Stephen LaGioia
Squanch Games is certainly onto something when it comes to the satirical motifs laced with chaotic action, but the formula could use some refining and further fleshing out.
Scarlet & Violet bring alluring open-world gameplay and a slew of colorful new monsters to the fold, but quirks and spotty performance keep it from being the Titan it could've been.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land reminds fans of what makes this charming franchise so uniquely fun. At the same time, Nintendo and HAL elevate the formula with Kirby’s range of strong and often absurd powers, dense 3D settings, and (relative) depth through upgrades and extras.
If you can appreciate this one for what it is - a polished, fleshed-out homage to Golden Era-Mario Party - then this gem really shines.
Lost Words is a heartfelt adventure that’s more interactive storybook than standard game.
Those seeking to experience Tetris with some flashier modern-day flair and neat gameplay twists won’t be disappointed.
Beyond some slight blemishes and the somewhat “slow burn” of both the combat and story, there’s much to love about this gripping Norse epic.
An amusing, atmospheric journey that succeeds in fusing new concepts with a familiar retro style.
A dynamic, polished remake of the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 - with new skaters, challenges, unlockables, online gameplay, and an all-new soundtrack to complement the classic tracks.
Phobia taps into a very visceral sensibility with Carrion’s fluid, action-based mechanics, which are both simple and fun to execute.
Clubhouse Games excels in both the quantity and quality of its diverse, enjoyable set of recognizable games.
A fun and charming new take on the franchise that many fans should enjoy.
While this is a semi-competent port for Switch, ultimately Star Horizon's core gameplay is uninteresting and tired, while its mechanics lack polish.
It won’t soon dethrone the likes of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, but it's nonetheless a faithful remake that’s sure to satisfy Mana fans.
CHANGE is an interesting survival indie that's both enjoyable and thematically relevant. Its grim undertones set the stage for a memorable experience, strengthened by solid mechanics and rewarding gameplay.
A captivating action sidescroller that early 90s brawler fans, in particular, should get a kick out of.
Even if STATIONflow is about as dull as can be visually, and feels a bit rough around the edges mechanically, the rewarding gameplay often shone through, engaging me for hours on end.
New Horizons draws from familiar Animal Crossing elements while building upon and redecorating them with its fun island motif. It's still fairly minimalistic, but I liken it to a warm honey tea - it may be simple and subdued, but still provides a relaxing, enjoyable experience.
Effie isn't going to blow any minds, but its tried-and-true action and 3D platforming design makes for a delightful callback to yesteryear.
Despite its accessibility, Red Bow is not going to be for everyone. This isn't just because of its darker themes, but its rigid, basic structure that shifts between item gathering and NPC interaction. Even at the $5 asking price, it's tough to recommend to anyone but those who really fancy horror adventures with ample reading.