A rich narrative adventure with light role-playing elements, Citizen Sleeper has some of the most evocative, well-written dialogue of any sci-fi setting in recent memory. Its world feels tangible, full of ideas and concepts that are easy to grasp but have deep and complicated implications.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, a Vanillaware title from 2020, is the ideal Switch port. Everything that makes this game great is enhanced by the Switch’s unique form factor. What was once a niche PlayStation exclusive becomes an essential experience for owners of Nintendo’s hybrid.
Moody and introspective, Promordia is another perfect addition to the Nintendo Switch’s ever-expanding library of point-and-click adventure games. While it falls prey to many of the traps of its genre, those who persevere will find gorgeous art, great writing and voice acting, and a surprisingly deep story.
Ghostwire: Tokyo also offers a surprisingly robust education in traditional Japanese folklore and horror. As an open-world experience, the game is not without its flaws. But for the curious who are fortunate enough to own a PlayStation 5 (or decently specced-out PC), Ghostwire‘s unique storytelling and setting raise it to instant cult classic status.
While slow to start, once Triangle Strategy sinks its hooks into the player, it is nearly impossible to put down.
About as subtle as a mace to the face, Infernax is for players who like their games fiendishly difficult, bloody as hell, and endlessly rewarding.
As an action role-playing game that feels familiar even as it makes its own choices, Ocean’s Heart wears its influences proudly.
It Takes Two stands tall as not just a fantastic multiplayer game for players of any skill level, but as a reminder that splitscreen co-op can be just as engaging as any player-versus-player experience.
Sometimes scary games have hurdles to overcome, and this particular Fatal Frame will likely be the first for many players. Maiden of Black Water is scary, but it isn’t too scary, and that goes a long way towards helping players actually complete the game.
Returnal is full of risky design choices and rewarding mechanics, and finally makes use of the best features of the PlayStation 5.
Balan Wonderworld seems like it has a lot going for it, but character design and good intentions can’t make up for atrocious execution.