Yasmin Noble
Lou’s Lagoon delivers chill gameplay for a few comfy nights in of busywork without any actual physical labour. At times, the process of completing tasks can feel overly repetitive. Still, Lou’s Lagoon is a cute, casual game that blends plenty of elements of a wholesome, cosy game into one whimsical little package that might still be worth picking up for casual gamers.
Devs, Rebel Wolves take the typical RPG formula and infuse their own unique take on a vampire game into a dark fantasy that stands on its own. I can see The Blood of Dawnwalker enduring the test of time, and I’m keen to see where Rebel Wolves take players next.
Pokopia has proved once again that it can stand amongst the greats in the cosy game genre with Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 1: “Bubbly Basin”. I’ve already sunk plenty of time into making the Bubbly Basin my own. My restoration project is far from over, and I’m ready to sink many more hours into my Pokopia playtime.
Splatoon Raiders had me hooked on the treasure hunt. While there’s repetitiveness to the formula, the game had me saying “just one more” constantly. For the prize hoarders like myself, Splatoon Raiders really puts the “loot” in looter shooter.
Digimon Story Time Stranger proves that being a cyber-sleuth can be an involved job, yet a very satisfying one once you wrap your head around all the responsibilities that come with the role. I have plenty of mysteries ahead, but now I’m on the case; I’m keen to get this one solved.
High on Life 2’s Nintendo Switch 2 port has all the ingredients for a winning formula, but I wasn’t hooked. At release, I would expect games to be fully optimised, with only minor fixes as needed.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok is the kind of expansion that is bound to get Granblue Fantasy: Relink fans coming back again and again. Gorgeous, glorious and gratifying, I’m looking forward to conquering whatever Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok throws my way next.
For those looking for a silly, casual game that can handle the overly campy vibes, Reptilian Rising might scratch the tabletop nostalgia itch. For others, the strange story and sometimes repetitive gameplay might not be a smash hit.
Life is Strange: Reunion is a strong send-off to Max and Chloe’s story for gamers who have been there since the beginning or picked up on the way through.
Pokémon Pokopia is the kind of creature comfort we cosy gamers need to keep us happy in our own habitats, providing a chill, healing space to escape to.
If you’re keen to get back into the Monster Hunter universe, but with a focus on a well-told tale, addictive gameplay and a fresh approach to combat, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an expedition worth embarking on.
Two Point Museum is a management simulator game created by Two Point Studios. While the new expansion, “Two Point Museum: Zooseum,” still involves curating relics of the past, it now focuses on animals. As the overseer and head zookeeper on Nintendo Switch 2, playing Two Point Museum: Zooseum gave me a new appreciation for wildlife conservationists.
Reigns: The Witcher gives that weird little dopamine hit of gambling against all odds with significantly less real-world implications – maybe a little lost sleep and addiction, but redirected to a noble plight in Witcher work. For fans of the Witcher series and those looking for a short but moreish game to master, Reigns: The Witcher might be worth the fanfare.
While in some instances going back to the classics in almost their original condition doesn’t feel terrible, in this case, it could feel much better.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 edition is worth it for the graphical and performance changes if you own a Nintendo Switch 2, and is an essential addition to the Switch catalogue of cosy games.
MIO’s quest is both exciting and mellow, with fluid gameplay, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that often left me feeling much more serene than stressed.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment takes the action-adventure series into a different direction with hack-and-slash gameplay. The game expands the lore of the The Legend of Zelda series, while feeling like an entirely new world.
Chicken Run Eggstraction is a family-friendly casual game that fits nicely into an introduction to the extraction genre. It may not be for everyone, but the quirky, endearing chooks and light-hearted humour carry the long legacy of Aardman’s charming catalogue.
Pokémon Legends: Z‑A has some interesting new ideas that I would like to see, in some way, implemented into the mainline games. The game might not capture players’ hearts. Die-hard Pokémon fans may enjoy this entry into the series, but I think it’s about time the Pokémon series had a mega evolution.
Persona 3 Reload is a must-have addition for any story-driven or JRPG fans for the Nintendo Switch 2. Persona 3 Reload is perfect on the go or during a chill night at home and is a super addictive time, whether you’re exploring the streets or traversing Tartarus. It’s super stylish, super funky, and super fun and worth every minute.