I’ve always loved getting lost in exciting worlds and stories in games. From the mystery of Metroid to the adventures in the Zelda series, each game offers something special. I’ll share my thoughts on some great games I’ve played recently—old classics like Metroid Zero Mission and A Link to the Past, as well as the latest Zelda and Metroid games. I’ll talk about what makes them fun, their unique features, and what I’ve learned from playing them.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
This is my first time playing and enjoying the Mario & Luigi franchise, and it’s one of the earliest entries in the series. I used to assume that most GBA-era games had simple plots and gameplay, but this one proved me wrong. The story is told in a very engaging way, with so much happening throughout the game. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s not too simple either, making it enjoyable for everyone.
The game can take up to 40 hours to beat, especially if you’re not well-prepared on your first playthrough.
As for the gameplay, I love the variety of Bros. attack combos—some of which are ridiculously hard to pull off. Or maybe I’m just bad at them! The final bosses and dungeons, in particular, were insanely tough (and yes, ridiculous again).
Overall, this is a great game. Since I don’t have nostalgia clouding my judgment, I can confidently say it holds up really well. There are sequels and expansions, but since I don’t have a 3DS and I’m not a fan of emulation, I’ll just wait and hope for a remaster or remake in the future.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Last year, I got deeply immersed in the greatness of Pikmin 4, especially the first half. I thought, "This type of game is so enjoyable, I need to play more!" That’s when I decided to try Pikmin 3 Deluxe, the ultimate version of the game.
Compared to Pikmin 4, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is much shorter and unfolds seamlessly throughout its world, without a central hub. It offers a smooth, enjoyable experience. Due to its shorter length, many players replay it multiple times with different strategies, but I didn’t go that route. Maybe it’s because Pikmin 4 still holds a special place in my heart, so I need a little more time before I dive back into Pikmin 3.
Still, it’s a very cute game with a wonderfully charming atmosphere.
Pikmin 4 (second half)
This is my review of the final two areas of the game. What can I say about this experience? What a fantastic and massive game, all for just $60! The main gameplay alone takes at least 25–30 hours to complete, and there’s an expansion and a post-game section that adds another 10+ hours, which is amazing value.
One of the most memorable moments for me was needing to gather 100 Purple Pikmin to lift a gold bar—without relying on Oatchi. To do that, you first need the Purple Onion, which is only obtainable by completing the trial in the post-game.
The final boss, the legendary dog (LOL, I forgot his name), was phenomenal! You have to use every type of Pikmin and all the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the game to defeat him.
I really hope we don’t have to wait another 10 years for the next Pikmin entry. Hopefully, the wait will be much shorter this time!
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
People often recommend starting the Xenoblade Chronicles series with the first game, but unfortunately, I didn’t hear that advice in time. So here I am, diving into the third game as my first experience with the trilogy.
Let’s talk about the narrative and storyline. To be honest, the story is still quite linear—but I think that’s how it should be. Side quests can be tackled whenever, but the main quest sticks to a strict order. The storyline is incredibly deep and, honestly, pretty depressing. By the end, it feels like everything and everyone in the world is just... done.
In terms of gameplay, this is easily one of the most complex games I’ve ever played. There’s a ton of mechanics introduced, and I’ll admit, I relied heavily on the auto-build button. I mean, why not? Even by the end, I still didn’t have a solid understanding of how to properly build characters or collect the right gear to take on the overpowered post-game monsters.
Graphically, I’ve played a bit of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and it was way too blurry for my eyes. Thankfully, the third installment is so much clearer. The world is absolutely stunning, with tons of detail in the environment.
And then there’s the OST—pure perfection. For the first time, I felt compelled to buy all three albums on iTunes because they weren’t available on Spotify. Nintendo music is its own thing now, but it’s still far from meeting the demand for soundtracks like these.
