Saros is an incredible step up over Returnal in every way imaginable. The rogue-lite progression and quality-of-life improvements are great, but it's the more complex bullet-hell system, bolstered by a compelling world and some masterful level design, that truly elevates it.
You'll want to take in Replaced's retrofuturistic version of dystopian USA as much as possible, but the phenomenal visuals can only do so much to make up for the above-average combat and puzzle-platforming.
Cliches and homages abound in MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, and it gleefully embraces them while offering a compelling detective mystery wrought with over-the-top violence and a cast that's having the time of their lives.
For those who enjoyed the first game but always felt it could have been so much more, Regions of Ruin: Runegate is an improvement on every single level, and a compelling game in its own right.
Ghost of Yōtei: Legends doesn't significantly reinvent the gameplay loop present in Tsushima: Legends, instead offering new mechanics and mission types to go with a familiar gear grind. Despite some difficulty pains, it works very well and serves as a strong foundation for what's to come.
Even within its own genre, Marathon is niche - bristling with outlandish color combinations and likely to reject those looking for something more relaxed. Stick with it, however, and the stellar gunplay, intriguing characters, fun mechanics, and tense scenarios will draw you in.
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando doesn't break out so much as cater to the Left4Dead-leaning, even with its more open-ended approach and use of vehicles. It works more often than not - just don't expect it to aspire to much more.
Looking back once more on Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game, it's still incredible how it managed to deliver a great beat 'em up experience within the confines of its property. Scott Pilgrim EX can be fun, but it lacks that additional level of oomph that could see it stand side by side with the original, and that's without getting into all the ways it simply falls short as a video game. It may have served genre fans well ten years ago, but compared to some of the greats of today, like Absolum and even Tribute Games' own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, it aspires to be simply good rather than outright incredible.
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf isn't a massive leap in terms of storytelling, and the core puzzle-platforming gameplay remains. However, it's still a well-rounded experience with appreciable characters.
Even if it's the definitive way to experience Ys 10 with some genuinely fun new content, Proud Nordics only further showcases what could have been.
An over-the-top power fantasy balanced with appropriate challenge and build variety, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is the best version of 91Act's rogue-lite, even if some areas could use further improvements.
Reanimal is exactly what you might expect from the original Little Nightmares team, and yet, wondrous in its own right. Like venturing down the rabbit hole of unrelenting terror, it's an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Romeo is a Dead Man has many fundamental issues, which is a shame because its sense of style, and allure make for a uniquely surreal adventure.
Whether it will bring on those who couldn't get through the original or not, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a finely honed role-playing game and a fitting retake on a divisive classic.
Very few games have mechanics that sing in such unison like Cairn, much less with such a unique voice. Whether you're a fan of the genre, an adventure junkie or seeking a challenge, make the climb.
Whether you're judging it on its own merits or comparing it to the very best on the market, Highguard has little to offer, and even less to keep you hooked.
Arknights: Endfield is unlike anything else in the market, even if the sweeping premise feels admittedly low-key due to the writing, and combat desperately needs more depth.
A solid game in its own right with a uniquely gorgeous aesthetic, MIO: Memories in Orbit is marked by bizarre design choices and a lack of variety to combat.
Defying all traditional game design conventions like its predecessors, Pathologic 3 offers a consistently compelling journey of morality in the face of death.
Terminator 2D: No Fate doesn't capture every single little detail from the classic film, and the controls certainly have their quirks. Nevertheless, it's a fun side-scroller with enough game modes to keep you coming back.