Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a technical wonder on Nintendo Switch 2. It single-handedly raised the bar on what I thought could be possible on the system, delivering a beautifully realized, engaging, and lengthy quest in the most accessible format yet without sacrificing much on the presentation side.

Code Vein 2 delivers serviceable soulslike combat and flexible builds, but its bloated systems, uninspired open world, and inconsistent performance keep it from standing out in an already crowded genre. It definitely has ambition, but many of its ideas feel more like background noise than meaningful twists, leaving the sequel competent but ultimately forgettable.

While Farming Simulator: Signature Edition hits a few bumps, I definitely enjoyed the variety of gameplay on offer, and it was fun trying to accomplish multiple tasks at once and min-max my time every day for maximum profit.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a mixed bag, with some genuinely likeable characters and engaging story arcs, alongside others that fall flat. You then have a final act that had me banging my head against the wall. Still, its satisfying combat system, strong party synergy, and striking visual style make it an enjoyable JRPG overall.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond features fairly challenging boss encounters and a nearly flawless performance on the Switch 2, but I have never been so disappointed in a video game.

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios put a ton of love and care into Yakuza Kiwami 2, and it runs flawlessly on Switch 2. If you’re like me and itching for a reason to take a plunge into the Yakuza universe, there’s no better time than the present.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a solid simulator with rough edges that disrupt the flow of learning and experiencing modern flying. Those new to the world of flight simulation will be overwhelmed and frustrated. But for those well-versed in the world of aviation, you will find appreciation for what is available here, even on the PS5 version of the game.

If you can get past Once Upon A Katamari's sticky controls and a general sense of deja vu, the many time periods, customizable cousins, unique challenges, and features make even a decades-old formula feel fresh again.

Bandai Namco and HYDE, Inc. have done right by the fanbase. Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots hits a solid drive with great customization options, ten diverse 18-hole courses, 25+ characters, a plethora of Wacky Golf modes, and even online play.

Battlefield 6 is off to a solid start, as the multiplayer is an impressive offering that can provide hours of enjoyment. This is an online game that can easily satisfy any Battlefield veteran, and could seriously compete for your time and retake its space in an already crowded genre. Just don't get it mainly for its campaign.

The Outer Worlds 2 isn’t Obsidian displaying any major advances in game design or unique innovations that would turn heads. This is a game of solid refinement from a studio that believes so deeply in the world they created in 2019. This resulted in a cohesive and entertaining RPG that could very well solidify as one of their best works today. 

For Donkey Kong fans, Donkey Kong Bananza is an absolute dream come true. But at the end of the day, this is a modern Nintendo game for better and for worse, and that means it’s accessible to a fault, has a sparse story, and a focus on short, simple micro-challenges for quick dopamine hit rewards.