Ryan Stevens
Pikmin 4 is a deviously addictive and clever adventure, perfect for newcomers and experienced players alike. These sprouts may have taken a long time to grow, but this bounty was definitely worth the wait.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals brings the same level of charm and creepiness as its predecessor, and though its new perspective doesn't quite push narrative or gameplay elements far enough into the unknown, it's still an excellent scary story for a dark and stormy night.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a masterwork of puzzle engineering, with a fantastic cast, impeccable design, and no shortage of surprises in store.
While some new aspects feel undercooked and the online multiplayer's reward economy feels imbalanced, Nintendo Switch Sports still has that undeniable charm and endless replayability that we remember.
While its narrative aspirations and desire for immersive role playing seem to aim at the Hollywood tradition of the Western, Weird West ends up feeling more like a disposable dime novel.
While it doesn't reinvent the open world or stray too far from its predecessor, Horizon Forbidden West is a worthwhile endeavor for those in the mood for more open world adventures, with surprising nuance and complexity for those who make the trip.
OlliOlli World stumbles here and there, with a steep difficulty curve and occasional technical hitches, but fans of skateboarding games will find plenty of combo-stringing complexity to enjoy.
DUSK has found a fantastic home on the Switch, where its top-tier throwback FPS can bloom in all its bloody, wretched glory.
While there's still some ramshackle charm and memorable silliness to be had, The Good Life takes every opportunity to sell itself short and make playing it a frustrating, repetitive, and user-antagonistic experience.
JETT: The Far Shore has admirable ambition in its narrative that its mechanics can't match. This planet might be a nice place for a visit, but you likely won't want to live there.
Simultaneously a throwback and a breath of something new, Eastward is a magic trick of blending familiarity with novelty and grim apocalyptic sci-fi with wide-eyed fantasy. In the future, if there's any justice, we'll be referring to similarly spirited and stylish games as "Eastward-like."
Despite its amusing concept and charming vibes, Skatebird can't get far when it actually gets on the board.
Dedicated fans of the genre will find exactly what they were looking for here. While its pacing doesn't treat players' time as well it could, Tales of Arise is an enjoyable, memorable action RPG.
Hoa is a lavish visual feast with a lack of mechanics to match
While Cris Tales has some bumpy aspects in its combat and doesn't pull any punches, it remains a stellar RPG that pays tribute to great titles of the past while still building forward to make a modern hit in the present.
While there are gameplay hiccups and under-utilized systems, Scarlet Nexus has enough exciting combat and brain-twisting story to find its audience, and deliver major fun for those who enjoy its acquired taste.
Umurangi Generation: Special Edition is a thrilling dive into a world on the brink of collapse, and a singular gaming experience that will stick with you long after you put it down, made only better by the included DLC and quality of life upgrades on the Switch.
Stonefly is a game with big insects and a bigger heart. Despite some clunky aspects in its combat and some repetitive sections, the game's visual style, relaxing exploration, and rewarding customization system make it a game worth crawling around in.
Bolstered by new features and quality-of-life upgrades, Disco Elysium remains a clever, uncompromising examination of how hard it is to do something as complicated as exist in the real world.
Still, Genesis Noir deserves commendation for being its own thing, possessing such a clear ambition that drips off of every gorgeous screen. These screen caps here, lush as they are, lack the game’s beautiful sense of motion. Even if you don’t play Genesis Noir yourself, check out a few Let’s Plays to really appreciate the craft. This is a game that will stick in my mind for a long time, its grandeur overshadowing all the moments of annoyance it gave me on the way.