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Any other year, and SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance could have easily been considered as a Game of the Year contender. It's that good. From the stunning visuals to its fast-paced combo-based gameplay, the game is pure bliss and such an audiovisual treat from start to finish. It understands what makes action platformers great and executes its vision with style and precision. Despite its short runtime of about 10 hours, there's enough replayability to keep players coming back. From optional collectibles to combat and platforming challenges, all of these work toward improving Joe as he becomes a force to be reckoned with. The game can be tough, and while some challenges can be frustrating, they never seem so unfair that they feel out of reach.
Mafia: The Old Country delivers a concise experience anchored by a well-crafted, albeit highly predictable, storyline that can be finished in a weekend. While the narrative doesn’t break new ground, it remains engaging enough to carry players through to the end, thanks in large part to strong performances. Unfortunately, the gameplay struggles to keep pace. Its simplicity isn’t inherently a flaw, but when paired with repetitive design and underwhelming enemy AI, it becomes clear that the story is doing most of the heavy lifting. The result is a game that feels narratively rich but mechanically underdeveloped.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound proves that going back to basics can be an excellent choice, especially when done right. With its finely tuned mechanics, replayable level structure, and fluid gameplay, the game delivers an exciting platforming experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Players are constantly rewarded for execution as the game sticks to a tried and true formula that feels perfected. Despite some minor nitpicks regarding difficulty spikes and game length, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is another feather in the cap of an already successful series. As a new mainline installment looms on the horizon, this entry is an exceptional way to bide the time.
For their debut entry, Leenzee Games delivers a remarkable and compelling effort with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It faithfully incorporates the trademark qualities of Soulslike games while introducing mechanics and nuances that give it a distinct identity. As with titles in the genre, the game will undoubtedly test players, but the satisfaction of overcoming each encounter is well worth the struggle. The game definitely treads familiar ground, but it has enough tweaks and a distinct visual identity to make it stand out.
Shadow Labyrinth offers a compelling Metroidvania experience that reimagines a classic character in an entirely new light. Though its appeal may vary depending on player preferences, the game delivers an engaging adventure anchored by a strong narrative that hooks players until the end. While later levels may lose some of their initial spark, the journey remains rewarding thanks to its atmospheric design and thoughtful storytelling amidst repetition and the lack of doing something new.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Raidou Remastered is a faithful revival of a cult classic, enhanced with modern features that make it welcoming even for newcomers to the Shin Megami Tensei universe. The combat remains engaging, elevated by strategic demon management and the addictive fusion system. For collectors, the thrill of assembling a diverse roster of demons is as compelling as ever, especially with skill inheritance playing a crucial role.
Elden Ring Nightreign introduces an unexpected yet compelling multiplayer PvE experience, offering a fresh take on the series while incorporating familiar roguelite mechanics. True to FromSoftware’s reputation, Nightreign delivers challenging gameplay that rewards perseverance and strategic play. Players won’t face the trials alone this time, and playing with a full team enhances each encounter's depth and intensity. Despite lacking some basic features like crossplay and voice chat, Nightreign successfully delivers a distinctive Elden Ring experience that will hopefully get more content in the coming months.
Blades of Fire is not a game for everyone, but players who choose to invest in its deep and highly involved systems will be treated with a title that rewards persistence and creativity. The game's combat and forging systems are the star of the show and really make it stand out among its contemporaries. It is a surprise, especially from a developer such as MercurySteam. However, it is also dragged down by its uninspired story and world that would fail to hook players from its dreadful start and premise. It's a respectable effort and worth checking out if you overlook its flaws.
Doom: The Dark Ages is another standout release from id Software. It showcases a bold departure from Doom Eternal’s gameplay foundations while innovating on the tried-and-true FPS formula. While the action remains fast-paced and visceral, this installment embraces a more grounded approach, delivering impactful and satisfying combat with every strike. Doom: The Dark Ages is a hellishly spectacular experience and possibly worthy of Game of the Year nods. While Doom Eternal purists may find its more deliberate combat style a departure from previous entries, the game stands confidently alongside its predecessors as a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Days Gone's initial release faced challenges that kept it from joining the ranks of PlayStation’s most celebrated exclusives. While Bend Studio has no confirmed plans for a sequel, their commitment to refining and improving the game has resulted in a more polished and definitive experience, making it a must-play this time. With enhanced gameplay mechanics and new modes, Days Gone Remastered is the most complete version of the game, making it a worthwhile experience for newcomers and longtime fans. Perhaps its revival could spark interest in a sequel, proving that some stories deserve a second chance.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a resounding triumph from Sandfall Interactive. It delivers a refreshingly bold RPG experience that stands out in a genre often crowded with titles that miss the mark. With meticulous balance, the game offers a blend of old meets new while crafting a tightly woven narrative alongside an excellent turn-based combat system that is simple to learn and strategically deep.
