Call of Duty Vanguard is a solid yet unremarkable entry in the long running franchise. On a technical level it’s one of the most impressive games out there right now. On a gameplay level it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.

Whereas the first episode was emotional, tense, and compelling, this second episode kind of feels like it’s just getting itself from point A to point B in the story. It’s not a bad episode, but it feels very underwhelming when compared to the first.

God Eater 2: Rage Burst is worth checking out for fans of the first game, as it essentially offers more of that game with just enough to shake things up a little. Every pro and con found in the first game can more or less be applied to this one, meaning that there's nothing here to convert newcomers. Still, the game provides a good time for those looking for epic battles and not too much more.

While the Children of Arkham story kind of takes a backseat, what is presented here is engaging and fun. It also does a good job of tying up a couple of its many loose ends, and setting up for a climactic finale in the next episode. However, the minor technical issues that have been present since the beginning are massively exacerbated here, to the point that they impact the enjoyment players can have with the game. Perhaps after an update is issued things will get better. Hopefully the final episode is crafted with more care.

What stole the show is Shadows of Rose. An emotional, heartbreaking story that doesn't let up and is one of the better DLC we have received for any Resident Evil title.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse offers up unique visuals and gameplay, but largely fails to bring them together into a fun game. The colorful world is worth exploring, but only for those that are especially interested in the different nature of the game.

Match Three with an element of strategy simply isn't done any better, but this one is having a hard time shaking its free-to-play roots.

Dauntless offers up a pleasant alternative experience in the monster hunting action genre that focuses on the battles without sacrificing the core appeal. If you've ever wanted to take down larger-than-life beasties to wear their hides and take down even nastier foes, but felt intimidated by Capcom's more deliberate design, then Dauntless will prove a great, enjoyable way to finally see what all the monster slaying fuss is about. The fact that it's a fair free-to-play game makes it all the easier to experience for yourself.

Ultimately, Codemasters plays it safe with GRID, for better and worse. There's certainly a lack of features, less modes, and a lesser number of cars and tracks than other contemporary racers. This is a no-frills arcade racer, but a very good one. If solid racing action is the only thing you care about, GRID has it in spades.

Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 - Episode 4 "Below the Bedrock" is another fine episode in this long running series. There's not much that stands out here, and some of the missions you're tasked with are rather boring, but for those that have stuck it out this long, it's more fine content to explore. It also serves as a great penultimate episode, setting things up for an epic showdown in the finale.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor is a solid new Chapter in the Elder Scrolls saga, despite hewing too closely to tradition at times. The main story may be a bit of a bust, but the variety of excellent side-stories on offer proves The Elder Scrolls Online is one of the best story-oriented MMOs on the market.

Taking a cluster of very different ingredients and mixing them into one pot turned out magnificently, with the inclusion of superpowers jumping the series to new heights.

Whether you're looking to pick this up and play it with the littles in your life or you're looking to play it for yourself, this is a quick and enjoyable platformer with a lot to offer. It's something that's an enjoyable, laid-back play. However, if you want a challenge you may want to turn to another title.

Just Cause 3 is one of the best open world games of 2015. Avalanche Studios gives players endless possibilities in this sequel that one-ups its predecessor in nearly every way.

Kirby Star Allies won't bring any new fans to the series. It sticks to the tried-and-true gameplay strictures of the franchise for better and worse. Co-op is nice, and the HD visuals do bring Kirby's world to life in a fresh way, but overall this is a totally by-the-book sequel that adds little of value other than a chance to play another Kirby game.

Tons of content is available to play through, all fitting into the niche that TT Games has established for their LEGO franchise titles. Players will get a fun, lighthearted retelling of their favorite movies, all with a LEGO makeover layered on top.

From Software plays to its strengths with Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel giving players more difficult content to progress through in a big new area to explore. While a little light on big boss fights, the new multiplayer Arena mode has the potential to keep the fun going long after players have mastered and discovered all the new secrets and items this content has to offer.

