Gato Roboto is polished, and there is no doubt a certain naive charm to the game, aided by catchy music and sound effects. The environments and enemies are rendered with a defined style that lends character to the game. The game also controls well which is a necessity as enemies come at you from all directions. But, and it’s a big but, the monochrome white of everything strikes me as bland. Because of it, nothing stands out. Not the environments. Not the enemies. And especially not Kiki.

Take me out to the ball game and leave me in the nosebleeds. I’m never coming back. MLB The Show 21 is a tremendous homage to a sport so many love. I know the Road to the Show regression will drive people crazy, and the bugs do continue to somewhat hinder my enjoyment. But this is all fixable stuff. What lies underneath is a beautiful simulation of baseball. Isn’t that what we came for?

On the surface, Birushana is your typical otome game and in most aspects, it is. However, it is refreshing to have a character who isn’t desperate for love and attention. Even though some routes will put her in a damsel-in-distress position, there are others that showcase her resolve. The conversations are often on the longer side and the men surrounding Shanao are all simps…the ideal type for an otome game. Though the game isn’t perfect, there is so much content to unpack that you’ll likely end up taking days to play. A word of advice – don’t be afraid to romance the man you’re not interested in. Some routes will really surprise you!

If you’ve been looking for a way to play these games on modern consoles, then Lunar Remastered Collection is a godsend. The visuals are mostly preserved, the item management is better, and the voice acting is brand new. New players might be thrown by the simple plot and the retro combat, but the high-speed autobattles offer a convenient off-ramp. While they aren’t my favorite retro RPGs by any means, this collection is a great way to get ahold of them. If nothing else, the 90s anime vibes are downright immaculate.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a glorious blast from the past that takes no prisoners. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy memorizing level layouts, this is the game for you. And if you don’t, give it a try anyway. It’s merciless, but incredibly engaging.

RIDE 6 represents a significant leap forward for the franchise, elevating both its technical performance and overall scope. Milestone has carefully balanced accessibility with authenticity, broadening the game’s appeal without compromising the realism longtime fans expect. It’s an impressive achievement. One further reinforced by the studio’s clear commitment to ongoing support and refinement.

The Quarry is a significant evolution of the formula established with Until Dawn. This time around the performance capture, cinematography and complex branching story are even more impressive. The game's biggest achievement, though, are its setting, narrative and characters. While they don't entirely transcend the stock tropes of genre fiction, they are far and away some of the best in any videogame and absolutely the equal of big-budget horror films. The Quarry is a must-play for horror fans. Gamers who enjoy great narratives, memorable characters and intriguing choice-driven mechanics will love it too.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 seems to favour fixing most of what was there instead of changing the make-up of the game. While these smaller additions are all well and good, there is a feeling in the football sim community that both Pro Evo and FIFA are due for a generational leap in years to come. However, that starts with getting what’s already there right – and in that regard, PES 2019 passes with flying colors.

It does have its ups and downs but taken as a whole, Resident Evil 4 is an example of excellent game design, one that many developers of today should take notes from… or maybe not, because last time they did that, I was seeing quick time events in a Need for Speed game.

If you’re a fan of the original Rock of Ages, you will absolutely love Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder. Rock of Ages 2 brings back everything that made the original so fun and unique, then cranks the dial to eleven.

TOEM is suitable for all audiences. Everything from its friendly nature, to the ease of control, to the cute characters and catchy tunes, TOEM hits the mark in many ways. Though I wish it were longer, a part of me thinks the short length adds to the simplicity and relaxation aspect of the experience. It was just so inviting, especially during days where you want to do something easy and not necessarily feel too challenged, making me wish there was more content and areas to explore. TOEM 2, perhaps?

