Game #4 of 2026: Big Hops; a momentum-based 3D platformer where you play as an adorable frog. I completed the game at 100% & got the Platinum, but I did not earn it legitimately due to glitches. I liked certain aspects of it, but it was far too buggy at launch and that sort of ruined my experience.

Game #3 of 2026: Porgy (UFO 50); a Metroid-like where you control a cute, yellow submarine. The game's a little tedious/frustrating at the start, but it gets better the more you play. I completed the game with everything collected at 100%, saw the true ending and earned the 🍒 completion.

I don't quite agree with some of the reviews I've seen saying it's "just as good as any 3D Mario" or "best 3D platformer in ages", etc. but the fundamentals are good.

I think the structure of the game is messy and there's some truly baffling design decisions, but there's something here.

Game #2 of 2026: Chronicles of the Wolf; a 2D Metroidvania that wears its inspirations and heart on its sleeve for games like Castlevania, Ys, Zelda II and more. It feels like an RPG Maker project in the best way possible. I completed it at 100% and loved nearly every second of it.

I wrote about nearly 30 games here, mostly due to procrastination (but also my job position has changed and the world is on fire). I do not recommend!

It's going to be super late, but I'm now shooting for Valentine's Day for my GOTY posts. Thanks in advance if anyone still cares by then lol

Another great, fun and succinct read! Some of the category names/graphics had me laughing. I appreciate the meta-progression shout-out too haha

This will spoil my GOTY blog post lol but yes, it's also my favorite game of the year. When I stepped into the Citadel, it was over for me haha

That's it for me! I finished 60 games this year, give or take a few. I dipped my toes into A LOT of games that I ultimately put down or dropped. I have a ton of writing to do now, though 🥵

Happy New Year!!! Here's to all the cool games in 2026 and the continued madness abroad 🎊 🎉

Game #60 of 2025: Hollow Knight: Silksong; Team Cherry's highly anticipated sequel. I beat the true final boss months ago and hit 91% today. I wanted to 100% the game before the end of the year, but time got away from me. It exceeded my expectations and is a masterclass in the sub-genre.

Game #59 of 2025: Hirogami; a 3D action-platformer where everything is made of origami. It's also the debut(?) release from Bandai Namco Studios Singapore. The writing style drove me nuts and the story is dumb. I couldn't stomach 100%'ing this game at the time. It's far too frustrating/demanding.

Game #58 of 2025: Monster Hunter Wilds; Capcom's latest Mon-Hun game that's arguably the most approachable entry to date. I liked a lot of the QoL changes, but wasn't exactly sold on the "wilds" aspect. I completed all of the main story quests but shelved the post-game for now.

I think it's always risky business when you pass an IP to a new studio, especially for something like Little Nightmares that's all about tone, atmosphere, and presentation, etc.

LN II was incredible, so they had a lot to prove. I thought LN III was good*, but with an emphasis on the asterisk haha

Game #57 of 2025: Ruffy and the Riverside; a 3D platformer where you swap tile-sets/textures to solve environmental puzzles. This game is far too wordy and has an incomprehensible story. Why not opt for the Banjo-style gibberish instead? I completed it at 100% with the Platinum trophy earned.

Game #56 of 2025: Little Nightmares III; Supermassive Games' take on the Little Nightmares franchise. I was super skeptical of this game not being in Tarsier's hands, but it's actually not a total disaster. I liked it, even if it feels like a "Greatest Hits" of sorts. I'm ready for REANIMAL, though.

Honestly, you can just fire normal shots and get thru most encounters in MP4.

I will say, I'm not trying to dog on FFXIII with this post haha I've actually come back around to appreciating certain aspects of the game for what it's worth.

The two games oddly share similar criticisms, though.

Arguably yes on the linear corridor stuff and kinda/sorta on the open world haha

I'm really trying to consolidate my thoughts and be more concise when it comes to writing about games. I still find myself doing mini-reviews, which I want to get away from ugh I don't know.

Sometimes I wonder if I should take a year off. Is what I write of value to anyone?

The gold coin still spawns indefinitely lol but there's just sooo many clothes to buy 😭