Tariser has come a long way from the bubbly world of LittleBigPlanet with the dark and disgusting world of Little Nightmares. What it lacks in gameplay substance is made up for in visual and audio design. If that's a trade-off you're worth making, then Little Nightmares is a decent entry for the genre.

Darkest Dungeon II showcases how sequels can surpass the original through its captivating gameplay, stunning art style, and immersive music. While the game's complexity may prove challenging, those who venture forth are rewarded with hours of engrossing gameplay and a constant yearning for one more expedition.

There are aspects that can definitely use some more fleshing out in future episodes, but the new season feels like it’s on its way to potentially achieving the same level of greatness as its predecessor.

Like with the rest of this continually growing franchise, this game likely isn’t going to change anybody’s mind that didn’t like past entries, but there is no question that fans of the series will absolutely adore Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice.

Sifu is an incredible journey. Featuring top-notch animations, music tracks, and visuals that are hard to match by even a big-budget animation studio, you will find your jaw-dropping as you make your journey through this story of revenge.

Middle Earth: Shadow of War is bigger and better than its predecessor in almost every conceivable way. If you don't mind the repetition found in most open world games, there's a robust strategy layer here that combines with a great combat system to offer hours and hours of Orc slaying, army building fun.

Catherine: Full Body didn't really change my opinion on Catherine all that much. I'm still as conflicted as I was in 2011 with a love for the art style and weirdness of the game. The uninspired puzzles that make up the rest of it wear out their welcome too quickly though.

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen may be a few years old now, but the new PC version is still a blast to play.

Bravely Second is exactly what a sequel should be, improving upon the foundation of the original while adding in its own ideas to further enhance the experience. The 60+ hour adventure is more consistent than the first game, and the main plot and side quests are more elaborate and engaging.

Deus Ex Go is another home run from Square Enix Montreal, creating yet another engaging puzzle game from one of their established AAA franchises. The new gameplay tweaks set it apart from the previous Go entries, while also ensuring that it is the most challenging and rewarding puzzle adventure from them yet.

Marvel's Midnight Suns has fantastic card-based combat, something it shares in common with Marvel Snap, along with excellent social features and deeply fascinating Marvel lore. It can engross you for dozens of hours with brilliantly layered, unique gameplay featuring just enough variety to make each battle run differently. But this doesn't mask its fatal flaws, namely some game-breaking bugs that'll prevent you from finishing a game with a clearly established ending.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition shows its age in some areas, but with its enjoyable characters, interesting story, beautiful aesthetic and fun combat, this is one game from 2008 that definitely still holds up in 2019.

Halo: Reach is exactly what fans wanted from a PC release from this iconic franchise. It takes an already great game and makes it better. While some new issues are added due to more precise controls, the tradeoff is…well, more precise controls. Add better and more crisp visuals on top and you’ve got easily the best version of Reach. PC players wait has been worth it, and there’s more to come.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter may not be a long journey, but the breathtaking visuals and atmosphere are enough to captivate most anybody on their way to solving a number of mysteries that all play a part in the overall story.

Now built for consoles rather than exclusively as a handheld title, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy still maintains the same charm and gameplay the series has always been known for over the years while looking cleaner than ever.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a stellar period piece filled with melodramatic monologues, great combat, goofy side content, and a whole lot of heart.

Stellar Blade is a solid action game that blends rewarding exploration and mesmerizing visuals to create an enjoyable experience, even if the story and world leave a lot to be desired.

For an expansion that took nearly an entire year to arrive and priced at a premium, Death of the Outsider fails to deliver.

God of War 3 Remastered feels like a game made explicitly for those that did not catch it the first time around.

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! continues the series perfectly in its transition from 3DS to Switch.

Affordable Space Adventures is a must-have for anyone with a Wii U. It utilizes the Gamepad in ways that few games have before, and truly feels like a unique, yet fun experience.

Dragon Quest VII was already a great game when it released on PS1 15 years ago, but the remade Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past takes that experience and improves on it twofold. The rebuilt visuals look great on the 3DS and pair well with the already exceptional story and gameplay to make Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past the definitive experience for the seventh entry in this long running franchise.

Even with plenty of superb 2D platformers releasing in recent years, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair easily belongs alongside the best the generation has to offer thanks to excellent level design and platforming that is evocative of past classics from the genre.

It is startling to think that one of the best games of the year has come in the form of a title that looks like something you would put on to amuse kids for a morning. Yet Kena: Bridge of Spirits boasts more heart and genuineness than many games could hope to exude. What Ember Lab has produced is a rejuvenation of the indie market, proving that the little guys can box with the best. For anyone looking for a game that will bring a smile to their face, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is not to be missed.

