The potential was there for Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom to be a big improvement over its already solid predecessor, but instead of focusing on one new thing and doing that well, it doesn’t keep anything that worked and gives us several modes that could’ve been great but all have major issues. It’s not a bad game, but certainly not on par with the original and does little well enough to make it stand out in a pretty big sea of PS4 RPGs.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered has some noticeable graphical improvements, but not enough to overshadow the gameplay flaws of the original. At $30, the game is only really worth it for hardcore fans.

Attack on Titan 2 does a great job as a game adaptation despite a few minor flaws and should be played by fans of the franchise. Though the flow of Attack on Titan 2 may be a bit repetitive, the game never ceases to be action-packed and often feels like a fighter pilot shootout.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is an enjoyable revisit to one of the best arcade-style racers of the era. For PS4 owners who may have missed out or want to go back to Paradise City, this is the package for you.

While Yakuza 6 takes a small step backward in its combat, sidequest content and presentation, its attention to detail with its engrossing, dynamic story paired with its near-infinite replayability makes this a thoroughly enjoyable, if only slightly disappointing, chapter of Kazuma Kiryu's life.

The PC version is undoubtedly the best way to play the game, even if it does come stuck with Denuvo. But great graphics options and optimization for mid-tier and up PCs will keep it relevant in the PC community for years to come.

The Sims Mobile satisfies almost everything a Sims fan could want from a smaller, portable counterpart. Considerable customization options will please designers who don’t mind a slow but steady unlock progression. The rest of us will be more than content with storylines to direct gameplay flow and convenient pacing options for both hands-off players and micromanagers.

Frantics is a novelty by virtue of Sony’s continued exploration of how phones can be used as controllers on a console, and I was impressed with how well that tech worked, but that’s mostly where my interest ended. Frustrating tutorials and a lack of options made a small set of already middling minigames a chore to get through, even with friends involved.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an extremely immersive and ambitious open-world medieval RPG unlike any we’ve ever seen. But its attempts to remain engaging are ruined by a plethora of technical issues and an overall lack of polish.

This is a game poorly planned and executed by Konami, and unfortunately, could be the final nail in the coffin for longtime fans of the Metal Gear franchise.

Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus offers a fun twist on a classic gaming formula along with some great two-player action on the go or on the big screen, it just seems oddly rigid in how it lets you play.

The writing is exquisite and reflects the joyful diversity of both writers and characters, blending the lines of history and fable to great effect. But the technical framework supporting the discovery of these tales is shaky, with some mechanics simply frustrating and others downright broken. Keep a very, very close eye on this game to pick up after a patch.

I'd only recommend purchasing Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia to fans who already adore the world and just want to see more of their favorite characters. Otherwise, this game might feel a little lacking in substance.

Secret of Mana’s remake lacks polish, but not power. The innovative-for-its-time combat is still fun and variable today, and its charming characters and precise pacing carry the story through the mechanically awkward moments. It may not be worth a revisit as a veteran, but those who have never played Secret of Mana should consider this a ripe opportunity.

While PayDay 2 certainly needs a touch of polish and a bit more love given to it, OVERKILL has a solid game on their hands. If they give the Nintendo Switch version the continued support they gave the previously-released versions of the game, I see a great, and beautiful future ahead.

Alto's Odyssey is a great sequel to a great game that introduces new ways to pass through spectacularly designed levels. It's the perfect game to unwind after a long day with a great soundtrack, sound effects, and a feeling that you're traveling through a new and exotic world every time you play.

Dragon Quest Builders is a charming game that is great on the go and provides a satisfying loop but is burdened by absolutely terrible combat mechanics.

Through both visual and auditory queues, Zoink Games had their work cut out for them by making a wordless, interactive story play out as a 3D platformer using atmospheric presence to tell a tale. But with very, very few exceptions, they pull this off with near-perfect artistic grace.

Dynasty Warriors 9 still retains the fun factor of its predecessors but has not built upon them. The inclusion of the open world and 90 playable characters does not add as much value as it should but does only a little to take away from the experience. If you are a fan of the franchise, you will enjoy this game despite its limitations and glitches.

Owlboy has a lot of charm but suffers from a convoluted control scheme and some serious game-crashing bugs. The best way to play it is still on the PC, even though the Nintendo Switch seemed like it would be the most ideal place to play it.