After so long, Fatal Fury makes a long-awaited triumphant return. For fans, this is a dream fulfilled as Mark of the Wolves left many stories unfinished when it launched back in 1999. The series seamlessly adapts to modern times with City of the Wolves, introducing unique mechanics that promise to deliver intense experiences for solo and competitive players. The game also feels like a heartfelt tribute to SNK enthusiasts, packed with familiar elements that long-time fans of the company’s other fighting franchises, particularly Art of Fighting, will recognize. Fatal Fury’s deep lore continues to shine as the story progresses, leaving room to explore South Town and beyond.
Rusty Rabbit starts strong with its rich lore and initially addictive gameplay, offering players a unique and engaging experience, despite the lackluster controls. However, once the novelty wears off, the flaws become more apparent, resulting in a tedious and unpolished platformer that struggles to maintain its initial appeal. It’s a missed opportunity, as the game’s unique charm unfortunately fails to hit the mark. For those willing to look past its quirks, Rusty Rabbit offers moments of Metroidvania-style fun. However, the repetitive gameplay and lack of endgame depth detract from the overall experience. Due to these shortcomings, the main campaign, which runs about 12 hours, is difficult to sustain.
The Lunar Remastered Collection combines two of the most beloved titles of the 90s into one package that should be part of your library, especially if you are a fan of RPGs. While straightforward and predictable, both storylines are worth seeing, with a memorable cast of characters and a superb soundtrack to bring things together. Sadly, we would have liked to see more quality-of-life improvements in this release. Apart from the visual enhancements and the battle speed modifier, this collection is a bit light on features that would have made a big difference. Nevertheless, the Lunar Remastered Collection is a great time, especially when taken on the go, like the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch.
South of Midnight delivers a distinct narrative-driven experience, ideal for players seeking a story-rich adventure with minimal gameplay complexity. The game masterfully captures the ambiance and essence of the American Deep South, a setting rarely explored in gaming, making its atmospheric world a refreshing and welcome addition. However, its gameplay elements function more as supporting features rather than core strengths. Combat, while accessible, lacks depth, leading to repetition over time. Similarly, traversal mechanics are straightforward and primarily move players from one point to another, offering little in the way of dynamic exploration or engagement.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a notable achievement from Ubisoft, offering an experience that both long-time fans and newcomers are likely to appreciate. This latest addition to the franchise is visually stunning, and its refined stealth systems and other enhancements make it one of the best Assassin's Creed games in recent memory. However, the dual-protagonist approach might prove to be divisive. While the concept is innovative, its execution falters in certain areas. The game seems predominantly tailored to Naoe, whose abilities allow her to fully engage with nearly all aspects of gameplay. In contrast, Yasuke’s limitations may alienate some players, as they frequently must alternate between the two characters to access different features.
While some of the blemishes from the original games, such as permadeath and item management in Suikoden I, remain, they do little to diminish the enduring appeal of the Suikoden duology. These enhancements bring the games into the modern era, allowing returning fans and newcomers—particularly JRPG enthusiasts—to fully appreciate their timeless charm. The remaster is a bit light on the updates, and while we would have loved to see and consume more Suikoden content, what’s on offer now is enough to enjoy both games at their best. Whether Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will pave the way for remastered versions of other titles in the series remains uncertain. For now, these two interconnected yet standalone classics offer an engaging experience filled with compelling narratives, enjoyable combat, and entertaining minigames. They stand as a testament to why Suikoden I and II are celebrated as some of the finest JRPGs from the early days of the PlayStation, earning a well-deserved revival decades later.
Split Fiction presents a blend of game mechanics, story ideas, and narrative elements that offer an entertaining and engaging affair from start to finish. The main campaign deserves to be followed, with numerous intriguing side stories that enrich the overall experience. Although the title starts slower than It Takes Two, Split Fiction ultimately delivers the same signature, satisfying co-op adventure that can only be experienced through the creative vision of Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight Studios.
Two Point Museum is an engaging and accessible management simulator that caters to all players eager to dive into the action. Its diverse themes and challenges offer countless hours of enjoyment for returning fans and newcomers. The game introduces new mechanics like Expeditions, which provide a taste of adventure and move away from room-based gameplay, granting players greater creative freedom. While there are entry barriers, such as gradual difficulty increases and expedition conditions, patient players will find overcoming these obstacles rewarding.