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Nioh 3 somehow further sharpens the series' already razor-sharp combat, elevates the series' world design to a whole other level thanks to its large explorable maps, and packs enough meaningful content into the experience to fill at least two games. Team Ninja is a developer at the top of its game, and you can see how the lessons the studio has learned over the past few years have been put into practice in making Nioh 3 the absolute best it can be. It takes all the best bits of the studio's previous games and blends them almost seamlessly for a near-perfect experience. It once again sets the standard for any Soulslike not developed by From Software.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return for a franchise that has long defined high-intensity action gaming. While its narrative and level design occasionally falter, these shortcomings are far outweighed by a combat system that is fluid, fast, and deeply satisfying. The collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames pays off in spades, bringing new mechanics like Yakumo’s BloodRaven form and weapon transformations that inject variety and excitement into every encounter. Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers exactly what fans have been hoping for: relentless, skill-based action that honors the series’ legacy while introducing fresh gameplay innovations. It may not redefine storytelling in action games, however, when it comes to pure, exhilarating combat, Ninja Gaiden 4 firmly stakes its claim as a standout entry and a worthy continuation of the legendary franchise.
The best way to describe my final thoughts on Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined can be easily summarized by how the save system works. In every Dragon Quest game, you manually save at churches. When completing the save, you can either choose to continue or close out to the main menu. When exiting, the priest will wish the players a peaceful respite, and upon returning to the game, they will hope you are in good spirits when continuing your journey. The point being, that Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined welcomes you with open arms, letting you journey forth into its warm and vibrant world and return feeling proud like the hero of its story. It is a tale you should not sleep on.
Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the greatest Nintendo platformers of all time, utilizing the strong foundation of Mario Odyssey. It moves the genre forward through its destructive terrain-based platforming and enjoyable transformation mechanics. This is an experience that justifies the Nintendo Switch 2, as a platform, and I can't wait to see what the future of Donkey Kong holds.
As a seasoned fan of 3D Platformers, Pac-Man World 2 RePac was a game I was eagerly looking forward to after it was revealed. Pac-Man is a series that could be so much more than fun arcade adventures. Strong reworked level design, tight platforming controls, challenging boss encounters, and a shockingly long post-game, alongside strong visuals and music, make this one meal you want a second course of.
Octopath Traveler 0 is the culmination of so many unique ideas and risks not found in the other entries. Sure, it uses what the series is known for to great effect. But Wishvale, the linear approach to the game’s main plot, and so many of its systematic changes were major risks. As a result, the game stands out alongside its predecessors. Elevating what the series does well while limiting some variation that fans hold near and dear. This series continues to prove that the legacy of JRPGs Square Enix is known for is still alive and well. It is absolutely worth your money and well worth your time.
As a casual fan of the Metroid series but familiar with past Prime titles, I went into Prime 4: Beyond expecting one of the best games of 2025. Retro Studios is infamous for creating some of the greatest games of all time. Metroid Prime is a classic, and their work on the modern Donkey Kong Country games speaks for itself. However, after completing my 15-hour adventure, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in a few elements. The core Metroid Prime spirit is on full display in the game’s stunning art direction and outstanding musical score; it is also a showcase for Switch 2’s hardware. Sadly, though, some elements just don’t come together. A lackluster hub, unneeded padding, underutilized bike mechanics, and a disappointing conclusion dampen what is otherwise a solid first-person shooter and a strong start to a new series of adventures in the Metroid Prime series.
Ripple Island: Kyle and Cal's Restaurant is a game that needed more time in the oven. While it reinvents the 1988 classic for a modern audience and captures some charm in its writing and character designs, too many fundamental issues hold it back. When the stars align and you find a full online lobby or gather friends for local co-op, Ripple Island reveals glimpses of something genuinely fun and unique. But these moments of brilliance are too few and far between, buried under layers of poor design decisions and a nearly nonexistent player base. It's a noble attempt at reviving a forgotten classic, but Ripple Island arrives at the table undercooked and underseasoned.
Combining a powerful musical score and striking presentation with tight puzzle-solving mechanics, Lumines Arise is a sleeper hit of 2025. Honoring the gameplay from the original Lumines while adding a robust suite of modes, this musical symphony of puzzles is one every fan of the genre shouldn't miss.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion manages to continue the developer's successful run of reviving the classic 2D Beat-Em-Up genre using beloved IPs. The love and care that Tribute Games pays to the Marvel IP ensures that the whole experience displays high-production values, and every character and location is painstakingly brought to life with stunning accuracy. The gameplay keeps things engaging throughout, and the game's deep roster of characters along with mission objectives injects a degree of replayability in a genre where such a thing is scarce. Marvel's huge pool of heroes and villains is used to great effect, combining household names with lesser-known characters from the IP's decades-long history. Fans of the genre or of Marvel in general will be hard-pressed not to have a great time, and the credits will roll long before it outstays its welcome. Despite a lack of enemy variety and the absence of any difficulty sliders or unique mission gimmicks, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a triumph for the developer, the IP, and Marvel's huge fan base.
