With constant rewards and unlocks combined with some great visuals, sound and awesome playability, Rayman Legends stretches your dollar to the max and is absolutely worth the price of admission.

Assuming you have any taste for frenetic action games, these two titles represent the cream of the crop.

Astro Bot Robot Rescue is more than an extension of flat screen platforming, it is the next evolutionary step that all family members will enjoy.

All in all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a unique experience. If you love worldbuilding, modernizing fantasy worlds, and urban fantasy, you should check it out. If you’re allergic to long cutscenes and extraneous infodumps, you should avoid it. Love it or hate it, Trails from Zero clearly knows what it is and what it’s doing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy all of Trails of Cold Steel so I can find out what happens in Zemuria next.

It’s pretty impressive what Polyarc has done with Moss: Book 2 on the PSVR 2. The number of new features they could incorporate into a game designed before the haptics and eye-tracking were available is very encouraging. I can’t wait to see how new games take further advantage of the new PSVR 2 tech. The PSVR 2 version of Moss: Book 2 is, once again, the definitive version of the game. If Polyarc makes a third Moss game, I cannot wait to see what they come up with. If you’ve never played Moss or Moss: Book 2, then you won’t regret picking up either game for the PSVR 2.

Walkabout Mini Golf is an essential game for PSVR 2 owners. Each world is full of character and creative courses that will keep you coming back for more. The crisp and simple visuals combine wonderfully with the relaxing music to create an atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with. With its stellar single-player and addictive multiplayer, this could very well be the best PSVR 2 game to date.

At the end of the day Borderlands 2 is a game that should be played, as the fun factor is high, the addictiveness is through the roof, and the game provides hours of gaming entertainment.

To sum it all up. As good as the flat version of the remake of Resident Evil 4 is, the VR version is the superior way to the play the game.

Shulk and his friends are unwavering in their optimism and integrity, and they make for a charming and endearing cast with a story that never fails to move and grow. Certain mechanics are a bit confusing and overwhelming to learn, but overall, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition hits the nail on the head in almost every way and adds up to a beautiful adventure that thoroughly deserves your time. ‎

In short, Majora’s Mask 3D is a wonderful and faithful remake of the N64 classic.

Activision and Vicarious Visions could have just used last year’s game engine, added a new story and released it as a new game, but they didn’t. They have taken the existing franchise, added a new twist (swappable characters), upped the visuals and sound, and made a game that is better than those before it.

Iceborne is an amazing DLC that is well worth the hefty price tag. It continues with amazing graphics and fun, challenging gameplay, while bringing a whole new level of grind to an extreme grind game by adding many more hours of content and many more items to collect for those who are looking to scratch that collector’s itch.

If tight, challenging combat, and infinite replayability in a charmingly depressing setting is your cup of tea, Dead Cells is the game for you.

Despite the odd issues I ran into with the game, be it performance related, or gameplay related (mobs of enemies don’t always make a game harder FromSoftware), Dark Souls 3 is a gargantuan step up from Dark Souls 2 in terms of design...From Software has included a lot for players to mess around with, and between the various armor sets, locations, weapons and enemies to get acquainted with, Dark Souls 3 is one behemoth of a game that could stand at the top of the entire series in terms of quality.

Like another rhythm game Thumper, Rez Infinite showcases the power of PSVR. While many people may look at a reboot or relaunch of a game as something lazy, Rez Infinite doesn’t fall in this category. Instead, Rez Infinite proves that the PSVR can breathe new life into old classics.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a remarkable feat. Not only does the mammoth title run exceptionally well, but it also looks incredible. Compared to the PS5 version, the FPS is lower, however, there aren’t many other compromises to mention. Cloud’s epic adventure retains its cinematic punch, emotional weight, and exhilarating combat, making this one of the most impressive third-party showcases on Nintendo’s latest hardware.

Like Myst or Riven, The Talos Principal: Reawakened combines a thoughtful narrative premise with clever and often extremely challenging puzzles. The new version adds some quality-of-life features, new content, and an editor in concert with beautifully updated graphics. Enough time has passed to firmly assert that The Talos Principal is a genre classic, and The Talos Principal: Reawakened is simply the definitive version to own.

