GamingBolt
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Mina the Hollower isn't perfect or even close to it, and given expectations following Shovel Knight, that's kind of disappointing for me. Nevertheless, it's still a very good old-school action-adventure with strong combat fundamentals and undeniable charm.
Bubsy 4D isn't the best 3D platformer out this year, and probably doesn't even rank in the top ten, but it is a solid return for the character, if you can stomach the various issues.
007 First Light is a great stealth-action experience packaged into a very strong exploration of Bond's early days that's both as charming and as intriguing as we hoped it would be. Its missions are set in maps that take you all around the world, and are always brimming with possibilities as you make your way around them. This one's definitely among our favorites this year, and for good reason.
While Thick as Thieves is a short game lacking in many basic features like rebindable controls, it's an easy game to recommend thanks to its compelling gameplay loop, emphasis on replayability, and a co-op mode.
Far from offering the best bullet hell or first-person shooter experience, Luna Abyss instead sticks to its own quirky formula, stubbornly so at times, and mostly succeeds.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a fantastic RPG with great writing, a phenomenal cast of characters, and an interesting setting.
As we wait for the Dark Knight's next big game, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight steps in and delivers a lovingly crafted, satisfying entry. It pulls from the best Batman entries while going beyond expectations in every aspect. This one's by the fans, for the fans.
WILL: Follow the Light tells a simple story of a man trying to look for his son after a massive storm, and along the way, has to confront the mysteries of his own life. The intimate nature of the core premise is compelling enough to carry this walking simulator throughout its entire runtime.
Forza Horizon 6 doesn't shake up the series' formula too much. Nonetheless, it builds on its predecessors' greatest strengths in a spectacularly crafted open-world recreation of Japan, resulting in an unforgettable racing experience.
Motorslice takes a clear cue from classic games like The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Shadow of the Colossus, but its unique setting, charm, and impressive sense of scale make it an intriguing, if familiar experience, though it's plagued by technical issues and some inconsistent platforming.
Mixtape nails its presentation and story, making it a music-focused adventure that takes you back to simpler times.
Directive 8020 imbues every interaction in trust and paranoia, delivering emotional turbulence and atmospheric dread that's only overshadowed by inconsistent mechanics.
Coming off the underwhelming Tower of Fantasy, NTE: Neverness to Everness won't set the free-to-play world on fire, but it's still a surprisingly strong debut effort with a solid foundation.
Industria 2 has a great premise and fun gameplay, but it's in dire need of better optimization.
Aphelion is a solid experience that delivers on its promise, with its world and excellent performance backing it up. This one's a memorable title if you're looking for a great story, but might disappoint you if you want a challenge.
Invincible VS will be immediately satisfying for the casual crowd, but it also brings genuine competitive potential through its hidden mechanical complexity.
As far as premises go, Kiln follows the standard Double Fine formula by being completely unlike anything else out there. It's just a shame that it doesn't lead to a compelling pseudo-MOBA, party brawler or anything else in between.
Returning characters may find some appreciation from long-time fans, but Lord of Hatred is just another tired, safe addition to Diablo 4 that fails to really excite.
MotoGP 26 doesn't meaningfully upgrade much of its catalog, but its large amount of content and wide range of accessibility options allow it to remain the definitive experience for MotoGP fans of all skill levels.
DarkSwitch represents a new, fresh take on a genre that largely focuses on a flat 2-dimensional axis. Fans of the city-building genre, as well as newcomers, will find plenty to enjoy here.