Directive 8020 is the start of a new season for the Dark Pictures anthology, and it’s's off to a good start. The massive leap from Earth to space effectively gives us a way to experience terror and mostly works. Still, it's often undone by dreadful stealth sections that quickly scuttle the tension due to overreliance on staying quiet. However, for the things I don't enjoy, Supermassive Games delivers a great game with a great sense of tension.
Call of the Elder Gods delivers a worldwide adventure with a tinge of mystery, crafting an experience which exceeds its predecessor. Aside from some pacing issues, the puzzles, the characters, and the story are elegantly pieced together. I came away satisfied by all accounts. The attention to detail, the excellent puzzles, and strong performances elevate this Lovecraftian adventure.
In 2026, Motorslice underwhelms, but for a game designed for the early aughts, it has a lot I could have enjoyed 15 years ago.
Aphelion's held back by frustrating controls and gameplay that often works against you. Even with an emotional score and a decent narrative, it isn't enough to save what could have otherwise been a memorable experience. Unfortunately, Dontnod's latest falls short on many accounts, but it's propped up by some great performances and music.
Invincible VS has a ton of potential to make a splash at tournaments. It's brutal, frenetic, and fun, and it's clear Quarter Up made this with love. This is undeniably a sound fighting game, and it really elevates the source material by giving you an outlet for some aggression.
Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is the coziest game I've played so far this year, and it never outstays its welcome by offering a short, sweet experience. It's beautifully crafted and evokes complex emotions you'll feel because of its incredible, likable characters. It's got gentle puzzles, stunning atmosphere, and it'll stick with you once you've wrapped up. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is a magical, heartfelt adventure that glows with warmth even in the coldest moments.
Housemarque’s Saros feels like a proper evolution of Returnal’s mechanics. It’s bold, it’s exciting, thrilling even. Each time Arjun heads out in search of answers yields clues to the truth behind Carcosa and those burdened by its existence.
Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a great way to get newcomers into the series, but for returning fans, it's pretty barebones.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is an excellent life sim I can’t put down. Nintendo clearly listened to criticism and feedback since the last Tomodachi Life and offers plenty of variety to keep people coming back. Each day brings its own challenges, thanks to the personalities you’ll cultivate and watch grow on your island, so it’s enlightening to help each Mii find what they want and pursue it. There’s quite a bit to do, too, so be ready to pull out your island design tools. Once you catch the remodel bug, all you want to do is make the perfect destination for your Miis.”
Mouse: P.I. For Hire features a gumshoe worth his salt. Every time I'd sit down to play it, I'd have a huge smile on my face, just like it was waking up to watch cartoons on Saturday morning (albeit a lot more violent). This game is an elite boomer shooter with witty writing, wonderful characters, and an affinity for the rubber-band style that's, sadly, been left behind by today's animation houses.
As far as I'm concerned, Capcom's developers hit a stride so few achieve. Pragmata clicks from beginning, delivering an incredible campaign with stellar mechanics, held together by Hugh and Diana's relationship.
People of Note is a surprisingly fun and adept RPG. Between the excellent use of music, the endearing cast, flexible battle system, and memorable locations, it's a surprise hit that I didn't expect to love as nearly as much as I did. It's pretty clear Iridium Studios knows what it wants to make with People of Note, and it's got a lot of clever, music-themed levels, catchy tunes, and fun battles to offer. However, it's a lean RPG with little to do outside the main story, which is a surprise given that it mimics many familiar RPGs in many ways. Don't let that deter you, though. People of Note is the real deal.
Life is Strange: Reunion closes the book on Max and Chloe's story, but is it handled well? While it's nice seeing Max and Chloe again, it comes at a cost. The series has lost what makes it unique, and by retreading old territory, Life is Strange fails to evolve. Instead, uneven writing and plot holes combine to make a story that's hard to care about. Max and Chloe are still the same as they were before, just a little bit older. Deck Nine says this is it for Max and Chloe, and honestly, it's about time.
Darwin's Paradox is cartoonishly great, with enough fun to satisfy anyone looking for an engaging platformer. It sometimes works against itself when exploring or dealing with enemies, but at times it comes together to be pretty coherent and exciting. However, sometimes, the controls fight against you, and you even have situations where you have to attempt sections a few times to get past them. Overall, this is a short affair, but it's got some great platforming sections despite some control shortfalls.
Mr. Sleepy Man is a wonderfully weird platformer filled with incredibly fun moments. It won't overstay its welcome, but it'll keep you entertained and engaged through the handful of hours it takes to get through credits. For a solo-developer joint, it's filled with creativity, unencumbered by studio oversight, and wears its heart on its sleeve.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a fine offering from Nintendo, but it's another Switch 2 title offering an upgrade with not enough substance.
The Mega Man Star Force trilogy is worth the time sink, but I'm curious if it would've been worth the development time to craft a definitive three-game scenario which combines the content of the other games. As it stands, I don't see a reason to play through each game unless you're really keen on more Blue Bomber shenanigans.
Coming in fast and furious, Milestone's Screamer is an excellent arcade racer. It's a successful reimagining of a beloved '90s series, and it looks, plays, and feels incredible. It is a competent racer, providing enough challenge to test all skill levels around every bend. As far as arcade racers go, Screamer is technical, stylish, and immensely capable of offering thrills at breakneck speeds.
Etrange Overlord is fun and short, a perfect palette cleanser for those who are looking for a shorter experience.
The content Pokopia hides rewards those who dive in, something that is naturally reinforced by its history, giving the series, currently celebrating its 30th birthday this year, another, almost essential dimension.