Matt Sowinski
Game industry critic and reviewer
Writing For
But Why Tho
CGMagazine
Console CreaturesLatest Reviews
Damon and Baby
There is a solid idea and foundation here that needs to be massaged more in future attempts. DAMON and BABY has some cool ideas, but ultimately, is not a fun trip to heaven.
Pokémon Pokopia is a massive love letter to the series, one that fittingly hits in the 30th year. It’s the gold standard of Pokémon spin-offs, letting you live in a Pokémon playground.
Marathon (2026) has me locked in, sitting in my brain until my next run. The barrier to entry is high, but it’s rewarding, with each death being a lesson learned.
Mario Tennis Fever is a blast, easily one of Mario’s best sports games in recent years.
Big Hops
Big Hops is an enjoyable platformer that nails level design, creativity, and a sense of momentum.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension is a solid add-on, albeit costly, for fans of the core game looking for more, but it isn’t a must-play due to the repetition, grind, and price.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is just fine—a whiplash of an experience that has some really memorable moments and others that are just grating.
Skate Story is a brilliant skateboarding game unlike any other. Tight skateboarding, heady narratives, gorgeous graphics, and a banger soundtrack make it one of this year's best experiences.
Kirby Air Riders is a fantastic follow-up to a GameCube classic. The racing is deceptively complex with a high skill ceiling.
Dispatch is fantastic. Packed with excellent writing, memorable characters, and beautiful animation, Your choices matter and lead to satisfying payoffs thanks to the weekly TV-like structure.
Possessor(s) is like any solid pact with a demon—a good time, but with its own drawbacks.
Rue Valley is a brilliant adventure from start to finish, with great characters and a captivating story. It employs a time loop to create interesting moments and solutions to problems, allowing the player to explore the 47 minutes and chase leads.
