TMNT: Splintered Fate is not only a finely crafted roguelike, it's also one of the best takes on the franchise in recent memory and an instant contender for its best video game.
Dawntrail goes exactly where Final Fantasy XIV needed to go, experimenting with the player character's role in this world as its borders expand.
The Final Shape is simultaneously Destiny 2's most personal, most daring, and most conservative expansion yet, pushing boundaries while also playing it safe.
Little Kitty, Big City is a cozy adventure truly worthy of its feline namesake, which could have benefitted from more commitment to its chaotic side.
Despite some flaws, Stellar Blade is a thrilling take on the modern action-adventure which any post-apocalyptic aficionado should check out.
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection is another bare minimum, overpriced remaster hoping nostalgia will encourage fans to turn a blind eye to dated problems.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers upon Remake's thesis, increasing a classic's scale and character tenfold to create a new modern-day masterpiece.
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered feels like it wants to be a loving tribute to the franchise's origins, but comes across like a half-effort instead.
A Rift in Time sets a solid course for Disney Dreamlight Valley's second year by building rich new biomes, yet larger balancing issues remain.
Bluey: The Videogame is a promising thesis of a game, but all the easter eggs in the world can't make a rushed product complete.
Star Ocean The Second Story R is a lovingly-crafted remaster of a golden age RPG that offers a replayable and approachably complex adventure.
The Jackbox Party Pack 10 is a well-rounded smattering of minigames, proving there's still plenty of gas in the series' tank.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds upon its strong foundation to present a captivating narrative and gameplay experience that stands in the franchise’s upper echelon of tales.
I had recommended Disgaea 6 to anyone who enjoyed the series, but now I can endorse Disgaea 7 with more genuine optimism to broader audiences. It’s not going to win over anyone who dislikes kooky games with anime-inspired visuals, but its renewed blend of parody and pathos could be refreshing for genre veterans who have never dipped a toe into the series’ waters before.
Despite its flaws, The Teal Mask DLC, with its fresh setting and intriguing side quests, amplifies the experience of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet—perfect for those seeking a return trip to the vibrant world of Paldea.
Better late than never, Dimension Shellshock fleshes out TMNT: Shredder's Revenge with more replayability and even more nostalgia.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons revives a fundamental beat-em-up dynasty, with variable paths and multipliers making it a worthy multiplayer investment.
Disney Illusion Island is practically a unicorn, offering fulfilling, customizable co-op for the whole family in an endearingly charming cartoon coating.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg brings the series’ original entry out of the shadows with a charming, thorough aesthetic glow-up, yet retains some of its more archaic touches.
Final Fantasy XVI melds the best of the series’ themes with a modern, malleable take on combat—creating a heartrending, generation-defining tale of revenge, fate, and freedom.