Kelvin and the Infamous Machine is a hilarious point and click adventure with am excellent look and even better voice acting.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution covers all of the card updates and additions from the past 2 decades giving us over 9,000 cards to build our dream decks with. With some of our most loved monsters, spell or trap cards from the earliest (and most beloved, in my opinion) the first season of Yu-Gi-Oh! To some of the most recent expansion, Vrains. There’s a lot of customization to be had with your decks not to mention the thrill of playing online or in Sealed and Draft modes, this is definitely a title that any fan of TCGs or Yu-Gi-Oh will really enjoy.

Ghost Song doesn’t try to reinvent the Metroidvania genre, but neither does it clutter it up with extra mechanics for the sake of complexity. It’s approachable but challenging. What it lacks in originality is made up for by attractive art, good level design and overall, addictive fun.

Cat Quest is a delightfully charming experience, one that people may overlook as a kids game, and they would be sorely mistaken. It has depth, an intriguing art style, some wonderful dialogue, and a compelling combat system that – when combined with everything else it has to offer – delivers a game that is hard to put down.

Battlefield 4, with its huge maps and high attention to detail is just screaming next generation. Playing on maps built for 64 players with a mere 24 seems like not only a disservice but lacking in punch too.

Wolfenstein: The New Order doesn’t reinvent the franchise or give us anything particularly innovative. Yet what it does do is excel at giving us a deep shooter experience unlike we have seen on the Xbox One to date. This visually remarkable game features memorable characters, a terrific soundtrack and frantically entertaining gameplay. Wolfenstein: The New Order is hard to put down and for good reason – it simply kicks ass.

After completing ECHO, I can’t wait to see what ULTRA ULTRA does next, hopefully refining and then incorporating the system they’ve developed for this learning AI. Beating yourself at your own game feels satisfying, and losing yourself feels fair. Now, if they can just make the protagonist feel more powerful but throw in some enemy variety and more complications to deal with that power level, they’ll be set.

Ragnarock is an excellent rhythm game that will resonate with metalheads. The tracklist and theme are lovingly interwoven which helps add to the immersion. While it lacks modes and could use a bit of polish, the core experience is addictive and makes you feel like a Norse rock god!

Overall, Super Mega Baseball 4 is the best arcade-inspired baseball game on the market. It also does a great job with its simulation aspects while keeping the Super Mega Baseball form. My favorite part of the game, aside from its strong gameplay, is the amount of customization there is. Whether you want to customize players, teams, leagues, or difficulty levels, there is something you can change. Overall, Super Mega Baseball 4 is a great baseball videogame experience, especially if you want a departure from the MLB.

Once Upon a Katamari has an excellent concept, and excellent gameplay. The problem is that there are lots of Katamari games with the same excellent concept and gameplay. The new online modes and customization options are great ideas, but are very shallow in execution. There just isn’t enough evolution in any of the series’ core ideas. If you’re a player who wants more Katamari levels, then Once Upon a Katamari has that. But if you were excited to create your own Prince character and get lost in endless online battle modes, then I’m sorry to have to share that those aspects are afterthoughts, despite being advertised as key features. As a fan of the series, I can tell there wasn’t the same amount of care and effort in Once Upon a Katamari that went into the series’ classic titles.

Although I do consider the price of $14.99 a bit steep (editors note: at time of posting this review it is on sale for $9.99 until Jan. 4, 2013), it is unlike anything I've ever played before; such a unique, enjoyable experience, one that will leave you thinking about it days after playing. I can't help but recommend it to any Wii U owner.

All in all, Persona 5 Tactica is far from perfect. But it looks pretty sound, it sounds excellent, and it is fun. If you just want to see more of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, you could certainly do worse. And if you open your heart to the new cast, Erina and Toshiro have a lot going for them. Just be prepared to replay levels a lot on higher difficulties.

Driveclub Bikes works on a lot of levels; it’s a great expansion, it’s a great game and it’s made virtual bike racing fun again.

Despite some shortcuts and downgrades in shoehorning a huge FPS juggernaut onto a handheld, Doom on the Switch is the real deal. All of the action, all of the fun, and most of the gameplay are in your hands, in a port that definitely fulfills its massive expectations.