The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is a pretty well-made point-and-click adventure game. Unfortunately, there were some bizarre design choices made and the odd bug that hinder the experience. However, if you don't mind point-and-click games, like solving some interesting puzzles and some quirky comedy thrown in, there aren't many better alternatives.

As long as you can get the hang of the unique and intricate combat system, Final Fantasy VIII Remastered delivers one of the most enthralling narratives in the long running franchise that still holds up 20 years later.

Gears Tactics perfectly translates the aggressive, bloody action of the series to the turn-based format.

Trails of Cold Steel II continues the excellent story that was begun in the first Trails of Cold Steel by raising the stakes exponentially. The combat system is not all that different this time around, but it feels as refined and polished as well, which is what any good sequel should be focused on doing.

While the original Fire Emblem Warriors offered a decent Musou game in the shell of a Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes provides the full Fire Emblem experience by offering a deep story and social system on top of slightly reworked Musou mechanics that are grounded in the rules of Fire Emblem's turn based combat.

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 improves on its already great predecessor in a bunch of ways. New characters, game modes, and other modifications make for a better, though very familiar experience. This is definitely an iterative sequel, offering nothing revolutionary, but for those that want more PvZ action, it'll easily fit the bill.

Beneath its lackluster story, Disgaea 5 is crawling with stuff to do and, thanks to its great gameplay, you’ll always find yourself itching to come back for more.

It's essential to remember that just a little over 10 years ago, Fire Emblem Awakening saved the franchise and brought it to the mainstream. Now, in the present, Fire Emblem Engage represents a series that now no longer needs saving. It's a series that has blockbuster appeal, with people eagerly anticipating every announcement. Fire Emblem is Forever, and I'm overjoyed to see friends and colleagues take to it so passionately, something I didn't think would happen.

Halo Infinite might be kind of underwhelming on the single player side, but multiplayer has tons of promise if 343 can tackle launch issues swiftly.

King's Quest is the happy ending that we all deserve, and probably one of the greatest adventure games I've played in recent years.

Volume shows us that limitation really does breed creativity, delivering a thrilling, accessible experience in bite-sized pieces.

From the expertly interwoven gameplay loops to the horrifically charming story and art design, Dredge succeeds in creating a new genre blend that I desperately need more of.

Amnesia: Rebirth won't dramatically shift the modern horror landscape like its predecessor did ten years ago, yet it's an excellent addition to the genre nonetheless. It's an excellent marriage SOMA's narrative sensibilities with The Dark Descent's more terrifying pacing, capable of standing out in the now crowded market. It won't replace SOMA as my all-time favorite horror game, but it's up there.

Nintendo Switch's second best launch game, Snipperclips is the perfect game if you're wanting to push your new console's multiplayer features. Fun puzzles combine with a gleefully cute aesthetic to make for a worth addition to any new owner's Switch library.

Even with the high cost of entry for the full experience, the Star Wars based gameplay transcends what you usually expect from a Disney Infinity game, with the Toy Box continuing to be a hub for creativity to thrive in Disney Infinity 3.0.

Yakuza Kiwami represents the pinnacle of the series, with Sega bringing everything it has learned over the years and refining it into a single neat package. The result is a unique and unforgettable experience that far outstrips what was presented in the original entry.

Zipping around levels with your hookshot and using your various power-ups to navigate some of the tough scenarios that the game throws at you is rewarding. If Roguelikes are your thing, but you’re not looking for something that’s too taxing Flinthook is worth a look.

SIE London Studio delivers yet again with another must play PSVR exclusive in Blood & Truth, which combines a compelling story with very enjoyable gameplay in one of the best AAA VR experiences to date.

BoxBoxBoy! is a simple and straightforward sequel to a great 2D puzzle adventure.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy absolutely nails the vibe and look, even if the middling story, technical issues, and repetition hold it back from being truly great.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE takes a lot from the Shin Megami Tensei series and mixes in some Fire Emblem-flavored icing, and the results were fantastic. It's a superb RPG with a lot to offer, and is a must-have game for Wii U owners.

As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboots the franchise with solid success throughout.

A very ambitious title which has been implemented well so far. It has been "released," however its current base form will leave much to be desired for the majority of players as, while the universe is exceptionally large, what you can actually do, while initially fun and engaging, is quite limited and repetitive.

The best way to describe how Wo Long feels is if you combined the visuals and swordplay of the Dynasty Warriors and Nioh games with a pinch of Sekiro. What then happens is that you have a game that is quite difficult, but oh-so-rewarding when you conquer the seemingly impossible.

If you’re a more hardcore [Life is Strange] fan, this episode is certainly worth a playthrough as it provides a more relaxed and carefree, yet melancholic and tragic, epilogue to the Max and Chloe saga of Life is Strange.