Respawn Entertainment did just that with Titanfall 2; they turned the ideas and mechanics from the first game into an even better experience.

You spend a lot of time in Pokopia just messing around, but it adds up to something satisfying. Making habitats, befriending Pokémon, exploring, and cleaning up the environment all feel like little tasks at first. But they slowly turn into something more significant. It’s a smooth process that feels perfectly natural. It really sneaks up on you. I wish the map and the inventory were more robust, to be sure. And maybe I felt adrift once in a while. But that core loop was so delightful, I didn’t mind all that much. If you’re looking for a Pokémon experience that feels a little different than the usual fare, Pokémon Pokopia might be perfect for you.

This review might seem short, especially for such a gigantic game. There's just so much I can't disclose. Bits of the combat and the mechanics of course, but mainly the story. It's just much better if you experience these things yourself. I will say that this story manages to be both relatable and enormous. You want - almost desperately - to see how this thing shakes out. I wish the combat wasn't so sluggish at times. It almost obstructs the narrative, having to wade through these disconnected battles. But the quest system is engaging, and the battles do eventually make sense. The writing is great, and the voice acting is getting better with every game. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a gigantic, epic adventure. It's also bloated, hyperactive, and easily distracted. It's beautiful but flat, it's weird yet familiar. If you're looking for a massive new JRPG, the latest Xenoblade game is here for you.

These two titles offer distinct, yet familiar, Mario experiences. Especially if you're new to 3D World, this double feature is an absolute steal of a deal. A massive stage-based 3D platformer AND a blissful Odyssey-style toybox? Say no more! On the other hand, anyone who played this back in 2013 has a more nuanced decision to make. While 3D World is still amazing, it's exactly what you remember from the Wii U days. Whether or not Bowser's Fury is enough of a draw to pull you back in depends on what sort of Mario game you're hungry for. If it's more 3D World, you might be left wanting. Alternately, if you're open to something slightly unlike anything that's come before, maybe Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury will be a perfect fit.

I don’t know if I would say I had a “blast” with Manifold Garden, but that’s only because I suck at puzzle games. What I do know is make no mistake; this one should not be missed if you consider yourself a riddle aficionado. Absolutely brilliant visuals make way for genuinely engaging levels that had me scratching my head and pumping my fist in victory. Sure, there are a few minor setbacks, the main one being problems with the pacing. But all-in-all, Manifold Garden is fantastic.

For all its glorious visuals, endless modes, and virtual reality additions, the game of Tetris needs not more than a set of reliable input methods to snatch a dozen hours from right before your eyes. Tetris Effect is a confident, yet elegant, take on the simplest game in the world and a sheer masterclass of game design, at that.

Dead Space is a cult classic that is considered one of the greatest horror games in the medium. Some may argue that the game didn’t require a remake, however, Motive Studios are faithful in its approach and improves on the original. Although the visual update makes each step a disquieting nightmare, the enhancements made to the combat and narrative are what make the real difference. While the game carefully follows the path laid by the original, the number of refinements makes this the definitive version.

If Resident Evil 4 struck the perfect balance between survival horror and AAA action, Separate Ways cranks the lever to full-on action, but in a way that compliments the base game and retains the spirit of Resident Evil.

If you've had a Fire Emblem-shaped hole in your heart till now, Fire Emblem: Three Houses will leave you breathless, sleepless, and eager for more. I know I'll be lost in this new world for months to come.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa is an amazing package that has been wonderfully ported to the Switch. Those who haven’t played it previously have another opportunity to experience the remarkable epic, whereas the lure of a handheld version may also tempt aficionados back to this sensational hack and slash RPG.

What Bungie has accomplished with The Final Shape in the face of tremendous hurdles and unreasonable expectations is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a powerful and satisfying story, with the mechanics, art, design, and polish to back it up. This is Bungie’s best work in the Destiny era, and sets a lofty new bar for live service expansions. In a challenging market, Bungie have proven they’re still among the best in the business. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

If you haven’t played it, you should. Plain and simple. It’s worth your time, though you’ll be feeling how much time you’ve spent with it after it has consumed roughly 40 hours of your time once the credits finally roll.