If you’ve been itching to get back in the driver’s seat, DIRT 5 is what the doctor ordered. Despite a lackluster career mode that fails in both connecting to the player and building tension, DIRT 5 succeeds where it matters most. Driving. This is the best representation of off-road vehicular shenanigans I’ve ever had the joy of playing. Mastering my skillset and conquering each course was as fun as any racing game over the last five years – I attribute much of this to each class of car being as certifiably entertaining as the last.

Ultimately, Collector’s Cove is a competent but hollow entry into the life-sim genre. It is missing that indefinable “key ingredient”—the soul and density—that makes its predecessors so enduring. While it may provide a pleasant weekend of distraction for genre enthusiasts, it currently lacks the longevity and polish to swim alongside the big fish of the cozy gaming world. As it stands, the cove is a nice place to visit, but there isn’t quite enough there to make you want to stay.

Kirby Air Riders is a robust racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the product of beloved game developer Masahiro Sakurai of Smash Bros. fame. While I do hope Nintendo has plans to add to the overall package with at least some new Air Ride and Top Ride tracks, there is still a wealth of content here for fans to enjoy. If you're a racing fan or looking for something fresh to play with friends, Kirby Air Riders should be a strong consideration for your Switch 2 library.

It may sound harsh, but Nobody Saves the World really threw all my pet peeves into a barrel and gave it a nice coat of paint. To give this game some props though, the co-op is fun for a little while and the game plays well. The coat of paint is, without a lie, a really nice art style. It’s just that the grind really sucks and it makes you grind from THE INTRO DUNGEON. Oh right, I was supposed to be talking about the positives. Probably the best thing about this game is that it has a very long potential gameplay time, and if you have a kid or a casual friend you want to relax and punch some monsters with, Nobody Saves the World might be a really good game.

Overall, this is an excellent first foray for Sony with the PSVR2. Hopefully, this game is but a first step into AAA VR Games for PSVR2. If Sony adopts a policy of including VR Modes for all their First Party AAA Games, aka hybrid gaming, gamers are in for awesome times ahead.

I will warn you though; if you don’t have patience this game may challenge your gaming prowess.

Cozy Caravan is a triumph of vibes over complexity. It is a game designed to really cool down your heart rate. It succeeds pretty well in creating a world that feels kind, warm, and welcoming. While it may lack the mechanical depth to hold the attention of hardcore simulation players and fans for hundreds of hours, it is a perfect example of a palette cleanser game. Cozy Caravan is a delightful road trip that asks nothing of you but to slow down and smell the flowers.

The Madden faithful can purchase Madden NFL 20 with confidence as they do every year. On its own, it’s the best and only NFL experience in town but I would not blame you at all for skipping out this year. Madden NFL 20 remains only marginally better than Madden 19.

Squadrons has a somewhat limited audience. I'm terrible at dogfights, but I'm motivated to get better. They're a ton of fun, but they're brutally tough. If that doesn't appeal to you, best you learn it now, rather than later. For those of you starving for a proper Star Wars flight combat game, this is exactly what you've been waiting for. Otherwise, you're in for a rough ride, albeit an exciting one, with Star Wars: Squadrons.

Graphically the game starts off looking rather simple, with basic 3D shapes, but they begin to evolve the farther you get into the game.

Superbrothers is a good game. It provides the player with a charming story with great puzzles. And yet, the controls and combat find a way to fall short. They bring this game down to an experience that, like many, you’ll only want to have once. It is definitely worth a play for the price, on mobile or console. Whether it’s worth more than one is up to you. I had my fun but I’ll be moving on and placing Superbrothers in the depths of my library… I’ll pick it up again another day, but not today, as I’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Despite the dark undertones, one might assume a game with the title of I Am Dead has, I certainly felt anything but. The narrative pulls you in immediately. The heartwarming stories you’ll discover are just as great. I didn’t want it to end. Even though I didn’t rush through it, I wish I had spent more time taking in the gorgeous scenery and story. Lately, it seems as though the world is on fire, so why not take some time to pick this up and let Morris and Sparky’s delightful adventure take you for a ride?