Project X Zone 2 may not be for everyone, but fans of SRPGs and characters from Capcom, Sega or Bandai Namco are going to have a blast with this game.

An enjoyable multiplayer Zelda experience, but one that has trouble holding up too well over the long haul.

While some problems can be overlooked, the half baked ideas, bugs, and overall unbalanced experience keep excitement to keep playing in check.

Overall, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are perfectly decent Pokémon games, but feel like a significant step back when compared to newer titles and the quality of previous Pokémon remakes. It relies too heavily on the Pokémon formula always providing a decent game, but doesn't bring much else to the table.

If you liked Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, then you will like Temple of Osiris. A few mechanical issues make the experience less than ideal, but this cheap little game can be a lot of action-packed fun.

Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 3 pulls off a fantastic turnaround for a series that was looking rather lackluster. Issues still persist, and Telltale will have to capitalize on what works well here while moving beyond the things that didn't, but overall it is a massive improvement over what we saw in the first two episodes.

Practice your best one-liners because Dead Island 2 will have you run toward danger and swagger down the streets of Hell-A while egging the zombies on like your favorite pulp hero. The beautiful graphics, tight combat, eccentric cast of characters, and F.L.E.S.H. system prove why the long-anticipated sequel to the beloved franchise was worth the wait."

Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 3 "New World Order" is a weaker episode, but with a series this strong that isn't saying too much. Technical issues are still a problem, but the storytelling and acting more than make up for it. The episode could have used more punch and less of a cliffhanger ending, but it serves its purpose well in transitioning us from the explosive second episode and toward the apparent endgame of the final two entries.

The thing that I kept saying to myself when playing Ultimate Alliance 3 is that if this wasn't a Marvel game with such beloved characters and familiar story lines it would be a bad game. A great coat of paint does raise the average for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, but its roots are a rote beat 'em up that shows off all its tricks in the first couple of hours and wears out its welcome well before the credits roll.

For fans that missed out on the original release, this is the version to get. The hack-n-slash style of gameplay might not be suitable for everyone’s taste, but the game is still fun in short bursts.

Professor Layton has always targeted a very niche market and Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition also does just that. The lack of an overarching story and any drastic changes in the gameplay is a disappointment, but there’s just something charming about this series that will hopefully continue to grow from here after finally shedding the handheld only roots of the series moving forward.

If you don't care about portability and have Overwatch elsewhere then give the port a pass. Maybe once cross-save, cross-progression, and/or cross-play are added this port will be more compelling to existing fans, but for those that believe Overwatch isn't Overwatch when the competitive side isn't at its best then this port will only drive them mad. Overwatch is a great port for new fans and casual fans of the game, and no one else.

Outriders has great ideas and those come shining through at various high points to spectacular effect, but it is pushing against the weight of inconsistent execution and unstable systems.

Serving as an homage to the past, Yooka-Laylee is strongly inspired by elements of the team’s previous efforts, and despite some flaws, it is the game that fans have been waiting for all these years.

While many players may have not used their PlayStation VR in awhile, Marvel's Iron Man VR is without a doubt the game to get people to dust it off and play again. Far more than a tech demo, Marvel's Iron Man VR actually makes you feel like you are flying around and firing repulsor blasts in one of the most immersive VR experiences to date.

While the popular Xenoverse series utilized the RPG genre to try something different, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a more traditional retelling of the series in a single player only experience that should at least get the hardcore fans of the series excited to experience this adventure yet again.

0rbitalis is a real class act, and one of the best puzzle games in recent memory. Minimalism is achieved without sacrificing sophistication, and for such a small game it has the potential for hours of engrossing gameplay.

Massive Chalice really has a unique and interesting premise and even with the lackluster combat it's a lot of fun to play. The management of bloodlines and Keeps, the necessity to keep breeding different types of units to keep your army balanced, and a wide array of power-ups you can research make each playthrough feel different.

Overall, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are perfectly decent Pokémon games, but feel like a significant step back when compared to newer titles and the quality of previous Pokémon remakes. It relies too heavily on the Pokémon formula always providing a decent game, but doesn't bring much else to the table.

