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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Source: Nintendo |