The Longest Five Minutes embraces bits of the best and worst of old-school RPG nostalgia at times, then kicks them all to the curb with its own twist. RPG fans will find it worth playing for the superb music, adorable sprites, and the enjoyably unusual structure of the tale as a whole.

Despite its nostalgic appeal, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT still has a long way to go before it can stand with other recently-released fighting titles. With a little love, a little bit of fixing and something to compensate for the game’s lag issues, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT has the potential to be a great experience.

Opera Omnia is a polished, functional, Final Fantasy version of the style of RPG we see all over the App Store and Google Play nowadays. Don't expect any brilliance from its plot or any Dissidia-related fighting elements. If your love of Final Fantasy spans multiple games and you're happy with a passable RPG full of cameos, Opera Omnia will serve well enough.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is the pinnacle of Dragon Ball games, landing as powerfully as a Goku’s Spirit Bomb.

Genital Jousting is fun for a time–good for some laughs, good for a silly time with friends, and good for a long, hard think about how we represent masculinity and male genitalia. Its deserted online play and short story aren’t markers of something with long-lasting appeal.

Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory will trigger plenty of fond memories of the franchise. Unfortunately, the game does not pack enough of its own punch to make them lasting.

Bluepoint Games’ remake loses some visual style when compared to the original, but its revamped controls and incredible attention to detail are more than enough to make up for it. The new release manages to keep the heart and soul of the franchise while making it more accessible than ever.

Nantucket attempts to provide an immersive experience for players, complete with a flawless soundtrack, difficult and strategic mechanics and an interesting story based on your own decisions. However, it suffers due to the repetitive and somewhat tedious gameplay and numerous other factors that detract from the whole experience.

Simply put, Arcade Edition finally brings Street Fighter V to a recommendable state. With plenty of single-player content and new wrinkles in the accessible gameplay, it can actually be a good time to sit down, learn a character and just get better.

Lost Sphear tries so hard to be like RPGs of the past that it forgets to build on those or establish its own identity.

It’s a collection of ten minigames, half of which are fairly similar, and none of which are especially fun unless you have friends in the room with you, and even then only for an hour or two. The best I can say about it is that it’s functional online and off, but most of the Kirby magic has been sucked right out of this spin-off.

Despite it being a short game outside of its high replay value, Shu is a charming and beautiful 2.5D platformer that has a lot to offer between its calm stages and its more frantic moments.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers an epic journey with a great cast of characters on the go for your Nintendo Switch, but some may find a handful of glaring flaws and system complexity a slightly high barrier to entry.

Repetitive dialogue and humdrum filler gameplay will put off anyone who doesn’t already enjoy dressing up characters. But those who appreciate fashion for its power to transform encounters will have a ball with the goofy banter and seemingly infinite design and outfit possibilities.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is the most immersive, intense, adrenaline-pumping, winner-take-all shooter of its time. Ushering forth a new era of Battle Royale gameplay, its technical qualms are the only thing standing in the way of the path to near perfection in its gunplay and survival-first gameplay.

The numerous important conversational choices felt meaningful and heartfelt. But the game’s slow pace, unfinished story threads, and its restricted ending took away from the narrative’s full potential, leaving too many unanswered questions for Life is Strange fans.

Though admittedly light on gameplay, the strength of Finding Paradise’s characters, story and music will easily sweep you into its universe. It’s a worthy successor to To the Moon, telling a distinct, beautiful, and impactful story that will have you in tears by the end … and eagerly wondering what comes next.

Ultimately, the expansion is about the bond between human and animal, and with evolving relationships, dog training, and plenty of toys, it’s hard to put down. It may not have the bells and whistles that some players expected, but Cats and Dogs still gets my recommendation if you’re a pet lover.

The Champions’ Ballad hits a few stumbling blocks in its execution, but by and large is an excellent coda to the soaring symphony that is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With a balanced mix of combat, exploration, story, challenge, and discovery, there’s no reason to stay away from the DLC if you, like most of us, enjoyed the game to begin with.

The wry, self-aware writing remains Nerial’s strong suit, uplifting the gameplay and drawing players in until they, like the game’s protagonist, are eagerly reliving lives over and over again.