Ship of fools
This is one of the few roguelite games I’ve played this year, and it’s... fine. The core idea—stripping away your goods and powers to ramp up the challenge—isn’t exactly my favorite, but it works. That said, the game feels pretty limited with only three zones to explore. Every time you successfully complete a run, you unlock harder enemies or more restrictions (seriously, WTH?). It feels like the game punishes you for succeeding, which can be frustrating. On top of that, it’s quite overpriced for what it offers. I’d only recommend picking it up at a steep discount, like 50% off—or better yet, 80% off.
Persona 3 Reload
People went wild when Persona 3 was announced as a remake with better graphics. First of all, let me just say—this is a very slow-paced game. You’re looking at spending 100–150 hours to fully complete and enjoy the story. Unfortunately, I found the gameplay quite repetitive. Maybe it’s just not for me?
The difficulty was also a letdown—it was so easy that I didn’t feel challenged, which made it hard for me to stay invested.
I played it on PC via Game Pass, and I think that’s one of the main reasons I couldn’t finish it. First, there are so many games on Game Pass, and the sheer variety became a huge distraction. Second, the slow pacing of Persona 3 feels like it would be much better suited for a portable gaming device, like a Steam Deck or a Switch. Since it’s not on the Switch and I don’t own a Steam Deck either, I had to put this game on hold. But I’m definitely planning to grab it for the Switch 2 next year. Just imagining playing this game while lying in bed sounds like a much better experience.
One more thing that I forgot to mention, the music in this remake is so refreshing, there's some more people don't play the game, but they seem to play the soundtrack a lot. And me too, from the battle music to the background music is so fit in.
Little Kitty Big City
So, you might think I’m all about portable gaming and not into playing on PC—but not really! This little gem is an absolute must-play for all cozy game fans. Ever wanted to be a stray cat on a journey to find your way back home? Sounds familiar, right? Well, this is like Stray—but better. You play as a cat in an open city, and yes, the word open is spot on. You can do almost anything in this city—explore, watch people’s activities, or even pick a fight with them if you feel like it. The game’s progression is well done, too. You’ll need to build up your strength and health to climb higher and get closer to reuniting with your owner. And here’s the twist—once you make it back, that’s when the real game begins.
Paper Mario: The thousand year door
When I say I’m not blinded by nostalgia, I mean it. I never had the chance to play Nintendo games back in the day. A Nintendo GameCube was far too expensive for most Vietnamese families at the time, and it wasn’t very popular since that era was dominated by the PlayStation 2.
Now, I finally have the chance to experience the greatness of one of the best Mario RPGs ever created: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. I still remember the days I started playing the game on an emulator. Then, just a few days later, during the Nintendo Direct in September 2023, they announced a remake—with incredible graphics and refined character models and animations. There’s been some debate about the remake being locked at 30fps, and while that’s a valid concern, it didn’t stop me from diving into the game. The RPG mechanics are relatively simple, but they don’t feel outdated. Even after experiencing something as complex as Xenoblade Chronicles 3, this game still felt fresh and enjoyable. Turn-based combat like this never gets old.
Of course, we can’t talk about this game without mentioning the story and how it’s told. Each chapter feels unique, with just a touch of backtracking that’s never too frustrating. Who would have thought that a seemingly insignificant old man yapping at a bar would turn out to be one of the most important and memorable characters in a later chapter? And how about that chapter where you’re thrown into a wrestling ring and have to uncover the dirty tricks behind the scenes? Or the moments when, even after winning battles, the villain’s plans still manage to overshadow your victories?
Then there’s the final battle—a moment where every person you’ve saved along the way comes together to cheer you on. It’s these details that make the game unforgettable. All of this combined makes The Thousand-Year Door one of the best games I’ve played this year.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
I’ve played so many Zelda games, from 2D to 3D, but there’s always been one I hadn’t touched—until now. I never got the chance to play A Link to the Past, even though it’s a classic and often regarded as one of the best. And let me tell you, it really sets a high bar, especially before trying other fan-favorites like A Link Between Worlds or even games like Echoes of Wisdom.