Pacific Drive is a unique RPG and survival crafting game in a landscape choked with unimaginative copycats and clones. That alone makes it worth checking out. Its story, atmosphere and basic loop are engaging and satisfying. At the default difficulty though, its design and mechanics can frustrate in ways that neither skill or time can overcome. Pacific Drive offers a refreshing RPG experience but the ride is sometimes bumpier than intended.

This game is a perfect fusion of the Zelda games and the Musou genre that I can’t put down. But I also recognize that this is a one-trick pony. You’ve got excellent combat and no second thing. Maybe you want more out of a Zelda game than fighting with a light layer of story on top. That’s totally fine! But the vibes are immaculate and the gameplay is terribly compelling. If you want an intense action game that really highlights the Zelda of it all, then Age of Imprisonment is exactly what you’re looking for.

With beautiful graphics, simple and concise controls, and a decent array of weapons to choose from, Alienation only really falters from a tired plot and lack of character customization.

It’s a beautiful, well-crafted, and addicting 2D shooter that offers so many possible ship, weapon and upgrade combinations that you could have hours of fun just endeavoring to discover them all.

At the end of the day, Deru may be too challenging for small kids and too unstimulating for adults. To its credit, it has an absolutely beautiful delivery and the abstract puzzles are a nice and unexpected idea. Though the price tag on the game is pretty modest, the gameplay is very short — less than four hours from start to finish — and may not be worth the purchase for players seeking an exhilarating experience.

Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland is the perfect way to conclude this now tetralogy. That said, Gust could surprise us with another game set in the world of Arland. For now, though, Atelier Lulua is a crisp and clean experience with cute visuals and an even cuter cast of characters. While the gameplay is simple, it’s engaging enough to hold your attention and the best part is that you don’t need to have played the previous three games in order to understand this. With the added bonus of the simplified alchemy procedure, it’s an overall great title to pick up if you’ve been curious about the series.

If you’re a 30 year fan of Super Robot Wars, the latest entry into the saga is something pretty special. No expense was spared bringing crunchy strategy rules and every mecha IP under the sun into one full throttle extravaganza. And even if you are a complete noob like me, this feels like a great entry to the wider world of giant robot anime. I suppose if you are only looking for the most finely honed strategy game and style is meaningless to you, you’re not going to find what you are looking for in Super Robot Wars 30. But give it a chance, it might grab you with a 10 foot long mechanized fist and not let go.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is unassailably clever. There is nothing remotely like it, at least visually. Many elements work really well, from the hand-crafted animations to the idea of the game springing from the imagination of a precocious, game-loving kid. I wish the story had been a bit more layered, and I wish actually playing the game matched the fun and panache of its presentation. Still, RPG Time: The Legend of Wright deserves praise for the audacity of its ideas and their generally successful implementation.

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is an excellent story-driven, combat-heavy Metroidvania. But the Nintendo Switch version is the worst version available. If the Switch is your only option to play the game on, it’s a great game at its core. But if you have access to either PlayStation, or a PC, their visual and performance quality greatly outweigh the Switch’s portability option.

Metal: Hellsinger comes across as a cross between Pistol Whip and Hellsweeper, both great VR games in their own right. Metal: Hellsinger VR is a kickass entry in the VR Rhythm game genre that gets your head banging in time to your trigger pulls.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is the perfect reminder of an arcade racer done right. The core driving mechanics are near perfect and feel more in tune than some modern racers. It’s an absolute blast to play and is just as addictive now as it was in 2008.

