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Articles by Eric Watson
Fields of Mistria Review
Developer: NPC Studio Available on: Steam PC Ten years ago, Stardew Valley was an inflection point for an entire genre. An engrossing, deeply engaging, but also completely accessible farm sim that celebrated everything about the genre, while also moving it forward into a new generation. And, in many ways, Fields of Mistria is even better.
Splatoon Raiders Review
Developer: Nintendo Available on: Switch 2 Splatoon was a novel concept when it launched back on the Wii U in 2015: Nintendo’s answer to competitive shooters by way of stylized paintball matches. The successful blend of cartoon punk aesthetic, vibrant colors, and a solid shooter foundation led to the birth of a new Nintendo franchise that has spawned multiple best-selling sequels, esports tournaments, and merchandise.
Culdcept Begins Review
Developer: Neos Corporation Available on: PC, Switch, Switch 2 Played on: Switch 2 Remember Monopoly? That cynical board game about capitalism that takes forever and your dad always beat you while laughing about it and nearly turned you off board games altogether? Not to mention its endless cycle of collectible licensed versions that people gift each other and never, ever actually play. That Monopoly?
Aniimo closed beta early preview: Genshin meets Pokémon (with a little Palworld)
As a long-time fan of creature collectors (and occasional player of free-to-play gacha games), I’ve had my eyes on Aniimo ever since it was first announced. While we still don’t have a firm release date, I had a chance to play the most recent closed beta on PC, and came away mostly impressed.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 Review
Developer: Frontier Developments Available on: PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S Played on: Steam PC As a diehard dino fan and sucker for all things Jurassic-branded, I fell in love with the original Jurassic World Evolution in 2018. The park management sim was a worthy successor to Operation Genesis, but I then bounced pretty hard off of the sequel.
Voidling Bound Review
Developer: Hatchery Games Publisher: Hatchery Games Available on: PC (Steam, Epic) Played on: Steam PC Most creature collectors follow the same basic formula: collect ’em all, level ’em up, and use ’em to battle in tactical, turn-based battles. Voidling Bound, however, is a third-person shooter that happens to use cool alien creatures in place of exotic weapons, loadouts, and playstyles — and it almost works.
Everything is Crab Review
Available on: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) Everything is Crab is the latest evolution of action roguelikes, where the goal is simply surviving to the end of each progressively challenging run. But instead of collecting weapons and powerups, we’ll be evolving and physically transforming our cute little blob-guy into an awesomely efficient, or hilariously ridiculous, mutant monster.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Early Access Review
Platform: PC (Steam Early Access) Developer: Unfrozen Publisher: Hooded Horse In my nearly 40 years of gaming, if I had to pick a top 10 all-time list, Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (1999) would be among the top half, easily. The HoMM series began as a tactical spinoff of the Might and Magic RPGs in the mid 90s, but quickly became a compelling series on its own.
Eric Watson Closes Campaign with Strong Momentum, Calls for Change in District 88
Eric Watson closes strong in District 88, building grassroots momentum and urging voters to demand change and new leadership on May 5. This campaign was built by the people, for the people, and now it is time to finish the job.
Pokémon Pokopia Review
Available on: Switch 2 Played on: Switch 2 I’m very particular about the life sim and crafting genres, which is to say, I’m not normally a big fan. Daily timers stress me out, inventory management gets tedious, and I’m terrible at designing buildings and advanced infrastructure. Leave it to a Pokémon game to solve many of my genre woes.
Two Point Museum: Zooseum Review
Zooseum is the second DLC expansion to last year’s excellent management sim, Two Point Museum. As with the previous DLC, Zooseum adds an all-new Zoo theme: wildlife! The DLC adds new expert types, new rooms, a new expedition map, and lots and lots of funny animals to find, house, and breed. The wildlife animals are a welcome addition thanks to Two Point Museum’s intuitive and well-designed management tools, and mostly stress-free animals.
Dorfromantik: The Board Game Review
Publisher: Pegasus Spiele Age: 8+ Players: 1 – 6 players MSRP: $49.99 Dorfromantik was such a delightful little tile-laying puzzle game that we declared it one of the best video games of 2021. Given its direct inspiration from tile-laying board game such as Carcassonne, it came as no surprise when Dorfromantik was adapted into an actual tile-laying board game. It even won the coveted Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2023.
Major Sunderfolk 2.0 update is coming in March, adding online multiplayer
Sunderfolk was one of our favorite co-op games of 2025, but it did have one major drawback: local multiplayer only! That’s about to change when Sunderfolk 2.0 releases on March 10, adding online multiplayer, as well as a new game mode, and a new hero. Sunderfolk is a turn-based, tactical-RPG, like if D&D was only about the combat, with some fun town interactions and dialogue.
