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Accepting your past and moving forward after great loss are universal messages. Those messages are the heart of the adventure Once Upon a Puppet expresses. Drev and Nieve's journey, despite having some loose threads here and there, tells a powerful story utilizing solid platforming, strong presentation, and charming characters you grow to care for.
I was surprised how easily I rolled and jumped through jungles alongside DK and his buddies. Offering amazing platforming controls, tight level design that invites exploration, impressive usage of the foreground and background, and solid presentation that holds up generations later, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fantastic 2D platforming romp for everyone. While it doesn’t surpass the master class work Retro Studios created with its sequel, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, it’s still an adventure worth returning to.
Revenge of the Savage Planet takes everything from its predecessor and cranks it up to 11. Despite some technical rough edges here and there, the game is an absolute blast to play. Who knew that revenge is a dish best served weird.
Aside from a few gripes, I thoroughly enjoyed helping out in the land of Hyrule. The Legend of Zelda is all about the essence of adventure. It is about seeking, solving, and conquering. Putting your might and wit to the test and coming out victorious! All of that is present here in Echoes of Wisdom. Just this time around, instead of playing as the hero of time, we finally earn an adventure where we save the world as Zelda. And Echoes of Wisdom lives up to the excellent standards of the series' prior entries.
Nova Drift is a love letter to classic space shooters, modernized with rogue-lite depth and near-infinite build variety. Its tight controls, diverse enemies, robust Gear and Mod systems, and dynamic Challenge Modes—especially the game-changing Wild Metamorphosis—keep you hooked. Although the classic feel can sometimes be its downfall in some instances, with no global leaderboard curbing long-term engagement. It’s a niche game, even for a rogue-lite, but a must-play for old school fans or even gamers looking for a rogue-lite that doesn't have many comparisons. It isn't visually or sonically flashy, and it can get a bit repetitive at times, but it's a great game that knows what it wants to be and delivers a fair yet challenging experience that rewards skill and strategic build crafting.
As the PlayStation pack-in title for the PlayStation 5, Astro's Playroom is a short and masterful experience. While it was originally just a tech demo for the DualSense, it offers a colorful and expertly crafted platforming game to tie in all of that controller's features. While the two suits I did not like are minor problems, the rest of the game has more good than bad. It felt like a fun and creative new platforming endeavor that lets Astro shine as a new mascot for PlayStation. This tech demo is more than worth your time!
In the end, BLADECHIMERA stands as a testament to Team Ladybug’s evolution—a departure from their traditional Metroidvania roots that is satisfyingly unique. Sure, the early ease and lighter platforming might not fully satisfy hardcore genre purists, but it builds into an excellent experience with razor-sharp combat, pixel-perfect visuals, and a narrative that sneaks up on you with surprising depth. The neon-lit streets of its cyberpunk Osaka, drenched in Japanese occult lore, brings the experience to life, accompanied by an energetic soundtrack that encapsulates it further. Lux and Shin’s bond delightfully brings together your playthrough with rewarding gameplay and narrative beats. It’s a game that is great for a quick playthrough but further rewards you if you choose to dive deeper into its side content, leaving a lasting impression either way. For fans of the studio or anyone seeking a finely crafted action platformer, BLADECHIMERA wholeheartedly proves to be a worthy investment.
Ubisoft is no longer the same developer it was in the 2000s. I wondered whether it could deliver a refined and engaging experience set in such a beloved and highly requested period of feudal Japan. In some ways, Assassin's Creed: Shadows succeeds—it captures the atmosphere and offers moments of brilliance. But in other areas, it feels inconsistent, with mechanics and pacing that don’t always come together for a smooth gameplay experience.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a towering achievement in game design and storytelling. It's a once-in-a-generation RPG that sets a new standard for the genre. Larian Studios has delivered a game that is ambitious, heartfelt, complex, and rewarding at every level. Whether you’re a diehard D&D fan like me or a newcomer to CRPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an unforgettable journey. Trust me, it's one that you’ll carry with you long after the credits roll. In a gaming landscape often filled with live-service monotony, cash grabs, and rushed releases, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a beacon of what’s possible when artistry, time, and love for the medium take center stage. It’s a testament to what happens when passionate developers are given the time, resources, and creative freedom to bring their vision to life. In a word? Masterpiece.
South of Midnight falls short in only very few areas of the experience. But what remains between and after feels timeless. A short 10+ hour linear story-driven game with a level of addictive forward momentum that feels like a classic being born. The combat and enemy design work hand-in-hand with the dark and surprise-filled story in a unique way. Compulsion Games gave it their all almost every single step of the way. It is a soulful journey that is worth experiencing for yourself.
