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Yars Rising gives you a straightforward experience with enough side content to add layers to customization without giving the player too much power in the end. It was a great experience and I had a really great time playing Yars Rising.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a blast of a retro platformer for Rugrats fans and NES fans alike. The length is a tad bit short, but what’s here is so fun and pleasant to listen to, and look at that I can’t help but want to replay it despite having only recently beat it.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is as stellar as it gets when it comes to classic rereleases. Not only are these some of the best fighting games out there, but they’ve been revived with such excellence that it’s worth applauding. I hope this leads to more Marvel vs. Capcom games, as this collection serves as the perfect reminder that there’s no crossover quite like it.
I loved Vampire Survivors on release but with everything added since Vampire Survivors is just as addictive and enjoyable as it was on release and well worth the buy now that you can enjoy it on any platform of your choosing.
The Castlevania Dominus Collection is a brilliant compilation of some of the most creative Castlevania games there are. The Nintendo DS functionality is translated perfectly to modern single-screened consoles, and the bonus features go a long way in making this an especially worthwhile collection. If you’ve got a hankering for exploratory platformers, you can’t do much better than this.
Demon’s Mirror didn’t vibe with me, and while I appreciate the effort to mix up these two gameplay styles, the friction between the two left me annoyed and drained.
Start to finish, Space Marine 2 is a complete blast, with all the hallmarks of being a big action blockbuster. Titus continues to be a compelling character and we’re lucky we got to see more of him; it was a long wait but damn was it worth it.
Playing these two games back-to-back is a fascinating glimpse into the shift the series saw over time. Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth has the snappier, fast-paced approach of the earliest games in the series, while its sequel Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit takes a longer, wordier direction like the later games and delivers one of the best stories. Having the two available on modern platforms, with Investigations 2 being translated at last, is fantastic. While it might not be the best place to start the series for newcomers, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an easy recommendation for Ace Attorney fans.
Overall, I have to say I’m pretty disappointed with Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Party Dash. The game is quite good looking and has a lot of fanfare for fans of the Uma Musume series but provides an extremely hollow experience full of basic UX missteps and a complete lack of depth. Golshi’s Grand Adventure 2 isn’t enough to save this game and the price tag for what’s being provided is absolutely absurd.
Gundam Breaker 4 is exactly what I wanted from this franchise after Gundam Breaker 3, and I’m happy to say we can all forget the “New” moniker because we are BACK BABY. Fans of giant robots, fans of customization, and fans of games absolutely bursting at the seams with content can all find something to love here, and I can’t wait to see what this team brings us next.
Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a snazzy platformer beat-em-up that combines satisfying combat with a dazzling setting and visuals. The occasional clunky aspect does stand out, but for the most part, this is an exciting and well-made remake for anyone fond of the beat-em-up genre.
Black Myth: Wukong delivers incredible boss fight with stunning visuals, but the in-between moments don't reach the same heights. Technical hiccups and poor level design hold it back for greatness, but the boss battles make it all worthwhile.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage is a truly peculiar game that is wildly fun to play. It has some unfortunate technical issues, but the distinct world and wonderfully gruesome gameplay go a long way to craft a game unlike anything else I’ve experienced.
Bakeru is a rather unique title that showcases Japan and its culture in a colorful and exciting way that would appeal to anyone. If you’re a fan of Mystical Ninja Goemon, Japanese mythology, or just distinct games in general, then Bakeru is worth your time and attention.
While not my favorite Shin Megami Tensei game, I cannot recommend Shin Megami Tensei V enough. And with the Canon of Vengeance included, it’s a must for any RPG fan.
Noctuary combines visual novel storytelling with action RPG battles to create a memorable experience that will appeal most to fans of visual novels, though its combat is enjoyable as well. With easily over 20 hours of content and a great amount of attention to detail in its storytelling, it stands out as an overlooked gem of 2023.
Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is a fun take on blackjack and roguelike deck builders, using unique cards and rules to make blackjack a slightly more strategic game. It doesn't have the most engaging visual style and doesn't have the same extended sense of discovery other games in the genre have, but each run is unique enough to make you say "one more run" a few times.
Cat Quest III offers a decent amount of gameplay for the price, a colorful, consistent, and fully realized art style, and a game that can be completed 100% with a friend.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a delightful summer exploration game that harkens back to childhood days gone by in a refreshing way. There are tons to do and see, making it easy to recommend to anyone who’s looking to close out the summer with a relaxing title.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a unique and exciting Star Wars game that mostly holds up over 20 years later. The new release retains a few tiny errors, but for the most part, this is a great way to check out one of the seemingly less-remembered Star Wars titles from long, long ago.