Tekken 8 not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessor, Tekken 7, by delivering a refined fighting experience with new features like the Heat Gauge. It sets new standards in visual quality, single-player content, and character customization, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience that is both visually stunning and rich in gameplay variety.
Initially perceived as redundant, Persona 3 Reload transcends its predecessor by integrating the artistic flair and gameplay sophistication of Persona 5, presenting a visually and mechanically enhanced version of the iconic title. This remake revitalizes the original's darker narrative and roguelike dungeons with significant aesthetic upgrades and gameplay innovations, offering both veterans and newcomers an immersive experience that arguably surpasses even Persona 5 Royal in visual and interactive depth.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth serves as a worthy continuation to the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, building upon its predecessor's foundation with vast maps, refined combat, and a compelling narrative. However, the game is not without its faults, as it suffers from technical performance issues in its visual-focused mode. Despite this, the game innovates with semi-open world exploration, improved gameplay mechanics, and an engaging story, setting a high standard for the series.
The release of Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece on Steam is a significant improvement, especially for Steam Deck users, offering better compatibility and performance without the need for extensive tweaks.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection revitalizes the beloved series with a focus on investigative prowess, updated visuals, and expanded gameplay mechanics. The shift to crime scene exploration and clue gathering breathes new life into the series, making it accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers. This collection stands as one of the strongest entries in the franchise, blending nostalgia and innovation for lovers of the detective genre.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, Black Ops 6 successfully breathes new life into the Call of Duty series by building upon fan-favorite elements while boldly introducing omnimovement, a mechanic that is transformative to moment-to-moment gameplay.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership offers an enchanting adventure, combining exploration with captivating gameplay. The vibrant world of Concordia and its quirky characters bring fresh life to the series, despite a simplistic narrative. With intuitive mechanics and the classic charm of our favorite plumbers, it offers a delightful journey that's a must-play for fans.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake revitalizes a classic with a blend of retro charm and modern visuals. The HD-2D engine creates stunning graphics, though some aspects feel dated. Under Yuji Horii's guidance, the game balances nostalgia with modern enhancements, providing a refreshed experience. While there are instances of grinding and slow battles, it remains an engaging journey for both longtime fans and newcomers—essential for JRPG enthusiasts.
Split Fiction is a co-op masterpiece, blending inventive gameplay, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals. While its dialogue occasionally stumbles, the game’s relentless creativity and seamless teamwork mechanics make it a must-play for fans of cooperative adventures.
SRPG fans have limited choice on Nintendo Switch and this is where the Disgaea series truly shines. Disgaea 4 Complete Plus might not be a new game, but it doesn't need to be one. It has the perfect blend of everything from the likable cast, addicting gameplay, to a deep customization and combat system.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a flawed port but includes an exceptional collection of games. It offers a good stopgap between the next 3D Mario and should be a delight for fans of the Italian plumber.
Ys IX Monstrum Nox is one of the most ambitious games in the series. It is laser-focused on crafting a better narrative but also innovates the gameplay with new concepts.
Scarlet Nexus succeeds in offering an interesting story and characters to establish its roots as an exciting new action RPG despite the overly anime aesthetics that are felt in its story as well.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has proven once again in Lost Judgment that they know how to create a game with enjoyable side content, a compelling plot, and overall fantastic gameplay.
Pistol Whip offers an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience, making it a fantastic addition to anyone's gaming library. Its excellent use of PSVR 2's features and its diverse soundtrack and cinematic scenes make it an exceptional game that stands out among other arcade-style shooting games.
Moss and Moss Book II offer a unique and immersive experience for players on the PSVR 2, with some minor flaws in navigation and combat. Overall, they are must-play titles for adventure game enthusiasts on the platform.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 is an outstanding sequel that has improved on its predecessor with exceptional gameplay, despite some technical issues and a weak story.
Live A Live is a captivating anthology of short JRPG stories with diverse settings and unique gameplay mechanics. Remade in HD-2D, it offers an engaging grid-based combat system and a fantastic soundtrack. Despite some complexity and convoluted storylines, the game's multiple endings and quality-of-life improvements provide a satisfying experience for classic JRPG fans.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a nostalgic tribute and a well-packaged bundle of timeless arcade fighting games. It has a sleek user interface, customizable gameplay options, and appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers.
In The Rise of the Golden Idol, players dive into a web of mysteries, using sharp deductive reasoning to solve them. This sequel features a rich narrative and modern setting that makes each revelation satisfying. With engaging art and intuitive gameplay, it offers fresh challenges for point-and-click adventure fans, despite minor interface hiccups on platforms like Steam Deck. A must-play for enthusiasts of the Golden Idol series.