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.
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.
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.
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