DeVuego

007 First Light is, for me, an absolute masterpiece that shattered all pre-release anxieties and is, in fact, the greatest Bond video game of all time. IO Interactive masterfully balances explosive action with "Hitman"-inspired stealth, all brought to life by Patrick Gibson’s breathtaking, definitive performance as a young James Bond. Equal parts thrilling and cinematic, this incredible experience is a gorgeous love letter to the franchise and a sure-fire Game of the Year contender.

In the end, Blades of Fire is an intriguing blend of old-school charm and modern design, like a game forged out of time. Its deep combat and weapon forging shine, even as its 3D Metroidvania structure occasionally falters. Backtracking and vague direction can frustrate, but the game’s heart and ambition stand out, especially with plenty of secrets to uncover in its sprawling fantasy world.

A solid take on the Metroidvania genre, Blasphemous 2 stands apart by managing to create a highly atmospheric mechanically demanding experience that will satisfy the needs of those looking for a good challenge.

With existential theming and some nice visuals, De-Exit - Eternal Matters is a game I want to like. Unfortunately, imprecise controls, tedious sections, and a litany of bugs leave it reaching for so much more.

After a slow start, Narita Boy engages with a unified and engrossing aesthetic, along with a surprisingly varied combat system. But that system is not pushed to its limits enough, and there are some minor photosensitivity issues. That said, Studio Koba has made something truly special that shouldn’t be missed, especially if you have Game Pass.

Super Magbot is a fiendishly difficult game that builds upon its simple premise with layers upon layers of new variables to manage and timings to master. It relies on your becoming flustered and messing up, rather than making the levels all that difficult. It never asks you to do anything more than time your button presses and use the correct magnet, but that never stops it from breaking you. It's a delight, but it's also not going to be for anyone who's not interested in taking a break every ten minutes to scream at the sun.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a game that feels distinctly and unapologetically human in the best way possible. Despite some teething issues, its charming characters and enthralling branching narrative make it an excellent follow-up to The Red Strings Club.