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Ninja Gaiden 4 returns with a vengeance. With PlatinumGames at the helm, Combat is the best Ninja Gaiden has ever been, bringing back the challenging but satisfying gameplay that was missing from vanilla Ninja Gaiden 3, with blazing fast combat which includes dozens of heads and limbs that go flying as you slash through enemies in oh so satisfying ways with the variety of Devil May Cry-like weapons at your disposal. It’s not all good. In a medium where Ichiban Kasuga can carry the Like a Dragon torch just as well, Ninja Gaiden 4’s new protagonist, Yakumo, feels like a downgrade to Ryu and feels shoehorned into the spotlight. This is somewhat compensated for by Yakumo’s cast of characters, with whom he interacts throughout the story, but he still feels like an uninteresting character whose uncaring edginess serves as a crutch for his character development. Overall, Ninja Gaiden 4 is still a great game to play, and I hope this new Ninja Gaiden connection for Team Ninja and PlatinumGames is the start of a new trilogy.
With impeccable art and sound design, great music, and a wonderfully realized and strange world, Keeper is in fact a keeper. It's an eccentric title that feels like it can only come from the creativity that Double Fine is known for. With its shorter play time and touching story, along with numerous surprises, this makes for an easy recommendation.
The world of Talamh was created with thoughtfulness and feels like a character of its own volition. You've got an interesting premise that lets you explore a pretty incredible place, and it's filled with dangers, treasures, and a whole lot of enemies to defeat. Without a doubt, if there's one beat 'em up this year that's got the rizz, it's Absolum.
Little Nightmares 3 is, for better or worse, more of the same. Supermassive Games understands what makes the series work, and it effectively translates to the third entry. The formula works after three games. However, the combat is such a distraction from what makes these games work: the tense exploration of a world filled with dread and horror, as well as the environmental puzzles.
Dying Light: The Beast brings back Kyle Crane for a revenge-driven, contrived story that mostly works. Having access to newfound powers means you can step toe-to-toe with these creatures, but the magic of the series is and always will be the parkour, the cities, and the exploration. I like being able to rip the heads off enemies, but I love being able to climb and ascend to the rooftops even more. Sure, the abilities are fun, but the formula doesn't deviate much outside of that. Ultimately, that parkour and melee combo from previous games is what makes Dying Light: The Beast fun.
By all accounts, what you get in gameplay and story in Hades 2 is exceptional. With a new and swift hero at the helm, great weapons to play with, new systems, and a much larger world to uncover, Hades 2 is a must-play.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is above and beyond its predecessors and a game that Digimon fans deserve. This adventure through the Digital World is a fantastic journey that nails the unique magic of the series.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are cosmic masterpieces. Both hold a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason, they're an inventive and excellent duology.
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a good starting point for newcomers. It has some growing pains, but those can be addressed in a sequel. But for a new entry, it's got some fun characters to play around with and tons of heart to match their energy.
Silent Hill f is vastly different from most of its games in the series, but it's one of my favourites because it's so different. It steps away from the status quo and delivers a unique story in a unique time period. You'll never feel at ease exploring the village, and around every corner lurk some of the most twisted enemies that will stop at nothing to get to you.
While a bit uneven, Hotel Barcelona is a blast to play. It starts a bit rough, but as more upgrades and abilities become available, the creativity behind the game really shines through.
EA Sports FC 26 feels better to play than ever before. The new Authentic and Competitive choices allow players to set the tone for how they want to play, and the improved AI is noticeable during matches. FC 26 is the beautiful game we all love.
Ghost of Yōtei is an incredible sequel, filled with moments that will stay with me for a long time. It feels like the first party exclusive we've been waiting for, with Sucker Punch continuing to hit its stride.
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles is remarkable in all aspects. From its inherently timely story to its standout characters and reworked script, this is a special game.
For all the guffaw that Death Stranding gets for being a walking simulator, Baby Steps is the literal definition of one. It has a simple premise that appears tedious but blossoms into one of the most unique experiences I've had in recent months.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree features an excellent hook for a roguelike, but it has too much exposition to wade through that doesn't do enough to warrant its existence.
Katanaut delivers enough to keep you floating through a very scary space station. This roguelike has just enough intrigue to keep you coming back. Perfect for those who excel at these, but those who don't may face a lockout.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a sensational remake, staying true to the heart of what made the original so memorable, while adding on elements that just fit perfectly.
LEGO Voyagers is brief, yet despite that, it leaves a long-lasting impression. Even as the credits rolled, I knew I wasn't done with it; I needed more, wanted more from the game. The puzzles are equally charming, the music is a highlight, and the cute little LEGO bricks are emotive figures that will win you over. The building mechanics are fun, the puzzles are inventive, and the experience comes together beautifully.
Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection is complete with lacklustre platformers and a set of bonus features that are hit and miss.