The Nerd Stash

Mario Kart World

8/10

Mario Kart World is the most visually impressive entry of the series, and its Knockout Tour mode is the best addition to the franchise. However, its open-world component feels shallow and doesn't encourage players to pursue it.

Rematch

8.5/10

Overall, Rematch is a user-friendly arcade soccer game that you can enjoy playing no matter if you're a fan of the sport or not. The basic controls are easy, the aiming might take a bit to master, and the animations are delightful to watch like how Sifu was.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

8/10

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a game that well combines several systems, such as farming, RPG, combat, open world, and romance. The story and characters are engaging because they resemble action anime. But it needs much more to compete with many games in its category.

Yakuza 0: Director's Cut

8/10

Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is an excellent launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 that showcases its technical capabilities. However, some of the new additions make it feel like the inferior version of this legendary entry.

Tron: Catalyst

7.5/10

TRON: Catalyst perfectly captures the franchise's world setting and introduces new and interesting characters. It's a good game for those who want to revisit the grid without worrying too much about the combat, but the loop system is, without a doubt, the highlight of this game.

FBC: Firebreak

9/10

FBC: Firebreak is an excellent online co-op experience made by the creative minds behind Control. It is an approachable game with no FOMO systems that also includes a highly engaging gameplay loop with unique objectives and mechanics.

Splitgate 2

6.5/10

Splitgate 2 has many noteworthy things that are capable of bringing it to the top FPS spots. Unfortunately, its official launch is full of unbalanced game modes, a lackluster battle royale mode, and a lack of encouragement to use the game's iconic gimmick: portals.

Dune: Awakening

9/10

Dune: Awakening is a new staple for the survival genre and a new standard for all MMO-like games. It features one of the most intricate and addictive gameplay loops while bringing top-notch exploration to one of gaming's most atmospheric journeys.

The Alters

10/10

The Alters delivers the most thought-provoking narrative in the survival genre, while also providing an excellent gameplay loop that encourages replayability.

Elden Ring: Nightreign

9/10

Elden Ring Nightreign manages to blend many gameplay systems flawlessly to create a highly addictive formula while keeping the soul of Elden Ring. Even if it lacks a two-player mode and some solo balancing issues, it is another FromSoftware masterpiece and one I hope sticks around for many years to...

Monster Train 2

9/10

Monster Train 2 build on the brilliance of its predecessor with refined gameplay, eye-catching art, and a killer soundtrack that makes every run feel fresh.

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny

8.5/10

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is an excellent remaster and a clear step up from Onimusha: Warlords. While it still has its innate jank, the new additions and QoL features make this game feel up to current-day standards.