Mario Strikers: Battle League is a game that’s carried mostly by its local multiplayer and gameplay. There was so much missed potential for this game to shine brighter than its predecessors. From the lack of single-player modes, content, and limitations to its online, it’s very tough to justify buying the game in its current state.

Featuring two very good games and one fairly mediocre game in one package, Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is well worth trying out, whether you missed out in the past or just want to slash up some enemies as Ryu Hayabusa all over again.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is absolutely stuffed to the brim with content on all fronts, and nearly none of it feels like filler.

The action is tight, the dialogue is engaging, and the characters are all fantastically acted and scripted. Fans of Batman and/or Telltale will be very pleased with the direction that this series is going. However, technical problems still create headaches, though they might be lesser for some players depending on the system they play on and the setup they have.

Taking an eclectic blend of different gaming elements, LBX: Little Battlers eXperience does a good job at introducing US gamers to this new world, while also being a great handheld option for kids.

Rise of the Tomb Raider – The Baba Yaga: Temple of the Witch DLC’s content could have been a little meatier, but it should be satisfying enough for those looking for more adventures with Lara Croft.

Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 - Episode 5 doesn't stick the landing, but it also doesn't fall totally on its face. It's a suitable conclusion to the season, but if you haven't bought in yet, there's not much reason to now.

Evil Dead: The Game is a fun, varied horror experience with plenty of challenges and depth, even if you choose not to play as any of the 4 Ash variants.

House Of Wolves manages to be a well-rounded expansion with a lot to offer and content to experience. Even if that comes at the trade of having max level so easily accessible and the same recycled story environments.

Dragon Quest Treasures is a celebration of everything that makes this franchise a unique and special treat. Those willing to put up with a few slow hours to start their grand adventure will surely not be disappointed with the treasure that lies within, as the jewels and coins shine brightly within.

Dead Rising 4 is able to take the best elements of the older and newer games in the series and mash them into a spectacular open-world zombie-slaying experience. The game’s core gameplay is just so engaging and enjoyable that diving into hordes after hordes of zombies to wreak havoc never gets old, and having Frank West back in the action makes it even better. The series is certainly in a much different spot now than it was 10 years ago, but its future has never looked brighter.

NHL 21 is an exercise in consistency, providing the usual improvements to graphics, sound, gameplay, and features while having the usual hindrances. Be A Pro is the real All-Star of this game but like every pro on the ice, there was still room for improvement and falls short in some very easy to notice ways.

If you plan on playing Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare this year as your go-to shooter, it’s almost mandatory that you purchase the map packs to go with it. Unfortunately, Havoc isn’t a very good one.

As a shooter Rage 2 is incredible. It's everything around that core competency that brings the game down. A lack of narrative, world building, and questionable design decisions in terms of progression leave the experience feeling flat.

An excellent horror experience for both seasoned and newbie gamers. Despite some minor shortcomings, Layers of Fear brings some classic elements while adding new depth, creating a unique and fear filled journey that you won't be able to tear yourself away from.

Offering the most captivating gameplay from the series in a long time, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD has finally arrived to the West while looking and sounding better than ever.

It has its shortcomings, but Return To PoPoLoCrois is worth checking out for anyone craving an old-school RPG adventure.

After almost 20 years, the Tales series is still going strong with Tales of Zestiria, which offers fast paced action-oriented combat that makes this entry yet another fun adventure in this long running franchise.

Despite a few things that might feel off, Robocop: Rogue City is likely the closest we'll ever get to the original movie. Like Murphy, the game sometimes malfunctions but ultimately gets the job done.

While Team Sonic Racing maintains the core kart racing gameplay you know and love intertwined with fun new team-based mechanics, a laundry list of the best race types are left entirely out of local play with friends, instead being only available in Team Adventure and online modes, which partially ruins what is still a good game off the track before the finish line.

