Hades 2 is a standout experience in a year full of highlights, keeping the player coming back run after run for just one more go. The art style and graphics are as impressive as ever, a visual feast at every turn.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is above and beyond its predecessors and a game that Digimon fans deserve. This adventure through the Digital World is a fantastic journey that nails the unique magic of the series.
Ghost of Yōtei is an incredible sequel, filled with moments that will stay with me for a long time. It feels like the first party exclusive we've been waiting for, with Sucker Punch continuing to hit its stride.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is an incredible package that brings back a classic to new audiences in stellar fashion.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a sensational remake, staying true to the heart of what made the original so memorable, while adding on elements that just fit perfectly.
Lost Soul Aside is an action-heavy, flashy adventure with fun combat but a forgettable story.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a game that's full of ideas that never really commit to one enough to make it great. The combat can be fun, but a lacklustre story, dated graphics, performance issues, and systems that end up feeling useless make it a frustrating experience. There's potential for something really special hidden underneath, but it never manages to tap into it.
There’s a lot to love in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect game to snuggle under a blanket with a hot tea, a welcome addition to the incoming fall and beyond.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the definitive way to experience a classic. The narrative remains gripping and compelling, with themes that still feel timely and relevant 20 years later.
Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute blast. The destruction and creativity that the level design brings are constantly engaging, and the hunt for Banandium gems is always fun.
The combat flows quickly, the story grabs you and doesn’t let go, and the social systems remain engaging and fun. While the gacha systems will be enough to turn people off, so far, I’m having a blast with Persona5: The Phantom X and will keep coming back for more.
It’s Kojima at his most Kojima, a visionary building a type of experience that only he can. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an adventure worth taking.
Date Everything has a lot of heart, great writing, and memorable characters, but it is hampered by uneven game flow.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is the definitive way to play and is fantastic as part of the Switch 2’s launch lineup.
Unfortunately, the Sacre Bleu experience is too uneven. Technical issues, bland design choices, and a lackluster story make it a chore to play.
HASTE Broken Worlds is fantastic. It’s a constant assault on the senses in the best way. It immerses you in its world as the player looks forward to the next run. Its sense of speed and momentum is unrivaled, even beating out a certain blue hedgehog.
Wanderstop is endlessly charming and necessary. It is a game as much about making tea as it is about finding yourself.
Knights in Tight Spaces is fantastic, with excellent combat, beautiful art style, and meaningful additions to gameplay that will keep you coming back for more.
Monster Hunter Wilds sets the new gold standard for the series, with epic battles, a fantastic narrative, and gorgeous graphics.
Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one of the best Like a Dragon/Yakuza spin-offs, joining the likes of Judgment and Like A Dragon: Ishin. It’s a fast and frenetic pirate adventure that constantly calls the player back to its high seas, and it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.