in levels/layout or bosses and limited gameplay features, this one is better left to the uber fans, even at its discounted price.