The Games I Beat in 2025: Q4

October

Game 35: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Developer: Playtonic Games
Played on: Steam Deck
Release: 2019

Playtime: 12 hour 31 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a great platformer held back by overly long levels and an insanely sharp difficulty spike.

Source: Nintendo Life

Game 36: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Developer: The Game Kitchen
Played on: PS5
Release: 2025

Playtime: 12 hour 3 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound successfully balances making classic Ninja Gaiden approachable for newcomers with offering enough of a challenge for series veterans.

Source: Nintendo

Game 37: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow

Developer: Ubisoft Shanghai
Played on: Series X
Release: 2004

Rating: 7
Thoughts: While there are still problems, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow's improvements slightly ease the rigidity of Splinter Cell's stealth sandbox. 

Caption: MobyGames

Game 38: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Played on: Series X
Release: 2005

Playtime: 17 hour 18 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: While there are still a few annoyances, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a highly approachable and fun stealth game that stands the test of time.

Caption: Kotaku

November

Game 39: Disney Illusion Island

Developer: Dlala Studios
Played on: Switch via NSO Game Trial
Release: 2023

Playtime: 7 hour 25 minutes
Rating: 6.5
Thoughts: Disney Illusion Island does a good job of introducing younger players to search action games. However, it lacks the depth to keep veterans engaged. 

Caption: DayOne

Game 40: Absolum

Developer: Guard Crush Games and Supamonks
Played on: Switch
Release: 2025

Playtime: 21 hour 58 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Absolum does a great job of using the inherent replayability of the beat 'em up genre to fuel a unique and incredibly fun roguelike.

Caption: Nintendo

Game 41: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent

Developer: Ubisoft Milan and Shanghai
Played on: Series X
Release: 2006

Playtime: 12 hour 55 minutes
Rating: 6.5
Thoughts: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent weighs down its polished stealth mechanics with annoying minigames and an inconsequential choice system.

Caption: Epic Games

Game 42: Sound Shapes

Developer: Queasy Games and Wholesale Algorithms
Played on: PS5
Release: 2013

Playtime: 2 hour 22 minutes
Rating: 7.5
Thoughts: Sound Shapes is a delightful platformer that, unfortunately, can never reach its full potential again due to Sony shutting down its servers.

Caption: Polygon

Game 43: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Played on: Series X
Release: 2010

Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: If you can get past the big departure in gameplay, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction is a tight action game that always keeps you on your toes.

Caption: GameSpot

December

Game 44: Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Developer: Tribute Games
Played on: PC via Game Pass
Release: 2025

Playtime: 5 hour 31 minutes
Rating: 6.5
Thoughts: While fun with others, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a slog to play solo.

Source: Marvel

Game 45: Ninja Gaiden 4

Developer: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames
Played on: PC via Game Pass
Release: 2025

Playtime: 12 hour 27 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: PlatinumGames does a great job of adapting Ninja Gaiden to their style of action. However, Ryu's inclusion derails the game's momentum.

Caption: Xbox Wire

Game 46: Hades II

Developer: Supergiant Games
Played on: Switch
Release: 2025

Playtime: 43 hour 34 minutes
Rating: 9.5
Thoughts: While the story may stumble in places, Hades II polishes most of its predecessor's strengths to a near-perfect sheen.

Caption: Supergiant Games

Game 47: Neva

Developer: Nomada Studio
Played on: Switch
Release: 2024

Playtime: 3 hour 40 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: While not as strong as its predecessor, Neva's impeccable presentation, emotional story, and tight gameplay make it an easy recommendation.

Caption: God is a Geek

Game 48: Call of Duty 2

Developer: Infinity Ward
Played on: Series X
Release: 2005

Playtime: 9 hour 33 minutes
Rating: 8
Thoughts: While first-person shooters have long grown past it, Call of Duty 2's fundamentals easily hold up 20 years later.

Caption: GamesRadar

Game 49: Grindstone

Developer: Capybara Games
Played on: Switch
Release: 2020

Playtime: 53 hour 46 minutes
Rating: 8.5
Thoughts: Grindstone is a beautifully animated and delightful match-three puzzler that seems better suited for a mobile device than a game console.

Caption: Nintendo

Game 50: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Played on: Wii U
Release: 2013

Playtime: 18 hour 8 minutes
Rating: 7
Thoughts: Although well implemented, blending Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction's action with the original trilogy's stealth sandbox leads to mixed results.

Caption: GameSpot

Game 51: Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

Developer: Lizardcube
Played on: Switch
Release: 2017

Playtime: 5 hour 49 minutes
Rating: 6
Thoughts: While the updated graphics and music are phenomenal, Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap plays like a Sega Master System game, warts and all. 

Caption: Lizardcube

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: 6.5
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.