Mass Effect: Andromeda fails to deliver a compelling plot and the journey to a whole new galaxy offers little that's new or exciting. Still, it does give you the same quality gameplay the series is known for and you'll enjoy your time with your new crew, even if they're no replacement for the originals.

Backbone does both, striking a balance between nostalgic and new, breathing another breath of life into the genre with its gritty, sad grin. This 2D, sidescrolling, pixel-art noir is a short but solid adventure mystery with stunning visuals and meaningful characters.

Namco Museum offers players eleven arcade greats in a nice new package on Switch. Getting to take these games on-the-go is a nice treat, but they're still the same old games that have been re-released quite often. Pac-Man Vs. does give you a cool addition though, and it's much easier to play this time around.

While the game does introduce a number of new Yo-Kai and a follow-up story, this second entry feels too deeply rooted in the original to where many of the same faults are still present, with it really feeling like Level-5 played it way too safe in Yo-Kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits & Fleshy Souls.

The extra time that EA took with NBA Live 18 apparently turned out to be the for the best. This is definitely the best game they’ve put out in a while, and they’ve built a solid foundation for the franchise moving forward.

The idea of Avatar being mixed into this formula is great, and when you're flying on your ikran, it's an intoxicating experience, even if aspects of the combat and game stability leave something to be desired.

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst rarely, if ever, makes as memorable an impression as its predecessor did. While it tries incredibly hard to do so, and succeeds in terms of world building and story development, it's all at the sake of nearly every other facet that players of the original may have held near and dear.

State of Decay’s visual presentation is the most dated that we’ve seen on the Xbox One. Calling this a remaster seems a little disingenuous, as there are so many glaring issues that constantly take away from the experience and overshadow the interesting gameplay ideas.

WWE 2K16 is an improvement over WWE 2K15 by adding many of the lost features missing from last year's game. However, it is far from a flawless video game. It is a step in the right direction so hopefully everything turns out perfectly in WWE 2K17.

Kingdoms of Amalur is still a solid game even to this day. It’s just too bad that as a remaster, the game is quite frankly disappointing.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 had a lot to live up to for fans of the franchise after the success of its predecessor, and while the game may not be for everyone, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 offers yet another satisfying experience for Dragon Ball fans that is not one to be missed.

Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary Edition World Tour is a fantastic remaster of a true FPS classic. Doing exactly what a good remaster should, this re-release improves in many areas that needed it, while leaving in others; warts and all. The new graphics, sound, commentary, and other features are all cherries on top of what is easily the definitive version of this seminal title.

Sonic Origins is an essential collection not only for any franchise fan with current or last-gen gaming hardware but also for anybody who appreciates tight gameplay with a banger soundtrack. Sonic is the ultimate "Animal With an Attitude" mascot still having major games released to this day, and while the franchise has had a tarnished reputation due to sub-par releases lately, it remains plucky and pushes forward, never losing sight of its roots.

Fans should definitely check this game out, though the Nintendo Switch version does lack a lot of the polish seen on other platforms. But if you want to take your Batman experience on the go then this is your best choice.

Rise of Iron isn't quite the game changer that the Taken King was last year, but it continues to build on the work-in-progress experience that Destiny has become. Looking at it peice by piece it's very easy to discount certain aspects of Destiny, but as a whole there isn't a better or more robust game that ties together single player, cooperative, and competitive multiplayer gameplay the way that Bungie has.

The recreation of the mountains looks fantastic and it is a lot of fun to traverse them using the four different sport options, but unreliable input controls and many buggy moments are a steep hill to overcome to classify Steep as a great game.

Borderlands 2 VR continues the trend of enjoyable but flawed ports of larger, traditionally designed games. Few additions make the cut to enhance the experience, but the simple fact of existing in virtual reality adds significantly to the overall gameplay.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an addictive and spine-chilling experience that comes neatly wrapped in a patchwork parcel of skin and bone.

Some pacing issues and a lack of memorable characters prevent Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls from attaining the lofty heights set by its predecessors, but it’s still an adventure that’s well worth taking.

