Comprehensive Game Reviews

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From AAA titles to indie games, we cover it all. Our comprehensive reviews provide detailed insights to help you find your next favorite game.

Review: Date Everything Feels Like You’re Forced to Date EverythingI appreciate the gimmick and the talent in Date Everything, but it isn’t as well executed as other dating sim visual novels.

Reviews Articles and News - SiliconeraJun 12

The Alters Review

IGN PC ReviewsJun 12

Deltarune ReviewEven though the journey is only halfway to completion, Deltarune's incredible story is already bursting at the seams with an unforgettable adventure.

IGN PC ReviewsJun 10

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Review - Spinning OutIf there are two things that have been missing from the modern slate of racing games, it's a focus on drifting and Japanese settings. Yes, arcade racers like Forza Horizon have travelled across the world, from Australia to Mexico and everything in between, but have yet to visit the bustling streets of Tokyo or the rich countryside across Kyoto. That series also doesn't dabble in the kind of street-racing culture popularised by games like Need for Speed or films such as the earlier Fast and the Furious entries, sticking closely to flashy but strictly stock configurations of popular cars. With that said, it's easy to see the gap JDM: Japanese Drift Master is trying to fill, carving out its own niche with a driving model heavily tuned towards challenging and satisfying drifting, set against a condensed and well-realised slice of Japan. It's such a shame then that the sum of all of its disparate parts don't come together in a cohesive way. Drifting is primarily what Japanese Drift Master is all about, and it's easily the strongest aspect of the game. Whipping a rear-wheel-drive, torque-filled machine into a controlled slide is simple, but it's maintaining a good angle and adequate speed that make it engaging. A balance meter, similar to one you'd find during a grind in Tony Hawk Pro Skater, helps you gauge the angle of your drift and deftly balance it, steering into the direction the back of your car is facing while gently applying the accelerator to power through the slide. It feels good to figure out how to expertly control a drift, and even better when you can use the handbrake to quickly change angles or drop the clutch to provide a little more torque through a corner. Drift events let you showcase your understanding of Japanese Drift Master's driving model the best, but they're also some of the easiest events the game has to offer. Racking up a high enough score to pass was rarely an issue for me in most events, but also came down to some frustrating luck in some instances. The longer and more aggressively you drift, the higher your score multiplier climbs, resetting if you spin out or suffer a collision. The issue isn't that this happens at all, but rather how inconsistently it does. Japanese Drift Master feels overly punishing with the angle at which it judges a spin, sometimes resetting your score unfairly if you enter a drift at an angle it isn't anticipating. Similarly, it isn't clear which collisions reset your multiplier and which don't. I had instances where I hit road barriers hard without seeing my score disappear, and others where the lightest touch by traffic would end a particularly long one. Without being able to depend on knowing the limitations of what I could get away with in a drift, it became frustrating trying to find the absolute limit that I could push myself without wasting time in the process. Continue Reading at GameSpot

