Jake Valentine
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DualShockers Latest Reviews
At the end of the day, a bad Metroid Prime game is still a good game and one that I'll happily play any day of the week. As frustrating as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can be, it's still worth playing and a solid way for Nintendo to end 2025. Is it a must-own Nintendo Switch 2 game? That's something I'm honestly not sure about. On the one hand, I can see it being a great way to introduce people to the Metroid genre in a way that's more accessible than, say, Metroid Dread. On the other hand, Metroid Prime Remastered is right there. Ultimately, Metroid Prime 4 is a game that's worth playing, but it could be so much better.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic beat 'em up that understands what makes arcade games like X-Men so iconic. It's a touching love letter to both the source material and genre that's a blast to play from start to finish, whether you're playing alone or with friends. Part of the fun is not just experiencing the beat 'em up action, but also falling in love with specific heroes and various combinations to find a playstyle that matches your personal preferences. In an era that has more options than ever for co-op gaming, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is well worth your time and money, whether you're looking to spend a weekend together gaming or keep coming back to see everything the game offers.
I was one of the biggest Kirby Air Ride fans back in the day, so the fact that we're getting a sequel to the divisive cult classic is a dream come true. Kirby Air Riders is everything I could have ever wanted and more. It's a project filled with love, passion, and a celebration of all things Kirby. From the robust character roster, surprising depth of customization options, and an impressive amount of content to see, do, and unlock, Kirby Air Riders is easily my favorite racing game of the year. It's a triumph from start to finish, and I can't wait to spend countless hours in City Trial and beyond.
Like Tetris Effect before it, Lumines Arise lives up to the franchise's legacy. It's slick, stylish, and as addictive as ever. Despite my complaints and critiques of the game, especially those level transitions that take you out of the rhythm you've established, I look forward to spending hundreds of hours with Lumines Arise over the next decade or so. There was nothing quite like Lumines back in the day, and even though there are similar titles available today in 2025, there's still only one Lumines. A must-own for any puzzle game fan.
Once again, Madden NFL 26 overpromises and underdelivers. The new updates to Franchise mode and the general gameplay are nice, but let's be honest: the core issues are still there. This is a house with a shoddy foundation, only excelling at delivering a disappointing football experience. It's the only game in town for the NFL, so there's sadly nowhere else to go. I'll still probably begrudgingly play on occasion, but only when I want to enact revenge after the Patriots lose.
Ra Ra Boom is an excellent local co-op game that's perfect for a weekend playthrough with loved ones or friends. It's a wonderful love letter to retro side scrollers with a modern look and feel that represents the best of indie games. While the main campaign is on the shorter side, and ultimately the game feels a little too easy at times, it's still a fun time and well worth checking out.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a little uneven at times, particularly in the second half of the game, but it's still an enjoyable side-scroller. It's unmistakably loyal to the retro Ninja Gaiden games, refusing to flinch from its roots and delivering difficult combat while incorporating some of the style and flair from the modern 3D action games. It may not be as good as Ninja Gaiden 2, and nowhere near as iconic as Ninja Gaiden Black, but it's still a solid entry in the series and a great way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.
Bravely Default may not have aged well, but there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found. Sadly, if you're already familiar with how the adventure goes, there's little to no reason to pick up the Flying Fairy HD Remaster unless you're a true, diehard fan. If you never had the chance to play Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS over a decade ago, however, it's certainly worth your time to enjoy an old-school JRPG experience. I'd argue there are better options available, such as the Octopath Traveler games or the Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, but if you're looking to see what all the hype was about back in the day, it's worth a purchase.
Free Roam is a major disappointment, but Mario Kart World is still an excellent game that helps justify purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2. It's the console's day-one killer app backed by an incredible soundtrack, well-rounded roster of characters, and addictive gameplay. There's so much more than meets the eye here. Nintendo has rightfully come under fire for skimping on content with their games, but that thankfully isn't the case here. After putting thousands of hours into Mario Kart 8, I can see myself doing the same with Mario Kart World. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to go back online and participate in more Knockout Tour races.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has exceeded every one of my expectations. Sandfall Interactive's debut title is one of the greatest accomplishments in gaming, delivering a well-paced, polished, and unforgettable experience. From the incredibly impactful and deeply emotional narrative to the enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding combat, Expedition 33 delivers on all fronts. I wanted an old-school RPG that sticks true to its roots while taking advantage of modern game design. I got that and so much more. Four months into the year, this is the clubhouse leader for Game of the Year, and honestly, it's not even close. Do not miss out.