John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a polished co-op zombie shooter that prioritizes satisfying gameplay over originality. It delivers massive undead hordes, strong weapon feedback, and chaotic defense sequences that shine when played with friends. While the story and characters are shallow and some progression systems need refinement, the core gameplay loop of exploring open maps, gathering resources, and surviving overwhelming waves of zombies remains consistently fun. Toxic Commando may not reinvent the genre, but its excellent game feel and spectacle make it an enjoyable experience for co-op shooter fans, especially at a discounted price.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection delivers the most refined gameplay in the series with a challenging combat system, rewarding exploration, and deep customization that rewards experimentation. However, its underwhelming narrative pacing and forgettable supporting cast prevent the story from matching the strength of its mechanics. For players willing to invest time into learning its layered systems, it stands as the most mechanically rewarding entry yet, even if its storytelling struggles to leave a lasting impact.
Neva: Prologue is a short but emotionally resonant addition to Nomada Studio’s atmospheric platformer, offering a glimpse into Alba’s journey before the main game and the touching moment she meets the wolf cub Neva. While the DLC only lasts about an hour, it introduces a few clever puzzle ideas and reinforces the bond that defines the original adventure. Some players may miss the wolf-based abilities from the base game, but the shift toward Alba as a protector adds a meaningful narrative layer that strengthens the story’s emotional core.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake successfully brings one of survival horror’s most unsettling classics back to life with improved visuals, refined Camera Obscura combat systems, and an atmosphere that remains deeply oppressive and memorable. While the remake largely respects the slow-burn pacing and narrative mystery that defined the original, a few uneven combat mechanics and missed gameplay opportunities keep it from reaching its full potential. Even so, the haunting village setting, disturbing Wraith encounters, and the uneasy bond between Mio and Mayu make this a compelling return for a cult horror franchise that still stands apart from modern genre trends.
If you’re a passionate Ninja Gaiden 4 fan, then you’ll probably have gotten this DLC regardless. Still, for those on the fence, rest assured, there is genuine quality here, primarily geared toward enthusiasts. While I would’ve adored another stage or two as Ryu to even out the playable campaign, the new weapons and bosses are stellar inclusions that stand near this franchise’s cream of the crop. The Abyssal Road is another welcome implementation that I’m positive will keep dedicated players satisfied. Now, I’m eagerly hoping that Ninja Gaiden 4 wasn’t simply a one-and-done miracle, and that more new entries await us in the near future.
Ratcheteer DX is an enjoyable little adventure while it lasts, falling shy of being something truly great thanks to its own constraints. There are some enjoyable ideas here and the gameplay is rock solid though, it does a lot more things well than it doesn't.
Planet of Lana II is a confident and carefully crafted sequel that expands on the original’s cinematic puzzle adventure with smarter systems, deeper mechanics, and a more personal story. By blending machine control with Mui’s new possession abilities, the game delivers layered puzzles that grow naturally in complexity while maintaining its quiet, wordless storytelling and striking visual atmosphere. Though it occasionally loses some of the original’s sense of journey and features a few minor technical hiccups, this sequel refines what worked and builds something richer, more ambitious, and consistently rewarding for returning players.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered delivers a stronger version of the series’ ambitious finale, polishing camera controls and character models while preserving the dark, fate-driven story of Kain and Raziel. Though its linear level design, uneven pacing, and simplified combat show their age, the remaster enhances playability enough to make this a worthwhile return to Nosgoth for longtime fans and a solid entry point for committed newcomers willing to catch up on the lore.
Homura Hime is a thrilling action title that pairs weighty, expressive combat with a surprisingly heartfelt narrative about exorcists battling corrupted archdemons. Its combo-driven melee system, flexible Blessed Shots, and high-pressure enemy mechanics create some of the most engaging fights in the genre, while strong level design and meaningful progression keep the momentum steady.
Death Howl is a haunting and demanding Soulslike deckbuilder that rewards patience, adaptability, and strategic thinking across a 26-hour journey on Switch. Blending cryptic storytelling with tactical grid-based combat, it challenges players to refine their decks, weigh risk versus reward, and embrace failure as part of progression. While its melancholic tone and layered systems create a memorable adventure, some UI frustrations and reliance on card draw luck hold it back from true greatness.
