Maisie Scott
ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN works because it is daring, not because it is perfect. This action game is still quite intriguing, even though it has several problems. It’s driven by style, heart, and a clear mission that makes chaos seem weirdly significant.
Utawarerumono: ZAN is a strange mix of a visual novel and a Warriors-style hack-and-slash game that will mostly appeal to people who have already played the other games in the series. Its best features are the wide range of characters, the way battles work with groups, and the way players can change how they move, which makes trying out different strategies more rewarding.
When Cassette Boy does well, he sticks to one original idea and builds an entire story around it. The mechanics of changing perspectives feel really new. It turns simple environments into clever puzzle areas that reward trying new things and paying attention.
Highguard is successful because it knows its limits and designs around them. It doesn't try to be too big or flashy to be understood. Besides, it gives you a tightly constructed tactical experience that is based on purpose and clarity. A single design theory is supported by all systems.
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is a game that is full of conflicts. In spite of its flaws, it is thoughtful but frustrating, scary but uneven, and sincerely sincere. It shows empathy while talking about bullying, being too focused on social media, and self-worth. Anne is a compelling main character whose problems feel painfully real.
Code Violet is a game that is made up of contradictions. There's no doubt that the people who made it love classic survival horror movies, and the mood, sound design, and main loop sometimes work together to make really scary moments. It can be very immersive to explore the building when you're low on bullets, hear dinosaurs nearby, and slowly learn about the story's darker themes.
UNBEATABLE is noisy, messy, fashionable, and very honest. It combines rhythm gameplay with a story that some people won't like, but when it works, it really works. The two-button method shows that a simple design doesn't have to be shallow, and the tale gives each beat you touch an emotional meaning.
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut keeps all the things that made the original game memorable while also making it easier for new players to get into. It might not be a huge breakthrough, but it keeps the spirit of the game alive for new players and consoles.
Cloudheim is a lively, chaotic, and fun action RPG that strikes a good balance between tight controls, expressive characters, and unpredictable physics. The world is unique, it's easy to move around, and the co-op fights are really fun.
NBA 2K26 has enough changes to make it worth it for players who value immersion and realism in single-player games. Meta builds, and the current skill gap may frustrate competitive online players, but learning how to time your shots, do dribble routines, and dunk can pay off big time. In the end, NBA 2K26 is a good addition to the series, but it’s not a new change.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is the best SpongeBob game in years. It's polished, confident, and fun to play. It has everything fans love and makes the gameplay better in ways that used to hold the franchise back. The seamless tag-team system makes platforming better, the level design is full of new ideas, the graphics take SpongeBob to a new level of detail, and the pacing ensures that every moment feels important.
A.I.L.A shows what ambitious, creative, and careful indie horror can do when they work together. That it can combine psychological horror, survival, and action elements while hiding them behind a meta-story makes it a unique game that you should check out. Even though it's not perfect, the game will stick with you thanks to its unique style and memorable moments.
Of Ash and Steel is a big, old-school RPG that pays you for being patient, paying attention, and planning. It’s hard and fun to play because of the survival rules, the way the skill trees are connected, and the amount of exploration. There are some technical problems with the game, like stiff animations, strange sounds, and sometimes annoying AI, but the depth of the gameplay and sense of earned growth make it worth playing.
Constance, a Metroidvania, manages to blend charm, difficulty, and emotional impact – a combination that’s hard to find in smaller games. The game’s narrative, mechanics, and graphics are expertly crafted together.
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is an enjoyable and visually impressive game that successfully merges the Demeo formula with the fantasy lore of Dungeons & Dragons. The gameplay is solid, offering a fun mix of tactical combat and cooperative play.
Possessor(s) is a polished, character-driven Metroidvania that blends fluid combat, rewarding exploration, and emotionally engaging storytelling. It doesn't change the genre, but its bright visuals, smart gameplay, and memorable main characters make it a fun and enjoyable experience.
Rue Valley is really pretty to look at. The art style uses sketchy lines and slight motions to give the impression of instability and discomfort. Characters shake a little, as if they are vibrating out of sync with the world. This is a visual way to show worry and emotional stress.
Dispatch is a one-of-a-kind mix of tactics, story, and humor. It breaks traditional superhero tropes by placing players in the role of a superhero manager rather than a hero. It also has Telltale-style stories, dynamic gameplay, and memorable characters. Every choice you make is important and fun because of the dispatch system, missions that change over time, hero growth, and easy puzzles.
Syberia – Remastered is a great achievement, even though there are some small problems with the animations, some clipping, and some choices that don’t match the style of the original. It presents Syberia to a new generation of gamers and lets old players relive the journey in a way that is more immersive, polished, and emotionally powerful.
Bounty Star does have some problems, though. Some players might not like the repetitive tasks, occasional grind, and uneven pacing, and the mix of genres can feel strange at first. But for people who are okay with its weirdness, Bounty Star is a nice change from other mech shooters. It's thinking-provoking and fun at the same time.