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Crimson Desert is a genre-bending experience; something that can't be easily categorized, and that is a good thing because it shows how complex and multi-layered the experience is.
A visually arresting, mechanically sharp extraction shooter that offers fun and rewards for those with the patience - and the time.
If it's on special, it's not bad for a quick pick up and play a round or two… but the random nature of the power cards and boosts and the ludicrously steep starting point for some levels, either via score or play space… means it can get frustrating quickly. I'm pretty near completing it and am quite sure I could with perseverance and more focused strategy… I've just lost all interest in doing so. If you like Balatro and think it would be interesting in a Scrabble setting, then I'd say grab a copy!
Incantation is a compelling psychological horror experience that delivers tension, atmosphere, and storytelling with subtlety and care.
Ariana and the Elder Codex lands as a solid, enjoyable adventure. It has its rough edges, especially with pacing and repetition, but the core experience is fun. The combat system carries a lot of weight, and the mix of spell customization, engaging bosses, and a charming visual style makes it easy to stick with. It's the kind of game you pick up out of curiosity and end up having a genuinely good time with. If you enjoy 2D action platformers with a bit of style and a magic-focused twist, this is an easy recommendation, especially if you're open to something that feels like a smaller, more overlooked gem.
Trial and error stealth muddies the otherwise crystal clear waters of this endearing puzzle platformer
New Super Lucky's Tale on PlayStation 5 is a charming, polished and technically a remaster of the original game that benefits greatly from the console's capabilities. It may not offer surprises for those familiar with earlier versions but it delivers an uber‑fun gaming experience that is sorely needed
Meat Boy's first foray into 3D sends him straight into the proverbial grinder.
A smartly presented retro tinged shooter that fans of the franchise will love
Sands of Aura feels like a game with a lot of ambition that doesn't always land cleanly, but still manages to deliver a rewarding experience. The combat can feel a bit loose, the controls take time to adjust to, and parts of the story don't fully pay off, but the core loop of exploring, upgrading, and taking on increasingly difficult encounters works. The world is interesting, the systems offer real flexibility, and the bosses are consistently engaging. It leans into an older style of design that trusts you to figure things out, and while that won't be for everyone, it gives the game its own identity. In the end, it's a solid and sometimes rough experience that becomes more enjoyable the more time you invest in it.
By the time everything starts to come together, Total Chaos becomes something genuinely engaging. There is a satisfying loop in breaking down environments, gathering materials, crafting what you need, and pushing further into the unknown. Even with its issues like confusing menus, occasional combat awkwardness, and a save system that can feel punishing, the core experience holds strong. It might take some time to fully adjust to everything it throws at you, but once it clicks, it becomes hard to put down. Funnily enough, Total Chaos lives up to its name, not because it is messy, but because all of its systems collide in a way that feels unpredictable and strangely rewarding.
In the end, Collector's Cove is a simple yet adorable adventure, one that my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed as we explored islands, tended crops and customised our very pink dinosaur, "Nessy." If you're looking for a calm, comforting gaming experience that trades stress for serenity, this cozy game hits the spot perfectly.
Super Mario Bros Wonder was a return to greatness on the OG Switch and with its performance tweaks and incorporation of new multiplayer excitement thanks to Meetup in Bellabel Park, this is a must have game if you missed it the first time around. Whether you're playing solo or with friends (it is the perfect party game), you'll be fully immersed from the first level to the last that also showcases the Nintendo Switch 2.
A relatively accessible rail simulator that pays homage to Thomas and his friends. I would strongly recommend IF you are already familiar with Dovetail's previous rail simulators - but only cautiously recommend if you are a Thomas & Friends fan looking for a more traditional gameplay mechanics.
Restored Land's titular new mode could be better, but the improvements made to the rest of the game leave this version of Dying Light: The Beast a better and more expansive one than the one it launched as.
MLB The Show 26 is another solid instalment on the PlayStation 5 that tweaks the previous game for the better
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a solid update to a classic that still has a lot to offer. It's a great fit for something like the Switch, where you can jump into a mission, make some progress, and come back later without needing to commit to a long session. It doesn't try to completely overhaul the experience, and that means some older design choices remain, for better or worse. The level design can be inconsistent at times, and the lack of a modern save system may turn some people away.
Hunt the Night is a game that gets a lot right but doesn't always deliver it in the smoothest way. The core gameplay loop is engaging, the combat system has depth, and the overall atmosphere is strong and consistent. It can be challenging, but often in a way that feels intentional and rewarding. However, technical issues, especially on Switch, and some uneven pacing in both gameplay and storytelling hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you play it on a platform with better performance, you will likely have a much more enjoyable experience. Even with its flaws, there is something compelling here, especially if you are drawn to dark fantasy worlds and fast, skill-based combat.
Screamer also has an amazing soundtrack with several exciting tracks that enhance the high-octane racing. Overall, Screamer is a great game and while not without flaws, has several engaging elements that make it stand out from other racing games of this era.
A delightful mashup that is greater than the sum of its parts