Unlike that other game about the mushroom-y apocalypse, Void Terrarium is an optimistic game despite its dour premise. It isn’t afraid to be funny even in a sad context, and it really clings onto a sense of hope.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a superb sequel. It has everything that made the first game a surprise hit, but expands and adds to it with a level of care that shines through the whole thing.
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise is exactly the sequel to Deadly Premonition a fan of the original should expect.
Despite being a port of a 2002 GameCube game, Mr. Driller DrillLand feels, looks, and hangs with games as they are today. There are tons of depth to the core game, but add a ton of built-in variants that really change your approach and you've got an exemplary entry. The new difficulty setting is a great touch, too.
A fascinating collection that brings attention to a crucial moment in video game history. These aren't all the best ways to play these games (and some of them are just not fun at all), but that isn't necessarily the point. Unreleased games and new "bonus" titles not available anywhere else make this a must-have for history enthusiasts.
Summer in Mara is an adorable, thoughtful game that approaches spaces we’re very used to from a different angle. Animal Crossing thinks it’s a chill game, but it buries you under tasks, goals, and timely events. Harvest Moon slaps you with a time limit to make a great, booming farm. Dragon Quest Builders will freakin’ kill you. Summer in Mara just wants you to take care of yourself, be thankful to nature, and have a good time exploring. But it also wants you to accomplish a million tasks along the way, and that gets tedious. A shorter runtime or more variation in questlines would have done this game wonders, but as it is, it’s still a fun, relaxing adventure propelled by an endearing message.
Minecraft Dungeons won’t do much for you if you’re looking for a new, true blue dungeon crawler. But if you have a little one to tag along on your expeditions, this is an accessible, cheerful, and polished romp perfect for extra bonding time.
Originally a 2000 Neo Geo Pocket Color release, SNK Gals' Fighters makes its reappearance on the Nintendo Switch. Despite its low price, there's a lot more effort than you might expect to make this celebratory release feel cared for.
Streets of Rage 4 is unmistakably a sequel to this classic franchise; the developers understood what made the originals so great, and expanded upon them in ways that make sense. The most lovably crafted and well-designed brawler in ages.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to be weird in so many different ways for so many different people, and for that reason alone I have to give it an enthusiastic recommendation.