GameSpot - Game ReviewsJun 10

Mario Kart World Review - Roam If You Want To<img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/93eb97c0/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_25.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> Reviewed on: Switch 2 Platform: Switch 2 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo For some family and friend groups, Mario Kart is an institution – a foundational memory of competition, silliness, and fun that has endured for decades of new tracks, racers, and games. That reputation for entertainment is at no risk of being lost by the arrival of Mario Kart World, which offers tons of thrilling and bonkers courses, an intense awareness of adrenaline-fueled speed, and the best feeling controls to date. It’s also true that this new Mario Kart stumbles in some important ways as it tries to expand its scope, especially with a lackluster freeroam experience. Even with some missed opportunities to excel, the charm and vibrancy of the franchise holds up and ensures the Switch 2 launch includes an approachable and exciting racer that everyone can enjoy together.Whether dashing through the Grand Prix or new endurance-style Knockout Tours, trying to win the day in a massive 24-player online scrum, or shouting at your family in a four-player local race down Rainbow Road, the driving of Mario Kart has never felt better. Physics are more nuanced and precise, including a much-improved approach to gliding and flight. Techniques like rocket start and drift are now even more core competencies than before, and new tricks like charge jump or rewind give you increased utility to navigate a course. Riding rails, charting shortcuts, and smart item usage (including fun additions like the hammer toss) are essential to have any chance in the cutthroat online races, but also in the elevated challenge of single-player races, which feel much more difficult now on higher CC settings. Beyond the great driving feel, it’s the various courses that steal the show. Each location offers surprises, from sudden rocketing ascents to crashing down into a wave-wracked sea. The tracks exist as hotspots in a larger open world, so players are rewarded with greatly increased variety not only by racing the tracks, but the designated paths between the many linked destinations. The colorful characters and endless obstacles give you a real sense of touring across a Mario-themed landscape where all these unusual characters and monsters somehow coexist. Graphics, audio, and production values are all also exceptionally high. The characters exhibit charming facial expressions, even if the cartoony vibe on some characters feels almost overexaggerated, and the game world is detailed and vast. A high frame rate and gorgeously detailed environments combine to lend a surprisingly intense perception of speed. Music in Mario Kart games has sometimes veered into annoyance, especially on those sped-up final laps, but I found the varied tunes of this installment to be toe-tapping and highly listenable.  Mario Kart World’s biggest innovation is, unfortunately, also its biggest letdown. The free roam option lets you dash about the open world, find some scattered one-off missions, and seek out hidden items. I quite like the interconnection between tracks and the intimation of a bigger game world, but the actual implementation of this open space is lacking. The large areas don’t feel curated to be a compelling open world. Too few activities pop up to justify the wandering. The map is only accessible from the frontend, so it’s easy to lose a sense of place. And rewards are profoundly lackluster and uninteresting, usually amounting to yet another sticker for the side of your kart. It’s all quite underwhelming, especially when stacked against numerous other open-world racers in the market that include more robust discovery and varied gameplay. The other alternative to racing is also substandard. The “Battle” modes, Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, feel limited in depth and too clumsy to be enjoyable. After some hours trying to find the fun, I was happy to return to the race lines. It’s those races that have always been the source of the real fun, and that remains the case here. I found far more joy playing solo than I have in prior Mario Kart installments, as the increased arsenal of tricks and compelling course designs demanded more focused attention. And multiplayer remains a chaotic and nail-biting good time. In all cases, you must accustom yourself to the wild and sometimes random swings between leading the pack in 1st place, and a sudden single blue shell that completely craters your win – it’s the nature of this particular beast, and that randomness might frustrate some players. Embrace that unruly element of luck, and Mario Kart World produces a lot of laughs and memorable moments. While Mario Kart World doesn’t earn high marks across the board, it has it where it counts. As a launch title for Nintendo’s new system, this is a friendly and approachable release that will delight all members of the family, while also offering a high skill and knowledge ceiling for dedicated players who want to dig deep. And it’s just as maddening and hilarious as ever to hit your buddy with a shell and watch him spin out. At the end of the day, isn’t that the point? <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/1fa0d64b/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_16.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/1c445861/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_08.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/d5b52504/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_cameraplay_scrn_05.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/47d0bc5d/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_battle_scrn_06.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/8ea91a95/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_freeroam_scrn_12.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/5b659868/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_46.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/30d5bcba/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_13.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/8ac88b1c/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_battle_scrn_02.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/3f0da3e6/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_freeroam_scrn_09.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/f7ae830c/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_cameraplay_scrn_06.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/706c378f/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_38.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/9820fb43/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_freeroam_scrn_15.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/8f89f96a/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_16.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/cb5a40ba/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_04.jpg'></figure></section> Score: 8.25 About Game Informer's review system