Although Tacoma is short, it does a fantastic job telling the stories of the different characters throughout the game, using the non-sequential AR memory recordings to build emotional ties to each. Tacoma is a simple, yet fun narrative driven game that brings time and space together.

It is a good game, but not a great game. It does some good things for the series, but yet misfires a few steps along the way. Sure, the visuals and sound are solid, and there is an interesting story, but this same story manages to miss a beat now and then, like the lack of a details for Baird and Cole at this juncture in the Gears timeline, and not enough of a story at all for the new characters Sofia and Paduk. At the end of the day fans of the franchise will no doubt enjoy much of what is offered, as will newbies to the series, but I can’t help but feel that it is somewhat less than the games released before it.

LEGO Voyagers is a delightful adventure that tells the story of two 1×1 blocks. Even without dialogue, it crafts a touching narrative that resonates with players. Each area is beautifully designed, inviting you to tinker with the world, build structures, and overcome the challenges that stand in your way. Puzzles emphasize communication, as you work together to control vehicles and navigate each space. The result is a truly wonderful experience that captures the spirit of the brick-based toy like no other.

Halo Wars 2 delivers a superb story that ends with a million possibilities on what could happen in future games.

In most ways, Gal Guardians Demon Purge sticks very close to the retro-Castlevania template. The best parts of the game are those ideas and mechanics which add something new, like the swappable sisters with unique strengths. For those gamers tired of uber-challenging action platformers, Gal Guardians Demon Purge’s streamlined gameplay and accessible difficulty might be a welcome change, if not a particularly revelatory experience.

Although its vehicles and goals are a bit different than in MudRunner or SnowRunner, Expeditions’ more compact mission structure works equally well. The beautiful and intricate puzzle-like environments offer multiple routes to success when coupled with the game’s tools and toys. Armchair adventurers looking for a mild vicarious thrill behind the wheel will find it, as will virtual driving veterans willing to push their skills and understanding of physics to the limit.

Deserts of Kharak is a triumphant return to Homeworld, just minus the space part.

LA Noire remains a one-of-a-kind game and the Switch version successfully translates this gritty crime drama to a portable platform.

A pretty decent game. You can easily get your money out of this, and it’s a great four player co-op experience.

Bleed 2 is, quite simply put, intense fun bundled up into a small package.

Cookie Cutter is a bloody blast! Its punk rock attitude seeps through to help the game stand out amongst the crowd. Platforming and combat are tight which makes the moment-to-moment gameplay feel great. There’s an overuse of certain gameplay segments and reliance on conventions, however, the rebel spirit pierces through to make this an essential title for fans of Metroidvanias.

Anger Foot seems like it could be a one-trick-pony game, with shallow gameplay and gimmick. In fact, it’s a clever and fast-paced shooter with excellent pacing, surprising depth, and a lot of humor. It doesn’t outstay its welcome and it’s reasonably replayable. If you’re looking for a bit of foot-fueled adrenaline, Anger Foot fits the bill.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the weird boss rhythms, and the shopping sections fell a little flat, but this game still bursts with that timeless River City charm. If you’re on the fence, thinking this a mere gender-swap, think again! These girls have all the ferocity and heart of their elusive boyfriends. Much more so, even. Fans of brawlers and badass girls alike won’t wanna miss River City Girls.

Paper Beast is more of an experience than a game. Being done in VR definitely enhances the mood of the game. There is no hand holding. You must figure out what needs to be done in each level based on the environment and the actions of the animals that inhabit said level. This can lead to some frustration, but overall the game does an excellent job of laying the necessary bread crumbs for the player to suss out the solution. Playing Paper Beast is very akin to kicking back, chilling out, and listening to a Pink Floyd album — you are left in a contemplative state of mind.

As a big fan of the original, the announcement of Alan Wake Remastered was a pleasant surprise. And while I enjoyed my time with it, I can’t help but feel like this is merely a tiny taste of what’s to come. Veterans of the franchise won’t find any reason to go back, and if they do, they may even find that the memory of playing Alan Wake is better than the game itself. Newcomers will find a lot to love; however, granted, they can grind through its annoyances.

