A.J. Maciejewski
Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a solid retro throwback that provides a good old-school challenge if that's what you're looking for. It may not do anything exceptional but it's still an enjoyable 2D action game that you can whip through in one sitting.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is yet another great entry in Inti Creates' library of top-notch retro-inspired 2D action games. So, if you enjoy old-school gaming with a modern sense of style and lightning-fast gameplay then definitely give it a go.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues the series' grand-scale story-telling in a masterful way. With its endearing cast of characters, awe-inspiring sense of exploration, and a soundtrack that will blow you away, this is yet another top-notch offering from Monolith Soft.
If you enjoy 2D gameplay then the clever Roguevania setup of Little Noah: Scion of Paradise will keep you hooked for hours upon hours.
Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue DX is a super-fun and unique game but its frustration factor can be high, especially if you're a perfectionist.
Spidersaurs does a good job of providing run 'n' gun fun but it's still just a Contra clone that plays it a little too safe despite its silliness.
Arcadegeddon's unique glitched-out virtual world and slick movement controls make it stand out in a familiar genre and it's a ton of fun.
My gaming chum and I had a blast working through the intricate puzzle-filled stages of Escape Academy and I'm sure you will, too.
It may be a simple and repetitive game but SUPER UFO FIGHTER is still a ton of fun to play with a chum for as long as it lasts.
Time on Frog Island could be considered one big puzzle to unravel and for that, it's pretty cool albeit somewhat tedious at times.
Dadish 3 continues the tight 2D platforming and hilarious antics of its predecessors so I highly recommend it for fans of silly retro games.
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium's more eclectic offering is excellent. With a familiar presentation, array of extras, and wealth of options; it's a fitting follow-up to last year's incredible collection of arcade treasures so if you enjoyed that then definitely play this, too.
As a fantastic representation of perhaps the most underrated series in platformer history, KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is a must for anyone with a soft spot for lighthearted yet tricky puzzle platforming fun. I hope this means KLONOA 3 will be a thing at some point!
The amount of fun to be had in Overrogue is impressive with card combat that's deeper than it initially appears and oodles of rewarding unlockables throughout. If you enjoy these kinds of roguelikes then you'll love adventuring with Sael and his quirky chums.
I'm glad that I waited for Zorro The Chronicles to get a patch before reviewing it but even without the abundance of bugs, it's still an overall underwhelming adventure. It does show promise, though, so I'd gladly play a sequel.
Obviously, if you enjoyed Cuphead and just want more of the same then getting The Delicious Last Course should be a no-brainer. That being said, I wish that it differentiated itself more from the main game considering it released nearly 5 years ago.
Sonic Origins does an excellent job with its presentation, bonus content, and modernizations of classic games. On the other hand, I wish more games were included even if they didn't get the royal treatment that the 4 titles here did.
Redout 2 is a racer that's hard to put down as it's very satisfying to master while you gradually memorize tracks and perfect your skills. However, with some unintuitive aspects and unforgivable load times, it can also kind of be a pain in the ass.
Neon White is the 2nd best indie I've played this year so far. With a brilliant combination of genres, you're sure to spend hours upon hours mastering stage after stage as you uncover more about its very strange cast of characters.
Pocky & Rocky Reshrined is definitely the best entry in the long-running albeit sporadic KiKi KaiKai series. It may have its shortcomings but the modernized gameplay and lovely presentation make it a must-have if you enjoy classic games that are off the beaten path.