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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
Do expect a hardcore experience but if you feel up to the challenge then you can not go wrong with either of these two games.
The New Zealand Story: Untold Adventure does a decent job of scratching the itch even if it doesn't quite hit the same spot… it does do a decent job of reminding fans of the original what they loved about the game. It's not a terrible price, but if you are after a true one‑to‑one port to modern gaming, you might want to at least wait for a sale.
The setting alone helps it stand out, and the mix of dreamlike horror and personal storytelling makes it a memorable experience. If you enjoy narrative driven horror games and are looking for something with a unique setting and a strong sense of atmosphere, Project Songbird is definitely worth adding to your list.
The cosiest, craziest Pokémon game with a concept so delightful you wonder why we haven't seen it sooner
There are some genuinely standout moments, but I can't help but look back at the likes of Left 4 Dead and just wish Toxic Commando had that same level of charm. It's just missing something-a little personality-a hook, the kind that made Left 4 Dead endlessly replayable.
Zooseum is a fun little addition to Two Point Museum. It doesn't do anything especially different from the formula, but then again, it didn't need to. All the charm and wit of the base game are present here, and if you enjoy that, this is more of it.
Taking major inspiration from other indie games in both gameplay and graphical design, Crabmeat is a fun, decently paced horror fishing game with incredible attention-to-detail and lackluster visuals.
An uneven remake that's equal parts frightening and frustrating.
The best Stories game to date that easily stands shoulder to shoulder with its mainline brethren.