Death Stranding 2 is a massive achievement for Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions. It elevates nearly everything that made the original such a unique experience. It streamlines the majority of its systems to make them more palatable. It's drop-dead gorgeous and introduces enough new mechanics to feel fresh while never alienating what makes the franchise so special. Death Stranding 2 is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year, and well worth the agonizing six-year wait. This is a game that will be in my rotation for hundreds of more hours. From start to finish, it blew me away. Keep on keeping on.

This PC release is the definitive version of Horizon Forbidden West. It looks fantastic, runs brilliantly, and tells one of the more compelling action RPG stories I’ve yet played. Aloy and friends are great characters, and the Horizon world is enticing by design. It’s not smashing through genre barriers by any means, but the systems are expertly balanced and exciting to engage with. It stands toe to toe with the best open world games of all time, and Guerrilla’s trajectory suggests their next effort will be even better.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is Ryu Ga Gotoku’s best game. The expansive world is packed with content and will beckon you to explore every inch of the environment. Although mini-games and activities are a staple of the series, they have never been as diverse and addictive as this. With its touching yet hilarious story and intricate, deep combat system, we already have a game of the year contender.

It’s difficult to convey Lone Echo’s level of immersion in words. It’s something you have to try for yourself. The game gets so many things right, from the player’s relationship with Captain Rhodes to the interactivity with the environment, that I’m willing to overlook its disappointing finale. For the first time ever, I truly felt like I was in space, an experience only made possible with the power of virtual reality. And for that, I can’t recommend Lone Echo enough.

Resident Evil Requiem amalgamates its two entities into a cohesive, demonic monster, resulting in one of the series’ most complete entries to date. From its tense, immersive exploration that highlights vulnerability to its visceral combat that revels in brutality, it delivers a nightmare that feels both refined and feral. A masterpiece in horror, and an early Game of the Year contender.

With all the content included in the game, the superb quality of the gameplay, and the fantastic soundtrack, SQUIDS Wild West is one game you should absolutely download for you iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

Dispatch Episodes 1 and 2 make for the perfect launch of this superhero workplace comedy. The sharp, well-written dialogue delivers plenty of hilarious moments that’ll keep you laughing throughout. While gameplay is limited, what’s here is thoughtful and engaging, seamlessly blending story and interactivity. Though elements of the classic Telltale formula remain, Adhoc has refined them into a well-paced adventure that leaves me genuinely excited for what’s next. With new episodes dropping in pairs each week, the road ahead looks bright.

If you’re a fan of the Battle Royale genre or first-person shooters in general, Apex Legends is at least worth giving a shot, and even if you’re not a fan of those things, try it out anyways and see if you fall in love with any of the game’s charismatic characters.

All in all, Fate/stay night REMASTERED is a flawed masterpiece landmark title in gaming. If you’re a fan of visual novels, fantasy, or want to start the Fate franchise at the very beginning, this is your chance.

Split Fiction is an incredible game. I was surprised how much fun I had with it, especially playing it via local co-op with my son. The Nintendo Switch seemed to handle the game quite well, aside from a minor issue with the main characters’ hair. A word of warning though, the retail version of Split Fiction does not contain a game card, but rather a full game download code. And since it’s a beefy game – around 70 gigs – it’ll take up some valuable real estate on your new Nintendo Switch 2. It’s also worth reiterating once again that this is a co-op only game. You can play locally via split screen or with GameShare, or you can play online via cross-platform play. But if you do not have someone else to play with, you can not play. Despite these minor notes, Split Fiction is an absolute gem of a game that will most definitely be in the Game of the Year conversation.

Synth Riders makes a great complimentary music rhythm game to Beat Saber. Beat Saber is a great outlet for aggression and feeding your inner Jedi. Synth Riders lets you sync with the music and release your inner creativity. Both are excellent forms of physical exercise. I’ll give Synth Rider the nod, though, for more options and subjectively better music. Plus, the original Star Trek Photon Torpedo sound effect used for combo leveling up never gets old.

This is a glorious VR game. It will take you about 5 to 6 hours to finish, but you can easily lose time just taking in everything you see. The only niggle with the game is a lack of replayability. There is nothing extra to entice one to play again. However, the journey and spectacle of a single run is totally worth it. If you are looking for a premium VR experience that fills you with a sense of awe and wonder, Red Matter 2 is the ticket. Developer, Vertical Robot is one to keep an eye on.