The Capcom Fighting Collection is a reminder of a time when Capcom was the king of making fighting games. It’s great to finally have the opportunity to enjoy the entire Darkstalkers franchise. It would be a damn shame if Capcom didn’t follow this release up with a brand new Darkstalkers installment. While I would have preferred updated visuals, the gameplay for the most part still holds up today. I hope Capcom adds the ability to quick save in each game individually, as opposed to a shared quick save among all 10 games. While this collection only features a small fraction of the fighting games Capcom has released, it’s still a worthy release and I imagine most fighting fans will want to add it to their collection.

Wayward Stand tells an intimate story that you discover at your own pace. The non-linear design gives you the freedom to personalize your journey through a long weekend at work with your mother. The in-game clock makes the world feel alive and pushes you to follow story arcs rather than meander. While the conclusion is a little lacklustre and there is an absence of gameplay, this is a wonderful passage through a moment in time.

Elden Ring Nightreign has a solid core of fans, and The Forsaken Hollows is a welcome reward — albeit one that sets them back $15 — for their continued engagement. It might bring a few players back, at least for a while. The new map and Nightlords are quality FromSoft challenges, and the new day bosses are a relief for weary players, but the new classes are nothing truly special. The Forsaken Hollows brings a degree of freshness to the by-now familiar Nightreign, but it’s hard not to think the content could have been rolled out over the past six months for free.

Serious props should go to Panic Button, by the way. It’s almost surreal to realize you’re essentially playing a AAA game on a console that is a step behind in processing power.

For years fans have been yearning for EA to make some much needed changes to their FIFA formula and this year they tried to step outside their comfort zone just a little. Although the game still lacks a real gut punch of a story and there are some weird oversights and glitches throughout, there is a ton of customization and the Volta game mode has injected a fresh new feel to the franchise. Add that to a wide selection of game modes and a better FUT experience than ever before and despite its shortfalls FIFA 20 is definitely one of the better games from the franchise in recent years.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a game for Metroidvania fans. If you’re the kind of fan who still plugs in their Nintendo and likes to see what the origins of modern games look like, then pick this up.

A Musical Story seamlessly combines genres to create an unforgettable experience. Its rhythm segments are a refreshing take on conventions, helping it gain its own identity. In addition, the narrative is expertly delivered and takes advantage of its unique art style. Highlighted through its powerful imagery and stellar soundtrack, this sensitive coming of age story is a sumptuous and sentimental observation of a bygone era.

Frostpunk: The Last Autumn DLC takes everything you have learned while playing through the brutality of the base game and tweaks the formula just enough to bring you a new feeling of dread, loss, and despair while remaining true to the brilliant mechanics and narrative of the game. You will undoubtedly fail time and time again until you understand how to perfectly manage your time and space – a feature that feels incredibly more prominent this time around. Bringing the focus towards the safety of the workforce is an interesting shift that pays off well against the impending deadline and creates for an effective extension of the game that breaths fresh new life into an already crisp experience.

If you want to have a lovely gaming experience where you get fluffy kitties for free, plug Animal Crossing back into your 3DS; however, If you want to yell, spit, grow chest hair and really EARN your fluffy kitties, buy Scram Kitty and His Rail Buddies, as the game is surprisingly addictive as it is rage inducing and fun all at the same time.

Max Mustard is the PSVR 2 game I’ve been waiting for. Its clever use of perspective makes navigating Max through the rich, diverse world a delight. Each of the 40 levels introduces fresh ideas, keeping the experience surprising all the way to the end. With numerous nods to classic titles, this ode to the genre is a joy and an essential title for any PSVR 2 owner.

The Untitled Goose Game is perfect for those who play games for creative, artsy experiences. I also think if you are looking for something to play with your significant other or children, this would be a hilarious experience for everyone involved.