While there may be a few stumbles along the way, The Entropy Centre has a unique twist on a familiar premise in this particular genre. It may not redefine it in any new ways, but it's something that will help scratch an itch in a brand-new way.

There are a few key moments of stellar storytelling here, but players will need to wait and see how the rest of the season turns out to decide if this season is worthy of its predecessors in the story department though.

Not only does NBA 2K21 Next Generation feature true to life visuals and insanely fast load times, but it also has new and improved game modes for you to check out that makes this the definitive version of NBA 2K21 without any question.

As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.

Persona 3 Portable stripped Persona 3 down to its bare essentials just to get the game running on the PSP. Playing that same game on a home console without any significant changes, even at a budget price, feels incredibly underwhelming, especially with Persona 4 Golden releasing alongside it. Yes, the skeleton of Persona 3 is still there. The problem is that there's hardly any meat on its bones. When you pair that with the fact that there still isn't a single definitive edition of Persona 3 on any platform 17 years after its release, it feels like Atlus is neglecting one of its most beloved games.

Dishonored: Definitive Edition is a game that should definitely be on your bucket list if you missed it on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, but it might as well be called a Collector's Edition if you've already been on this journey before.

MLB 15: The Show is the most accurate representation of the sport yet again, but feels more like a roster update than anything else, outside of a few improvements here and there.

The Monster Hunter franchise debut on the Switch is nothing short of phenomenal. Significant visual upgrades made possible by the more powerful console accompanied by a slew of gameplay additions make this a must-own for Monster Hunter fans.

Rime is a competent puzzler, but its real strengths are in its ability to draw emotions from the player using the combination of great art, music, and a thought provoking ending.

In returning to form with this sequel, Frozenbyte has doubled down on what made the franchise great prior to the mishap that was the third entry.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a fantastic remake of some of the best platformers of all time. The new visual polish looks great on PS4. Though you might get frustrated by the dated gameplay at times, powering through will show why these games were so beloved 20 years ago.

Samorost 3 is a beautiful game and definitely worth experiencing if only for the visuals and musicality. It is a pleasant adventure with some great ideas, but is let down by its short gameplay and sometimes frustrating puzzles.

Finally making its way out of Japan for the first time, Mr. Driller DrillLand is still the best entry in this niche puzzle franchise and fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch.

It's hard to not fall in love with Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.

There may not be a whopping amount of new content besides the introduction of the JRPG-like Skill Battles, but Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 refines the overall formula and offers players another great puzzle game that is even more accessible than before.

Gravity Rush 2 is a step up in almost every way from its already enjoyable predecessor. The sense of freedom and adventure is great, thanks to the gravity bending abilities of Kat. Combat is still kind of dull and frustrating, but it's less of the experience this time. The gorgeous art style and design eases this pain though, delivering a great action experience for PS4.

As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.

The Artful Escape provides a strong narrative adventure focused on self-discovery, identity, and expression that musicians, artists, and just about anyone can find something to relate to.

Remnant 2 feels like a love letter to the fans of the first, with an emphasis on replayability and some new features. The different experiences that the game can generate from one person to the next are impressive, as each run feels unique. Combat feels great, and the freedom in build creation is a huge improvement over its predecessor. Still, some issues with the game's core may leave some disappointed.

What keeps Capcom Arcade Stadium of having a perfect score, is the lack of Online Multiplayer and certain beloved games, that would otherwise elevate this title to new heights. That said, it's an excellent trip to the past, with a good amount of content and tons of replayability. Certainly, a way of reminding us old-schoolers why we loved Capcom in first place and how empty our wallets were due to their arcade dominance. The Nintendo Switch received another great entry to its already big roster.

While some game modes still feel like they are living in the past, the return of fan-favorites like EASHL and the improved Be A Pro make NHL 16 a power play that hockey fans are bound to love.

The Red Strings Club is a true cyberpunk classic. Pixel-art visuals and a cyberpunk world make way for fascinating gameplay and a truly compelling, well written story. The game will force you to make tough decisions while questioning your own thoughts about important, current day topics. This is an indie title you won't want to miss.

Told with a very unique film noir story and engaging characters, Grim Fandango Remastered just oozes with charm all around. While quite complex, the style of puzzles found here is something that gaming is missing today and works just as well now as it did back in 1998, though the controls can get in the way at times.

Octopath Traveler may not be the perfect JRPG revival that many had hoped for, but this PC port takes what worked before and makes it just a touch better.

Let’s Go is surprisingly shallow when compared to just about any Pokemon game, despite an appealing presentation that returns players to a popular location.

