Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a massive and charming JRPG with a heartfelt story, classic turn-based gameplay and polished visuals and music. While some pacing and repetition issues remain, it’s a rewarding adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Nioh 3 is a mechanically rich action RPG that refines the series’ trademark combat while experimenting with a semi-open structure. Its strongest moments deliver exceptional flow and mastery, though repetitive objectives and technical issues hold it back. Not the series’ peak, but still one of the most satisfying skill-driven RPGs available.
REANIMAL feels like a natural extension to the Little Nightmares franchise. It boasts stunning visuals, strong atmosphere and several genuinely memorable moments. However, uneven pacing, a dull first chapter, clunky controls, technical issues and poor PS5 performance hold it back from true greatness. It's a good horror adventure overall, but one that's more likely to be remembered for its frustrations than its brilliance.
Forgotlings is a strong prequel to the already excellent and charming Forgotton Anne. While it occasionally stumbles due to a few technical issues, these do little to overshadow its core strengths. Once those problems are addressed, it stands as a fine and ambitious fairy-tale adventure that places its story, visuals, and music at the forefront rather than relying on complex or demanding gameplay systems.
If you’re a fan of classic old-school point-and-click adventures, and especially if you enjoy Lovecraftian lore, stories, and settings, this is a game you should absolutely pick up this year. It isn’t perfect and lacks many of the quality-of-life features modern games tend to offer, but it more than makes up for it with atmosphere and charm, delivering a memorable and delightfully spooky ride.
Resident Evil Requiem blends the best elements of survival horror and action. With stunningly detailed environments, realistic lighting and a gripping story, the game makes for one of the most immersive entries the series has to offer. Some traditional features are absent, but it remains a standout entry.
Cairn is a brutally demanding yet strangely soothing climbing experience that turns every movement into a meaningful decision. Its unique limb-based controls and meditative pacing create a powerful sense of immersion, even as its punishing difficulty and sparse checkpoints test your patience. If you're willing to endure the struggle, the mountain offers one of the most memorable journeys in recent indie games.
Silent Hill f marks a bold new step for the series and a clear sign of Konami’s return to AAA games. The Japanese setting feels fresh, while the atmosphere, visuals and psychological horror stay true to the franchise’s identity. Despite some technical issues and uneven combat, the game delivers a strong story and an unsettling experience that fans of the genre will surely appreciate.
MIO tries to shake up the Metroidvania formula in a few interesting ways. Some of its design choices may not appeal to everyone at first, but the challenge ultimately pays off. Fans of the genre willing to stick with it will likely find something to enjoy.
Pathologic 3 is a bold and cerebral reimagining of an already legendary series, trading raw tension for deeper immersion and narrative complexity. Its time-travel mechanics and richly written protagonist create a uniquely introspective experience, even as technical issues and inconsistent systems occasionally break the flow. Flawed but fascinating, it remains one of the most intellectually ambitious games of its kind.