Ultimately, I’m not sure if Dead or Alive 6 is the game that fans expected after a seven-year wait, but with its thrilling combat and amazing visuals, it still serves up a fulfilling experience — fanservice and all.

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series - Episode 3 "More than a Feeling" cements this as another classic adventure from the developer. Humor and drama are both on display in full force. You'll face some tough choices here, and watching the face of a disappointed crewmember will not be easily forgotten

Zombie Army Trilogy won't be winning any rewards for innovation any time soon. It will most likely not get any best game of the year awards either. Doesn't stop it from being really fun to play, though. Just a lot of mindless zombie killing fun, which is really all you should have be looking for with this title to begin with.

If you go into Code Vein thinking that you're going to get something on the level of any of the Souls games (or Bloodborne) you're going to be a little bit disappointed.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds on the PlayStation 4 is a port of a bad version of a great concept.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite may have some flaws with its visuals and roster, but its gameplay is so strong that its not too hard to overlook them.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an audacious experiment toward the franchise's future and hosts a lot of potential to grow into something that changes everything we know about Pokemon for the better. It has a lot of issues in performance which could do with some tender love and care, but that doesn't stray from the fact it's a solid, wholesome Pokemon game down to its core.

Many Dragon Ball games from over the years have been criticized for playing it too safe, but Dragon Ball Fusions definitely tries something very new, even if it doesn’t all work to perfection.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a short action game that lacks replayability, but it provides an adorable experience in a unique package.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series - Episode 2 is another great episode from the developer. It's better than the first episode in a lot of ways, but still has troubling technical problems that detract from the fun.

While the art style and crude humor may be the most polarizing aspects on the surface, the lack of any consistency when it comes to gameplay and level design is the real disappointment in what was supposed to be the triumphant return of Battletoads.

Battlefield: Hardline is a lateral move for the series. Even with a more ambitious single player offering, multiplayer continues to steal the show, offering best in-class gameplay when it works.

An interesting peek into the beat 'em up history and a great way to pass an evening with friends.

Rehydrated chooses to maintain all of the original's flaws, resulting in a very faithful remake that will surely elicit nostalgic memories if you've spent a lot of time with the original Battle for Bikini Bottom, but it will do absolutely nothing for everyone else.

Whether a Nintendo Switch purist or someone who uses it as their dedicated mobile device, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected for Nintendo Switch remains a stellar game worth playing if you can endure some minor performance quibbles.

Fallout Shelter is an enjoyable but ultimately shallow experience. It’s set apart from others of its ilk by making its transactions truly and completely optional — though sorely tempting.

A tightly controlled and intriguing story mix with some of the best action sequences of the season to create a real turning point for the series. If Telltale can keep it up we're in for a real treat by the end of Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2.

Whilst not as authentically original as the first legacy collection, Capcom’s latest set of re-releases more than makes up for it with this diverse quartet of great games.

Pilgor is back and better than ever. Goat Simulator 3 is the troll sequel no one asked for, but happy to get it, anyway. Help her defeat The Farmer and wreak as much havoc as possible on the residents of San Angora. The result is the punniest adventure you’ll ever go on.

DOOM VFR is Bethesda's second major VR release, but it feels like one that is coming a year too late. Poor controls and odd design decisions detract from what would otherwise be an excellent VR shooter.

If you’re looking for something that makes you feel closer to the ice than ever before, NHL 23 is going to be your favorite game that you play this year. The electricity that oozes from this title is something that will bring me back to playing it over and over again, even if there are a few nagging problems that need to be addressed very shortly.

Shadow Warrior 3 has some genuinely great ideas, but it is hampered by a handful of pronounced technical issues and a general lack of replayability.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an audacious experiment toward the franchise's future and hosts a lot of potential to grow into something that changes everything we know about Pokemon for the better. It has a lot of issues in performance which could do with some tender love and care, but that doesn't stray from the fact it's a solid, wholesome Pokemon game down to its core.