Its endearing cast of characters populate a fascinating fantasy world with fictional layers that I just want to peel back until I see everything there is to see. Enhanced turn-based combat with real-time elements, combined with wholesome friendship mechanics and great road trip vibes, all work to seal the deal for me.
Everything else about 'Echoes of Wisdom' rules. Its aesthetic and music are endearing, the echo system creates tons of really clever puzzle solutions, and it harkens back to old Zelda games without abandoning what makes the newer ones special. There are a couple of areas in which Echoes of Wisdom is a slight disappointment, but it is a mostly delectable late-in-life treat for Switch owners.
You mean to tell me PlayStation could’ve been making games like this the entire time instead of 9,000 photorealistic sad dad simulators? 'Astrobot' is a colorful, whimsical, mechanically tight, and overall delightful 3D platformer that’s also packed full of references to PlayStation history. While 'Astro Bot’s reverence for the PlayStation brand occasionally feels forced, and probably can’t sustain itself beyond this game, it’s such a goddamn thrill for the 10 or so hours it takes to finish that I think it’s a must-play for any PS5 owner.
As a pure gameplay experience, CFB 25 is both challenging and rewarding in ways that Madden and 2K aren't. However, it's not the game we've waited 11 years for. Dynasty lacks a lot of depth and quality-of-life changes that were present in NCAA 14, alongside a mind-numbingly inane UI and drumline menu songs.
Nintendo’s new 'Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door' remake is unique in that it has a nearly unlimited capacity to make you smile, but it’ll similarly bum you the hell out. Nintendo has tastefully and respectfully resurrected a beloved Mario RPG, with gorgeous HD visuals, a revamped toe-tapping soundtrack, the same humor and wit that captivated fans 20 years ago, and deceptively simple turn-based combat.
'Endless Ocean: Luminous' earns points for being unlike just about anything else, but its weakness as a solo experience kills the vibe...unless you want to try the cool multiplayer mode.
'Sand Land' probably won't win any awards, but sometimes "alright" is good enough. As an excuse to spend some more time with Akira Toriyama after his untimely passing, it's as good as you'll get right now.
'Dragon's Dogma 2' manages to sand down what didn't work in the original without compromising on its ideals, producing a fascinating, danger-filled open-world adventure.
Nintendo's biggest non-remake Switch exclusive of 2024 so far is a pleasant, bite-sized adventure that will probably do more for the young'uns than their 30-something parents who are reading this.
Whether it’s the skillful, satisfying combat, the occasionally gorgeous recreation of 1860s Japan, or the powerful idea of getting into shenanigans and making story-altering choices with real historical figures, Rise of the Ronin has it all. However, whatever novelty exists at the start eventually gives way to the worst kind of open-world gruel.
Unfathomably, Square did it. 'Rebirth' is the kind of gigantic, expansive Japanese RPG that used to define summer vacations in the 90s, but with all of the modern luxuries of big-budget gaming in 2024. It’s lavishly produced from beginning to end, featuring capital-G Great side activities, a miraculous combat system, and a story that actually sticks the landing.
With varied world maps full of secrets to uncover, absurdly clever level design, and a real sense of surprise and – well – wonder for the first time in ages, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is more than capable of carrying the Switch to the end of the road.
Insomniac pushed a generous helping of actual heart into Spider-Man 2, respectfully engaging with New York City and its people better than a lot of other modern games. 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' is a blast from start to finish, and thankfully, getting to the finish line doesn't take forever.