Afterimage is a game that requires some level of patience, taking a bit of time to embrace its potential and relying later on players' willingness to backtrack and sniff out secrets. For those willing to invest, the high points provide ample rewards in fluid, engaging combat and a gorgeous world. Afterimage may not do anything particularly new, but it does many things quite well. If players are looking to play a new Metroidvania while waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong, Afterimage captures some of the best elements that the genre has to offer.
For a weaker game, dealing with even minor issues might be a deal-breaker, but The Pale Beyond offers more than enough to overcome these quirks. The difficulty is well-honed, forcing players to stay on their toes without verging on frustrating, and the unanswered questions that arise in the story remain engaging until the final revelations. Although the interpersonal component isn't dialed up to draw out tears, solid character writing makes tough choices and failures fall heavy. The Pale Beyond's expedition might encounter a few rough seas, but players willing to brave them can find a journey that is abundantly worthwhile.
Muse Dash is simple, but the polished and addictive gameplay and visuals place it a notch above most rhythm games. A solid library of fun songs and precise beatmaps promises a fun experience, and at a price of only $2.99, it's basically a steal.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons rises above its simple puzzles with a quiet but deeply engaging world, story and characters. Minus a few potential bugs, the Switch port delivers a generally beautiful experience of the game that looks good and runs well. The game is a short but sweet trip that culminates in a truly memorable ending.