Diablo 2: Resurrected both benefits and suffers from its faithfulness to the original title, but overall provides an adventure full of satisfying gameplay and fun exploration.

Nidhogg 2 is a unique and incredibly intricate game that succeeds in sucking you into its addictive nature, whether you are a newcomer to the series or a veteran looking for a fresh challenge.

A slick and fun puzzle experience from start to finish, BOXBOY! will please anyone looking for a great new pick-up-and-play adventure. Just don't expect too much challenge until you dive into the optional areas of the game.

Knockout City is an absolute blast, even if it doesn't have many reasons to return after players have had their fill.

Kingdom Hearts 3 has been a long time coming, leading some fans to wonder if it would ever finally get there. The long wait proved to be well worth it though, with a satisfying ending they’ve been wanting for years, while also managing to setup the future of the franchise as well.

The lack of new content in Dragon’s Crown Pro may be disappointing, but when a game plays — and looks — as good as this, it’s hard to hold such complaints against it. Returning players, welcome back; new players, enjoy your stay.

Mario Party Superstars is a blast from the past put into a very clean and modern package. It’ll definitely be more appealing to older generations of gamers who grew up before the early 2000s. The minigames and maps have aged well and showcase moments that truly defined the Mario Party franchise more than 20 years later.

Guitar Hero Live is a bold step in a new direction for Rhythm games. While everyone might not take kindly to the restrictions put on players in Guitar Hero TV, there's a seemingly endless number of playlists and challenges to complete, with room to grow going forward.

With fun presentation and a well designed co-op platforming mechanic Heave Ho is certainly a great new addition to the party game genre.

The best additions are the new forms of traversal, creating the most exciting missions of both the original and sequel combined. However, the time you spend with these is short-lived. Also, I can't help but feel the bosses were a missed opportunity, where only one stands out and makes a name for itself. Nevertheless, more of a good thing is always nice, and if you found yourself a fan of the first, you'll enjoy Ghostrunner 2, especially for the low 40-dollar price tag.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink delivers an extremely polished experience featuring beautiful visuals, an exhilarating combat system, an intricate character progression system, a solid single-player campaign, an inviting multiplayer, and a wide array of both quests and different playable characters sure to keep you around even after completing its storyline.

Out of all the games that have attempted to master a Soulslike, Lies of P stands in a league of its own and should be experienced by anyone who is a fan of the subgenre.

Downwell truly feels like a classic NES game both in aesthetics and in difficulty, which paired with incredibly addictive gameplay makes the under $5 Downwell at least worth giving a try.

Gravity Rush Remastered is a great upgrade from the PS Vita original thanks to a solid 60fps 1080p presentation. The joy of exploring the world of Hekseville is still very much intact, with the gravity shifting ability once again acting as the main source of fun and enjoyment. However, the boring missions combine with poor combat mechanics to make for a lesser experience than the concept deserves.

While it may not return to the heights of The Thousand-Year Door, Paper Mario: The Origami King is by far the best entry in the series in over a decade and gives us hope for the future of the series for the first time in awhile.

I find it undeniable that The Land Beneath Us is a fun game worthy of its price tag, but I can't get rid of that feeling that this title is a few balance patches away from greatness.

All things considered, this is a solid Total War game that, while being far from revolutionary and requiring just a little bit more polish before official release, will be far better than Total War Rome 2 can ever hope to be.

If you've never experienced the Taiko no Tatsujin franchise, this is going to be the perfect entry point for players. With the new Taiko Music Pass, you'll have access to more music than ever before, and with its abundant customization options for your character and playstyle, you'll become a master Donder in no time. You'll need the patience to learn and grow, but once you do, it's the best feeling around.

There's a big, impressive game to sink your teeth into with 2K20, even if it tastes a bit like 2k19.

Overall, Scarlet Nexus is a simple, yet great and enjoyable experience for any fan of the genre out there. You hunt monsters, make yourself and your allies stronger, gather resources for making new cosmetics and gear, constantly unlock new features for inside and outside of combat, all that while you watch an interesting story materialize in front of your eyes. It really is a modernized, old-school adventure which will satisfy anyone, even with the few drawbacks it has and the rather slow beginning.

The core gameplay is still a lot of fun and the level of customization with the new Imaginators is quite impressive, but a few decisions prevent Skylanders Imaginators from taking the series to the next level.

Firewall: Zero Hour borrows from some of the greatest shooters around and tacks on some great VR support. However, the sum is not quite equal to its parts and the feeling one gets from playing the final game is that it's somewhat incomplete and not worth investing much time in.

Far Cry 6 is just another Far Cry game, one that desperately wants to utilize the imagery of a revolution without having anything meaningful to say about one.