The End is Nigh is a marvelous and challenging game, and is both familiar but also somewhat alien for fans of both Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel’s past works. Its excellent level design and numerous hidden secrets and challenges will offer those willing to take it on hours upon hours of grueling, satisfying gameplay.

The story is so engrossing and with the noticeable improvement in graphics, it becomes almost a new game entirely. Fast response interactions with people and objects, as well as easy mobility, make this game very easy to navigate. Telltale games did an amazing job remastering a game that was great to start with.

A high octane visual thrill ride that offers an intense workout, DOOM VFR is on par with some of the best VR first-person shooters out today. It may feel that some aspects are broken, but the game’s few limitations can be chalked up to the hardware for the most part. Especially for those who own a PSVR Aim Controller, DOOM VFR is a must-buy.

Portal Knights may not be a stand-out title, but it fills a desired niche of those looking for something Minecraft can’t quite deliver and fills it well. It dips just far enough into the wells of both creativity and RPG adventure to satisfy its intended audience, and the multiplayer portability the Switch offers gives this particular platform release an edge.

Trinket Studios clearly put time into Battle Chef Brigade’s art, story and voice acting, but the gameplay often feels lackluster. The sidescrolling combat is often repetitive, lacking a sense of progression as you continue.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are fine games by virtue of being Pokemon games. They have the same fun battling and collecting mechanics you’d expect and offer an opportunity to re-explore the gorgeous and lore-rich Alola region. But their butchered retelling of Sun and Moon’s story and the addition of the obnoxious RotomDex should once again have you questioning why you would pay full price for almost the same game a year later.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are fine games by virtue of being Pokemon games. They have the same fun battling and collecting mechanics you’d expect and offer an opportunity to re-explore the gorgeous and lore-rich Alola region. But their butchered retelling of Sun and Moon’s story and the addition of the obnoxious RotomDex should once again have you questioning why you would pay full price for almost the same game a year later.

No, it’s not a full-blown Animal Crossing game, but who could expect it to be? If you need something charming, addictive and inexpensive to distract you, Pocket Camp is the perfect handheld vacation.

Cat Quest is a simple and charming RPG that still manages to be deeper than it first appears and is a nice bite-size adventure compared to the many all-consuming ones you can already find on your Nintendo Switch.

Skyrim VR is the best game available on PSVR right now. The ridiculous amount of content, gameplay, and options combined with flexible movement controls make up for the aged graphics and bugs. This is a must-play for anyone who owns PSVR.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 is an extremely satisfying game to play. It captures each and every aspect of the characters as portrayed in the movies, comics, and shows to parade them at their very best.

Put very simply, the Star Card system ruins what’s otherwise an actual improvement from the first of DICE’s galactic efforts. There are indeed more ways to play, albeit those ways come in the form of a largely forgettable campaign and an arcade mode that’s ultimately just not rewarding. Multiplayer is a little better, but the entire progression system is flawed at its very core, and they run through the entire experience at large. It would take a massive overhaul that’s likely impossible in order to clean up this mess.

Lineage 2: Revolution is proof that something like the MMORPG format can work on mobile, but its insistence on clinging to certain MMO conventions will likely confuse those looking for a different experience than what it offers.

Skyrim on the Switch may not allow you to have dragons that look like wrestlers, but it remains an epic adventure well worth undertaking and many may prefer the ability to have it with them wherever they go.

Eight years after its initial release, VVVVVV is still fun, still challenging, still weird, and still sadly short. There’s nothing new to see here if you’ve already beat the game, but as a cheap, quick pick-up-and-play title, VVVVVV has found a fitting home on the Switch eShop.

A graphic adventure title cannot coast on its cast; the story must remain a gripping journey through its narrative design and storytelling. Guardians of the Galaxy episode 5 fails to deliver on both accounts, presenting a mishmash of conflicting ideals and tension-killing slowdown right on the verge of the story’s climax.

Though not the optimal way to play the game, Doom comes to the Nintendo Switch more or less intact and will it does nicely fill the void for anyone looking for solid single and multiplayer FPS experience on the go.

Need for Speed Payback’s focus on microtransactions leads to a poor progression system and an over-reliance on grinding. The game takes several steps forward, but just as many back.

Call of Duty WWII embraces the series’ beginnings and tells its story through a gripping, thoughtful campaign, continued excellence with Nazi Zombies mode and an expanded (but still formulaic) online multiplayer experience. Anybody who remembers the good old times they had with the franchise’s earlier titles should eventually take a look, as Call of Duty WWII is a return to form.

