Author: Vincent Mahoney

Vincent is a game reviewer, graphic designer, illustrator and insurance agent: He wears many hats, but none of them properly cover his bald spot. His long-term goal is to publish a comic of the story he and his wife created together. He grew up playing action-platform games such as Super Mario, Metroid, Mega Man, Contra and Castlevania, but discovered his love for RPGs through Super Mario RPG and Final Fantasy VI, then embarking upon a quest to play every RPG he possibly can. At over 200 RPGs and counting the quest is not going so well, and there are buster swords, giant cats, eight virtues and personae appearing to him in his sleep. Please send help.

The Once and Future Grimdark: Tainted Grail Reviewed

Tense combat, haunting Arthurian myth and meaningful choices make Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon a must-play for fans of bleak fantasy and Elder Scrolls-style exploration. And yes, you can also turn your enemies into cheese.

Save State Takes the Switch 2 Supersonic With Fast Fusion

The Switch 2 is here and so is another anti-gravity racer launch title. This week Save State’s Vincent Mahoney drifts, boosts and barrel-rolls his way through Fast Fusion, a spiritual successor to F-Zero GX. Some things never go out of style, especially if they hover.

Lime Green and Loaded: Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Packs Power and Precision

With responsive TMR sticks, analog-digital trigger locks, a full suite of mappable buttons and a gyro that finally competes with the big names, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless controller is a $60 powerhouse that more than earns its name.

Mario Kart World Delivers Big on Fun, Freedom and Full Throttle Chaos

From soaring off power lines to exploring a massive, collectible-filled land, Mario Kart World brings bold new ideas to the track. With inventive courses, a knockout new mode and an unforgettable soundtrack, this Switch 2 launch title isn’t just racing forward, it’s redefining the ride.

Making Sweet Treats for a Steampunk World in Chocolate Factory Simulator

Dripping with steampunk aesthetics, Chocolate Factory Simulator offers players who love sims a real treat as they work to create the most delicious sweets. Armed with a pestle, mortar and a loyal robot, players will need to please a long list of highly discerning customers.

Save State: Pokemon Scarlet, Violet and the Switch 2 Redemption Arc No One Saw Coming

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet made Save State Columnist Vincent Mahoney motion sick back in 2022. Now? They might be the best games in the series. Thanks, Switch 2. Save State dives into the comeback that nobody expected.

Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Loved Before, Massively Leveled Up

Beneath its somewhat familiar look, the Switch 2 packs a serious punch. It’s got a larger screen, vastly improved controllers and backwards compatibility with nearly every title from the original Switch, all of which run with increased framerates and performance.

Managing a Mega Mall in Mall Manager Simulator

Mall Manager Simulator is a management sim that challenges players to take control of a mostly empty shopping center and transform it into a hugely popular and profitable destination mall that will bring in happy customers from miles around.

Save State Enrolls in The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

As possibly one of the most ambitious visual novels ever created, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy packs in over 150 hours of gameplay, multiple endings and even strategic combat. This week Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney is enjoying its campus.

Conquest Dark Puts the Action in Action RPG

Built very much like Vampire Survivors but with a very interesting and powerful bleed mechanic and precise dodging action, Conquest Dark is a title that puts players in complete control of a crazy amount of carnage that literally explodes off the screen.