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Wishblossom Ranch Review
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Played on: PC I’ve never been much of a horse person. Whether riding around as Link or in Red Dead Redemption, horses serve a useful function, and not much more. Leave it to Dreamlight Valley to make me care for my horses and level them up to take advantage of their enhanced abilities.
The best digital game sales right now on PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox
We know the holidays just ended and our wallets are whimpering — but it’s still a great time to pick up more games! Every major digital gaming platform is hosting a huge sale, with some games up to 75% or even 90% off. Many excellent games that released earlier this year, such as Split Fiction, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows are discounted at 30%-50% off, for you savvy patient gamers out there.
Limited-time Genshin Impact x Duolingo event doles out in-game rewards for completing lessons
Popular language learning app Duolingo has teamed up with free-to-play gacha RPG Genshin Impact for a rewarding collaboration. For a limited time this month, Duolingo users can complete a 3-Day Streak Quest to earn exclusive rewards in Genshin Impact. Paimon, the cutesy companion from Genshin, is helping Duo the owl with some fun incentives and rewards with the Genshin Impact Quest, from December 8 through December 27.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds portals onto Switch 2, including discounted Upgrade Pack
Sega has released Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 Edition is available on the Nintendo eShop for $69.99 (physical edition coming early 2026). Owners of the Switch 1 version can purchase the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for $5 with a special 50% off deal through Dec. 12 (normally $10). Like most Switch 2 editions, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features upgraded resolution and improved frame rates.
Two Point Museum celebrates Zooseum DLC launch with free update and charity fundraising
Two Point Studios have released new DLC, Zooseum for management sim, Two Point Museum. Zooseum is available now on PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation, and Xbox (Switch 2 DLC coming in 2026). Zooseum officially adds non-fossilized animals to the museum sim. The DLC offers an all-new museum location, Silverbottom Park, with its own five-star campaign progression. Animals can be found at the new expedition map, Farflung Isles, which require new Wildlife Experts to explore.
Pixelkin 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Gaming Families
Welcome to our Gaming Holiday Gift Guide for 2025, where we recommend the best new games (digital and board!) for gamers of all ages. This year’s dominating moment was the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June. The highly anticipated console instantly became the best-selling Nintendo console of all time, and Nintendo has been at this quite awhile.
10 Quick Tips for Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a flawed yet fascinating Pokémon entry that upends the usual formula with real-time battles and an all-urban setting (read our review). Whether it’s your first Pokémon game or your 20th, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to open-world activities, exploration, Mega Evolution, and an active day/night cycle. Here are some quick tips to help carry you through the early hours of Pokémon Legends: Z-A! Look, I get it. There’s a shiny item over there. There’s a ladder here.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Review
Available on: Switch, Switch 2 Played on: Switch 2 In 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus shook up the standard Pokémon formula by flirting with open-world zones, free-roaming Pokémon, out-of-combat catching, and further exploring a region from the series’ past. Pokémon Legends: Z-A shakes things up once again by taking place entirely in a single, open-world city, but more importantly, shifting to real-time combat.
Dungeon defense co-op board game is coming to PC and Switch
Brueh Games and YarnCat Games have announced digital board game adaptation Keep the Heroes Out will release on December 9 on Steam PC and Switch. Keep the Heroes Out is a twist on the co-op dungeon crawling formula, where players play as monstrous denizens defending their home against the invading heroes. The board game launched in 2022, and I was among the original Kickstarter backers. It’s a delightful co-op game that plays well with kids and adults.
Games for Change Student Challenge submissions now open for ages 10-25
Nonprofit gaming organization Games for Change has announced the start of their annual game design program, Games for Change Student Challenge. The Student Challenge is open for all students and educators ages 10-25 to create digital games inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Two grand-prize winners will receive $20,000 in scholarships. Winners and finalists will be celebrated at the Student Challenge Awards on May 28, 2026.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons getting Switch 2 edition, plus free content
Nintendo announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on January 15, 2026 ($64.99). Players who already own New Horizons on the Switch can purchase the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack ($4.99). The Switch 2 version adds improved resolution, including 4K in docked TV mode.
Expert Consumers awards Qustodio best parental control app of the year
Consumer tech website, ExpertConsumers.org, has awarded parental control app Qustodio as the best parenting app of 2025. The detailed report comes from product testing, and comparing the app across common parental apps, Google Family Link and Apple Screen Time. [Qustodio] is built for families juggling multiple kids, multiple devices, and a digital world that rarely pauses.
Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny Review
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S Played on: PlayStation 5 I’ve officially reached the age where I no longer recognize most of the Nickelodeon cartoons and characters. But my kids definitely do! Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny brings together over half a dozen Nickelodeon characters for a surprisingly deep, co-op action-RPG that borrows as much from Diablo as it does SpongeBob.
