Michael Murphy's Reviews
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a fantastic RPG worthy of diving and sinking your fangs into again and again.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the modern revival that fans have been waiting decades for. It exudes charm through its comedy and fantastic cast of characters, while delivering intense combat and swordplay. While the console version does have some issues with lighting outside of cutscenes, and its story and side content could’ve done a better job matching the spectacle that the combat brings, it makes for a fun and entertaining action title.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is proof that the series, even if it changes genres, is fantastic. With excellent acting, breathtaking graphics, and a gripping narrative, fans of the franchise will be happy to know it still has it.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a great remake of the classic pirate adventure, with some small additions and adjustments. It’s the perfect entry for newcomers looking to finally sail the seas with Edward and crew. For returning fans, it’s the same swashbuckling good time, just refreshed. It doesn’t go above and beyond, but it does enough to justify its existence.
Directive 8020 may not reach the stars, but it still delivers a thrilling sci-fi horror ride
Mouse: P.I. For Hire is one of those titles that works better than you think it would. Nailing the Doom-like gunplay and rubber-hose art style, it’s just as enjoyable to play as it is to look at. Plus, with a stellar cast, especially Troy Baker, it’s one of the most memorable shooters you can play. There are a few holes in it, like various glitches and repetitive elements, but it's a cheese worth taking a bite of.
It goes without saying that Pragmata is a terrific game and one of 2026's must-play titles. It fires on all cylinders and doesn't let you go, even after the credits roll. The frenetic action, charming characters, and striking visuals help bolster a creativity rarely seen in AAA titles. While it can play it safe in the story and settings, it is one of Capcom's best games this decade and a sure-fire Game of the Year contender in my book.
Overall, Resident Evil Requiem is one of the series' best outings in recent years. Delivering on the action and scares, the game shows what makes the franchise so special. It can fall into the trap of fan service, but never falters much in what it sets out to do. Yes, it's February and, yes, it is cliché, but Requiem is already one of 2026's best and an experience that fans and newcomers won't be able to get enough of.
Romeo is a Dead Man doesn’t hit all the notes it hoped to hit. When the action is on high, it’s thrilling, but its heavy-handed outlandishness and muddled graphics detract from it. That’s not to say what Grasshopper Manufacture crafted is bad in any way, as it is an endearing love letter to sci-fi and one of the most out-there titles on the market. It’s more so that it feels like the studio could do more to fine tune things, but didn’t get to.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the solid streak for Ryu Ga Gotoku and the series. The gripping narrative and fun combat deliver on what players enjoy. It doesn’t raise the bar in any way, but newcomers and returning fans will find it a thrill ride from start to epic finish.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a jarring entry not only in the Black Ops series, but in Call of Duty as a whole. Despite a strong multiplayer experience, the sum of its parts just doesn’t add up.
If there’s any title worth playing this year, regardless of whatever gamer you are, it’s gotta be Dispatch. There’s something for everyone in it and, whether you like the acting, comedy, or gameplay, you’ll be satisfied. The journey from start to finish is one of the most memorable you’ll go on in 2025.
If I had to describe Ninja Gaiden 4, it’s like a metal song: loud, boisterous, hard as hell, and simultaneously brutish and complex. It’s hard to expect that much more from a Ninja Gaiden title, even in a new generation. If 4 is the base for future games, the Year of the Ninja may wind up needing a few pages in the calendar.
Dying Light: The Beast can feel a touch safe at times with a serviceable story, but the high-flying parkour and gorgeous graphics are top-notch. Castor Woods makes for the perfect zombie-slaying playground for you to enjoy. It’s pure adrenaline packed into its 20 hours, continuing to carve out its own corner of the crowded zombie space.
While a bit too ambitious, Cronos: The New Dawn is a great new IP from Bloober Team that showcases the team's horror chops in a gory futuristic way.
Even with some frustrating platforming and okay story, the visual style and action combat in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are hands-down some of the best we've seen this year.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is an almost pitch-perfect remake of the 2004 original, for better or worse. With a fantastic story, engaging gameplay, and beautiful visuals, it’s well worth it for fans and newcomers alike.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is the perfect example of nostalgia done right, with a great score, challenging gameplay, and superb visuals. While the story and repetitive elements do feel noticeable in its nine-hour runtime, The Game Kitchen successfully brings Ninja Gaiden back to the spotlight in all its gory glory.
South of Midnight proves itself to be a great new IP for Xbox and Compulsion Games’ best work yet. Despite some narrative-related issues and lukewarm combat, there is a lot to enjoy. If you have Xbox Game Pass, this is an absolute must-play.
Bokeh Game Studio's Slitterhead shows a lot of promise in terms of its unique possession action gameplay, direction, music and overall plot. It’s fun, electric and unlike any other game. New IPs are the lifeblood of the industry and the game is a key example of keeping that saying alive. The reliance on narrative tropes, graphical inconsistencies and dialogue-heavy exposition, however, do keep the title from reaching the heights it seemed destined to climb.