The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is a near-perfect remaking of one of the greatest games of all time. While it's enhanced in ways both big and small, the foundations of Ocarina remain largely untouched, cementing that its excellence is deeply rooted in timeless design and effortless storytelling. Regardless of whether or not you've undertaken the Hero of Time's journey, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time simply can't be missed.
After a long absence, it feels incredible to play another turn-based Final Fantasy, especially one as strong as Resonance. Complex characterisation and a satisfying combat system combined with smart progression incentives make for an excellent return to Square Enix's important heritage, even if the dungeons leaves much to be desired.
Despite an 18 year absence, it feels like 2D Castlevania never left. Belmont's Curse is an excellent return to this hallowed series - standing tall with some of the best Metroidvania entries in the franchise. If this is just the start of a Castlevania renaissance, I can't wait to see where it goes.
While it doesn't feel as impactful as Ghost of Tsushima's Director's Cut, Ghost of Yotei: Complete Edition is a definitive repackaging of Atsu's vengeful tale. Echoes of Sekigahara's place against the broader story can make for some awkward delivery, but the Ashoro Foothills and Most Wanted mode end up balancing it all out.
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is another slam-dunk for the Nintendo Switch 2. A bona fide evolution of what came before it, combining the best elements of its recent entries with spectacular results. Perhaps most impressive, is just how well paced this enormous adventure is despite its lengthy runtime.
It's hard not to think about what Onimusha: Way of the Sword could've been in the context of prior entries - especially the first game. What is here, though, is still a thrilling action game (once it takes the training wheels off) with a loveable cast of characters and unique identity amongst CAPCOM's other goliath franchises.
Star Wars Zero Company is an incredible debut title from Bit Reactor. A tightly paced 30 hour tactics game with some of the best Star Wars storytelling in recent years. Star Wars and tactics fans alike would be remiss to not check out Zero Company.
While it doesn't quite escape some of the issues of its inspirations, Splatoon Raiders is a novel spin-off of one of Nintendo's most creative franchises. This is a no-brainer recommendation for fans of Salmon Run, and is one of the best co-op experiences on the Switch 2 thus far.
DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations continues to preserve the identity of The Dark Ages while ratcheting up the intensity of combat to the nth degree. It's relentless, absurdly fun to play, and is begging any DOOM player worth their salt to get into the weeds and master it. I don't know how, but id Software have done it again.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a refreshing reminder of the franchise's glory days. Charged with an infectious love for the original, Resynced is the best way to play the best Assassin's Creed game. If the Ezio trilogy is soon to get the same remaking, we can only hope it's treated in the same fashion.
Star Fox is without a doubt the best version of Star Fox 64. Long time fans are sure to love its smart inclusions from both a narrative and gameplay perspective, while newcomers will get to experience one of Nintendo's most important games on hardware that truly brings it to life. It's another massive win for the Switch 2, and I hope it paves the way for a new Star Fox title some day in the future.
Despite being disappointed by The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales in its opening hours, the experience gave way to something far more engaging in its second and third acts. Its shallow narrative deepened as it unravelled the grand tapestry of time in Philabieldia, its combat more fleshed out by greater enemy variety and buildcrafting potential with magicite, all accompanied by a presentation and art direction that Square Enix have nailed at this point.
IO Interactive delivers a confident Bond origin story with 007 First Light, which balances social stealth, cinematic action, and improvisational combat, even if weak driving, forgiving AI, and slow early pacing stop it from reaching true elite-agent status.
While Yoshi and the Mysterious Book won't be for everyone, the people that is is made for will adore it. It's entirely focused and uncompromising in its vision - it isn't trying to be something it's not. That, at the very least, is admirable in the broader landscape of the industry.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the crown jewel of this spin-off series. It builds on the best elements of Stories that make all of its core systems even more appealing, creating more depth and complexity that'll keep you coming back till the credits roll, and perhaps even beyond.
Simply put, Pokémon Pokopia is one of Pokémon's best spin-offs yet. It effortlessly combines the charm of Animal Crossing and Minecraft while imbuing the end result with all the best elements of monster catching. Regardless of whether you're a fan of Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Dragon Quest Builders, or are just looking to jump into something new, Pokopia will hook you in and keep you coming back for weeks.
While I wish I could recommend Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, there's too many odd choices and caveats here to list. While it's always been a black sheep, the identity that feeds its reputation feels lost in this remaking, and it's new content additions feel out of place and in some cases, undermine what came before it.
If Avowed didn't scratch the RPG itch for you earlier this year, The Outer Worlds 2 surely will. This is a confident and ambitious sequel that feels like Obsidian's vision has been fully-realised. It isn't without many of the issues that plague modern RPGs today, but ultimately makes for an experience that's all too easy to sink many an hour into.
Like so many other modern Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A paints a promising picture of what the future of Pokémon could look like. It's an enjoyable return an underappreciated region in Pokémon that fans are sure to appreciate.
While I don't think Ghost of Yotei quite reaches the heights of its predecessor, it is another worthwhile trip to a lawless Japan. It sports a tonally distinct and cinematic story, a visually diverse open world chock full of activities, and is another fantastic showcase for the power of the PlayStation 5.