Borderlands 4 Co-op Review
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S Played on: PlayStation 5 My spouse and I have a long history of playing the Borderlands series together via split-screen couch co-op. We’ve traversed Pandora and beyond, blasted hundreds of bandits, and laughed at the humorous world and memorable characters. Borderlands 4 represents a major jetpack-leap forward, taking players to the all-new planet of Kairos.
HUGE Disney Dreamlight Valley 2025 Showcase reveals Wishblossom Ranch details, and 2026 road map
This week Gameloft hosted a 2025 Showcase event for ongoing life sim, Disney Dreamlight Valley. The Disney Dreamlight Valley 2025 Showcase confirmed the final free update for 2025 with Cinderella, revealed a ton of details surrounding next month’s big expansion, Wishblossom Ranch, and teased the next free content updates arriving through the first half of next year. Whew! First, the free stuff.
Nature Board Game Review
Digital version: Steam PC Release Date: Nov. 5 Nature is the recently redesigned version of 2014’s breakout tabletop game, Evolution, where players guide new species by selecting trait cards, growing their size, and keeping them fed to score points. Over a decade later, NorthStar Game Studio and designer Dominic Crapuchettes have streamlined the strategy game with a faster play time, better rules, and a tighter balance.
Slime Rancher 2 Review
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S Played on: PlayStation 5 The original Slime Rancher defied conventional first-person gameplay by arming players with a vacuum-gun in a world of cute and (mostly) harmless slime creatures. The long-awaited sequel naturally goes bigger: a larger world, more slimes, a bigger ranch, more upgrades, and lots of decorating. But, bigger isn’t necessarily better.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds warps onto PC and consoles
Sonic Team and Sega have released arcade racing game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. A digital Switch 2 version is coming this holiday season, with a physical Switch 2 release dropping early next year. CrossWorlds is a kart racing game, similar to Mario Kart and Disney Speedstorm, and a successor to 2019’s Team Sonic Racing. CrossWorlds’ signature new feature are Travel Rings.
Anime life sim Starsand Island gets a release date, and a free demo
During the annual Tokyo Game Show, Chinese developer Seed Lab revealed a new trailer for upcoming life sim, Starsand Island, along with a release date. Starsand Island will release on Steam PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 1, 2026. But we won’t have to wait that long to jump into this gorgeous game. While Kickstarter backers are invited to the exclusive closed alpha test, a wider free demo will arrive ahead of the Steam Next Fest.
The King is Watching Review
Available on: Steam PC Played on: Steam PC I’ve played roguelike indie platformers, action-RPGs, and card battlers, but I’ve never seen a roguelike base builder like The King is Watching. By utilizing the unique King’s Gaze gimmick, The King is Watching transforms a base building strategy game into a tense, tightly focused roguelike experience.
All the big Switch 2 game releases coming this Fall
The Nintendo Switch 2 released last June, and became the fastest-selling console of all time. Early adopters have been enjoying Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and several high-quality ports, including Cyberpunk 2077. But the year’s not over, and we’re only just now approaching the glutenous fall release schedule — including plenty of exciting games for the Switch 2. Here are the biggest game releases to watch for if you own a Switch 2 — or plan on getting one.
Co-op looter shooter Borderlands 4 lands on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
Gearbox Software and 2K have released highly anticipated co-op shooter Borderlands 4 on PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The Switch 2 version is dropping on October 3. Also, hot dang is the new cinematic trailer all kinds of awesome! Borderlands 4 takes players to the new planet of Kairos. For a series first, the planet is an open world with multiple regions, factions, villains, and fan-favorite returning characters.
Play Acclaim Showcase reveals new retro-inspired indie games from the revived publisher
The PlayAcclaim Showcase kicked off the old publisher’s resurrection tour by revealing over half a dozen new indie games. Weird to think that a whole generation of gamers won’t even recognize the publisher! Acclaim was one of the biggest video game publishers of the late 80s and early 90s, mostly known for arcade games like Mortal Kombat, and sports games. The company filed for bankruptcy back in 2004.
Titan Quest 2 Early Access Review
It’s the 2000s, I’m in my late teens and 20s, and Diablo clones are all the rage. Diablo 2 was a genre-defining masterpiece when it launched at the end of 1999, and few action-RPGs could match its excellence in gameplay, world-building, music, and art design. In 2006, Titan Quest came darn close.
Shujinkou, the JRPG that helps teach you Japanese, is launching on Switch
Rice Games are bringing their language-learning JRPG, Shujinkou, which helps teach players Japanese, to Nintendo Switch. Shujinkou will release on October 2nd on the Nintendo eShop. Unlike the previously released PC and PlayStation versions, the Switch version is being split into two halves, the Genya Arc, and the Sabaku Arc. Both halves are available for 50% of the normal cost ($29.99 for Genya, $24.99 for Sabaku), in hopes that more people will try the first half for less upfront cost.
