Dominic Leighton's Reviews
People of Note is a kind-hearted RPG with a deep affection for music. Its soundtrack won't resonate with everyone, but it's both deeply enjoyable and tight and focused, with a cast of likeable characters whose journey you'll want to see through.
The Switch 2's fighting game line-up is all the better for having Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage in it. In my humble opinion, this remains one of the best fighting games of all time, and the Switch 2 version looks and feels exactly as you'd hope, letting you take your one-on-one brawling on the go.
The Switch 2 gains yet another great title for its library with Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Ember Labs hit remains one of the most likeable 3D action-adventure games of the last few years, and its approachable gameplay and stunning visual design feel utterly at home on a Nintendo console.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the best entry in the spin-off series yet, with gorgeous artwork, impeccable world-building, and an excellent Monster Hunter tale to tell. I can't imagine a better gateway to the world of Monster Hunter than this.
There are moments where Gear.Club Unlimited 3 nearly comes together, but when other games like JDM and Tokyo Xtreme Racer exist, it becomes clear just how much of a poor facsimile it is.
Citadelum is a great city builder, and it absolutely sings on Switch 2 thanks to the console's mouse controls. After this, console city builders will never be the same again.
On a platform that's fundamentally starved of more serious racers, GRID Legends is a great addition to the Switch 2's library. It absolutely deserves reassessment in 2026, and within this new context, with a drama-filled storyline and blockbuster presentation, it feels more of-the-moment than ever before.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a serious return to form for the series after the wayward Dynasty Warriors 9, and it's thoroughly enjoyable on Nintendo Switch 2. This version of the game retains all of the key gameplay elements that made it such a triumph, and while the 30fps locked frame rate may disappoint some diehard fanatics, this is an excellent port of one of 2025's best games.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is a sports drama, a JRPG, a town builder, an Ultimate Team-like, and even (occasionally) a football game. It's also brilliant, charming, and thoroughly good-natured, and a fantastic game to head into 2026 with.
If you're a fan of old-school 2D gaming, but you hanker to see what a truly modern take on it would be, look no further than Neon Inferno.
Though it doesn't totally get away from its 2011 origins, Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 is definitely a better-looking rendition of Bethesda's classic for the handheld. Sadly it's stuck to 30fps, and you'll be hoping for an update to improve the input lag, both of which bring those 14 years much closer than they should be.
Skate Story is a perfect indie game, beautiful, off-kilter and unreal, with an absolutely killer soundtrack. Sam Eng can forget about eating the moon; he's achieved something incredible down here on Earth.
Octopath 0 maintains the series' gorgeous pixel-art aesthetic, while its adapted and evolved take on Champions of the Continent's gameplay ensures that it feels like a worthy console release.
Kirby Air Riders is a charming addition to the racing genre. Its unique outlook might not appeal to everyone, but it's still liable to find it a raft of fans, just like its GameCube predecessor.
Lumines Arise is the culmination of Mizuguchi's works, returning to his original creation and perfecting it. For fans of puzzle games, fans of Tetris Effect, or, indeed, fans of pure and evocative gaming experiences, this is essential.
This is a playful and enjoyable piece of Legend of Zelda lore, and one that will be essential for fans of the series, but it doesn't break the same ground as Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, or even Age of Calamity.
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch offers up compelling tactics and enjoyable storytelling, while the Roguelike elements work startlingly well. If you're a fan of the genre, this is one of the year's essential entries.
NASCAR 25 has proven to be a very welcome surprise, giving you a rendition of the sport that absolutely shines on track. Some of the supporting elements could do with a tune-up, but if you're looking for heart-pounding racing action, NASCAR 25 delivers.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 is exactly what you'd want from a JWE sequel. More dinosaurs, enhanced options and new systems that make your stunning dinosaur menagerie more realistic than ever before. Life finds a way, and you have a direct hand in it.
Ball X Pit carries the spirit of an arcade classic, while imbuing it with modern roguelike ideas. It's immediately one of the best indie games of the year.