Neo: The World Ends With You was absolutely worth the lengthy wait and offers exciting combat stylish music and some fantastic new characters. Combining the best elements of the DS original and modernizing the series for today, this is a true gem to play.
Cris Tales is an homage to the JRPG genre that delivers a worthy tale across time and space. With a gorgeous aesthetic and great characters, Cris Tales builds an interesting world but also never takes full advantage of its combat systems. There’s so much to love about Cris Tales but it stays far too close to an homage and a game that never attempts to stray away from the confines of what we know a JRPG should be.
Death's Door is a beautiful isometric game that delivers a challenging and engaging experience. Combat is fun and rewarding, bosses are tough but fair, and exploration off the beaten path will reward you. Don't miss out on this excellent indie title that will likely be around during award season.
The remastering of The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD makes it a drastically more accessible game on the Nintendo Switch that offers a wider audience the chance to explore the earliest point within the expansive Legend of Zelda timeline.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin delivers a worthwhile experience that successfully builds on its predecessor. The spin-off series is more accessible and offers a ton of content that will keep players busy.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a stunning Metroidvania set in a gothic nightmare where there is no hope for the inhabitants. Through a roughly 20 hour campaign, you restore the light to Land's End in what is a breakout hit for 2021.
Chivalry 2 is a great multiplayer game that doesn't take itself too seriously but is a serious contender for one of the best online games this year. Combat is rewarding and skill-based but the lack of maps holds the game back from being excellent.
Mario Golf: Super Rush is the perfect game to kick off the summer. While it isn't the most innovative title from Nintendo, it's a fun and easy way to learn golf.
Scarlet Nexus is an excellent game bogged down by some minor issues. Combat is fast, frantic, and fluid and offers some exhilarating moments but at the cost of bland environments and fruitless exploration.
With an abundance of quests, a fun battle system, and some of the most beautiful hand-drawn graphics you'll ever see, Legend of Mana gets a second chance at proving itself to a new generation.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX won't be for everyone but it is something fans of the original will cherish. As a remake, it does a good job updating the visuals and some of the mechanics but Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX carries the same issues as the original did three decades ago.
Insomniac Games deliver a Rivet-ing new Ratchet & Clank video game, one of the best protagonists in years while evolving the gameplay and proving that Sony purchasing the studio was the right decision. Rift Apart is the one exclusive on PlayStation that everyone needs to experience.
Biomutant is a quirky and fun action RPG that falls into a formulaic pattern the more you play. Combat is fun and frantic and the level of character upgrades is a great addition but surface-level systems prevent a good game from being excellent.
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a must-play that caters to long-time fans and newcomers. This is a game that likes to get weird, offering an off-the-wall story about the end of the world. As remaster it offers the minimum but the gameplay is easily some of the best the series offers.
Subnautica: Below Zero is a great follow-up, improving on the formula. While this sequel won't be for everyone, the moment-to-moment survival mechanics are excellent and exploring each biome is a ton of fun.
Resident Evil Village pushes the series forward and reaches a new series high. The village setting is a fully realized place that serves as nightmare fuel and the new monsters, enemies and setting add a new layer to the lore. Where the series goes now is anyone's guess but the series is strong as ever 25 years later.
New Pokémon Snap is a wholesome reinvention of the original, bringing the best bits forward into the sequel. We’ve battled Pokémon but being able to leisurely snap photos and these creatures in their habitat is as fun as capturing them all.
Housemarque has delivered its finest title to date and while it may not be for everyone, when the clicks, it is impossible to put down. Returnal offers a satisfying loop strengthened by a sense of discovery that few games offer.
NieR Replicant is finally getting its due thanks to upgraded combat, enhanced visuals and one of the best soundtracks of all time. If you skipped out the first time or only played Automata, Replicant is where it all started and worth a visit.
With the quality of life improvements and cut content returning, diehard JRPG fans will enjoy SaGa Frontier Remastered. Finally, the series gets its due and the experience is one you won't forget.