Oxenfree II is a brilliant side-scrolling horror game. It manages to be horrifying, heartfelt, and exciting all at the same time. For fans of the retro horror genre and anyone wanting to see what indie horror looks like, Oxenfree II is the perfect game for you.
Persona 3 Reload is a JRPG masterpiece. It has an incredibly moving story about the value of life, a fun gameplay loop, great graphics, dynamic characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Plus, with the short playtime, it is not as intimidating as other games in the genre, with very little filler padding the runtime. While the remake may seem simple compared to other recent examples, Reload is a reminder that Persona 3 is still relevant even after eighteen years.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a truly generational game. It improves on all aspects of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. The narrative balances various tones and progresses the character arcs of its major protagonists, while introducing new and compelling NPCs. Further, the gameplay only enhances one of gaming's greatest sandboxes with a new fantastic line of abilities, activities, dungeons, and boss fights. Everything about Tears of the Kingdom is perfect, and as far as I'm concerned, it's one of the best games I've ever played in my entire life.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty adds several new mechanics and features that fans have been hoping for since the game was released in 2020. Phantom Liberty is one of the best expansions I've played in years, with a brand new story, fantastic characters, and an exciting new area of Night City. It's a shame that this is the only expansion being added to the game and that we have to wait years to see what's next for the franchise.
Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero games ever, with an incredible narrative, addicting gameplay, and stunning graphics. Despite some occasional bugs, I was never bored playing Spider-Man 2 with its moment-to-moment gameplay improving on a formula that has stayed the same for twenty-five years. Only time will tell what Insomniac has planned for the franchise, but I will watch with great interest.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a great remake that brings one of Nintendo's best RPGs to modern consoles. With a litany of new quality-of-life updates, great writing, an addicting combat system, intriguing characters, and a stunning world, The Thousand-Year Door is a near-perfect game, save for a few frame drops and the frustrating use of backtracking.
If Night Springs is indicative of the quality that can be expected for Alan Wake 2's future DLC expansions, then the future is undoubtedly bright. While the DLC is a bit short, running for approximately three hours, each episode of the TV show-themed DLC is unique and feels like an entirely separate game. The effort put into Night Springs alone makes it more than worth purchasing Alan Wake 2's twenty-dollar season pass.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II is a fantastic PvE shooter with a great story, brilliant level design, and multiplayer options that will keep you engrossed long after you beat the main campaign. The customization options are intricate and incredibly detailed and the game serves as a great jumping off point, regardless of how much you know about the broader Warhammer 40k universe.
Hollowbody is a brilliant tribute to horror games released over the past thirty years. Despite some small glitches, a short runtime, and a gameplay/story that doesn't quite reach its full potential, the game manages to create a modernized spin on the survival horror genre with smooth gameplay, a horrifying atmosphere, and a premise that is likely to draw any longtime horror fans into its rich and terrifying world.
Mouthwashing is a magnificent horror game that accomplishes so much in spite of the limited resources. Despite its short runtime and few gameplay sequences, the sequences that are there create so much tension and add great depth to its main characters. Further, its visual style is filled with surprises that will constantly keep players at the edge of their seats. Mouthwashing is a must-play for any fans of the horror genre.
Alan Wake 2: The Lake House highlights the best parts of the base game. While there are some frustrating choices with certain enemies and weapons, the gameplay loop, narrative, and visual design are all brilliant. Further, the fantastic thesis statement at the heart of the DLC, as well as the numerous allusions to what the developers have planned next, will keep many fans hooked from beginning to end.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is the ultimate return to form for the Mario Party franchise. While there's some stuttering while playing online and the process of unlocking boards may seem a bit tedious, the game is incredibly fun to play, especially with friends and family. The boards are the best they've been since Mario Party 8, the minigames are incredibly fun and addicting, and the variety of different modes will keep you hooked if you're looking for a new experience.
The remake of Silent Hill 2 is a genuine masterpiece. While there are some technical issues here and there, Bloober Team did an exceptional job with the resurrected title's story, voice acting, gameplay, and visuals. Additionally, the attention to detail on display throughout the entire experience makes it a must-play for both returning fans as well as those who are playing Silent Hill 2 for the first time.
Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a fantastic remaster that manages to resurrect a cult classic in a way that is respectful of the source material while updating it for modern audiences. The story is still great even after fourteen years. Plus, the visuals and gameplay have been tuned to near-perfection. While you can't help but wish for more additions to the story and world, the quality-of-life changes to gameplay and replayability make this the perfect way to play this underrated platformer.
Marvel Rivals is one of the best multiplayer games I've played in a really long time. Thanks to varied and unique characters from one of the most beloved franchises in history, the roster is fantastic so far and filled with potential. Further, the moment-to-moment gameplay and unique approach to balance is a great change of place compared to other hero shooters. Hopefully the game manages to build on its momentum in the coming months.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic experience set in one of the most beloved media franchises ever. The story is worthy of the series, plus the performances, especially from Troy Baker, are great. Further, the moment-to-moment gameplay of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat is unique, varied, and fun. Plus, the use of a first-person perspective is a great choice. I hope that MachineGames does more with the franchise in the future.
Sorry We're Closed is a beautiful horror game that opts not to use the terror that players would expect. Instead, it focuses on crafting a beautiful story focused on the concept of love, plus creating characters, gameplay mechanics, and an artistic direction that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Despite the lack of emphasis on horror, the game is still an unforgettable experience that I will be thinking about for a long time.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fantastic new beginning for the prolific franchise. While the sound mixing is lackluster and the soundtrack fails to reach the same heights as previous entries, the narrative and gameplay make up for it. The story is a thrilling blockbuster that will have you grinning and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and the gameplay, while more grounded than DOOM Eternal, is extremely fun due to the great gunplay, new weapons, unique mech and dragon segments, open levels, and melee focus. Id Software has delivered once again, and I can't wait to see where the franchise goes next.
Cyberpunk 2077 for Nintendo Switch 2 is arguably the definitive way to play this incredible game. Despite some issues with the controls and textures looking odd at a distance, I was very impressed with how CD Projekt Red managed to fit this massive title into a 64 GB game cartridge with very few compromises and visuals that sometimes look as impressive as the PlayStation 5 version. If you have a Switch 2 and have been looking to play Cyberpunk 2077, you now have the best possible way to do so.
OFF is a fantastic RPG from beginning to end. The narrative is fantastic and manages to weave a dark tone with brief moments of levity extremely well, thanks to the great worldbuilding and charming characters. Further, the gameplay is paced superbly with a combat loop that never gets old. I do wish some of the puzzles weren't as infrequent and the new content in the remaster was easier to find, but with the other new additions to the remaster, this is the best way to play this incredible cult classic game that paved the way for future indie RPGs.