Donovan Harrell
Kill Knight isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brutal, unforgiving, and relentless—but it’s also one of the most satisfying action shooters I’ve played in recent memory. The tight, responsive controls, the variety of weapons, and the rewarding progression system all combine to create a game that’s hard to put down. Sure, the difficulty might turn some players away, but for those willing to push through the frustration, Kill Knight offers a rewarding and exhilarating experience. It’s a straightforward action game that doesn’t waste time with elaborate narratives. You’re here to fight, survive, and master the mechanics. And when everything clicks, it’s like dancing with death itself.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania that captivates with its engaging gameplay, blending Japanese folklore with a heartwarming story. While there are moments where the game's pacing stumbles—particularly during some of the more punishing platforming sections—the overall experience is enriched by its charming characters, gorgeous art, and thoughtful themes.
Overall, Noreya: The Gold Project offers an interesting blend of historical lore, complex dynamics between humans and gods, and engaging platforming puzzles. While it may not redefine the Metroidvania genre, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of dark fantasy adventures.
Nine Sols is easily the most challenging Metroidvania game I’ve ever played, but its difficulty is just one facet of what makes it a truly remarkable game. Whether you’re drawn by demanding gameplay, stunning visuals, or immersive storytelling, Nine Sols commands your attention and warrants your time.
If you’re a fan of 2D Metroidvania and Souls-like games, Blasphemous 2 is a must-play. It has the best of both worlds while crafting a unique identity that expands and improves on the original Blasphemous in every way. If you just want a damn good side-scrolling action game, it’s a must-play. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, Spanish art and architecture, religious commentary, or anything macabre… it’s also a must-play. I’ll keep this simple: It’s a must-play.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons succeeds in standing out from its peers with the implementation of roguelike mechanics, a stylish and deep combat system, and a wide variety of playable characters armed with unique fighting styles. However, its lack of a training mode, tutorial mode, or versus mode (all modern-day beat ’em up staples) or any real gameplay innovations makes for a somewhat quick and empty experience. Even so, the Double Dragons are back and more than capable of putting up a fight.
Street Fighter 6 introduces a versatile fighting game system that brilliantly refines mechanics introduced in previous iterations. With its innovative story mode and modern control options, it stands out from its predecessors as the most accessible Street Fighter game ever made. Add in its unique style and solid online gameplay options, and Street Fighter 6 shines bright for the series while setting the bar high for future fighting games.