SPYxANYA: Operation Memories's simple yet fun mechanics, such as capturing perfect moments for Anya's diary and participating in charming mini-games, offer a relaxing and enjoyable gameplay loop. With its emphasis on family, love, and the everyday adventures of the Forger family, this game is a heartfelt recommendation for anyone looking for a cozy little game that is simple, good, and fun.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a masterful and engaging addition to the Dragon Ball franchise. There is nothing quite like Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, and it surpasses expectations for any fan of Dragon Ball. Creating and training your own character, reliving iconic moments with a twist in the same vein as Marvel’s “What if…?”, and exploring the ever-expanding content keeps the game fresh and exciting while capturing the true essence of the Dragon Ball universe.
Noreya: The Gold Project is a lovingly made Metroidvania that does indeed stand out from the countless other titles of this genre that come out each year. With its cool mechanics, interesting ideas, beautiful visuals, and an endgame that makes you feel like a badass, Noreya: The Gold Project is a solid Metroidvania that reminded me of my early days of gaming and it is a game that should not be overlooked.
Whether you’re a seasoned Soulsborne veteran or a newcomer to FromSoftware’s brand of challenging yet rewarding gameplay, Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion that should not be missed. It really expands upon Lands Between established while preserving the sense of wonder and discovery that feels so important in Elden Ring. Shadow of the Erdtree sets a new standard for what a DLC can achieve and I believe this is FromSoftware’s greatest work yet.
Wuthering Waves avoids the pressure to spend seen in some gacha games and offers a deep combat system that is both accessible and rewarding for free-to-play players. While the story and world can feel a bit sterile at times, the combat mechanics are a blast to master, and the endgame offers a solid challenge for veterans. The upcoming Zero Point Research Station and the potential return of the Depths of Illusive Realm hint at a bright future for the game's content. If you're looking for a fresh open-world adventure with a focus on fast-paced action and strategic team-play, Wuthering Waves has great potential and is worth checking out.
Still Wakes the Deep delivers a masterfully crafted horror experience. While the game does not innovate upon what has already been done before, it delivers the classic horror package well. The oppressive atmosphere, the grotesque creature design, and the relatable characters combine to create a rather memorable journey. While the walking simulator format and concise story may not appeal to everyone, the game's strengths make it a solid choice for those looking for a brief horror experience.
For fans of the franchise, this iteration feels like a refined homage to what made SMT beloved. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect entry point into the complex, thrilling world of Shin Megami Tensei. In a landscape crowded with RPGs, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance stands out as a must-play title, blending challenging combat, strategic depth, and a compelling story into a cohesive package that’s hard to put down.
Bungie wrapped up the 10-year saga with a gripping story with Destiny 2: The Final Shape. This is one of the best expansions Bungie has ever put out. The story felt complete and the closure it brought felt right. There are still some questions up in the air, but that is the purpose of a live service game where some of it is told in the lore and the rest is up to interpretation.
Nine Sols is an excellent game that is a must-play for all Metroidvania fans and is seriously worth considering for those who are new to this genre. Its precise and satisfying combat, breathtaking art direction, and stellar story make it a worthwhile experience. The high difficulty and unique bosses make it incredibly replayable as well. This game is not just a perfect homage to the games it takes from, but it is its own unique concept as well due to its design, cultural representation and gameplay.
In its current state, F1 24 is not worth the $70 price tag for the avid fans who buy the F1 games every year, and the same applies to the ones chasing a close-to real-life experience with their racing setups. If you are an F1 fan who buys a game from the series now and then to see what changes have been made, then maybe it’s worth it.
Hades II can be kind of a bummer sometimes when you find yourself sucked in with a really good build only to realize the game isn’t finished. If you are the kind of player who appreciates complete experiences, you may want to wait, but if you are the kind who enjoys seeing the journey of a game that is being actively worked on, playing Hades II seems like a no-brainer.