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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth does justice to its Xbox version, bringing everything we've loved about it since its original release while remaining a strong performer to boot. Minor flaws do not detract from the value you're going to derive from this game, and we recommend it without hesitation, perhaps even pushing it as a must-play title if RPGs are your jam.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a lovely, very unique, very delightful platformer, and I sincerely hope it represents the future direction for the series.
Riven thrives on nostalgia and intrigue in equal measure, and it could prove highly addictive for anyone who enjoys puzzle-heavy experiences. However, if you're expecting more from it beyond that core appeal, you may come away disappointed. Even so, it remains a timeless classic, and its latest version is well worth considering if you can pick it up at a good price.
Myst gives a familiar experience a fresh coat of paint, one that has managed to retain its unique appeal across many years and multiple iterations. However, it is still likely to resonate most strongly with a niche audience that will fully embrace what it offers. Others may admire its legacy, but might not feel compelled to see it through the way it was intended.
Mina the Hollower isn't perfect or even close to it, and given expectations following Shovel Knight, that's kind of disappointing for me. Nevertheless, it's still a very good old-school action-adventure with strong combat fundamentals and undeniable charm.
Bubsy 4D isn't the best 3D platformer out this year, and probably doesn't even rank in the top ten, but it is a solid return for the character, if you can stomach the various issues.
007 First Light is a great stealth-action experience packaged into a very strong exploration of Bond's early days that's both as charming and as intriguing as we hoped it would be. Its missions are set in maps that take you all around the world, and are always brimming with possibilities as you make your way around them. This one's definitely among our favorites this year, and for good reason.
While Thick as Thieves is a short game lacking in many basic features like rebindable controls, it's an easy game to recommend thanks to its compelling gameplay loop, emphasis on replayability, and a co-op mode.
Far from offering the best bullet hell or first-person shooter experience, Luna Abyss instead sticks to its own quirky formula, stubbornly so at times, and mostly succeeds.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a fantastic RPG with great writing, a phenomenal cast of characters, and an interesting setting.
As we wait for the Dark Knight's next big game, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight steps in and delivers a lovingly crafted, satisfying entry. It pulls from the best Batman entries while going beyond expectations in every aspect. This one's by the fans, for the fans.
WILL: Follow the Light tells a simple story of a man trying to look for his son after a massive storm, and along the way, has to confront the mysteries of his own life. The intimate nature of the core premise is compelling enough to carry this walking simulator throughout its entire runtime.
Forza Horizon 6 doesn't shake up the series' formula too much. Nonetheless, it builds on its predecessors' greatest strengths in a spectacularly crafted open-world recreation of Japan, resulting in an unforgettable racing experience.
Motorslice takes a clear cue from classic games like The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Shadow of the Colossus, but its unique setting, charm, and impressive sense of scale make it an intriguing, if familiar experience, though it's plagued by technical issues and some inconsistent platforming.
Mixtape nails its presentation and story, making it a music-focused adventure that takes you back to simpler times.
Directive 8020 imbues every interaction in trust and paranoia, delivering emotional turbulence and atmospheric dread that's only overshadowed by inconsistent mechanics.
Coming off the underwhelming Tower of Fantasy, NTE: Neverness to Everness won't set the free-to-play world on fire, but it's still a surprisingly strong debut effort with a solid foundation.
Industria 2 has a great premise and fun gameplay, but it's in dire need of better optimization.
Aphelion is a solid experience that delivers on its promise, with its world and excellent performance backing it up. This one's a memorable title if you're looking for a great story, but might disappoint you if you want a challenge.
Invincible VS will be immediately satisfying for the casual crowd, but it also brings genuine competitive potential through its hidden mechanical complexity.