Ittle Dew 2+ charms instantly with its open-world freedom, challenging puzzles, and constant snark. With the 2+ added dungeons, there’s plenty here to have you hunting for secrets for hours if you’re in the know. But if you’re stumbling through for the first time, you might find the adventure over too soon and too easily without knowing why.

The art style, music, and core gameplay offers players a unique gaming experience unavailable elsewhere. Lady Luck isn’t always kind, however, and when combined with the occasional graphical issue, unwanted frustrations arise. Despite its flaws, it’s still worth the effort for those with patience and determination.

Super Lucky's Tale had potential to be the good kind of throwback 3D mascot platformer you don't see any more. But a terrible camera, shoddy jumping and awful forced padding squander it completely, leaving Lucky to once again join the graveyard of forgettable video game mascots.

There’s not enough here beyond simple questions and answers to hold your attention for long, and that makes the game’s tedious pace drag on even worse. Get yourself some Trivial Pursuit and the drink of your choice for a far more enjoyable evening than this.

Assassin's Creed: Origins marks a new beginning for the series as this open-world prequel successfully merges the old and new. While not perfect, the result is still a deeply satisfying Egyptian playground that will revitalize your love for a series that was starting to fall by the wayside.

Just Dance 2018 was a fun game, but not one that left me breathless. The addition of Kids Mode was smart and will appeal to an even broader audience. But this franchise needs some competition in order for them to amp up the content of the game because frankly, it’s just not worth $59.99.

With the exception of some very occasional control frustrations, Super Mario Odyssey is a visual, auditory, and structural treat to play from start to finish for anyone at any skill level, and seems to delight in the player’s enjoyment. You will be hard-pressed to stop yourself from visiting the Odyssey over and over again.

Technical hurdles can be frustrating to overcome, and there’s very little replay value with the same group of people, but if you regularly host friends and family, even those who don’t play games much, Hidden Agenda makes for a surprising and enjoyable evening.

Beyond a few lacking voice actors and a somewhat unnatural tone at moments, this is a well-made piece of psychological horror. Simulacra shines in its storytelling, and many of the haunting visuals serve their purpose quite well. Kaigan Games has crafted a relatable and frightening thriller for the sleuth in all of us. It is a surefire pick up for those seeking a puzzling and frightening mystery within the confines of a black mirror.

Fire Emblem Warriors exceeded the expectations of fans and newcomers alike. The intense battles are a balanced combination of satisfying attacks and careful direction of your allies to take down generals. Strategy is key, making it impossible to take your eyes away even for a second.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is easily one of the best shooters in recent times, improving on the previous installment and showing surprising humanity for a Nazi-killing gore fest.

WWE 2K18 sees the series spinning wheels in nearly every aspect. Sure, the game looks great and the Creation Suite is just as good as ever, but with every other mode and even gameplay lacking improvement in some ways, it feels more like a jobber and less like John Cena.

Mages of Mystralia’s colorful atmosphere and great spell mechanics are more than enough to make up for a slightly muted narrative.

Despite another slow start to the episode, a classic suspenseful cliffhanger has us yearning for the conclusion to this emotional and heartfelt prequel.

A meandering plot, a formulaic, by-the-numbers gameplay flow and contextually redundant choices undo the good work and story built up to this stage, leaving players asking how could so much go so wrong, so quickly.

The Jackbox Party Pack 4, as with its predecessors, is a great crowd-pleaser at parties, family gatherings, or for online streaming. Its five offerings are, on the whole, weaker than the pack’s predecessors, but if you’re a fan of the games, don’t let that stop you from picking up this latest entry.

Etrian Odyssey V can offer the right player a fun experience, but many players will find this game either lacking in story or just flat out too hard. Those with series experience, however, will enjoy the robust customization options and the extreme challenge.

The game looks amazing, the combat system is great, and some of the comedy is extremely funny. But in terms of plot and humor and even customization, it feels like a step back from the first game, which should never be the case for a video game sequel.

Don’t let minor transgressions get in the way of the stronger praise, here, as The Evil Within 2 answers criticisms of the first game with a resplendent title worthy of your time. From the moment you set foot in the unnerving, unsettling city of Union, you are in for a hellacious hailstorm of demonic doom.

