SmashPad's Reviews
Despite its shortcomings, primarily in timed crossover character selection, I’m very impressed with what I’ve played out of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and while I think it’s a bit of a detriment, I also think the fact that we’re getting events with new characters is a solid way to keep people invested.
Gatekeeping veterans will definitely show shade at some of the things that were taken away from the original game, but at its core, as a full JRPG released in 2025–this is one of the best games of the year, and as a longtime fan myself, I hope this is the beginning of the series getting the full attention and love it deserves.
Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection is an excellent example of how to do a retro compilation the right way and give a better life to one of the most notorious gaming mascots of the 90s. Look past the memes and the jokes about this character and you can find some serious fun here.
While it doesn’t have nearly the same focus on presentation as a Hazelight game does, LEGO Voyagers is a more than worthy choice if you’re looking for a charming multiplayer adventure.
Madden NFL 26 is a fun time as long as you can accept the caveats that come with it.
OFF was a groundbreaking title and in many ways it still holds up incredibly well, and the remaster has added a bunch of new content that newcomers and old fans should enjoy. There may be games that came after it that did it better, but this is one game you should experience at least once. Trust me: you won’t be the same afterwards.
Once I played through a year and a half and experienced the entire calendar’s events like the winter holidays, I didn’t find myself coming back to the game very much. And I’m absolutely in the minority based on continued online discussions. It’s only $20 so I say give it a try and see if it grabs you like it has with so many gamers who aren’t like me. I needed to go back to much more challenging games after this one.
If you can get over the fact that it doesn’t play EXACTLY like its past games but can appreciate the steps in direction the game has taken to play like both a retro and modern game in 2025, you might find a candidate for Game of the Year.
Sword of the Sea is a game you’ll enjoy as soon as you turn it on, but if you’ve already enjoyed games like Journey and The Pathless, it just doesn’t feel like a title you should go out of your way and cancel plans to play either.
I don’t even have anything negative to say about the game, as I loved every minute of it and will happily replay it for the remaining trophies I missed for being a clumsy guide for my calicorns in certain areas. It’s just the perfect kind of indie game that I needed right now and I’m glad that Okomotive has continued to see enough success to keep making games in these terrible times.
Is This Seat Taken? is a delightful experience that pokes fun at the habits we have developed when traveling to events. The underlying story about someone trying to become a large, influential figure in their craft by networking and developing their own personal skills and confidence is charming and relatable.
College Football 26 is just a better game than what we had last year so that you can play and enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 has the ability to keep fans busy for a long time only if SEGA is capable and willing to release more content for it over time. With them announcing the recent Infinity Castle Character Arc Pass along with a free update adding Muzan Kibutsuji as a playable VS Mode character, here’s hoping fans won’t have to hold their breath until the next film comes out.
Earthion is an excellent game for the Genesis. Even with the issues I had with it, I’m still going to keep playing it. I also will be picking up the cartridge release next year — it’s just that good of a game. If you like shooters, give Earthion a go on your favorite modern platform. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Time Flies not only shows that truly anything can become a video game, but that it’s important to take your time in life. Sure, we may have lifespans longer than that of a fly, but our time is still limited and we should continue to practice the art of enjoying life and everything it has to offer. Time Flies was able to wrap that message up in a fly-sized package, creating a brief but entertaining experience.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is, without a doubt, a fantastic game that modernizes the original formula without losing the soul of what the original games were. Dotemu is quickly becoming the go-to publisher for this kind of retro-modern fusion. If you are a veteran of the NES games, or you’re coming into this one fresh, you’ll be well served by what the game brings to the table.
I don’t see me putting it down anytime soon. The game’s vibes are exactly what I want right now. It’s happy, it’s cozy, it lets me be a hobbit for a while.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has always been fun, and these remakes are the perfect example of “if it’s not broke, why fix it?” Of course, it’s 2025 now and preferences have changed especially when it comes to both quality of life and accessibility, so it definitely would’ve been nice for those to be more of a focus.
System Shock 2 is still a good game. Even after all these years, it still manages to be engaging and scary. But a lot can change in twenty-five years, gaming included, and when compared to games from that era that still hold up (like Deux Ex), it’s age is all the more obvious. I’m not saying you shouldn’t play it, but I am saying that the ancient interface will probably infuriate you along the way.
While Shadow Labyrinth may not end up being a part of some folks' Metroidvania Mt. Rushmores like Hollow Knight or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, it stands strong in what it's trying to do despite its issues, and the Pac-Man mechanics lend themselves well to the genre. I'm eager to see how it evolves from here.