While the port to consoles doesn't quite satisfy, the foundation of what The Mortuary Assistant is is still a fantastic indie horror game that shines. As you work the overnight shift in the Mortuary, you soon find out that a demon has bound itself to you.

Gestalt: Steam and Cinder shines in its simplicity without any of its components feeling watered-down. The story and its lead character shine and work well alongside a great feeling set of attacks and abilities.

While the remaster does what it said it was going to do with cleaning up the visuals and providing a “better” control scheme, a remaster should only preserve the original so closely if the game was actually fun to begin with. 

Cat Quest has been an enjoyable low-stakes series for me. It has fun combat, engaging skills, fun dialogue, and enough cat puns to last at least 9 lifetimes. Cat Quest III takes the series to the Caribbean, or rather, the Purribbean, placing you once again as a chosen one, one draped in the garb of a pirate.

Creatures of Ava has you taking on the role of Vic, an explorer who is tasked with saving the species on the planet of Ava. As its secrets are slowly unraveled, Vic will stop at nothing to save the planet from a sickness that is infecting the world, its creatures, and so much more.

Developed for Apple Arcade back in 2023, I, like many people, never got the chance to check this out, let alone knew of its existence. However, like nearly everything that was once exclusive to that walled garden, most of these games have found a second home to actually thrive and reach new players.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn has some interesting ideas, decent combat, and gorgeous visuals. However, I don’t know if it does enough to really stand out. The story is interesting but is not conveyed well enough to give the cast their due

Trapped in the Gold City after being turned into a specter, Kali must find an ally with one of two Gods all while trying to survive after numerous creatures and monsters. By praying at their respective alters, Kali will gain abilities and skills to escape the city once and for all.

The First Descendant may not come to the table with terribly original ideas, but it conveys what is there into one gorgeous and entertaining package. As humanity is on the ropes, a collective of attractive super-powered individuals is all that stand in the way of their complete annihilation. 

As Luisa, you’ll visit the magical village of Hinterberg, a town beset by magical dungeons. As she will escape her mundane life, a dire secret begins to reveal itself, causing Luisa to dig deep into the history of the village and the origins of its magic.

While Shadow of the Erdtree is a familiar experience to that of the base game, Elden Ring was a damn near masterpiece of its own. This 60+ hour adventure to conquer its lands, to vanquish every beast, and to add to your ever-growing collection of weapons, armor, and summons, is certainly worth your time and money.

Kaku: Ancient Seal offers a gorgeous world to explore with an emotive and fantastic character model in the titular Kaku. While combat is very serviceable, with numerous enemies to fight and bosses to conquer, the story and writing, among other issues, currently hold it back.

Trails through Daybreak begins a new story arc in a whole new land that is ripe for potential. It has a great cast of characters and returning favorites and does a lot of good with them, even if the voice acting is inconsistent on when it is used.

Tchia blends the experiences of several other games to create a passion project worth exploring. As Tchia’s father is abducted, she will use her newly discovered powers to track him down and uncover a plot that will shape her future forever.

Forges of Corruption focuses directly on what was great about Boltgun and offers up just enough new content that it feels like a worthwhile purchase. The level design is far more impressive than the base game with massive open areas that showcase the world of Graia in all its glory.

Racoon’s Pinball Panic is a bland and visually disappointing experience in its own right with pinball tables and physics that simply don’t hold up or keep your interest. 

RIPOUT can often be a good time, but a vastly repetitive loop throughout procedurally generated environments only grants the occasional impressive moment.

XDefiant has a chance to be something pretty impressive and while there are traces of that excellence here, it’s too soon to say considering the lack of significant content and the slim variety within each faction.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a spiritual successor to the Suikoden series, even helmed by the game’s original creator. It follows Nowa, a fresh recruit ready to prove their worth. As war brews on the horizon, political machinations start to unravel as Nowa and his team are set to save the land of Allraan.

Horizon Chase 2’s visuals and approach may deter the more hardcore audience, but it’s a solid throwback to the arcade racers from years past that is ultimately a very satisfying experience.