Bravely Default II doesn’t shake up the formula much but the things it does shakeup, are better off for it. This is a modern take on classic Final Fantasy with a twist. The game is punishing, but also it's comfort food for fans of JRPGs but it also takes a few steps back from the previous games, it’s still fun to play but it's more tedious now, too.
Persona 5 Strikers is an exciting sequel that takes the Phantom Thieves on a cross-country tour to clear their names. With Koei Tecmo streamlining most systems and using an action battle system, the sequel succeeds on many levels.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury might include the same game that was on the Wii U but it's also a title that needs to be experienced by everyone who owns a Nintendo Switch.
Little Nightmares II improves on the first game and introduces a new character. It's up to you to piece together the events unfolding. The scares are bigger, the world is far more twisted and the gameplay is a nice reprieve from bigger AAA titles.
Destruction AllStars showcases the power of the PlayStation 5 and has good gameplay loops but the microtransactions and barebones presentation never elevate the game from good to great.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great follow up and yet another satisfying chapter of Adol Christin's life. Playing as Adol and the supporting Monstrum proves that there is still a ton of life left for the Ys series. The darker take and the Prison City of Balduq are full of secrets and treasure and the sidequests are some of the best the series has offered.
Olija is short but it is an impactful game. It’s got some minor technical issues but the gameplay is intense, the story is impeccable and the puzzles are challenging. The atmosphere of Terraphage is as important to the game as Faraday himself and it’s thanks to the magical harpoon that Faraday wields that the gameplay is so much fun. I’d love to revisit this game but it is so short and lacking in replayability - the upside is that the time you spend with Olija won’t soon be forgotten.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy is an excellent follow-up. Gust has improved on so many things that it's hard not to love this game or its characters but the various systems may be overwhelming for any newcomers.
Haven's gameplay might not keep you invested as much as the core relationship but the game tells a very real tale of two people in love. Paired with a synthetic lo-fi soundtrack and some beautiful visuals, it's hard not to fall for Kay and Yu's story.
GodFall is a good launch title for the PlayStation 5 but is full of repetitive missions, uninteresting loot mechanics but fun and exciting combat. It's a mixed bag but ultimately fun and worth adding to your collection!
Demon's Souls is a breathtaking remake from Bluepoint Games. The studio injects new life into a timeless classic that offers PlayStation 5 owners an astounding, challenging game.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not be the sequel Nintendo fans are looking for but it’s certainly worth checking out. It has a good roster of characters, great combat, and some interesting ideas that stick the landing.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the perfect starter for anyone who owns a PlayStation 5 or even if you're still on PlayStation 4. Bustling with tons of details and colourful locations for you to make your way through, Sumo Digital has delivered a game that’s so enchanting and stunning, it’s hard not to smile when playing Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
Bright Memory is a short look at the potential next year's Bright Memory Infinite may have, but this demo is a bit rough technically even though the mechanics are fun.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a definitive look back on the series & newcomers get a great idea of what makes the series so beloved. If you're a veteran and want to brush up on all the lore, Melody of Memory offers that and a bit more.
Everything about this game oozes style, Nadji Jeter is the definitive version of Miles Morales thanks to his goofy and geeky take on the web-slinger. Soaring through the Highrise buildings of New York City has never looked better and the extra power of the PlayStation 5 makes things feel more alive than ever before
Yes, Astro’s Playroom is included on the console but don’t let it slip off your radar. You’re getting a brilliant platformer on day one that’s an homage to the PlayStation legacy. Throughout four stages, you’ll experience everything the DualSense offers and also a great lead-in to the generation. Since the introduction of the DualShock nearly two decades ago, the controller has marginally improved the experience. Now, I feel like we’re seeing a true revolution thanks to the Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Touch the DualSense uses to immerse players in exciting ways.
Pikmin 3 has this charm to it that makes it hard to put down and the lengthy campaign is incredible and the design choices in play make this one of the smartest games I’ve played recently. If you need a game that wants to challenge you with excellent exploration, tons of strategy and cute creatures; go out and get yourself Pikmin 3 Deluxe!
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is Vanillaware's most exhilarating title to date that takes us through space and time. If you're looking for a game to challenge you, and sink its hooks into you, look no further.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a brilliant sequel to the original trilogy that makes Crash a relevant gaming figure once more. You'll have a ton of fun navigating each level and unlock gems while learning from each death as you laugh along with Crash and friends. While it is more of the same mechanics, the new content is well worth seeing what made Crash so much fun years ago.