Building on classic roots and updating it with modern gameplay, presentation, and progression, Double Dragon Gaiden is an absolutely fantastic beat 'em up. Near-perfect from start to finish, it is a polished example of just how much you can do with a retro property when you’re willing to innovate and modernize the rock-solid core.
Tchia is the perfect cozy game. It is deeply inspired by the culture of New Caledonia, and in showing that it creates one of the warmest, most engaging experiences in gaming. From its calm exploration to its charming story to its dozens of wonderful little moments, Tchia is one of the best games of 2023 so far. You owe it to yourself to play it.
While technically competent in all ways, the reliance on nostalgia and old "don't-fix-it-if-it-ain't-broke" game mechanics keeps Hogwarts Legacy from really being as stellar as it could be. It does everything well while falling into the Harry Potter trap of forgetting to innovate. Still, it is impossible to ignore the polish on display.