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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.
Summary Hirogami is fun, but it would be better if it were a pure platformer with a focus on origami. Despite the combat being a bit basic, the other elements, like exploration and abilities, help flesh out this story to stop the blight from taking over. It's a beautiful game that does a great job of showcasing the impressive art of origami, and it's paired with a great soundtrack that I adored listening to while playing.
NHL 26 takes what NHL fans have seen in real-life NHL broadcasts and lets you experience it on your console. You get to feel the intensity of a Stanley Cup final while playing as some of the game's best.
Cronos: The New Dawn is a culmination of over a decade of experience from Bloober Team. Through the years, the studio has risen to the challenge, and this trend continues with its newest franchise, which is a mix of some of the biggest survival horror games to exist. The campaign is brutal and challenges you to survive in a bleak, failed world where a virus has wreaked havoc in Eastern Europe, and the sci-fi elements present a fun twist on the formula.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a game that's full of ideas that never really commit to one enough to make it great. The combat can be fun, but a lacklustre story, dated graphics, performance issues, and systems that end up feeling useless make it a frustrating experience. There's potential for something really special hidden underneath, but it never manages to tap into it.
Hell is Us is equal parts intriguing and frustrating, with some impressive design choices that force you to think and plan your path through Hadea. The idea behind player-pattering is refreshing in a time where many games leave the sense of mystery out of their plans from the beginning, and the combat forces you to think about how to deal with wildly unpredictable enemies that feel and sound like they're from another world. In the nearly 50 hours you'll spend in this meticulously planned-out world, there's very little filler to worry about, with some often engaging stories dealing with a great mix of very real scenarios of civil war mixed with some impressive, ethereal, otherworldly dangers.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World should not be missed. Not only does it upgrade the base game for the Switch 2, which is one of the best Kirby games already, but it also adds a fun and out-of-this-world expansion filled with fun powers and tons of Kirby charm. The Star-Crossed World expansion adds new and exciting levels filled with new enemies and new items Kirby can use to save the world from the encroaching darkness. It also looks incredible on the Switch 2, propping the latest Nintendo console against a stable of back-to-back incredible launch titles.
Like a ninja, Shinobi: Act of Vengeance sneakily delivers one of this year's best 2D action games. It smartly and stealthily showcases its brutal and spectacular mechanics that consistently up the stakes. While the story is the weakest aspect, the stylish action shows how promising 2D action games can be today.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is the definitive way to experience a classic. The narrative remains gripping and compelling, with themes that still feel timely and relevant 20 years later.
Herdling is more about the journey than it is the destination. A humble game, the premise of herding a fictional animal through tumultuous conditions proves to be an excellent idea.
Mafia: The Old Country is a no-nonsense, back-to-basics experience, and its dedication to authenticity serves as its best attribute. By sticking to a tight, linear experience, The Old Country allows the performances and writing to do the heavy lifting without losing the allure of the Sicilian countryside. By bringing to light a specific place in time that few movies or games have gone before, there's a wealth of details you'll come to appreciate.
Drag x Drive is fun, but it doesn't pack enough content to keep players coming back. The three-on-three basketball games can be fun with the right teammates, and nailing some sweet tricks for bonus points is satisfying, but the magic quickly wears thin.
Time Flies is a brief but fun title that focuses on reflection and choice. It might not resonate with everyone due to its simplicity, but don't let that deter you. It's a game that reminds us that time cannot be reclaimed, so make the most of the time you have.
Dead Take is a surprise standout experience from Surgent Studios. It's got a stacked cast with a focus on storytelling over anything else, using the allure of Hollywood as the gateway to unconventional horror. While there are some predictable moments, the environment, the performances, and immersion make up for it. It is an emotionally charged horror experience that punches well above its weight and serves as a commentary on ambition and exploitation.
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is a bit uneven, but it introduces a great new character and allows the lore of this world to blossom. It is pretty clear that this was made for fans of Chained Echoes thirsting for more and does a decent job at filling in the gaps of the base game's unresolved plot threads.
Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson rocks! The game has so much personality not only in its presentation, but its unique RPG mechanics. Its musical inspirations mesh with a battle system that shreds expectations and creates a fresh take on the genre.
Atomic Owl is a beautiful game in a colourful and dangerous world that is genuinely interesting, but it's also a game mired in technical issues that make it hard to enjoy it.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a fantastic return to 2D action for the franchise. It delivers a challenging action-platformer with tight mechanics, excellent level design, eye-catching visuals, and a wild story worthy of the Ninja Gaiden name.