So, what makes A Link to the Past better than A Link Between Worlds? For me, it’s the dungeon and item progression. The linear structure gives it a more Metroidvania-like feel, where progression is tied to exploration and acquiring key items in a specific order. This has been a point of contention between developers and gamers—some prefer the freedom to tackle challenges in any order, while others, like me, appreciate a more structured approach.
I’m open to both styles, though. I believe it’s important to embrace new ideas while providing constructive feedback to make games even better for everyone. That said, not everything in A Link to the Past is perfect. One glaring example is the Dark Palace dungeon—easily one of the worst in the entire franchise. The ridiculous amount of backtracking and confusing layout frustrated me, even on my third playthrough. Another issue I faced was the lack of direct guidance. For example, I completely missed grabbing the Silver Arrows because no one explicitly pointed out that I needed to get them from the Fairy Fountain. Why would I think to go there if I wasn’t told?
Despite these frustrations, the game shines in so many other areas. The pixel art has aged beautifully—it still looks fantastic even now. And the overall design and story make it clear why this is considered one of the most important games of all time, and it's right for music and melody too. It’s truly a great experience, and now I understand why A Link to the Past holds such a legendary status in gaming history.
Metroid Zero Mission
Metroid is undeniably one of the most important franchises of all time. Its name is not just iconic but has also become synonymous with an entire genre—Metroidvania. Before diving into Metroid, I had played a bit of Hollow Knight and the Ori series, but this was the first time I truly understood what defines a Metroid-like game.
With Hollow Knight, I often felt lost because there were no quests or clear markers guiding me forward. But in Metroid Zero Mission, the first half gives you direction, pointing out where to go next, and then gradually eases you into exploration on your own in the second half. This balance is brilliant, especially for someone new to the genre.
One of the most enjoyable aspects is Samus’s suit and equipment. The more I played and unlocked, the more satisfying the progression became. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how each new upgrade transforms the gameplay. As a remake of the NES original, Zero Mission refines the experience with stunning pixel art and an amazing soundtrack that pays homage to the classic.
The game is admittedly short, but Metroid has always been about fast-paced gameplay combined with a dark, atmospheric vibe. It challenges you with tough enemies and encourages replayability, as each run unlocks new skills and lets you push for better completion. I’m also about to finish Metroid Fusion, and after that, tackle what’s considered one of the hardest entries in the series—Metroid Dread.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Now, onto the surprise of the year from the Zelda team—a new game starring Zelda herself as the main protagonist! Nobody saw this coming. In this game, Zelda takes the lead to save her kingdom, her father, and the hero who gave her a chance she didn’t even know she had.
The story is incredibly engaging—not as simple as recent Zelda titles—and the world evolves as you progress. Despite the open-ended structure, the game allows for a lot of freedom in how you play. One of the highlights is the return of classic dungeon designs, which feel both fresh and nostalgic.
Although this game wasn’t developed by the main Zelda team, Grezzo has done an excellent job. The gameplay beautifully blends side-scrolling and top-down perspectives, combining old and new elements that have defined Zelda since its inception. Add in a gorgeous soundtrack and monster-collecting mechanics (a bit of a Pokémon vibe, right?), and the experience is absolutely fantastic.
While I still prefer the sword-and-shield combat of traditional Zelda games, the monster-collecting mechanic is fun and has a lot of potential for refinement in future titles. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Zelda in 2D.
It’s been an incredible year of gaming on my Nintendo Switch and PC, filled with so much fun—and also with a few gems I missed along the way. Honestly, I don’t feel quite as comfortable playing games on my PC; I prefer the experience of gaming on a portable system like the Steam Deck or Switch.
Looking ahead to next year, there are a few games I’m excited to dive into, including Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth, Persona 3 Reload, Metaphore, and Baldur’s Gate 3. I’m also looking forward to other titles that will be perfect for the Nintendo Switch successor. 2025 promises to be another great year for gaming, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. There have already been some announcements, but I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises and shadow drops along the way.
So, please join me, and here’s wishing you an amazing ride together!
