Worth Playing

Invincible Vs. ends up being a very solid 3v3 tag team fighting game. The fighting system is familiar but solid, and even though it doesn't offer anything revolutionary over other tag fighters, its accessibility ensures that players of all skill levels will immediately be able to have fun. The mode selection is small but provides a good amount of entertainment thanks to the brutality of each fight and the number of unlockables. With a solid presentation behind it, Invincible Vs. is a very enjoyable fighting game for fans of the show and genre alike.

Monster Crown: Sin Eater is a big improvement over the original game. It feels more polished and fleshed out, and thankfully, far less buggy. It's a bit too rough around the edges to make it an easy recommendation, but if you're willing to work past some of the awkward segments, there is a solid monster trainer with a very fun combat system. The story is a bit hit-and-miss, and the freeform nature of the game isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for Pokemon with fewer guardrails, Sin Eater is for you.

Aphelion does well in both providing a good story with emotional pull, while also providing an experience that differs from the studio's previous works. The investigative portions may feel light, but they also provide a nice break from the stealth and climbing sections. The investigation, stealth, and climbing make the game feel more involved than what some may expect for a genre that can border on being walking simulators or Western versions of the visual novel. The presentation is great, and the runtime feels just right, making Aphelion an experience that's well worth checking out.

Saros has become one of my favorite shooters of the past few years, honestly since Returnal. I appreciate Housemarque for giving both the more hardcore and the less hardcore among us the chance to see the world it's crafted in its entirely. My hands hurt a little, and I'll probably need a new controller sometimes soon, but it's a cycle I'm willing to be stuck in for a bit longer.

Tsukuyomi is an odd duck of a game. As an off-brand Shin Megami Tensei card battler, it's pretty fun, despite some obvious balance flaws and a low budget. The story isn't anything great, but it was enough to bolster the gameplay, and I had a good time playing through the main story. For a game that prides itself as being the work of Kazuma Kaneko, the AI-bloated art style deeply detracts from the experience. It's a fun enough experience, but it has enough warts that it can be tough to recommend.

Pragmata was a genuine delight from start to finish. In some ways, it reminds me of the weird experimental games Capcom put out during the PS2 and GameCube era; it feels weird, fresh and experimental. It also largely nails everything it is trying to do, and I plowed through the game and went back for more. It's even an incredibly solid Switch 2 port. The only real barrier to enjoyment is if the disjointed hacking and gunplay grows too disorienting, but I think the gameplay is more than solid enough to overcome that.

TaVRn's Takedown: Naheulbeuk is a fun game if you have the room for it and you can forgive its quirks. The presentation and fighting are solid, even if your defensive maneuvers don't work all the time. The ability to use anything in the environment to fight with is welcome, while the cards you get to augment your abilities gives the game some depth to prevent the experience from becoming monotonous. While the turn speed is slow, movement in general is good if you have the room for it. TaVRn's Takedown: Naheulbeuk is a good complement to games like Gorn and Drunkn Bar Fight, especially since there's a decently written story to go along with the punching and throwing.

In the end, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is fine. The lack of combat combined with a lack of guidance creates a challenging and refreshing experience for most — and frustrating for some. The overall presentation is fine, despite the game's use of an engine intended to deliver stunning visuals. The game will appeal to those who are fascinated with the Cthulhu universe more than those looking for thrills and scares. Players won't feel compelled to stick with this title for long sessions at a time.

Mouse: P.I. for Hire is absolutely excellent. The presentation is stellar, with graphics that accomplish their goal of creating an interactive version of a 1930s cartoon. The soundtrack is good enough to convert players into fans of big band jazz. The shooting and platforming feel right, while the game clocks in at the right length. For fans of both shooting and action in general, Mouse: P.I. for Hire is a must-have title.

When Capcom first announced Pragmata six years ago, they couldn't have known the game would be launching a week after the Artemis II mission set a new record for human space travel. Just as NASA's moonshot was a success, so is Capcom's latest game. If you want a polished experience that brings something new to the table, you can't go wrong with Pragmata.