The Games I Beat in 2024: Q1

January

Game 1: Steel Assault

Developer: Zenovia Interactive
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2021

Playtime: 2 hours 30 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Steel Assault is a fun action romp. However, the difficulty needs better balancing. Easy is a breeze, while normal is too unforgiving.

Source: Reno Gazette Journal

Game 2: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Developer: HAL Laboratory and Vanpool
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 9 hours 30 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: A solid remake with an incredible piece of post-game content in the Magilor Epilogue.

Source: GameSpot

February

Game 3: Elden Ring

Developer: FromSoftware
Played on: PS5
Release: 2022

Playtime: 82 hours 37 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Elden Ring expertly adapts FromSoftware's action RPG mechanics to an open-world format. However, the difficulty can become overwhelming in places. 

Source: Game Informer

Game 4: Sonic Superstars

Developer: Sonic Team and Arzest
Played on: PS5
Release: 2023

Playtime: 6 hours
Rating: 6
Thoughts: Although Sonic Superstars emulates past games, it doesn't understand what makes them great. What's left is a fine game that disappoints more than it delights.

Source: MobileSyrup

Game 5: Trace Memory

Developer: Cing
Played on: 3DS
Release: 2005

Playtime: 5 hours 39 minutes
Rating: 6
Thoughts: As an early DS adventure game, Trace Memory is very ambitious in how it takes full advantage of all the system's features. However, that doesn't excuse the obtuse and sometimes frustrating puzzle design.

Source: One Controller Port

Game 6: Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Developer: Nintendo Software Technology
Played on: 3DS
Release: 2004

Playtime: 4 hours 21 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: Mario vs. Donkey is a solid puzzle platformer held back by the GBA's limitations and the game's insistence on perfectly executed solutions.

Source: Nintendo

Game 7: Another Code: Recollection

Developer: Arc System Works
Played on: Switch
Release: 2024

Playtime: 15 hours 46 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Despite some stiff animation, slow pacing, and cumbersome use of motion controls, Another Code: Recollection does a good job updating Cing's DS- and Wii-era adventures for a modern audience.

Source: Nintendo

Game 8: Yakuza Kiwami 2

Developer: Ryu ga Gotoku Studio
Played on: PS5
Release: 2018

Playtime: 22 hours 51 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Although the combat pivots away from the multiple fighting styles of previous remakes, Yakuza Kiwami 2's phenomenal story more than makes up for it.

Source: Rage Works

DLC 1: Splatoon 3 — Side Order

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2024

Rating: 9
Thoughts: Despite some repetition in stage design, Side Order expertly configures Splatoon's gameplay into the framework of a roguelite.

Source: Inkipedia

March

Game 9: Super Princess Peach

Developer: Tose
Played on: 3DS
Release: 2006

Playtime: 7 hours 51 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: Despite the problematic undertones of the vibe powers and the far too frequent use of tutorials, Super Princess Peach is a fun romp, no matter your age.

Source: Nintendo

DLC 2: Fire Emblem Engage — Divine Paralogues + Fell Xenologue

Developer: Intelligent Systems
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 15 hours 50 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: A solid expansion that adds a fun selection of new Emblems and an alt-world side story. 

Source: Serenes Forest

Game 10: Shank

Developer: Klei Entertainment
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2010

Playtime: 2 hours 48 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: Shank is a solid brawler that nails its grindhouse aesthetic. However, forced platforming and poor boss design hurt the overall package.

Source: Klei Entertainment

Game 11: Octopath Traveler

Developer: Square Enix and Acquire
Played on: Switch
Release: 2018

Playtime: 77 hours 20 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: In terms of gameplay and presentation, Octopath Traveler is top-of-class. But, due to its premise, the story and pacing are highly uneven.

Source: Square Enix

Game 12: Open Roads

Developer: Open Roads Team
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2024

Playtime: 2 hours 43 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: Open Roads is a solid adventure game with a heartfelt story. However, its brevity is a double-edged sword.

Source: Game Informer

Game 13: Princess Peach: Showtime!

