Playstation 4Xbox OneXbox Series XPC WindowsPlaystation 5
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an interactive adventure filled with stunning visuals, a touching story and engaging exploration. Players take on the role of Kena, a young spirit guide helping two lost children find their brother. Along her journey, she must battle evil entities and face her own demons to protect the village from corruption. With its unique world, cute 'Rot' companions and challenging combat, this game is sure to be one of the best experiences of the year.
What we like:
Unique world
Stunning visuals
Engaging combat
Adorable 'Rot' companions
Challenging puzzles
What could be improved:
Story may be too linear for some
Combat can prove difficult for inexperienced players
Xbox OneXbox Series X/sPC WindowsXbox Series XPlaystation 4Playstation 5Nintendo Switch
Dive into Strayed Lights, an immersive action adventure where you battle emotion-deformed creatures in a dreamlike world. With a vibrant color palette, stunning visuals, and a strong soundtrack, you'll be captivated. Master the innovative combat mechanics, face memorable bosses, and explore beautifully crafted levels. Will you restore light and face your inner demons?
Playstation 4Nintendo Switchwii uvitaPC WindowsMac OSLinux
Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.
What we like:
Excellent game design with a lot to discover
Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options
Xbox One)Playstation 4Xbox Series X/s(Playstation 5PC WindowsNintendo Switch(Nintendo Switch)
9 Years of Shadows is a metroidvania game with a good plot and beautiful graphics. You play as Europa, exploring Talos Castle to remove the curse that caused the world to lose its color and emotions. With elemental armors and escalating complexity in Europa's powers, the game is a delightful experience for fans of the genre.
PC WindowsNintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox OneXbox Series X
Light Dark 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure is a challenging action-adventure game inspired by Metroidvanias and Dark Souls. You play as Arum, a young girl trying to save her father's soul from the afterlife. Navigate the 8 Doors of Purgatory and defeat many enemies in your way! Prove your skills and fight difficult bosses for a satisfying experience.
What we like:
Responsive controls
Dual use weapons for exploration and combat
Upgrade system with perks
Rewarding boss battles
Charming world to explore
What could be improved:
Occasional frustration when items needed to progress are not indicated
PC WindowsPlaystation 5Xbox Series XPlaystation 4Xbox OneNintendo Switch
Moonscars is a 2D souls-like, non-linear platformer that marks the debut of developer, Black Mermaid. Play as Grey Irma, a "Clayborn" with a head full of questions and an eyeful of stunning pixel art. Experience the mystery of Moonscars while exploring themes of identity. Enjoy fluid and gratifying combat with melee moves, special attacks, witcheries and amulet stones.
What we like:
Beautiful pixel art
Well written story
Excellent voice work
Satisfying parry system
Great use of light to create silhouette-like foregrounds
Unique enemies with visual cues
Stunning soundtrack with choir vocals
Replay value through side quests and trophy hunting
What could be improved:
Trial and error approach can make some boss fights difficult
AndroidXbox Series XPlaystation 5PC WindowsXbox OnePlaystation 4
Explore a dark world brimming with hidden mysteries, master a diverse combat system, and inhabit the dual forces of two sisters in a coming-of-age dark fantasy story with fast-paced action, vicious enemies, and spectacular boss fights.
Playstation 5Xbox Series XNintendo SwitchPC WindowsPlaystation 4
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is an incredible adventure game set in a gorgeous, vast dieselpunk world. You take on the role of Rayton, a disgruntled former resistance soldier, to reclaim your mechanical fist and fight your way through the hierarchy of the city. Explore rich, interconnected environments packed with secrets and traverse through snowy mountain tops to bustling neon cities. Unlock weapons and abilities to progress further, use precision-based platforming segments and master combo-based combat system with three different weapons to be successful.
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you are the one-armed wolf protagonist, tasked with fighting off demonic roosters, drunken ogres and other foes in a purgatory-like world. You will need to use your grappling hook and stealth skills to survive the difficult encounters that await you.
PC WindowsXbox Series XXbox OnePlaystation 5Playstation 4Nintendo Switchj
"Divine Dynamo Flamefrit" is bringing back classic 2D action! Play as the hero Yuto in top-down slashing adventure stages, and pilot the magical robot Flamefrit for first-person boss battles! Master both styles of gameplay to restore peace to the parallel world of Hologard!