At the end of the day, Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection is a love letter to the franchise’s past, but not a carefully crafted one. It feels like a rushed compilation rather than a polished, definitive collection, and while the nostalgia factor is high, the gameplay experience itself is uneven. For hardcore fans of old-school Yu-Gi-Oh!, there’s enough here to justify a purchase, plus if you buy the physical versions you get one of two Quarter Century Rare "Harpie Feathers Duster." For most players, this collection will feel more like an incomplete relic of the past rather than a gratifying experience.
MudRunner VR on the Meta Quest 3 offers a challenging, immersive off-road simulation but falls short in key areas. The realistic vehicle handling and terrain physics are impressive, but clunky controls, dated visuals, and movement restrictions prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you’re a hardcore fan of MudRunner or love slow-paced, realistic simulators, you might overlook the game’s flaws and enjoy what it offers. However, if you’re looking for a polished and fluid VR driving experience, you may find the awkward movement system, lack of manual interactions, and steep learning curve frustrating. For off-road sim fans, MudRunner VR could be worth checking out. For general VR players, however, you can find better driving experiences elsewhere.
Konami has absolutely delivered with Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. These games are a dream come true for fans and an essential experience for RPG enthusiasts. The improvements make it the best way to experience these classics, ensuring that their timeless storytelling, deep strategy, and unforgettable characters reach a new generation of players. The deep storytelling, strategic combat, and unforgettable characters make this collection a must-play. This is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s a gold-standard remaster that proves why these games are still held in such high regard. If you’re an RPG fan, this is an essential addition to your collection. These remasters are a shining example of how remasters should be done!
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell is a very satisfying experience. It does not drag on too long, nor does it wrap up too quickly. The combat feels uniquely presented and flows well. With tons of enemy and boss variety, alongside the beautiful locales and fleshed-out characters that accompany Momo throughout. Momodora: Moonlit Farewell is very worth your time and money. I am already excited about playing through it again to see how much faster I can get through it. I very rarely feel attracted to replaying anything, but this game's journey is worth seeing through multiple times, and I can guarantee you will feel the same.
Avowed is one of Obsidian’s most ambitious projects to date. They meticulously crafted vibrant zones that culminate into a beautiful, yet wild, Living Lands continent. Best of all, they delivered such an amazing experience while making it so streamlined for players. Whether that comes from the accessible lore glossary, helpful mini-map, or robust and flexible skill trees, Avowed is a joy to play and stays well within its scope. Even its rougher edges cannot deter your adventure in the Living Lands.
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is a great and safe entry into the franchise. It delivers fun, fast-paced battles and an impressive character roster. It does lack major innovation beyond what we’ve already seen in Ultimate Ninja STORM 4. If you’re a die-hard Naruto fan or enjoy competitive online play, it’s definitely worth picking up. However, if you were hoping for a fresh, groundbreaking Naruto game, you might be left wanting a little more. This game is definitely the best fighting game in the series though and my favorite fighting game series!
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out as an immersive medieval RPG, offering unparalleled depth and realism. The game's authenticity and engaging storyline create a rewarding experience. Although its complexity may deter newcomers, its attention to detail and rich narrative make it a must-play for hardcore RPG and history enthusiasts alike. Despite minor flaws, it remains a strong early contender for the best game of 2025.
Nine Sols isn’t just one of my favorite games of 2024—it has secured a spot in my all-time top ten. As a fan of both Metroidvanias and Soulslikes, I’ve played countless entries in these genres, but few have captured my attention and challenged me as much as this game. With a gripping story, memorable characters, breathtaking art, and some of the best 2D combat I’ve played, Nine Sols is an absolute must-play. If you love deep, challenging gameplay, rewarding exploration, and narrative-driven action, do not sleep on this game. Red Candle Games has created something truly special, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
In many ways, the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a dream come true. Not only did fans get a stunning remake of one of the best action games ever, but it’s also attracted a whole new audience. I see countless posts on my timeline from gamers experiencing Ninja Gaiden for the first time. While the game does have a few pacing issues with the added characters and isn’t quite the complete package due to missing content from previous releases, it’s still hard to deny that Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is one of the best games in the genre. If you’re a fan of action games, I highly recommend playing it as soon as possible.
Overall, Wayfinder as a game saw a very transformative change throughout its early access. Airship Syndicate no doubt did not anticipate having to change a live service MMORPG to a fully functional and fun-to-play ARPG, however. The work that was put into adding multiple layers of build crafting depth, several large locations with lots to do and see. As well as a staggering variety of wayfinders, weapons, enemies, and bosses all wrapped in a beautifully simplistic art style is easily recommendable. Especially at its very low price tag. It is worth every penny, as it was to play every second that I did throughout its early access and many forms.