Developer: Good-Feel
Played on: Switch
Release: 2024

Playtime: 7 hours 10 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: What Princess Peach: Showtime! lacks in depth and difficulty, it makes up with variety, stunning presentation, and uncompromising fun. 

Source: Nintendo

The Games I Beat in 2023: Q4

October

Game 50: Pikmin 2

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 9 hours 34 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: While the core gameplay is still excellent, the lack of urgency and caves that stress difficulty over creativity hold down this sequel.

Game 51: Returnal

Developer: Housemarque
Played on: PS5
Release: 2021

Playtime: 26 hours 41 minutes
Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: Returnal is a near-perfect mix of third-person shooter, bullet hell, and roguelike that will keep you returning for more.

Game 52: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2009

Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Despite how good both the gameplay and level design can be, New Super Mario Bros. Wii's single-player doesn't stand out compared to its predecessor and successors.

Game 53: Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Developer: Nintendo and Eighting
Played on: Switch
Release: 2020

Playtime: 9 hours 17 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: Pikmin 3 is a solid sequel, though the side content exclusive to Deluxe is lacking.

Game 54: Pikmin 4

Developer: Nintendo and Eighting
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 17 hours 31 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Pikmin 4 wonderfully fleshes out and improves on concepts from its predecessors to create the strongest entry in the series.

Game 55: Poinpy

Developer: Moppin
Played on: Pixel 6 via Netflix Games
Release: 2022

Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: A great platformer perfectly suited for smartphones. However, it could do with a high-score leaderboard or an endless mode to entice replayability after completion.

November

Game 56: Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Rating: 9
Thoughts: Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a great platformer that brings many new ideas to 2D Mario. However, repetition sets in when the game sticks too close to the formula.

Game 57: Super Mario RPG

Developer: ArtePiazza
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 11 hours 35 minutes
Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: Despite what people may say of its length, difficulty, and minor performance issues, Super Mario RPG is a stunning remake of a bonafide classic.

Game 58: The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 18 hours 6 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: A solid action-RPG with a strong story and compelling level design, but it is held back by repetitive combat and weak side content.

December

DLC 1: Sonic Frontiers — The Final Horizon

Developer: Sonic Team
Played on: PS5
Release: 2023

Playtime: 8 hours 27 minutes
Rating: 4
Thoughts: The Final Horizon has the potential to be better, but it falters under poor design, frustrating challenges, and a rushed development.

Game 59: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: Tears of the Kingdom is a superbly crafted game that takes Breath of the Wild's concepts to their natural conclusion. But, some decisions lead to a frustrating opening few hours.

Game 60: Jusant

Developer: Don't Nod
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2023

Playtime: 4 hours
Rating: 8
Thoughts: Jusant is a beautiful game best played in short sessions.

Game 61: Deathloop

Developer: Arkane Studios
Played on: PS5
Release: 2021

Playtime: 22 hours 1 minute
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: When it plays fast and loose with its mechanics, Deathloop is wonderful. However, it falters when the objectives are too rigid.

Game 62: Ghostwire: Tokyo – Prelude: The Corrupted Casefile

Developer: Tango Gameworks
Played on: PC
Release: 2022

Playtime: 45 minutes
Rating: 5
Thoughts: Despite a few spelling errors, this prelude visual novel is competent — and nothing more.

Game 63: Ghostwire: Tokyo

Developer: Tango Gameworks
Played on: PS5
Release: 2022

Playtime: 15 hours 41 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: Ghostwire's recreation of Tokyo is a fun playground for this charming first-person open-world adventure.

The Games I Beat in 2023: Q3

July

Game 34: Final Fantasy XVI

Developer: Square Enix
Played on: PS5
Release: 2023

Playtime: 59 hours 33 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: XVI masterfully transitions Final Fantasy to the action genre.

Game 35: River City Girls 2

Developer: WayForward
Played on: Switch
Release: 2022

Rating: 8
Thoughts: An improvement over its predecessor in every way — except for the performance. Slowdown can hamper gameplay when the screen fills up with too many things.