Dreams is incredible. It’s what I and so many others have wanted from the time we fell in love with video games. It’s a limitless playground for those that have ever dreamt of the perfect video game – but it’s okay if you haven’t! Because Dreams is also a limitless playground for those that just want to sit back and enjoy the ride.

It is by no means a flawless game, or series, but is a memorable one and one that raises the bar when it comes to storytelling in a video game franchise.

Overall, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a great game that everyone should have in their collection. It’s one of the best bangs for your buck out there in terms of how much time you will clock in on this one and also in quality.

Alan Wake 2 is smartly written, visually arresting and thematically complex. It can be obtuse and perplexing, but that's a feature, not a bug. It brings together not only the worlds of several Remedy games, but demonstrates all the narrative and gameplay lessons the studio has learned over the last thirteen years. Alan Wake 2 rewards fans of the first game for their patience, and invites new players along for a wild, sometimes terrifying and mind-bending ride.

I have played Destiny since its launch last year, and I can confidently say that with the Year 2, and The Taken King DLC upon us, this is what Destiny pretty much should have been all along.

Horizon Zero Dawn is a sweeping epic, magically dancing across the lines between sci-fi and fantasy, masterfully intertwining two genres that traditionally have held their own space in gaming. It is Guerrilla Games' crowning achievement in video game development. Words cannot do justice for what you need to see for yourself.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II aims to tell an epic story filled with engaging characters in a beautifully made world, and at the same time be a hardcore medieval life simulator. There were definitely times when these two ambitions felt at odds, especially when my impatient self just wanted to get to the next story beat or finish a quest. At the same time, I almost never stopped enjoying the detailed environments, engaging in combat or meeting new people. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is more ambitious, more polished and more narratively complex than the first game. It's an impressive achievement that moves the unique franchise significantly forward.

When it appeared on PS4 in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima was a bit overshadowed by some other heavy hitters like The Last of Us Part 2. Since then, and especially after the update on PS5, the game has only risen in respect and popularity. Ghost of Tsushima remains a fantastic action RPG with stellar performances, art direction, and gameplay. Nixxes’ PC version is a model for success: full-featured, stable, optimized, and a pleasure to play.

This game is kind of a rare beast. The gameplay is more accessible than ever, while the story has reached a new plateau on Mount Convoluted. Players who missed it the first time will be thrilled, but even experienced fans will have good reasons to double dip. The features included make this an excellent Special Edition while being a decent PS5 release. I’m not so invested I want to go back and play the games I missed, though I am glad I came back to the series. If smooth gameplay is your yardstick, then this is the definitive version for you. On the other hand, there are better graphical show pieces for the PS5 out there. Even so, I can easily recommend Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition for new and old fans alike.

It’s the closest you’ll get to that feeling of shooters from yesteryear, and you’d do yourself a disservice as a shooter fan by missing it. Buy Dusk. Beat Dusk. Then ramp up the difficulty or dive into the Endless mode or multiplayer to get your fill. It’s been too long, my friend. Far too long.

Neon White takes elements of a range of genres and combines them to create a truly fascinating experience. Part hectic, card-based, FPS speedrunner and part visual novel, dating sim, the game manages to strike a perfect balance that successfully blends a multitude of strands. Due to its highly addictive and massively replayable gameplay, online leaderboards and secrets within, you’ll love each and every minute of this heavenly title.

Some of the games moments feel a little forced, but as a whole, everything fits together quite nicely. The game is incredibly linear, and it’s unlikely you’ll have any need to return aside from collecting some missed Trophies/Achievements. The experience is short, but ultimately well constructed.

While I did find some disconnect with the main character I found the game did a remarkable job at telling the story and setting the stage for Corvo's relentless pursuit of those who set him up. The amount of character interaction in the game is impressive and the experience can go as deep as you'd want it to go.