Game Informer ReviewsJun 10

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Review - Homework The Video Game<img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/43adfcaa/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_01.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> Reviewed on: Switch 2 Platform: Switch 2 Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo At reveal, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour seemed like a charming way to learn about the tech of the Switch 2. A lovely journey through the hardware that would feature some fun tech demos and minigames to show you what your new system could do. And then, like many others, I was shocked to learn that it would not be installed on every Switch 2, but would instead be sold as a separate game. After spending a substantial amount of time with it, I understand why Nintendo is treating it as a premium product, but I couldn’t help but feel I was sold a packet of school assignments.<iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pfUVKXiYrpg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="true"> </iframe>The package offers an impressive deep dive into what makes the Switch 2 interesting, and Nintendo didn’t spare any production values. It looks great, features a substantial amount of writing, and a surprising amount of character. For all its quality, however, it hasn’t erased that initial surprise when I learned it would cost $10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels like an extended tutorial, and I would have enjoyed it much more if it were just part of the experience of booting up my Switch 2 for the first time.This should come as no surprise, but Nintendo has a track record of making good video games that run well and have inviting art styles. Welcome Tour looks amazing, and getting to play as a little avatar to walk on top of a Switch 2 is adorable. Playing the game, however, isn’t particularly fun. Making your way through the experience feels like homework. The homework assignments are for a class you enjoy and want to learn more about, but you’re doing homework nonetheless.Welcome Tour is primarily made of four elements: quizzes, stamps, tech demos, and minigames. Quizzes are the most academic of the activities as you read about how the Switch 2 works and how it was made and then take quizzes on what you learned. The facts are interesting, especially if you want to know more about Switch 2 (which I do), but they can be exhausting as there are many and they will sometimes repeat similar topics.Stamps are hidden throughout and usually correspond to specific elements like buttons. Finding these is the primary way to advance to new areas and I mostly found the activity unobtrusive at best and a little annoying at worst. On a few occasions, I got stuck trying to find the last one so I could move to a new area. Minigames are often self-explanatory. They showcase the Switch 2’s new mechanics with little games that are frequently surprisingly challenging. I was usually satisfied with defeating the lowest tier of these games, then would be shocked at how difficult the next tier would be, and walk away. These games are primarily used to show off the new mouse controls, and there were none that stood out to me as games that I would want to revisit, but as a portent of the potential future games that might come to Switch 2 one day, I mostly appreciated them.The tech demos are highlights and Welcome Tour sets expectations well by explaining they are not meant to be high-score chasing minigames. These are low-stakes, interactive boxes that best show off the Switch 2. I was particularly impressed by the demos designed to show off the Switch 2’s built-in speakers and HD Rumble 2.Welcome Tour’s efforts to make you consider the work and thought that went into creating the Switch 2 is effective. I absolutely have a greater appreciation for the Switch 2 and its myriad little details, like that one of the tiny legs on Switch 2 dock is shaped differently to prevent it from tipping forward if you tug on it from the HDMI or power cable. When the game goes into great detail to tell you how many things the designers thought of, you can’t help but feel like they truly did think of everything.The minigames may have been generally underwhelming, and there are some tech demos that feel magical… but it’s just not particularly fun to play. It all feels like after-school study when you just want to be entertained. All the hallmarks of a first-party Nintendo release – overflowing charm and impressive technical aptitude – are here. A lot of thoughtful work went into Welcome Tour to make me understand and acknowledge its $10 price tag, but it’s just not a tour I would recommend taking. <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/be0f9acd/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_09.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/8c7b2604/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_13.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/458ff3bf/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_05.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/bb1a3c79/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_06.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/36b375a7/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_14.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/35274380/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_07.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/3199e08e/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_12.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/4a087e1d/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_11.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/fa5ec414/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_04.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/55266cbf/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_02.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/34f0a5ee/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_08.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/43adfcaa/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_01.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/59e99960/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_10.jpeg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/10/3117da7c/nintendoswitch2_nintendoswitch2welcometour_scrn_03.jpeg'></figure></section> Score: 6 About Game Informer's review system

Game Informer ReviewsJun 10

Review: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Is DisappointingNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour works fine. It’s totally functional and educational. It just isn’t much fun.

Reviews Articles and News - SiliconeraJun 10

Mario Kart World Review - A Worthy Marquee Launch GameNintendo seemed slow to react to the evergreen status of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a humble Switch port of a Wii U game that surpassed all expectations by becoming the top-selling game on one of its most successful platforms. Mario Kart World, the banner game for the launch of the Switch 2, carries with it the expectation that of course this will be one of the games most associated with the system for its entire lifespan. The challenge was crafting a new game that felt sufficiently suited to carry those expectations. Due to its blend of skillful mechanical tweaks, lovely aesthetics, and a general design philosophy built around delightful surprises, this one will go the distance. The biggest standout feature of Mario Kart World--the one that its name, identity, and many of its mechanics revolve around--is the world itself. For the first time in the series history the races aren't built as standalone tracks, but rather as part of a large contiguous map. Iconic locations like Bowser's Castle or Moo Moo Meadows are physical locations connected to each other through a series of highways and byways. The Grand Prix cups, the ostensible story campaign of a Mario Kart game, are just routes through this world the same way a real street race will block off a specific route. Within that context, though, the races themselves are more dynamic than ever. Nintendo has started licensing its properties out for theme park attractions since the release of the last Mario Kart, and it's hard not to notice the roller coaster-like approach to these tracks. Like a well-designed ride, you're consistently confronted with surprises and obstacles that keep things visually interesting and mechanically exciting. A race along the savannah will feature adorably plump animals like a herd of zebra, while a desert area surprises you with the Easter Island-like Tokotoko enemies from Super Mario Land, and another track may fling you into the air or have you navigate choppy waters. It's a treat for longtime Nintendo fans, especially, as the wealth of references goes much deeper than it has before. Continue Reading at GameSpot

GameSpot - Game ReviewsJun 9

Dune: Awakening Review in Progress

IGN PC ReviewsJun 9

Review: Mario Kart World Is a Perfect Welcome to Switch 2Mario Kart World is incredible alone or with others online or offline, and it really shows off what might make Switch 2 special.

Reviews Articles and News - SiliconeraJun 9