Dispatch is a triumphant debut from Adhoc Studio, echoing its own themes of second chances. Minor gripes like unnecessary QTEs and light narrative branching can’t dim its brilliance—this is narrative-driven excellence at its peak. It isn’t flawless, but it’s profoundly human, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly emotional. It’s one of 2025’s absolute must-plays for every type of gamer and will be heralded as a redemption of the dwindling genre for years to come.
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is a standout VR experience that blends stunning craftsmanship, immersive presentation, brilliant narration, and strategic depth into one unforgettable journey. Its respect for Forgotten Realms lore, its engaging class variety, and the power of Moe Rock’s narration elevate it to the top tier of VR fantasy adventures. Minor bugs aside, this collaboration delivers in ways both fans of Demeo and D&D will appreciate—making it the best tabletop-inspired VR title available today.
The Black Ops 7 campaign falls short compared to its predecessor. The overreliance on the hallucinogenic gas gets stale fast. Boss fights feel tepid at best. However, the co-op campaign’s saving grace is, no doubt, Endgame. It is a refreshing take on the PVE formula. However, accessing it will be a big ask, and that could dilute enthusiasm quickly. It’s time to give the PVE the same Warzone treatment and remove it from the premium package for its sustainability.
As someone who enjoyed their time with the original Yooka-Laylee, I was eager to see how Playtonic applied lessons learned from Impossible Lair and other modern platformers into this revisit of their original adventure. With a strong presentation, fantastic controls, improved gameplay, and a combined combo of improved progress and level design, Yooka-Replaylee is a fantastic experience. It is the realization of what the team at Playtonic set out to create back in 2017, and I’m eager to see what the team has in store for their next adventure for Yooka & Laylee.
Obsidian has mastered staying within its design scopes, and The Outer Worlds 2 is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. The game is essentially the same as its predecessor, but it builds upon its combat and role-playing mechanics to deliver one of the most Obsidian-ass Obsidian games in a while. The Outer Worlds 2 is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it gives players a wacky space adventure where player agency comes first. A fine feat and a true return to form.
Megabonk carves a spot among Survivors-like games, mixing its addictive core with Risk of Rain 2’s tension and a 3D twist that keeps you on your toes. Its goofy humor, banger soundtrack, and deep build options make every run a blast, even if limited stages and no weapon evolutions hold it back slightly. The varied characters and random upgrades keep things fresh, offering plenty of reasons to dive back in. If you want a Survivors-like game that feels new yet familiar, Megabonk delivers with fun vertical gameplay and tunes that stick with you. It’s an addictively satisfying roguelite that has me thoroughly hooked, and I will continue to come back post-review. With its low barrier of entry, it’s a must-try for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Whether you’re playing in short bursts to wind down or telling yourself “Just one more run” after hours of play, there’s a Megaton of fun to be had with Megabonk.
Kirby & The Forgotten Land remains one of the best Switch games and this Switch 2 Edition only improves the experience. Adding performance and visual boosts and a new campaign that matches the quality of the main adventure, it's a worthy $20 upgrade. But for those entering Kirby's forgotten lands for the first time, it's a hefty asking price at $80. Even at that high price point, Kirby & The Forgotten Land SW2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is a fantastic 3D platformer I can recommend for returning fans and newcomers alike.
Shrine's Legacy wears its nostalgic roots on its sleeves, with charming characters, cool-looking environments, head-bopping music, and an incredible villain. But the spikes in difficulty with a lot of bosses, coupled with the stiff and slow gameplay approach, dampened my otherwise great experience. While it is an inexpensive game to purchase, if you are planning to play solo, it may not be worth picking up due to its numerous flaws. If you do have a coop partner, however, the legacy this game leaves behind will be a much sweeter memory to you than how bitter it was for me.
CloverPit will literally drag you down a dark, deep, and remorseful metaphorical hole. The game is insatiably addictive, and before you know it, you will naturally push your luck. The eerie atmosphere and mysterious story are the cherries on top. Though the roguelike mechanics are not groundbreaking, they function as expected and will leave you always longing for just one more run. That, in essence, is the hallmark of a great roguelike.
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch transforms tactical combat into a thrilling roguelike loop that never loses its edge. It’s a brutal yet rewarding evolution of Ocean Drive Studio’s formula. It challenges your mind, punishes your mistakes, and celebrates your perseverance. With refined combat, sharp design, and almost endless replay value, this is a journey that keeps pulling you back in for one more run.