If you enjoy exploration, puzzler games like Journey, then Cocoon is the closest cousin yet. The game exudes charm and is a joy to play. If you are tired or need a break from games that require full concentration or fast reflexes, then Cocoon is definitely worth a look. We all need palette cleansers from time to time, and Cocoon is a splendid choice to do so.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a twisted puzzle adventure like no other. The high-brow approach to gameplay requires you to read pages from books to learn the fundamentals that enshroud the range of conundrums that you’ll come across. Simogo don’t underestimate your ability, leaving you to ponder clues and work out the solution. While this can halt your progress and lead to cycling around the same puzzles, it makes decryption much more satisfying. The game stubbornly sticks to its principles to the detriment of accessibility, however, losing yourself to the deep layers of intrigue makes this an unforgettable trip.

Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles is a 4-table DLC pack worth the asking price and any virtual pinball fan will be content with the addition of the four included tables as they all offer some very unique elements in each one.

There is no doubt that Mario Kart 8 is a great game, plain and simple. With the power of the Wii U at their disposal Nintendo has been able to create some really great looking tracks, add a lot more racers for you to compete against, and there is a fairly robust local and online multiplayer component for fans to enjoy.

Super Mario Maker is a game that has nearly unlimited potential, but may be slow out of the starting gate. It will take some time for many to get on board.

An improvement in nearly every way to the original. It is a fun, highly addictive, and immersive experience that will grip you with its unique design, tight gameplay, high replay value, and compelling cast of characters.

Dusk is a fantastic game. I think it loses a little bit by being on the Switch as controlling such a fast character with a controller just doesn’t feel as good as it does with mouse and keyboard. Combine that with a weapon wheel that doesn’t slow time, and you can have some chaotic moments that come from annoyance as you struggle to get the weapon you want while bunny-hopping around. Still, the atmosphere, level design, and pure frenetic gameplay are more than enough to make up for these minor drawbacks. Dusk on Switch is a horrifically good time, and being able to take it on the go is worth a few compromises.

FIFA 14 for the Xbox One is quite simply an impressive launch game. The enhanced visuals make for a game that comes alive and for the first time in recent memory I truly felt like I was “in the game”.

In the end, Mewgenics stands as a confident, content-rich tactical roguelite that rewards curiosity, patience, and perseverance. Its deep combat, endless variety, distinctive visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and unapologetic humor combine into a game that feels uniquely itself. It won’t be for everyone, but for those willing to meet it on its own terms, Mewgenics offers an experience that can last dozens—if not hundreds—of hours without losing its sense of surprise or challenge. If you waited over a decade for Mewgenics, your patience has paid off.

The level design is beautiful as the colours pop from the screen and art design is equally fantastic.

All in all, AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is another complex and twisting murder mystery with a strong cyberpunk flavor. If you crave bizarre philosophies, high-tech conspiracies, and mind-bending puzzles, add this game to your list. Just make you aren’t photosensitive first.

It’s such an interesting meld of open RPG, twitch action, platformer, bullet hell shooter that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone. In the slew of amazing games this spring release season, it’s easy to forget about this gem because it’s a sequel. Don’t let that happen to you.

Blood Ties is the first real step in turning Lara Croft from a mere video game avatar to a character you can have an emotional attachment to.

It Takes Two is a dazzling adventure filled with more mechanics than you can shake a stick at. Working together throughout the mesmerizing set of levels is compelling and full of hearty chuckles, but sadly the story falls short of that bar with inconsistent tone and a lack of perceptible character growth along the way. It’s still well worth your time and energy, just don’t expect to be as emotionally invested in the journey as you might have been with Hazelight’s past work.

Ubisoft Montreal has crafted a vibrant world and the strangely endearing Captain Kenway will also likely be your favourite assassin yet. Engage your inner swashbuckler and become the most feared pirate to ever sail the seven seas. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is an experience not to be missed.

While excellent, Left Behind definitely could have been longer, but with such a well crafted little story, it’s hard to fault the game for not giving me some more monster killing filler.

Monster Hunter Wilds builds on Worlds' combat, crafting, and upgrade systems. The new open zones and more complex monster behaviors are impressive and interesting to explore, and as always, hunts can be challenging, rewarding, exhausting, and fun. The lack of new weapons is disappointing, as are the many technical issues and the game's often unpolished feel. The bigger environments and more open-ended gameplay could have been the foundation for something really new and special. Monster Hunter Wilds feels like a lateral move rather than a significant advance.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart has something for almost everyone. Fast and satisfying combat and gameplay, absolutely jaw-dropping good looks, a fantastic score, and narrative design, writing, and acting that could be plugged right in as the next Pixar film. I felt some feels, grinned constantly, and yes, I’m going to go back and play it again. Right now.

