While a bit uneven, Hotel Barcelona is a blast to play. It starts a bit rough, but as more upgrades and abilities become available, the creativity behind the game really shines through.
EA Sports FC 26 feels better to play than ever before. The new Authentic and Competitive choices allow players to set the tone for how they want to play, and the improved AI is noticeable during matches. FC 26 is the beautiful game we all love.
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles is remarkable in all aspects. From its inherently timely story to its standout characters and reworked script, this is a special game.
For all the guffaw that Death Stranding gets for being a walking simulator, Baby Steps is the literal definition of one. It has a simple premise that appears tedious but blossoms into one of the most unique experiences I've had in recent months.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree features an excellent hook for a roguelike, but it has too much exposition to wade through that doesn't do enough to warrant its existence.
LEGO Voyagers is brief, yet despite that, it leaves a long-lasting impression. Even as the credits rolled, I knew I wasn't done with it; I needed more, wanted more from the game. The puzzles are equally charming, the music is a highlight, and the cute little LEGO bricks are emotive figures that will win you over. The building mechanics are fun, the puzzles are inventive, and the experience comes together beautifully.
Summary Hirogami is fun, but it would be better if it were a pure platformer with a focus on origami. Despite the combat being a bit basic, the other elements, like exploration and abilities, help flesh out this story to stop the blight from taking over. It's a beautiful game that does a great job of showcasing the impressive art of origami, and it's paired with a great soundtrack that I adored listening to while playing.
Cronos: The New Dawn is a culmination of over a decade of experience from Bloober Team. Through the years, the studio has risen to the challenge, and this trend continues with its newest franchise, which is a mix of some of the biggest survival horror games to exist. The campaign is brutal and challenges you to survive in a bleak, failed world where a virus has wreaked havoc in Eastern Europe, and the sci-fi elements present a fun twist on the formula.
Hell is Us is equal parts intriguing and frustrating, with some impressive design choices that force you to think and plan your path through Hadea. The idea behind player-pattering is refreshing in a time where many games leave the sense of mystery out of their plans from the beginning, and the combat forces you to think about how to deal with wildly unpredictable enemies that feel and sound like they're from another world. In the nearly 50 hours you'll spend in this meticulously planned-out world, there's very little filler to worry about, with some often engaging stories dealing with a great mix of very real scenarios of civil war mixed with some impressive, ethereal, otherworldly dangers.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World should not be missed. Not only does it upgrade the base game for the Switch 2, which is one of the best Kirby games already, but it also adds a fun and out-of-this-world expansion filled with fun powers and tons of Kirby charm. The Star-Crossed World expansion adds new and exciting levels filled with new enemies and new items Kirby can use to save the world from the encroaching darkness. It also looks incredible on the Switch 2, propping the latest Nintendo console against a stable of back-to-back incredible launch titles.
Like a ninja, Shinobi: Act of Vengeance sneakily delivers one of this year's best 2D action games. It smartly and stealthily showcases its brutal and spectacular mechanics that consistently up the stakes. While the story is the weakest aspect, the stylish action shows how promising 2D action games can be today.
Herdling is more about the journey than it is the destination. A humble game, the premise of herding a fictional animal through tumultuous conditions proves to be an excellent idea.
Mafia: The Old Country is a no-nonsense, back-to-basics experience, and its dedication to authenticity serves as its best attribute. By sticking to a tight, linear experience, The Old Country allows the performances and writing to do the heavy lifting without losing the allure of the Sicilian countryside. By bringing to light a specific place in time that few movies or games have gone before, there's a wealth of details you'll come to appreciate.
Drag x Drive is fun, but it doesn't pack enough content to keep players coming back. The three-on-three basketball games can be fun with the right teammates, and nailing some sweet tricks for bonus points is satisfying, but the magic quickly wears thin.
Time Flies is a brief but fun title that focuses on reflection and choice. It might not resonate with everyone due to its simplicity, but don't let that deter you. It's a game that reminds us that time cannot be reclaimed, so make the most of the time you have.
Dead Take is a surprise standout experience from Surgent Studios. It's got a stacked cast with a focus on storytelling over anything else, using the allure of Hollywood as the gateway to unconventional horror. While there are some predictable moments, the environment, the performances, and immersion make up for it. It is an emotionally charged horror experience that punches well above its weight and serves as a commentary on ambition and exploitation.
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is a bit uneven, but it introduces a great new character and allows the lore of this world to blossom. It is pretty clear that this was made for fans of Chained Echoes thirsting for more and does a decent job at filling in the gaps of the base game's unresolved plot threads.
Atomic Owl is a beautiful game in a colourful and dangerous world that is genuinely interesting, but it's also a game mired in technical issues that make it hard to enjoy it.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an all-around fun Soulslike experience despite some rough edges. It is certifiably challenging with a plethora of builds available, which rewards patience and split-second timing.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 does a lot to reenergize these two games from the early 2000s. At the time, the series was something every kid would talk about with their friends. Now, the series is given another moment in the spotlight, offering a new generation access to a series that feels as timeless as ever, thanks to its eclectic gameplay, excellent music, impressive skaters, and memorable levels. The personality, humour, and flow of these games are all still intact, and that makes them unforgettable.