Julio La Pine
Unknown 9: Awakening is the perfect example of having great ideas, interesting lore, and well-written characters that are randomly thrown to the wall to see if they stick together. The plethora of technical issues is so large that by the time the game gets going, one's investment is long gone.
Planet Coaster 2 has a lot of potential to become a great theme park sandbox. However, its many technical issues and bugs hold back what could be a smooth roller coaster ride.
Metal Slug Tactics is a new take on the legendary franchise that puts side-scrolling action aside for a more in-depth tactical approach. While the combat and roguelike systems are highly engaging, they still suffer from many bugs that prevent this game from reaching greater heights.
RoadCraft is one of the most niche games out there. It offers an unmatched sandbox building experience with an emphasis on realistic driving, but it suffers from many glitches and bugs, and is also one of the least solo-friendly games in the series.
Commandos: Origins nails the real-time strategy aspects and enhances them by bringing excellent sandbox elements. Sadly, the many bugs and technical issues will frustrate even the most dedicated players out there.
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is an excellent launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 that showcases its technical capabilities. However, some of the new additions make it feel like the inferior version of this legendary entry.
Sniper Elite: Resistance returns with the tried and tested formula of Sniper Elite 5. While that should be enough to make this a great game, it suffers from some jank here and there that makes it a very good return to Europe, but not a flawless one.
Despite its minor bugs and glitches, Wayfinder is a terrific ARPG. It is full of content and potential, that casual and hardcore players alike will have a blast playing.
One the best Star Trek games we’ve had in years!
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is an excellent remaster and a clear step up from Onimusha: Warlords. While it still has its innate jank, the new additions and QoL features make this game feel up to current-day standards.
The First Berserker: Khazan is a brutal and punishing adventure with satisfying combat and a superb art style. While it lacks variety in some areas, the original things it brings to genre are outstanding and make this one of the best games of 2025.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an excellent addition to the franchise that elevates practically everything with new in-depth systems, superb map design, and almost endless replayability.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered does more than just bring classic dark fantasy adventures under a new spotlight. It is a love letter to a beloved series of the 2000s that blends QoL features so perfectly that it is highly approachable to new and old fans alike.
Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a proper comeback of a niche classic that maintains the essence of the original while modernizing it enough for newer audiences. Despite its minor technical flaws, it is a top-notch action-adventure escapade.
FBC: Firebreak is an excellent online co-op experience made by the creative minds behind Control. It is an approachable game with no FOMO systems that also includes a highly engaging gameplay loop with unique objectives and mechanics.
Dune: Awakening is a new staple for the survival genre and a new standard for all MMO-like games. It features one of the most intricate and addictive gameplay loops while bringing top-notch exploration to one of gaming's most atmospheric journeys.
Elden Ring: Nightreign manages to seamlessly blend multiple gameplay systems, creating a highly addictive gameplay loop. Despite some solo balancing issues, it is another FromSoftware masterpiece, and one I hope will stick around for many years to come.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is an excellent compilation of some of Capcom's best arcade games brought to a modern and accessible stage.
Tempest Rising is clearly inspired by the good old RTS days of the 90s and early 2000s, but it has so many unique features and high-quality additions that makes this game feel original and innovative.
South of Midnight is one of the most memorable story-driven experiences of 2025. With a strong cast and a superb art style, anyone will enjoy a short but sweet journey, which will cling to your mind because of its endearing nature.