Animal Well is a refreshing twist on the Metroidvania formula. Its tight platforming and clever puzzles make each exhilarating trek to distinct regions a blast. Although the retro-inspired art direction and odd presentation may not resonate with everyone, the originality and charm that imbues the game make this trip to the absurd a must for fans of the genre.

I can’t help but love Shovel Knight. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of why I love gaming; the joy I felt as a kid playing games in a time when graphics and hardware didn’t matter. While paying tribute to the classics, Shovel Knight still feels unique with fantastic level designs that are extremely challenging and rewarding to complete.

I really tried to note every change in both versions of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. There are so many quality of life improvements, while honoring the original version as much as possible. I’m so proud of Square Enix for including the classic version along with the enhanced version. It’s amazing that the sound novel sections, which have never been in any North American version of Final Fantasy Tactics, are finally officially translated. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a loving remaster of the most beloved strategy JRPG of all time. If you have any love for the genre, it’s a must-play.

Everything is bigger and better, XCOM 2 exceeds expectations and spawns new hope in future sequels.

The game truly is enhanced in every sense of the word and should serve as a great introduction for console gamers to the world of hardcore PC RPG experiences.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is the package fans have been waiting years for. They missed the mark with the HD remake, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, but I’m happy to report Vicarious Visions and Activision have perfectly rebuilt the original two Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater titles from the ground up. There are plenty of new things added to the reimagining of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games, and they’re all welcome additions. Nothing feels out of place and includes a lot more content than expected. Time has flown by through my first playthrough of the two campaigns, and I know I’m just getting started with all of the online and local multiplayer potential. This great package leaves me wanting more.

So while Horizon Forbidden West isn’t changing the rules of the genre, it’s an excellently crafted, entertaining, and satisfying adventure. It looks phenomenal and offers a sandbox of gameplay that remains just as unique as the original. Is it more of the same? In a way, I suppose. But I know I wouldn’t say no to more of Horizon Zero Dawn as it was 5 years ago, and Forbidden West is an improvement in nearly every way.

All in all, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim’s Switch release is a strong success. This game is an incredible experience that doesn’t require you to be a brilliant RTS player–but will reward you for being one. If you enjoy complex storytelling and retro anime, you’ll have a great time. If you prefer games that don’t have required reading, maybe play something else.

Simogo Legacy Collection is a wonderful package that gathers several unique titles essential for fans of the studio. Although the games vary in quality, Year Walk and Device 6 stand out as innovative experiences that echo the creativity seen in Simogo’s later releases. While there are multiple control options, many of them feel awkward and can impact the overall experience. However, when played as intended on a handheld with touch controls, everything works seamlessly. Add in the extras and you’re left with a superb selection from a truly special developer.

I found it to be surprisingly challenging, and while it may a bit too easy for veterans of previous games I think it’s a great.

If you thought Groundhog Day would have been even more awesome with guns and assassinations or that Dishonored would have been a better game if only Quentin Tarantino had directed it, you’d probably enjoy Deathloop. Despite some issues with pacing, bugs, AI, and mechanical clarity, Deathloop is smart, funny, intricately designed, and driven by engaging action, cool puzzles, and relative freedom to approach its objectives in various ways. Deathloop is an addictive and rewarding shooter and one of the most ambitious action games this year.

Ori and the Blind Forest is a title that has set the bar high for modern day “Metroidvania” games. From the original artwork and the enveloping soundtrack to the pixel perfect control and heartfelt narrative, anyone who plays this game will find themselves hooked from the get-go.

Grindstone is a simple, effective, and addictive mobile game that does just about everything right. I’ve been playing it for over a month, and there are no sign of it getting old. If you’re someone who rides a bus to work or otherwise has regular downtime, Grindstone should grab a place on your home screen.

