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HomepageDespite the occasional moments of frustration the game provided, Eldest Souls is an experience no fan of the Soulslike genre will want to miss. From its unforgettable boss battles to its deceptively deep and engaging progression system, it’s the kind of game that will get its hooks deep into you and keep you coming back for more. While the game only features ten boss fights, it’ll easily take players about a dozen hours to make their way through the story. And those who do make their way to the end credits will unlock a New Game + mode, which dials up the already considerable challenge even further. If you’re eager for a challenging boss-rush with a killer aesthetic, look no further. Fallen Flag Studio’s latest offering will swallow your soul.
I relished the time I spent with Death’s Door. Not only was I captivated by the visual style, but the gameplay was dynamic, clever, and well-balanced.
Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a lot of fun, but it also leaves something to be desired given the fact that we’ve had its sequel for almost a decade at this point. If you’ve never gotten into the series and want to start, or are like me and love Undead & Undressed so much that you just want to know what came before it, then Hellbound & Debriefed is absolutely worth your time. It’s a charming title with a good amount of replayability, and gameplay that, in all likelihood, you probably won’t find anywhere else. Do be warned, however, that its age is showing at this point.
Cotton Reboot! breaks out the witch’s magic and makes a thirty-year-old game feel fresh and new. While not every update lands perfectly, and some content is worthy of a warning, this is an adorable shooter that looks and plays great. Here’s hoping Cotton can return with even more magic soon.
I suppose it’s fitting that Zed should be the protagonist of Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny because, much like a zombie itself, this game feels lost and incomplete. I know I’ve been harsh, but none of this has been fun for me. I wanted Disgaea 6 to be the best Disgaea yet. But it isn’t. What makes this even more ironic is that Disgaea 6, by normal SRPG standards, is fine. It’s really not bad at all. But Disgaea games have never been “normal SRPGs.” They’re Disgaea games. And, as far as that’s concerned, Disgaea 6 can’t so much as hold a candle to its predecessors. That’s not something that I can overlook so easily, especially after a six-year wait.
So, should you add Mushihimesama to your Switch library? If you’re a fan of the shoot ’em up genre, I’d say it’s a no-brainer. It’s an exhilerating ride that will put your skills to the test. But you don’t have to be a shooter veteran to enjoy what the game has to offer. The Novice Mode dials back the challenge considerably and serves as a great tool for dipping your toe into what the Bullet Hell genre is all about. If you’re curious about Cave’s shoot ’em ups or are a veteran flyboy looking for a robust addition to your Switch library, don’t hesitate. Mushihimesama is a must-buy.
ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played. Sure, it’s challenging, but also well balanced and fair. When you add stunning artwork, captivating music and a touching story, you have a winner.
Operation: Tango is a solid addition to the PS5 library that offers an experience unlike anything else on the platform. With clever puzzles, charming visuals, and novel gameplay mechanics, it’s a great way to spend a couple of afternoons with a friend. Sadly, once you complete each stage as both the Hacker and the Agent, there’s no real reason to come back to it. Nevertheless, if you don’t mind the game’s relatively short runtime and lack of replayability, you’ll find a unique and exciting game that’s worth diving into. Just keep in mind that this is a strictly two-player mission. Solo spies need not apply.
The Magnificent Trufflepigs asks players to stop frantically trying to achieve arbitrary goals and instead reflect on why we’ve undertaken them in the first place. It employs an interesting and underutilized mechanic, only to completely change it up once the main character achieves some desperately needed personal growth. It may require a second playthrough to totally understand not only the big reveal but overarching message; luckily, it’s a three hour excursion (at most) across bucolic English countryside, so that extra time is time well spent. If you find yourself exhausted by constantly trying to check things off life’s list, you deserve a breather — grab a metal detector and take a walk with The Magnificent Trufflepigs.
Overall, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a welcome walk down memory lane for any returning fans of the franchise and a challenging yet fun experience for newer ones. It takes everything that made the original editions of the games enjoyable, polishes them to perfection, and wraps them up in one nicely affordable package. Although the main stories may be a bit on the short side, the collection still offers plenty to keep you occupied with all the extra play modes at your disposal.