It’s not a game I see myself booting up on my own, but as a means to get a party going with players of all skill levels, I am glad I have it on the metaphorical shelf.
Though I relished in each moment of discovery and lived for the run where I put together my learnings to complete all the goals in one run, Time Flies' lifespan is nearly as short as the titular character's.
Across its 12-hour runtime, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound seamlessly blends gorgeous pixel art, inventive level design, and sublime gameplay to create one of the best retro throwbacks I've ever played.
Donkey Kong and Pauline’s adventure is a showpiece for Nintendo’s new console, and it meets the incredibly high standard the developer has been setting for itself since the ‘80s.
Armored Core VI doesn’t revolutionize the mech action formula, but refines it to create one of the fastest, best-looking, and most approachable games of its kind.
The improvements to the fundamental gameplay in Madden NFL 24 continue to pay dividends with some of the most authentic football the series has ever seen, but the user interface and poorly implemented features wipe out any forward progress.
Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles.
Whether you choose peace or something less savory, Baldur’s Gate 3’s intricate writing and impressive emphasis on experimentation make it one of the most unforgettable games in the genre.
Between the cast's fantastic performances, a fun twist on Greek mythology, and a genuinely novel game mechanic, Stray Gods is a game I didn't know I needed, but one I'm happy to give a standing ovation to.
Exoprimal may be feature-thin, but its creative subversion of expectations impressed me and I hope others study its approach to telling a robust narrative within a multiplayer framework.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has some aggravating design choices that prevent it from soaring as high as it could, but this is a respectable return for the Lee brothers.
Remnant II ultimately doesn’t do enough to separate itself from the genres and games that inspired it, but its third-person shooter take on mechanics and ideas borrowed from the Souls games continues to be solid.
Mr. Run and Jump may look unassuming on the surface, but the challenges that await will have you screaming in frustration up until the moment they have you shouting in triumph.
Even if the narrative of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie falls short compared to past entries, it still stands above most other games in the genre.
AEW: Fight Forever mostly delivers on providing enjoyable arcade-style wrestling. However, the overall package is far from elite, making it a mid-card competitor with a main event price tag.
While Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a welcome update to a classic farm sim, stripping away nostalgic fondness leaves you with an experience that feels lacking in the genre's modern landscape.
