A.J. Maciejewski
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.
Capcom Fighting Collection features a solid collection of games; particularly, when it comes to Darkstalkers. That's actually its main issue because it could use a lot more variety but considering the package is as fun and sleek as it is, I still recommend giving it a go.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes blends the classic Musou formula with the strategic aspect of its namesake impressively well. Throw in a story that's more immersive than you'd expect and you're left with one great Warriors spin-off.
As a Pac-Man fan, I love Pac-Man Museum+ as it features a fantastic variety of fun-filled games while also including clever challenges and a virtual arcade that you can decorate however you wish. Now, all we need is a Pac-Man World compilation.
Although Horgihugh And Friends leaves a shoddy first impression, it eventually becomes quite a good shmup after sticking with it. Unfortunately, soon after it starts getting good, you'll run out of things to see and do. It's still very cute, though!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is simply the best beat 'em up released in the modern age. With gameplay that appeals to newbies and veterans alike, stellar visuals, and super-fun co-op play, there's a lot to love.
I'm amazed at how well Autonauts' many elements come together to form a simulation experience that manages to be as satisfying as it is open-ended. Throw in an adorable presentation and a well-executed campaign and you're left with one great sim game.
When it comes to Metroidvanias, Lost Ruins presents a unique inventory-based formula that's packed with challenge and oodles of fun. If you enjoy the genre and want to play something off the beaten path, definitely give this indie gem a go.
I loved my time with Freshly Frosted and I can't wait to play it more as I attempt to solve all of the puzzles that I skipped. If you're looking for a new single player puzzler to fill your belly, I recommend playing this delicious concoction.
DEADCRAFT would be a decent game if it allowed for more freedom and featured a much larger explorable environment. Unless you desperately want to experience its wacky and irreverent game world, I recommend playing the far superior DYSMANTLE instead.
Mario Strikers: Battle League strikes an excellent gameplay balance to make every match exciting and action-packed. It may not take many risks when it comes to supplementary content but what's here is one solid soccer game nonetheless.
TOKOYO: Tower of Perpetuity is the kind of indie that I'll gladly pick up every now and then as I try to outdo my previous efforts. It may not be the type of game that you'll play obsessively but it's definitely a blast in short bursts.
It's wonderful that modern gamers can enjoy the greatness that is RayForce via Layer Section & Galactic Attack S-Tribute. Taito were ahead of their time and once you play this gem of a shoot 'em up, I'm sure you'll agree wholeheartedly.
Wonder Boy Collection is the kind of compilation that its games do all of the heavy lifting. In other words, it's just alright as an overall package yet the individual games are sure to scratch your itch for old-school entertainment for hours upon hours.
Souldiers is a capable and enjoyable Metroidvania that provided me a solid amount of fun. With an expansive and attractive world, loads of goodies to discover, and intuitive controls, I'm sure you'll enjoy your journey through Terragaya as much as I did.
REMOTE LIFE presents a promising blend of twin-stick controls and shoot 'em up gameplay that really packs a punch. However, its frustrating moments that verge on being unfair as well as its complete lack of scoring hold it back from being great.
I mostly enjoyed my time with Kao the Kangaroo as it brought me back to the early 2000s when 3D platformers were plentiful and memorable. It may not be a shining example of the genre but it's fun enough for those who are nostalgic for the good old days.