Aside from a few technical blips, Stardew Valley remains a shining Stardrop in its genre, welcoming back fans of the series that inspired it and inviting newcomers to relax in the valley, too.

Culdcept Revolt is a huge time commitment and is not for the faint of heart. It’s about as niche and unique of an experience as you can get. If you are a masochistic tabletop guru, then this is right up your alley.

After a high-stakes opening salvo, Batman: The Enemy Within episode 2 feels more like a retaliating sling of an arrow. With the exception of an intriguing interpretation of this episode’s focal antagonist, Telltale Games misfires on many facets of narrative and gameplay design.

Though lacking the difficulty, complexity, and ribbing humor of its successors, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions is an aesthetically pleasing and fun enough remake of a beloved GBA title.

In essence, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a pretty average RPG with some interesting tweaks to combat, but suffers from tedious crafting, bad party management, and padding and serious crashing issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Unlimited World Red shines when it puts forth an effort such as in the combat or original characters. Unfortunately, those bits are found too sporadically to make up for the game’s glaring flaws.

Another Lost Phone: Laura’s Story delivers on the uncomfortable, important, and personal journey it promises. Clever UI design, superb writing, and intricate, complex puzzling weave together to accurately simulate both a lost phone and the world of the real person it belonged to. Though it’s a brief, one-way ride, the takeaways (and music tracks!) will stay with you long after you’ve pocketed the device.

With no one single way to finish a level and constantly changing enemies, the game’s intense electronic soundtrack will get your adrenaline pumping as you slice, dice, and blow your enemies into pieces.

NBA 2K18 is a game that really understands a ton of the community around basketball and what makes it special. Unfortunately, it requires a bit of microtransactions patience and an internet connection to enjoy a lot of it.

The awkward story mode, lackluster roster and poor presentation overall don’t live up to the standard of the series. Though casuals should probably proceed with caution, Infinite has a decent game just lying beneath everything bad about it; it’ll just take those patient and forgiving enough to find it.

Minus some occasional glaring AI issues, it's off to the races with yet another stunning simulation racer.

Peach Beach Splash is a lovely addition to the Senran Kagura franchise. The game acts as a wonderfully fun third-person shooter, with immense levels of customization available right out of the box. Unfortunately, it does at times feel held back by its over-the-top, lewd, anime roots.

Danganronpa V3 doesn’t manage to completely shake that feeling of “been there, done that” for anyone who is a little bored of the formula, but that won’t be a problem for anyone new to the series. Anyone craving a wacky murder mystery/grand world conspiracy fix would do well to check out this latest entry, which while definitely iterative, is the most well-tuned to date.

If you were still playing Pokken Tournament on the Wii U or intend to play competitively, you shouldn’t miss this version’s five new characters and slight tweaks like Daily Challenges and Team Battles. But if your copy of the original was gathering dust, you’re not missing anything more than the equivalent of a DLC patch.

For some, grabbing the latest hockey game annually is as habitual as picking up their daily Tim Hortons. NHL 18 does bring a great Threes gameplay mode, advanced stick maneuverability and expanded franchise functionality while doing little to address play-by-play commentary, single-player campaign and microtransaction concerns. Great to pick up for the first time in years, but not as big a step forward for year-to-year fans.

Bursting with personality and fun everywhere from the menu to the game's 120+ levels, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition oozes with the spirit of fun, competition, and cooperation that the Nintendo Switch wants to put front and center on its console.

Story aside, Metroid: Samus Returns functions more as a new installment that brings the best bits of multiple Metroid games together. By offering tons of upgrade and weapon options alongside improved combat, the game is truly enjoyable.

Knack 2’s fun combat sparkles in its precision and the simple satisfaction of watching and hearing enemies (and yourself) crumble to pieces, though it falters somewhat if you don’t bring a friend along. Its story is beyond laughably bad. If you and a pal go make yourself a snack every time two characters open your mouths, you’ll adore Knack 2 and find it a refreshing improvement on its predecessor.

Despite its occasional cringeworthy moments, the story hits the nail on the head when it matters most. While this introductory episode starts off a bit slow, by the end it will have you longing for more.

Last Day of June emphasizes emotional, visual, and aural beauty and excels in all three departments to the detriment of its gameplay loop.