Game 36: The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 63 hours 40 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Uneven pacing and consistent slowdown on Switch hold Trails to Azure back from being the best in the series.

Game 37: LittleBigPlanet 3

Developer: Sumo Digital
Played on: PS5
Release: 2014

Playtime: 5 hours 31 minutes
Rating: 6
Thoughts: LittleBigPlanet 3 has some interesting ideas. However, none of them are fleshed out enough to keep you engaged for long.

Game 38: Tunic

Developer: TUNIC Team
Played on: Switch
Release: 2022

Playtime: 15 hours 7 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Despite its difficulty and obtuse nature, Tunic is a charming and expertly crafted homage to the 2D Zelda adventures of old.

August

Game 39: Prey

Developer: Arkane Studios
Played on: PS5
Release: 2017

Playtime: 20 hours 41 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: The amount of experimentation Prey offers the player in any situation is awe-inspiring. However, frequent load times and a confusing map bog it down.

Game 40: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Developer: Capcom
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: Even 12 years later, Ghost Trick has not lost a step. Easily one of the finest puzzle-adventure games to grace this medium.

September

Game 41: Ratchet & Clank

Developer: Insomniac Games
Played on: PS2
Release: 2002

Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Despite some rough edges, Ratchet & Clank is still as fun and ambitious as when it was first released.

Game 42: WarioWare: Smooth Moves

Developer: Nintendo and Intelligent Systems
Played on: Wii
Release: 2007

Playtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: A silly collection of microgames that will keep you smiling. However, the motion controls can be unreliable at times.

Game 43: The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Played on: PS5
Release: 2023

Playtime: 85 hours 24 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Trails into Reverie is an exhilarating epilogue to the Crossbell and Erebonia arcs.

Game 44: Mario Kart 7

Developer: Nintendo and Retro Studios
Played on: 3DS
Release: 2011

Playtime: 15 hours 39 minutes
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Mario Kart 7 walked so that Mario Kart 8 could run.

Game 45: Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Developer: MachineGames
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2017

Playtime: 15 hours 4 minutes
Rating: 6.5
Thoughts: For all of Wolfenstein II's improvements, its over-reliance on stealth continues to frustrate.

Game 46: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2019

Rating: 8
Thoughts: While New Super Mario Bros. U and Luigi U lose some of their lustre in the transition to Switch, they still hold up in terms of gameplay and level design.

Game 47: Sonic Origins Plus

Developer: Sonic Team
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Rating: 8
Thoughts: A good collection of 5 classic Sonic platformers and 12 Game Gear games of varying quality.

Game 48: Cocoon

Developer: Geometric Interactive
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2023

Playtime: 3 hours 54 minutes
Rating: 10
Thoughts: A short yet phenomenal puzzle-adventure, Cocoon does more with its mechanics than games 10 times its length.

Game 49: Pikmin 1

Developer: Nintendo
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: While some aspects have dulled with age, Pikmin 1's gameplay loop is timeless.

The Games I Beat in 2023: Q2

April

Game 14: Fire Emblem Engage

Developer: Intelligent Systems
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023  

Playtime: 85 hours 1 minute
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Engage serves as a nice back-to-basics Fire Emblem after the branching stories of the past two games. However, it doesn't go far enough.

Game 15: Super Meat Boy Forever

Developer: Team Meat
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2020  

Playtime: 3 hours 48 minutes
Rating: 6.5  
Thoughts: When in a groove, Super Meat Boy Forever is loads of fun. However, those moments are overshadowed by frustrating level design and a lack of control.

Game 16: Ryse: Son of Rome

Developer: Crytek
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2013

Rating: 5
Thoughts: Ryse is the definition of style over substance. The visuals look stunning and the executions are brutal, but the rest is average at best and frustrating at worst.

Game 17: Blaster Master Zero 3

Developer: Inti Creates
Played on: Switch
Release: 2021

Playtime: 10 hours 39 minutes
Rating: 8   
Thoughts: A good ending to Inti Creates' take on Blaster Master. However, the gameplay regularly gets interrupted by the melodramatic story.

