Anno 117: Pax Romana is a new take on the Anno formula that builds on what came before. It embodies the franchise's strategic DNA, but it also introduces complexity through moral decisions, character-driven stories, and a retrospective look at history.
Syberia – Remastered does a good job of preserving the old while adding new elements. It doesn't attempt to alter the original's formula or address every problem, which is both a good and bad thing.
Dark Quest 4 works well on all platforms. The user interface is sleek and functions well. However, it could benefit from some quality-of-life upgrades, such as clearer targeting markers or the ability to revert actions during combat. These changes would make the experience better, especially for people who aren't used to turn-based systems.
Tales of Xillia Remastered takes you on a rich, fun, and emotionally charged journey through the world of Reza Maxia, whether you're playing it for the first time or going back to an old favorite.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a heartfelt effort to bring back one of the best names in adventure gaming. It's full of charm, wit, and nostalgia—a loving tribute to a time when people hunted pixels and made silly jokes. The writing is excellent, the art direction is outstanding, and the voice acting is exceptional. You can tell that the developers really love the source material in every frame.
Escape Simulator 2 is the perfect sequel: it feels familiar yet very ambitious. It improves on the original's formula, makes it bigger, and adds more depth to the puzzles without making them harder to solve. The game is now a full package for both puzzle fans and casual explorers. It has larger maps, cooperative play for up to 8 players, and a better level editor.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted doesn't change anything, and it doesn't have to. It's a love letter to one of the best strategy games ever made, remade with care and just enough newness to make it feel like it matters again. It's not perfect; the graphics aren't consistent, and the remake isn't quite right.
Tormented Souls 2 doesn't follow the latest fads. It doesn't want to be a horror movie or a "streamer jump-scare" machine. It's a love letter to a time long forgotten. The game respects you enough to let you try, fail, and finally win.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is the game that fans have been waiting for over ten years. It remembers what made the series great: the never-ending difficulty, the graceful violence, and the need to be perfect. Then it adds a modern touch.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is a contradiction: it's a game with a lot of power but no purpose, a lot of style but not enough substance. It's not a disaster, but it's not the great return that fans were hoping for either.
Keeper isn't just another independent experiment; it's a "meditation on existence." It's about what's left over when everything else is gone. The lighthouse and the bird's journey show how we long for meaning and fight to move forward even when things are unstable.
Yooka-Replaylee is the game that Playtonic always wanted to make. It takes the heart and soul of the first Yooka-Laylee and builds on it with what we know now. The controls are sharper, the exploration is smoother, the worlds are denser, and the progression is more satisfying.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is more than just a book in the series. It is a complete transformation. It demonstrates how, even after thirty years, Pokémon can still astound you.
Little Nightmares III is one of the most unique horror games thanks to its blend of art, atmosphere, and subtle storytelling. It doesn't use cheap scares or blood and guts. It doesn't leave your mind; it just creeps in.
LEGO Party! is not just a copy of Mario Party with LEGO bricks. It has a lot of polish and is a lot of fun to play with other people. It celebrates creativity, competition, and the joy of laughing together. The game is easy to understand yet offers a lot of strategy, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.
Ghost of Yōtei is more than just a sequel; it's a superior version with a distinct tone. It's darker, stormier, and bloodier than the last one, but it's also more experimental. It doesn't always work, and sometimes it relies too much on old-fashioned open-world design.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is both a success and a letdown. It captures the essence of what makes Digimon games fun—the joy of raising, evolving, and battling with a group of digital monsters—but struggles with aspects like pacing, exploration, and world design.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is a love letter to fans and a gateway for new players to enter the series. It retains the original design while incorporating modern conveniences to enhance it. The story of power, betrayal, and ideals remains the best, and the combat system remains the best for tactical RPGs.
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian feels like a party and a new beginning for the series. Following the experimental detour of Atelier Yumia, this entry reassures fans by returning to its roots while still being modern enough to welcome new players.
Twinkleby isn't really a traditional video game; it's more like a creative ritual. It's about creating something lovely, going back to it, and then tearing it all down to start over. It honors both the fleeting and the imaginative.