The Talos Principle 2 builds on the foundation of the first excellent game. It has a rich, thoughtful narrative where the puzzles aren’t just moving laser beams, but trying to figure out what it means to be part of a society. Moving the laser beams is fun, too, and there are enough systems to make those puzzles accessible but challenging. The Talos Principle 2 gives players a lot to think about.

I love games with this kind of laser focus on good mechanics. Sword of the Sea is all about how amazing it is to surf over sand, seas, and stone with liquid ease. Every subsequent mechanic, every environment, and every plot development springs from this one idea. But because of this, the game is also quite short. You can surf through the whole thing in a handful of hours. This also makes it perfect for speedruns and repeated playthroughs. Frame perfect freaks and other obsessives will be thrilled. But more than that, this is a beautiful world to explore, to simply live in. The music is chill, the vistas are fabulous, and the vibes are immaculate. If you’re looking for a short, singular gameplay experience, Sword of the Sea will be perfect for you.

Metroid games have always had trace elements of sci-fi horror in them, and Metroid Dread is no different. Rather than inject the series with new levels of fear and tension, Dread seeks to highlight the latent spookiness already present. To that end, it works! That familiar sense of powerlessness and fear is given new life in this game. Suddenly your initial state of weakness has greater narrative weight. Furthermore, the lateral expansion of your move set feels like a natural conclusion. Every victory is one you clawed and fought for with all your might. Each new stage is filled with fresh dangers to keep you moving with an abundance of caution and care. Even the complex controls and the punishing boss fights are in service to this vision. Metroid Dread takes small, but significant, steps to expand and innovate upon the established series formula. Metroid and Metroidvania fans alike won't want to miss this entry.

Much like the previous two episodes, The Walking Dead: Episode 3 – Long Road Ahead is a fascinating tale of survival and is filled with more gut wrenching decisions.

That's the curious power of the Mario Maker games. They can transform a passive audience member into an active participant. I'm dissecting stages and layouts with brand new vigor. Every design choice is something to be absorbed and digested for later use. Even if you don't fancy yourself a creator, I highly recommend Super Mario Maker 2. You'll be shocked at the subtle yet significant shift in your mindset.

Guacamelee is a fantastic fiesta of a game, and Guacamelee! Gold is the definitive version. It has style in spades, charming writing, deceptively deep gameplay, additional content, and is wholly satisfying to play.

Monster Hunter Rise is everything I had hoped it would be, and more. It’s welcoming to beginners while still retaining that deep core experience that longtime players know and love. It’s challenging, but never in ways that feel unfair or cruel. And the attention to the details that are meant to keep one smiling is something you don’t see too often. Every inch of Rise plays like it’s the culmination of the series’ best ideas. Subsequently, I’m enormously excited to continue my journey in discovering what else Capcom has crammed into the game. I’m 20 hours in, and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, excuse me, my next hunt awaits.

Civilization VI brings the franchise to an unbelievable level of polish and streamlined complexity.

Thousand Year Door is a remake done right. The new sound and visuals look terrific. The game's essential identity has been preserved. Plus, the original release is able to shine through with no distractions. It's exactly as wonderful as you remember it being. I'm still impressed with the writing, and the level design is mostly excellent. I still hate the tournament arc, though. And I wish some of the puzzles didn't involve scouring a dungeon until a forgotten button or door is dragged into the sunlight. Although the original release is amazing, it's also nearly impossible to play anymore. For new and old fans, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is an essential addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

The game looks and sounds absolutely amazing and the countless hours players can spend exploring, collecting and achievement unlocking is endless. While the lack of character customization and reduction in the amount of players you can have in a room is a bit of a let-down; the reality is Diablo pushes the series forward in the right direction.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways is exactly what fans wanted from the Ada Wong-focused story. It improves on the original, giving more depth to the protagonist’s character and progressing her narrative. The acrobatics of the special agent opens up new gameplay options which allows the heroine to latch on to ledges and superkick enemies. While you don’t have complete freedom with the grapple gun and the runtime is short, there are no wasted moments which makes Separate Ways a joy from start to finish.

What it is though, is a damn good time.

I can easily and wholeheartedly recommend Diablo III: Eternal Collection for the Nintendo Switch. Whether you’ve never played before or you’ve put in over a thousand hours, this game will pull you right in without a second’s hesitation.