Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still an enhanced remaster of a 12-year-old Wii game, but it effectively brings forward one of the pink puffball's best outings, complete with meaningful additions. The result is a game worthy of sitting in the Switch catalog next to last year's superb Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Real-life Major League Baseball continues to evolve in ways to encourage faster play in hopes of appealing to a broader audience, but MLB The Show 23 feels somehow ahead of the game. At the same time, the new Storylines mode shows the past is just as important as the future, providing players with the best of both worlds. Myriad options and modes allow you to engage with America’s Pastime precisely how you want, and in the process, MLB The Show 23 delivers one of the best baseball games in years.
At several points in my lengthy journey through the Gothic delight that is Blasphemous 2, I worried the monstrous foe in front of me would spell an end to my journey. But without these frequent frustrations, the triumphs wouldn’t be as great. Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles.
Forza Motorsport may not have the most in-depth career mode, but it executes nearly every aspect of the package exceptionally well. Though some of the progression and dynamic visual elements fall short of the realism the rest of the title achieves, Forza Motorsport currently vies for the pole position in the sim-racer field.
Even after nearly 100 hours, I was sad to part ways with my team, feeling as though I had formed bonds with them that transcend any kind of in-game Social Link metric. Even with some outdated and repetitive elements inherited through the 18-year-old structure of the original, Persona 3 Reload is one of the best entries in one of the most acclaimed modern role-playing franchises in video games.
Frustration gives way to fun and fulfillment as failure turns to success
Tense and full of adrenaline-fueled moments, Dying Light is a blast
True to its PC reputation, Cities: Skylines is the best city-builder out there today
The season feels like it is back on track, and this entry delivers on the potential that the premiere episode promised
UFC 2 captures the adrenaline rush that is MMA with features like a deeper career and the wild Knockout mode
Even after I completed the final challenge of the story, I couldn’t wait to dive back in
Sonic Mania succeeds in paying homage to the classic '90s entries that so many fans remember fondly, and in the process delivers the best Sonic game in decades
Fans of Splatoon's single-player content should look no further than the exceptional Octo Expansion
A fun stroll down memory lane for hardcore fans, and a strong entry point to the series for newcomers
This platformer was fun on Wii U, and the Deluxe version gives the game a well-earned extra life on Switch
The Impossible Lair may receive top billing, but the entire journey leading to that titular final challenge is rewarding
Creative environmental puzzles and unique boss battles make this a rewarding experience from start to finish
Seeing a continuation of the bonkers Mortal Kombat 11 story is thrilling, and the new characters are solid additions
With a retooled career mode, strong upgrades to gameplay, and the fun Blitz Battles online mode, UFC 4 delivers a complete package
With a fun choose-your-path career mode and community-driven custom courses, Dirt 5 provides a thrilling and approachable off-road experience