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While the land-based exploration and fast-paced duo combat deliver the thrilling action Ys fans expect, the sea combat disappoints with its overly simplistic mechanics and slow pacing. Despite its shortcomings at sea, the game’s vibrant environments and energetic soundtrack make it a solid addition to the series.
The spirit of the Silent Hill franchise is truly alive and well in this remake of Silent Hill 2.
A fantastical adventure full of themes that can apply to the real world. While its takes are hit or miss, the smooth battle system and charming characters more than make up for the story issues in this epic tale.
I was pleasantly surprised with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. It looks spectacular in motion and really captures the scope of the franchise’s wild fights. With its many counters, fast movements, explosive field effects, and incredible blast moves, it makes you feel like you’re fighting for your life against relentless enemies.
Crypt Custodian is a simple game about making animal friends in the afterlife that mixes isometric platformer and Metroidvania elements.
Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred leans further into becoming an MMO-lite, adding more multiplayer end-game activities to keep content feeling more varied. However, the narrative is heavy-handed and doesn't do Diablo IV any favors.
Visions of Mana doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows damn well what makes a wheel work. It plays like a game we all remember from childhood, but with all the modern frills. The game delivers a beautifully crafted, nostalgic JRPG experience that’s worth checking out.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom features all of the amazing hallmarks of the series, yet feels completely innovative, unique, and fresh.
Gorgeous visuals and loving attention detail make Space Marine 2 an immersive treat, but a few irritating flaws make the combat more frustrating than empowering.
Faux retro compilation UFO 50 is a can't-miss release.
A great starting point for Fate fans, and a beautiful remaster for existing ones. Though it suffers from the wordiness that plagues Nasu's earlier work, it's a beautiful and compelling story of ideals, reality, and magic.
The shadow of Frank Stone looms over Cedar Hills, a town forever altered by his violent past. As a group of young friends are about to discover, Stone’s blood-soaked legacy cuts deep, leaving scars across families, generations, and the very fabric of reality itself.
I was fascinated by My Lovely Empress during my first run, when I tried to avoid bloodshed. I was shocked the second time when I stopped trying to be nice.
Arco is essentially a flawless strategy game that forces you to make difficult choices in and out of battle, then live with those consequences.
Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, the third game in this series, tells a compelling and deep mystery that is far darker and more disturbing than anything we've seen from Nintendo before.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles is one of those anime games that I’d say is more than serviceable, but isn’t extraordinary.
I appreciate Castaway, as it really does capture the same vibes as a GBC Legend of Zelda game would, but wish there was more to it.
Ultimately, what hurts the most about launching in the long shadow of Balatro is the expectation of a wide possibility space and near-endless depth. Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is more of a diversion than a new avocation, with interesting ideas that play out fairly quickly and funnel toward a few very specific viable strategies. It’s fun! Briefly.
I love the concept behind Exhausted Man and feel like it is a genuinely clever game, but the nature of some of the tasks mean it’s best played in short bursts.
I feel like Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid launched at a time when I really needed it, and that made me appreciate this cozy life sim even more. After all, it’s so rare is to enjoy weeks of freedom, discovery, and joy like this.