Possessor(s) left me conflicted. Its art direction, soundtrack, and emotionally resonant story are all excellent, but the metroidvania fundamentals don’t always support them. Unclear maps, awkward traversal, and not-particularly-satisfying combat sequences weigh down an experience that otherwise shows a lot of care and ambition. Feels like had it had a bit more time, this could have been something great. Worth a look for fans of the genre (or studio) though!

Team Cherry has announced Hollow Knight: Silksong - Sea of Sorrow, a free (!) 2026 expansion bringing new areas, bosses, tools and more in a nautical-themed update for all Silksong players. More details are due closer to launch.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is tldr.games’ Game of the Year 2025. Virtually alongside Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, it stands as the year’s most remarkable achievement. Where Expedition 33 captivates through ambition, emotion and invention, Silksong reveals its brilliance through precision, trust and mastery, asking the player to engage deeply and improve over time. It is a game that rewards commitment, and one that continues to resonate long after playing.

After so long, Silksong somehow feels both inevitable and unbelievable. Hornet moves like a dream, every dash and dive tight, every fight a dance that’s punishing but (mostly) fair. The world of Pharloom is staggering in scope: it just keeps expanding, full of new enemies, lavish art, secrets around every corner - all underscored by beautiful music and crisp sound design. Items and builds feel meaningful, not filler, and the variety on offer is impressive even for a game of this scale. It’s everything I hoped for: familiar yet transformed, reverent of its predecessor but confidently its own. After all the memes, the silkposts, the endless patience - Silksong was worth it. Anyone grumbling about difficulty, especially if their point of reference is Hunter’s March, might want to remember Hornet’s famous line from the first game. Loved it.

GMTK’s Mind Over Magnet is a polished and charming little game; its mechanics are introduced smoothly, and it has some clever moments. Overall though, its core feels a bit uninspired, and its lack of depth keeps it from rising beyond the feel of a project to learn the craft rather than a passionate execution of a vision. Still, it’s an admirable achievement worth checking out.

A triumph for platforming fans, blending nostalgia with fresh and ridiculously creative mechanics. Team Asobi’s clever level design and charming PlayStation callbacks make for smile after smile. A polished, joyous, heartwarming adventure that’s hard to put down.

Neva is gorgeous to look at and… “fine”, but doesn’t quite meet the high standard set by GRIS. While its art style and sound design are captivating, the story and gameplay mostly feel a little derivative. The narrative lacks coherence, and a surprisingly simplistic theme is ultimately underwhelming. Combat and puzzles add variety but feel underdeveloped. Ultimately, Neva impresses aesthetically but lacks the thematic depth and compelling drive that made GRIS so good.

I recently revisited N++, and it’s still awesome. Truly an OG, its fast-paced, minimalist platforming with smooth controls and addictive, challenging levels require precision and foster mastery. Its sleek, uncompromising design, tight gameplay and community focus make for an all-time classic.

Caravan SandWitch is a relaxing, narrative-driven exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic world. You drive a van through vibrant, cel-shaded landscapes, helping communities and uncovering mysteries. While charming and hopeful, it can feel repetitive with its simple tasks and minimal environmental storytelling. The music and overall atmosphere are highlights though.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 retro-style games from famed indie devs Mossmouth and friends, crossing a wide variety of genres. While each game is simple in design, they offer surprising depth and at times challenge - but more than anything, demonstrate a wild imagination and passion for game design. The nostalgic visuals, creative concepts, and sheer variety make it a fun, unique and inspiring experience.