As a Rhythm RPG, the team at Puuba wanted to keep the strategic elements of a good role playing game but to also speed it up. The Metronomicon offers fun characters, a solid and wacky story line, strategic elements and some really great tunes. And with the colorful and fun character design, this is a game that should be dancing into everyone’s homes.

Overall, the Sonic X Shadow Generations experience is a welcome one. This release brings a nearly perfect version of the title to the Nintendo Switch 2. The Sonic Generations portion is just an enhanced version of the original title with minimal changes. Meanwhile, the Shadow Generations part is what sets this title apart as a new experience rather than “just” another remaster. On the Switch 2, performance is great both in handheld and docked, allowing Sonic X Shadow Generations to be a solid launch offering. For those interested in purchasing a physical copy of this game, be advised that it is in a Game-Key Card format.

Overall, I did enjoy Rival Megagun, even if I did find the occasional fault. One other notable thing is that even considering the genre and the $14.99 price tag it does seem a little shallow. Not a huge drawback if you are score chasing, but it does seem like there could be a bit more somewhere. The Player vs Player aspect is going to be the real selling point, as there isn’t much out there like it. It’s probably also a little more newcomer friendly than other shmups as well. As for its place among the genre, it’s a competent shmup that wouldn’t be a bad addition to your collection.

Overall, I Am Dead is still the solid title it was when it was first released on the PC and Nintendo Switch. While it’s short and the gameplay loop does get repetitive, the overall narrative, aesthetics, and audio turn Shelmerston into a beautiful location. Whether it was the traditions of the island, the history of its residents, or simply the beautiful locations, Shelmerston was easily the highlight of my experience. While I Am Dead ultimately explores the afterlife, including memories of those who have passed, I could not help but place greater interest in the overall setting and its residents, both dead or alive.

Multiplayer is the key word for this game, because you will gain nothing from Siege if you are looking for a single player experience.

Your enjoyment of this game depends on your expectations. While there is a cohesive story, it’s tucked away for the most part. You stumble across the plot every couple of hours, but much of your playtime is spent staying alive. The various gameplay loops have been tweaked, modified, and expanded from the original, but fans of the first game will find a lot of this very familiar. On the other hand, if you’ve been starving for more Subnautica, Below Zero is an absolute feast. You’re constantly scanning, salvaging, crafting, cooking, and expanding your little empire. Depending on your tolerance for stress, this can either be a serene little salt-crusted sandbox, or a nail-biting marathon. Either way, Subnautica: Below Zero is one ocean expedition you won’t want to miss.

They don’t come around as often anymore, but Mantis Burn Racing shows that the topdown racer is still alive and kicking. It excels in being a casual and accessible racer for newcomers with excellent and responsive controls while offering a robust and challenging career mode for the hardcore. While the load times can sometimes get annoying between races, the actual gameplay is fun whether you’re playing solo or with your buddies.

As far as homages go, Hundred Heroes is an exceptional one. That old-school sensibility is captured perfectly, almost to its detriment. The sprite art is exceptional, the voice work is fantastic, and the character designs are excellent. I wish the pacing was more modern, though. And I’d be fine with an updated approach to inventory management. But all that is what makes this such a faithful successor to the Suikoden series. Well, that and the establishment of your own kingdom full of heroes. If you’re looking for the next Suikoden game, this is it! Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a worthy ascendant to the Suikoden throne.

Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs recognizes the appeal of its predecessor and delivers physics-based puzzles in spades. There are no gimmicks here, just good old bird-flinging fun. Isle of Pigs may not reinvent or reinvigorate the franchise, but it shows that Angry Birds certainly has a home on VR. If Rovio goes on to release as many sequels and spin-offs on VR as they have on mobile, well, that may not be a bad thing after all.

