I've had my eyes on upcoming Metroidvanias as I've played and enjoyed several over the past year. From its visuals, aesthetic, and combat, Mandragora is the latest entry in a genre that has exploded in the past several years, even if it doesn't really bring much new to the format.

Hot Rod Mayhem joins a genre that is packed full of some of the best games ever made. Sadly, it brings nothing to make it stand out or add to the genre, making it very forgettable.

Lost Records is certainly enjoyable depending on whether you get the true ending or not. Its resolution is brief but wonderful, and despite a poorly executed second chapter that led to it, it’s a package of two episodes that waver greatly in their quality.

Pilo and the Holobook is a charming and bite-sized adventure with smart puzzles and a clever sticker system that could entertain kids of all ages. Pilo is adorable, and the lesson he learns on his journey is one that I feel is needed in times like these.

Star Overdrive has you traversing a strange alien world on a hoverboard, tracking down your beloved. As you race, craft, and fight, you’ll discover the truth behind a mystery that while satisfies, is a journey filled with many bumps on the road.

Lunar: The Remastered Collection’s strengths are easily its stunning soundtrack, engaging cast, and great writing, allowing for engaging personalities and events to rise above a fairly average combat system. The new cast is excellent, and the higher quality cutscenes allow Lunar to stand out from its contemporaries.

South of Midnight has you exploring a gorgeous backdrop in the deep South as Hazel, a young girl gifted powers of the Weaver to track down her mother. With gorgeous visuals, strong performances, and one hell of a soundtrack, Compulsion Game’s latest is great!

Koira has an emotional journey at its core that has made me better appreciate the bond I share with my own dog, and that despite obstacles being in our way, that bond will see us through. The short adventure can see a few mechanics used a bit too often, but the few moments that stand out do shine a light on the darkness plaguing Koira’s surroundings. 

Shadows of the Orient should be right up my alley. Pixel platformers are often joyous and engaging, but here, the game felt like it was fighting me at every step. You cannot mount up ledges, so you can only rely on the wall bounce, making some platforming to be obnoxious than enjoyable.

Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t stray too far from the pack, but the update via the RE Engine and some added mobility do make their presence known. While Wilds is certainly easier than previous editions, it carves its own path and delivers a truly memorable adventure.

Based on the classic character, The Phantom travels across the globe in search of his son. With gorgeous artwork and presentation, it’s unfortunate that every other aspect of this beat’em up brawler is undercooked, miserable, and lacking in every way.

Ubisoft takes the series to Japan, allowing you to play as both Naoe and Yasuke, two warriors caught in the struggle of honoring their legacy and escaping their past. As a mysterious group is behind the scenes of several tragic events, the pair will unite against a common foe.

However, for as great as It Takes Two was, Split Fiction is the evolution of what Hazelight was building towards: a tour de force of creative ideas, stellar co-op mechanics, and a story that satisfies with characters you’ll actually care about. 

As RGG has made a career of bringing life to the same location for over 20 years, Yakuza in Hawaii is a solid entry that can feel thin on its own ideas but nonetheless has some incredibly fun moments and some strong combat that allow this new adventure to set sail. 

Kingdom Come Deliverance II excels and innovates in ways the genre has desperately needed in years. Warhorse Studios has delivered a wealth of smart design and function here to craft an absolutely impressive saga that is as brutal as the era requires.

Shadow dropped during Sony’s most recent State of Play, Warriors Abyss is KOEI TECMO’s take on the Hades formula. As you fight in service of King Enma, to rid the underworld of its most notorious bad guy, you’ll summon 100 characters from the Samurai and Dynasty Warriors franchises.

As Don’t Nod is no longer the stewards of the Life is Strange franchise, they have returned to their roots in Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. As it is split into two episodes, it follows the exact structure of its now decade-old predecessor, for better and worse.

While the added new location provides some engaging bosses, it's the hockey stick wielding badass in Casey Jones that makes this DLC an absolute no-brainer.

With the appearance of a crimson beast on the rampage, Van and company set forth on another adventure and case to solve. With some new additions to combat and some fresh faces joining the ranks, the fate of Calvard hangs in the balance.

Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos is a complete miss. It feels like a glorified DLC pack for a previous game that never approaches anything deserving of its own release. The story and presentation feel like the first draft of what could have been special, and the driving itself is lackluster and boring.