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With its emphasis on empathy and understanding, the visual novel Schrödinger's Call provides a comforting view on helping others cope with death, as well as how we all just choose to live. For those with big hearts and patience, I think this game is definitely for you.
Star Fox is the front-loaded summer tentpole of gaming. You'll play it, replay it, and be thoroughly entertained doing so. It's rarely ever the same game twice. After a while, those of us who are nostalgic may rightly feel we've played this before. The refinements are greatly appreciated, but the time for them has passed-"Mission Accomplished." Nintendo needs to create something new, with even more options and polish, to break the franchise out of its later cycle of inconsistency and stagnation and let it soar to the heights this entry achieves. Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2 might be the catalyst for the series' return to form, sure to attract new fans while retaining old ones. Falco may grow bored in victory, but you won't. There's never a dull moment.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action RPG with some narrative unevenness. But when it comes to gameplay, it's a huge success. There's not just plenty of content (above and below the ground); there's plenty to appreciate. This is one HD-2D adventure that's worth a long look, especially for top-down Zelda fans. Here's hoping for a sequel that takes its time travel into the far future, preferably with a new companion alongside Elliot.
The Necromancer's Tale sets players up with a fantastic story and wonderful character interaction to drive its dark premise, but undermines it all with clunky controls and shallow turn-based combat. The narrative and puzzle solving will be worth it for some, but not on the Switch 2.
Coffee Talk Tokyo is a delightful addition to the previous games in the series with intricate character stories, soothing tunes, and a fun drink menu to boot.
Realm of Ink is a capable isometric action roguelite that offers a ton of variety and customization options. However, the satisfying action is offset by a lackluster story and a severe lack of polish outside of the gameplay elements.
Some parts of the game will feel familiar if you've played a lot of classic action-adventure games, but that's honestly part of its charm. If you're a fan of classic Zelda-style games and enjoy exploration, solving puzzles, and unlocking new abilities, Elementallis is definitely worth a look.
Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 10 delivers a solid (state) collection of tables for pinball aficionados. With two being available for the first time in emulation, digital pinball enthusiasts will definitely want to add this grouping to their parlor.
With some improvements, Lumen Tale: Memories of Trey could be a stellar game. As it stands, it falls in the good but not great area. Pokémon fans may find it's arguably worth the price tag, but the battle and capture mechanics fetter the fun.
Overall, Mina the Hollower is a well-designed, retro-inspired game. It demonstrates that Yacht Club Games is about more than just Shovel Knight. It looks more like Zelda than it actually plays, making it a tough outing. Plus, there's no map (by default). However, the exploration, lore, graphics, and soundtrack make this a fun journey nonetheless. It'll be interesting to see what's next for the team, though I imagine that's a long way off.
As the name implies, Smalland: Survive the Wilds, is all about survival. Set in a compelling environment that rewards exploration and tenacity, its gameplay loop will keep crafters and builders quite busy. However, with no notable narrative, it really requires a consistent co-op team to fully flourish.
Decollate Decoration combines intense but subtle storytelling with creepy imagery that gets increasingly scarier the longer you play. Those looking for something short and easy, but also well crafted and thought out, will enjoy this narrative adventure. But even with multiple endings, this journey to the afterlife is very short.
Drill Core is a good-looking game with a relatively unique combination of tower defense and resource management gameplay. It gives players plenty to work with once they're on the job, but unfriendly onboarding and clunky controls will prevent some from getting there.
The enthusiasm and talent of the Blue Backpack team shine through from beginning to end in Constance. Eccentricities and all, this fluid action-adventure comes highly recommended. I had a blast beating the game and pushing as close to 100% completion as possible; there is simply so much to discover here. I'm excited to see what's next (DLC) from the studio-their prior work, Trüberbrook, is also worth a look. A different type of game entirely, but one with quirky charm too.
Quartet is delightful, with wonderfully designed characters, superb graphics and audio, and retro stylings reminiscent of the glory days of the '90s. Fans of turn-based, top-down JRPGs should definitely check out Quartet.
Collector's Cove is the ultimate cozy game where you can sink hours into with its adorable chill vibes. However, the game might get repetitive after a little while.
Tears Revolude covers the RPG essentials, checking all the boxes and even throwing in a few unique wrinkles, but without elevating itself next to its eShop peers. The ease of the proceedings, combined with the brisker pace, makes the characters and, by extension, the entire game a bit forgettable. But even if it won't stay with you, you certainly won't regret grabbing Tears Revolude at a discount. It's still a solidly enjoyable game that'll hold your interest.
For a collectathon, Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen does a decent enough job, and kids will appreciate the uncomplicated gameplay and callbacks to the show. A few more game mechanics, greater variability between zones, and a lengthier storyline, and this had the potential to be something far greater.
Akuma Rise has a few fun tricks up its sleeve with the turn-based battle elements and its demon-centric narrative, but otherwise follows the tried and true (and a bit tired) tropes for tactical, retro JRPGs. How you feel about that will depend upon your affinity for the genre, but fans should find enough to like.
Blue Prince is a mysterious title that will keep you wanting to "try one more time." Once you understand how the game works, the motion of it is fluid and will require you to put your thinking cap on.