This month’s round-up features some big adventures, open-world racing, and a couple of sequels that are perfect for a night alone or with a friend.
There’s a lot to look forward to in the world of gaming for 2026. While we wait for this year’s big titles to release, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the most popular games of 2025, which included the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This month’s round-up features some big adventures, open-world racing, and a couple of sequels that are perfect for a night alone or with a friend.
Donkey Kong Bananza. Jul. 2025. Nintendo. Nintendo Switch 2. $69.99.
Rated E10+–When the evil Void Kong steals a mine’s worth of gems and digs toward the planet’s core, Donkey Kong (DK) is dragged along for the ride. He is joined by Odd Rock, a magical stone that turns out to be a teenage version of Pauline—yes, that Pauline, whom DK carried to the top of a construction site in the original arcade game. Her singing unlocks new areas and grants DK transformational powers. The game world is built of “voxels,” 3D pixels, meaning the landscape is fully destructible. DK can punch through mountains, surf on flat rocks, or blast tunnels through the map. This ability to reshape the world is monumental and delightful. Think Minecraft, but less blocky and more about destruction than construction. However, when DK is a hammer, and the world is a nail, extended play sessions can feel monotonous. Limited co-op is available, allowing a second player to assist by breaking obstacles or destroying enemies. DK has a one-track mind, but Pauline goes through an emotional journey as she tries to overcome her self-consciousness and let her vocal talents shine. The graphics are detailed, and the sound design is an audio feast. VERDICT Fans of Super Mario Odyssey will enjoy this spiritual successor, which won Best Family Game at the 2025 Game Awards.
Hades II. Sept. 2025. Supergiant Games. macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows. $29.99.
Rated T–This sequel to the 2020 indie darling Hades centers on Melinoë, princess of the Underworld and baby sister of the first game’s protagonist, Zagreus. With her father displaced by Chronos, Titan of Time, she must fight to reclaim her domain using an assortment of weapons, animal familiars, and help from Olympus. The gameplay of this title is categorized as a “roguelite:” losing sends players back to the start, but they keep resources to upgrade powers and weapons. This gameplay loop makes every run unique and addictive. The production value is stellar, featuring strong voice acting, vivid graphics, and shimmering, polished character portraits for all the gods and other mythical figures. Rated Teen, the game portrays a nude Aphrodite with her long hair tastefully draped over her figure. And while Melinoë must slaughter hundreds of Underworld creatures, the combat isn’t gory. The physical edition includes a character booklet—helpful for those who can’t tell Hestia from Hephaestus. Extensive accessibility features, including a “God Mode” for those who want to focus on the story, make this underworld odyssey approachable for all. VERDICT One of the best action games in recent memory, improving upon the exceptional original in every way. A great pick for Greek mythology buffs and newcomers alike.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Jan. 2025. Sunblink. iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows. $39.99.
Rated E–Originally an Apple Arcade exclusive, this game allows players to create a cute avatar and live on an island with Sanrio favorites. Whether it’s the athletic dog Pochacco or the aspiring comedian Hangyodon, the characters look vibrant and animate beautifully. The player is tasked with solving mysteries and building homes to lure other characters to the island. For instance, placing an apple pie in a furnished house might attract Dear Daniel, Hello Kitty’s boyfriend. While the design suggests Animal Crossing, the gameplay is closer to The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Quests involve solving puzzles, navigating little dungeons, and running errands. The dialogue is amusing and includes some cleverly disguised adult humor (such as a “cakes on a plane” joke that could be read with the player’s best Samuel L. Jackson impersonation). Gudetama, the lazy egg, is also hidden throughout the island, offering a fun scavenger hunt break from interior design. Features are available to help guide players from quest to quest, but many modern accessibility adjustments are missing. VERDICT An engaging, cozy game for Sanrio fans of all ages. Worth adding to any collection.
Mario Kart World. Jun. 2025. Nintendo. Nintendo Switch 2. $79.99.
Rated E–Mario Kart 8 was released over 11 years ago and became one of the best-selling games of all time. Now, Nintendo has shaken up their kart-racing formula for the first time since the series debuted in 1992. Following the open-world success of the last few Zelda releases, Mario Kart World places its tracks on a massive open map. Players can drive freely, exiting one course and entering another at will. The roster features 50 characters, ranging from stalwarts like Peach to obscurities like Cow. In free-roam mode, players gather collectibles purely for fun. In competitive mode, players race through a pre-selected series of tracks and the world between them. This structure comes at the expense of multiple laps around the tracks, making it harder to connect with the level designs and learn all their twists, turns, and shortcuts. Controls are tight and impeccable. New refinements include rail-grinding, wall-riding, and creative costumes like the ghoulish “Wampire” Waluigi. Accessibility options like auto-acceleration and steering assist return, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at the gold cup. VERDICT Exceptionally fun and the winner of Best Racing Game at the 2025 Game Awards. However, as it comes bundled digitally with many consoles, those working with a tight budget may want to acquire other titles first.
Pokemon Legends Z-A. Oct. 2025. Game Freak/The Pokémon Company/Nintendo. Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2. $59.99.
Rated E10+–Trainers return to Lumiose City, first featured in 2013’s Pokémon X and Y. Similar to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this spin-off plays differently than mainline titles, focusing on existing Pokémon rather than a new roster. The signature appeal is the return of Mega Evolutions—temporary, powerful transformations last seen in 2017. There are nearly 70 Mega forms, including over two dozen goofy and cool new designs, such as a Lucha Libre Mega Hawlucha or a Mega Excadrill, whose drills are vastly enormous compared to its little body. The plot involves renovating Lumiose City to accommodate wild Pokémon, though the characters focus less on urban planning and more on the mystery of rogue Mega Pokémon turning berserk. Knowledge of X and Y isn’t required, but veteran players will be excited to see characters from those titles return, changed by time. Combat is real-time—a series first. Players choose moves from a menu, but opponents act simultaneously, making battles fast and exhilarating but potentially difficult for newcomers or those requiring accessibility options. While players may miss the wild, open areas of Arceus, the Parisian-inspired city is a joy to explore, filled with funny and thought-provoking non-player character (NPC) dialogue. VERDICT A fun spin on the Pokémon formula. Try this at the library before committing to a purchase.
Split Fiction. Mar. 2025. Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts. Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S. $49.99.
Rated T–Hazelight Studios has established itself as a leader in co-op gaming with titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two. In this, two writers—Mio, an angry sci-fi author, and Zoe, a carefree fantasy scribe—are lured into a machine designed to harvest their creativity for an evil publisher. In each section, the protagonists wield distinct powers. One moment, players are sci-fi assassins dangling from a flying car; the next, they inhabit anthropomorphic teeth in a candy land. It takes quite a bit of playtime before the two characters stop fighting and become friends, and over the course of their emotional journey, varied gameplay mechanics are thoroughly and thoughtfully explored without overstaying their welcome. The final levels are some of the most stunning and inventive ever produced, and the voice acting is top-notch. Many accessibility options are available to ensure players reach the end of this fantastic journey, though it should be noted that the studio’s signature humor can sometimes dip into sadistic territories, such as using the accidental death of innocent NPCs as a punchline. Note that this title must be played with two players, either via couch co-op or online. VERDICT Pure co-op games are rare, and the quality here is leagues ahead of the competition. Players looking to enjoy a game with a friend cannot do better than this. A must-have.
Chance Lee Joyner, Tyngsborough P.L., MA
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