Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t perfect, but it’s bold. It takes chances the series has avoided for far too long. Focusing the entire adventure within one city could’ve been a disaster, but it mostly works thanks to how alive Lumiose feels and how strong the new battle system is. The Z-A Royale gives the game a clear purpose, the rogue Mega Pokémon inject tension, and the combat overhaul breathes new life into battles that had started to feel mechanical.
I came away very impressed with The Outer Worlds 2, not because it reinvents the formula, but because it refines it. It’s smarter, more confident, and far more flexible than its predecessor. The choices you make truly shape your journey, the factions and companions give you reasons to replay, and the world itself rewards curiosity at every turn.
If Ghost of Tsushima was about the birth of the ghost, Ghost of Yotei is about what comes after, the echoes of that legacy, and the question of whether revenge can ever bring peace. It’s one of the best action-adventure games on PS5 and a masterclass in how to honor a predecessor while forging your own path.
Despite those rough edges, I came away impressed by Bye Sweet Carole. It’s one of those rare games that feels truly handcrafted, not just in its art style, but in the heart behind it. The visuals are pleasing to look at, the atmosphere is thick, and the story delivers enough intrigue and emotion to keep you pushing through.
Coming into these games for the first time, I can confidently say the hype was justified. Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are still as special as everyone said they were. They feel inventive, joyful, and full of the kind of imagination that’s increasingly rare in modern games.
If you’re new to Tactics, this is the version to play. And if you’re a veteran, it’s a chance to revisit Ivalice in a form that respects what you loved while adding touches that make it easier and more engaging to experience again. I’ll certainly be coming back for more runs. The Ivalice Chronicles stands as a testament to how far a great design can carry you, and how a respectful remake can rekindle the magic all over again.
Ryukishi07’s storytelling, Kera’s unforgettable monster designs, and the game’s willingness to challenge its players all come together to create something that feels both reverent and new. For me, Silent Hill f isn’t just the best new Silent Hill game, it’s a masterclass in Japanese horror, world-building, and narrative design. It’s chilling, thoughtful, and heartbreakingly beautiful. If this is the direction the franchise is heading, then the fog has never looked brighter.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter isn’t just a remake, it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Trails series special. It’s welcoming to newcomers, rewarding for longtime fans, and filled with heart at every turn. From its faithful storytelling to its refreshed visuals and cleverly modernized combat, this remake does exactly what it should: it preserves the magic of the original while making it shine brighter than ever. If you’ve ever looked at the Trails series and thought, “I don’t know where to start,” this is your answer.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger isn’t perfect. The side quests are forgettable, and the slow pacing early on might turn off some players. But once it hits its stride, it’s one of the best Digimon RPGs to date. The expanded roster, deep customization, and improved world design make it a joy to play, and the emotional story beats land harder than I expected.
I walked away impressed, but also wishing there was a little more meat on the bone. The Emerald Rush mode is a genuinely fun and creative twist that adds surprising depth and replayability. It’s addictive, fast paced, and fits the Donkey Kong vibe perfectly while also branching out into new gameplay territory. The roguelike elements don’t feel forced, they complement DK’s moveset and the series’ rhythm of discovery and reward.
Borderlands 4 isn’t just another sequel, it’s a reinvention. It honors the series’ roots as the original looter shooter while fixing its most glaring issues. The shift to an open-world structure, the rebalanced humor, the satisfying loot system, and the excellent side missions all combine into a game that feels both modern while still distinctly Borderlands.
Cronos: The New Dawn is a brutal, atmospheric, and cleverly designed survival horror game that proves Bloober Team isn’t just capable of remaking classics, they can create them, too. Its mix of oppressive atmosphere, grotesque enemy design, scarce resources, and smart puzzle integration hit all the right notes for fans of the genre. Yes, the checkpoint system is frustrating, and the difficulty curve can be punishing, but the satisfaction of overcoming its challenges makes the struggle worthwhile.
Discounty isn’t trying to reinvent the management sim genre, but it doesn’t need to. It knows exactly what it wants to be: a cozy, addictive, and surprisingly deep game about running your own small-town discount store. From the satisfying daily routines to the playful chaos of a busy day, from the charming townsfolk to the rewarding progression, it all comes together into a package that kept me grinning the whole way through.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is an ambitious entry into the roguelite space. It blends mythological storytelling with sharp, dual-character combat and wraps it in a gorgeous, folklore-inspired art style. Its world feels alive, its characters are endearing, and its hub village offers satisfying progression that makes each run meaningful.
After spending time with Class of Heroes 3 Remastered, I’m glad it finally made its way west. It’s not a game I’d recommend to everyone, it’s too niche, too old-school, and too willing to let players flounder without guidance. But if you already love this style of dungeon crawler, or if you’re a fan of series like Etrian Odyssey, there’s a lot to dig into here. The customization is top-notch, the relationship system adds depth, and once the story picks up, it becomes surprisingly engaging.
If you’re into stylish action games, there’s enough here to keep you entertained, especially the boss fights. But it also feels underbaked, like a strong first attempt that needed more time and more experience behind it. I’ll be keeping an eye on what this team does next, because the potential is definitely there.
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is a safe remake, but it’s a successful one. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel or take bold creative risks, but it doesn’t need to. What it does is preserve one of the greatest stealth action games of all time, bring it up to modern visual standards, and make it accessible for a new generation.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land was already a milestone for the series, bringing the pink puffball into 3D with confidence and style. The Switch 2 edition, bundled with Star-Crossed World, doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does polish it to a shine and add some fun new spokes.
Mafia: The Old Country is exactly what this franchise needed, a return to its roots. By focusing on story, characters, and atmosphere, it delivers an experience that feels both refreshing and classic. The combat, stealth, and driving systems all work together to create a varied, engaging gameplay loop, and the visuals make it one of the most cinematic games I’ve played this year.
Playing Triangle Strategy on PS5 was like going back in time and rediscovering why I fell in love with this genre in the first place. It nails the essentials, deeply strategic combat, a story full of political intrigue, and a cast of characters worth caring about. But it also innovates, with the Scales of Conviction system and branching choices that make your journey feel like yours alone.