Game 18: Alwa's Legacy

Developer: Elden Pixels
Played on: Switch
Release: 2020

Playtime: 6 hours 56 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: An engrossing Metroidvania, Alwa's Legacy exchanges the difficulty of its predecessor for smart additions. However, it can still be cheap in places.

Game 19: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2017

Playtime: 55 hours 7 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Despite my qualms with the game being just one long dungeon, Sky the 3rd delivers where it counts.

 

Game 20: Stray

Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
Played on: PS5
Release: 2022

Playtime: 5 hours 1 minute
Rating: 8.5  
Thoughts: Don't be swayed by the length; Stray packs more variety, creativity, and heart than games 10 times its runtime. Better yet, you play as a cat!

May

Game 21: Sonic Frontiers

Developer: Sonic Team
Played on: PS5
Release: 2022

Playtime: 21 hours 19 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Sonic Frontiers has some huge flaws. Mainly, its performance. However, the core "open zone" gameplay and story are so good that they eclipse the weaknesses.

Game 22: Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

Developer: MachineGames
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2015

Rating: 7
Thoughts: While it has some of the flaws of New Order — mainly the over-reliance on subpar stealth — Old Blood is a better-paced game overall.

Game 23: Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Developer: WayForward
Played on: Switch
Release: 2023

Playtime: 60 hours 53 minutes
Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: Re-Boot Camp is an excellent reminder that Advance Wars deserves as much of the spotlight that Fire Emblem receives.

Game 24: Vampire Survivors

Developer: poncle
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2022

Playtime: 32 hours 24 minutes
Rating: 10
Thoughts: Vampire Survivors' simplistic yet enthralling gameplay, engaging loop, and endless content make coming back for "one more run" so easy.

June

Game 25: Planet of Lana

Developer: Wishfully
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2023

Playtime: 3 hours 40 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Visually and audibly, Planet of Lana is stunning. However, the gameplay doesn't do much to differentiate it from other puzzle platformers.

Game 26: Pokemon Scarlet

Developer: Game Freak
Played on: Switch
Release: 2022

Playtime: 36 hours 55 minutes
Rating: 6.5
Thoughts: Pokemon Scarlet has all the ingredients to be the best mainline Pokemon. Unfortunately, severe technical issues and an unwillingness to adapt hold it back.

Game 27: The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Played on: Switch
Release: 2022

Playtime: 52 hours 1 minute
Rating: 9
Thoughts: Minor technical hiccups aside, Trails from Zero packs a thrilling story, a stunning soundtrack — one of Trails' best — and a lovable cast.

Game 28: Somerville

Developer: Jumpship
Played on: Series X via Game Pass
Release: 2022

Playtime: 3 hours 6 minutes
Rating: 6
Thoughts: Interesting concepts and inventive puzzles can't redeem Somerville's awful zoomed-out camera.

Game 29: Signalis

Developer: rose-engine
Played on: Switch
Release: 2022

Playtime: 8 hours 9 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Signalis is old-school survival horror. That may be refreshing nowadays; however, it comes with some problems, especially when playing with a controller.

Game 30: Strider

Developer: Double Helix Games
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2014

Playtime: 4 hours 58 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Although it doesn't take full advantage of the shift to search action, Double Helix's Strider is a faithful reboot of Capcom's arcade classic.

Game 31: River City Girls

Developer: WayForward
Played on: Switch
Release: 2019

Rating: 8
Thoughts: A really good first effort for Wayforward's revival of Kunio-kun.

Game 32: Adios

Developer: Mischief
Played on: Series X via Games with Gold
Release: 2021

Playtime: 1 hour 12 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Don't let the crude graphics and lack of interactivity dissuade you. Adios' gripping story is well worth your time.

Game 33: Hoa

Developer: Skrollcat Studio
Played on: Series X via Games with Gold
Release: 2021

Playtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: Beautiful art and solid controls make Hoa incredibly approachable. Unfortunately, the abstract ending leaves it off on a sour note.