First-ever international Student Games Festival still open for submissions
The Kultura Interaktywna Foundation have launched the first-ever Student Games Festival as part of the International Game Development Schools Network (IGDSN). The festival invites student game developers from around the world to submit their projects, earn awards, and travel to Warsaw, Poland for the full event. The submission deadline is right around the corner: August 31.
The Knightling looks like Breath of the Wild meets Captain America
Saber interactive and indie studio Twirlbound have released The Knightling, an open-world action-adventure starring a junior knight with a big shield. It’s available now on Steam PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The Knightling is set in the colorful fantasy kingdom of Clesseia. When the brave and powerful knight Sir Lionstone goes missing, it’s up to his much smaller (but no less brave!) squire to find him.
Disney Villainous Unstoppable Review
Publisher: Ravensburger Age: 7+ Players: 2 – 4 players MSRP: $29.99 Since its initial release in 2018, Disney Villainous has been a popular board game with years worth of expansions. The series pits iconic Disney villains against each other, with asymmetrical victory conditions, decks of cards, and player boards.
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight features an open world Gotham City
If there’s one type of game that’s consistently great for gaming families, it’s LEGO games. Warner Bros. Games, TT Games, DC, and the LEGO Group announced LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a new LEGO video game coming to PC and consoles in 2026. Legacy of the Dark Knight is going all-in on the Bat-verse, exploring decades of comics, television, and films, while retaining the trademark humor of LEGO.
Nintendo partners with Scholastic Esports to bring Mario Kart, Smash, and Splatoon to school tournaments
Nintendo recently announced a partnership with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA), a group that includes several nationwide organizations that support K-12 scholastic gaming programs. The partnership brings Nintendo games for school-organized tournaments. Specifically, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 3 are now available for school tournaments and events for grades 4-12, across 23 states.
Endless Legend 2 Demo Preview: Already Legendary
I’ve been playing the limited preview demo for Endless Legend 2, and have fallen in love. As a 4x aficionado, Endless Legend 2 is shaping up to be an all-time classic, and it’s not even out yet. Amplitude Studios recently delayed the Early Access launch of 4x strategy game, Endless Legend 2, to September. As recompense, the developer dropped a surprise demo on Steam. The catch? The demo only features a fraction of the content, and it’s only available through August 18.
InZOI Early Access expanding to PS5, reveals free island DLC
Ambitious life sim inZOI is coming to consoles, though not for awhile. Krafton and inZOI Studio have confirmed that the life sim will launch on PlayStation 5 in the first half of 2026, meaning we could still be a year away. The PS5 version will feature optimized controls and performance, and all the features of the PC version. The sim is also getting a big free expansion with Island Getaway.
Joy and Sadness are arriving with Disney Dreamlight Valley Inside Out Update
As teased in the previous 2025 roadmap, the next Disney IP to arrive in life sim Disney Dreamlight Valley is Inside Out. The Emotional Rescue update will arrive on August 20, adding two new villagers, a new Realm, and a new Star Path. [Update 8/15/25: Developer video] The new Inside Out Realm puts players inside the mind of Riley. As a new Mind Worker, you’ll work with Joy and Sadness to repair the Emotional Control Console.
Homeschooling families can now get a free subscription for Lingokids (ages 2-8)
Lingokids, the most popular interactive learning app for ages 2-8, has announced its official inclusion as a homeschooling program in 15 states. That means homeschooling families can unlock the Lingokids Plus subscription (normally $74.99/year) for free through their state grant program.
Disney Dreamlight Valley Expansion Review: Rift in Time Vs. Storybook Vale
With the release of Storybook Vale Part 2, the second major expansion for Disney Dreamlight Valley is officially complete — and it’s time for a full review! While the base game offers an ever-expanding amount of content, the two expansion packs add even more: more characters, new tools, big regions, and new crafting and decorating opportunities. They’re all also quite pricey, with a base cost of $29.99.
Mario Kart World Review
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 Kart racing is one of Mario’s oldest and most successful ventures, older even than partying. With Wii U’s Mario Kart 8 ported onto the Switch as the uber-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart World is the first truly new entry in the series in over a decade, and a critical launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
After three years of early access, Slime Rancher 2 gets a full release this fall
Three years after releasing Slime Rancher 2 on early access, developer Monomi Park finally has a release date for the full launch. Slime Rancher 2 will fully release on September 23 on PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series x/S. Fun fact: September 23 is almost the exact date the game first launched in Early Access (Sept 22), all the way back in 2022. Slime Rancher 2 has received numerous content updates over the years, and the 1.0 release is no different.
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