Mark O'Callaghan
Where Mouse: P.I. for Hire falls slightly short is in its controls, which weren't always as smooth or as responsive as I would have liked them to be. Still, those drawbacks don't take away from how incredible and fun Mouse: P.I. for Hire is. There's no other game quite like it, which is why it's one of 2026's standout games so far.
It's hard to believe that Pragmata is coming off the success of Resident Evil Requiem and somehow rivals that game to the same degree of excellence. Even with some repetitive aspects in its structure, every element feels on point. The journey home is emotional and exciting, keeping players engaged from the beginning.
The overlap between gamers and musical fans may be small, but those in that group will likely love People of Note. It succeeds as a fun game while also delivering engaging musical numbers that stick with players.Repetitive grunt battles and some camera issues do weigh the experience down, but they don't spoil the overall production. People of Note still marches to the beat of its own drum, and the result is a game all music lovers should experience.
A cinematic platformer resembling an animated movie just works. Darwin’s Paradox! achieves a Pixar-like standard in animation and music. It’s a ridiculously charming game that every player should experience.
Pokémon Pokopia has raised the bar for Pokémon spinoffs and for the series as a whole. It's a shining example of how versatile Pokémon can be, and it's an amazing way to introduce new players to the franchise.
There's a lot to enjoy across MLB The Show 26's many modes, including the excellent Road to the Show. The level of depth added to those modes makes the long-term investment feel worthwhile. While the graphics aren't up to par, MLB The Show 26 is still well worth a look for any baseball fan.
Crimson Desert is everything I hoped it would be, and it has the potential to be one of the biggest titles of this generation of gaming.
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Mario Tennis Fever is a fun time for anyone, and it’s the kind of game that starts with one match and turns into hours with friends. Not every part of the game delivers, but despite those stumbles, it's still a great addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 library.
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The extra content and historical touches are just as impressive. None of it feels tacked on, and every new addition feels like a core part of the overall experience. Konami bringing Super Bomberman back like this is a win, and it’s hard not to be happy about it, even as someone who wasn't very familiar with the series.
The gameplay itself is just okay, but it feels like Squanch Games knows that. Outside the big set-piece moments, everything else mostly exists to set up more jokes. If you were a fan of the first High on Life, High on Life 2 is an easy game to recommend.
While there are definitely aspects that weigh Nioh 3 down, the action and core gameplay are its saving grace. Swapping between Ninja and Samurai on the fly stays fun even into the endgame. They already feel distinct, and the small tweaks players can make to suit their style are a nice touch. Using those styles out in the open fields is where Nioh 3 shines, and where the combat really clicks.
I genuinely feel like a proud parent whenever I show off my Cozy Caravan character. The game does a lot to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that feels especially welcome right now. It’s the kind of game I’ll happily keep checking in on after finishing the review. If you’re looking for a new cozy game to sink into or a game like Animal Crossing, Cozy Caravan should absolutely be at the top of your list.
Like any real climb, a few mistakes are part of the process, and that’s okay. Cairn feels special, not just because of its physics-based climbing, but because it earns its place among the most rewarding hard games out there.
The FF7 Remake is a masterpiece, and the fact that it's actually playable on a Nintendo console is incredible. It's been almost 6 years since the game came out, but it still holds up, and the visuals are stunning in both docked and handheld modes.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall game is still strong, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a welcome return to a beloved franchise. The game is an excellent send-off for the Switch 2's first year.
What's really great about Kirby Air Riders is that it gives players a reason to keep playing. Players will naturally earn achievements as they play, and that makes it hard to put down. It's clear that Sakurai fully fleshed out the game he wanted to make in 2003, and the passion he had for Kirby Air Riders really shines through.
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This game is different from what Pokémon fans are used to, but it’s a good kind of different. Pokémon Legends: Z-A adds another good game to the Switch 2 just before the holiday season.