Skies of Fury DX is a really solid aerial combat game. The games story mode is extremely lengthy, but unfortunately, it’s artificially filled with the same missions over and over. There’s no distinct difference between German and British campaigns, yet you’re forced to play through both to progress.

As a whole, this is an excellent and worthy continuation of one of the most important series in gaming. The care and attention paid by the good people of Firaxis have produced a game with a rock solid foundation. The new era transitions are transformative, and change the game as much as moving from a grid to a hex board. The most important takeaway is that the rules of this Civilization are strong, and probably the best starting point for any installment. But the real thing to track will be the additions. As the game gets better, will the balance be maintained? Will the style? Will this new Civilization game be able to stand apart from the series? That remains to be seen, but if you’ve always wanted a meticulously constructed entry in the Civilization franchise, your day has dawned.

If you decide to pull the trigger on it, I can guarantee that you’ll have an absolute blast. It’s 2016’s DOOM on acid.

If the developers were hoping to launch an IP that could stand side-by-side with other monster-hunting games, they can rest easy. Wild Hearts shares some mechanics with other titles in the genre, but it’s best when staking out unique territory. Hunting Kemono alone and with others, using the Karakuri, and just enjoying the game’s satisfying loop are all a lot of fun. Best of all, Wild Hearts has the mechanical foundation and potential for endless DLC and sequels. If they can live with its slightly disappointing visuals, fans of that “other” monster-hunting game have a viable and addictive alternative in Wild Hearts.

All in all, No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a fun return to the world of AI: The Somnium Files. I wish it were longer and had a little more substance. But it’s not too expensive and it sure is entertaining to play, so check it out if you’re already a fan.

Civilization VI was already a game I’ve put hundreds of hours into, and Rise and Fall has definitely reawakened my excitement.

I found some of the MegaMech abilities felt a bit cheap – bullets shouldn’t be able to travel through hard surfaces. There are over a dozen boss fights in Mechstermination Force, and we logged in over 5 hours playtime, which is a pretty decent value. If you’re looking for a challenge and a solid co-op game, then I can easily recommend Mechstermination Force.

Monster Hunter Stories is an unlikely alternative to the main series of the Monster Hunter franchise that effortlessly packs a punch. With its adorable cast of characters and art style, it’s inevitable to be drawn by it. With changes in the battle mechanics and role as a player, returning fans might be skeptical with how it holds up, but rest assured it’s a game for both returning fans and newcomers to enjoy and seamlessly fawn over.

This throwback Call of Duty game is exactly what the franchise needed. It’s been 10 years since the series has been to World War II and the return is glorious. With a brutally engrossing and punishing, albeit short, single-player campaign and a stripped down multiplayer that remains as tight as ever, Call of Duty WWII gets back to the things that put the franchise on the map.

God’s Trigger was a blast to play. It is a gritty bloodbath that had fun with the tropes it played with and never sacrificed story or gameplay for its component parts. Harry and Judy made a great team in a corrupt world, and killing sinners, whether they’re cowboy body doubles or deranged cultists, has never felt so good.

In a landscape littered with copycat games, Blacktail’s originality make it a winner. Set aside the game’s mechanically frustrating and probably unnecessary boss battles. Blacktail’s world, characters and narrative are easily worth the very reasonable price of admission.

SteamWorld Heist II builds on the solid foundations of the original to create a remarkable tactical adventure. The inclusion of jobs and a wide array of weapons offers a plethora of options for approaching each mission. Traversing the world is a joy, adding variety to the experience. While you may lose interest in the story, the addictive battle system will keep you hooked throughout.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is one of those rare games that should appeal to both veterans of the franchise and absolute newcomers. A decent story, great music and appealing visuals are icing on the Digimon cake, a delicious and satisfying take on the turn-based JRPG battle formula. With a little more edge and deeper mechanics than its Poké-cousin, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is addictive, fun and definitely the best game in the Digimon Story series.

What’s funny is that having played it, Mafia still has its charms. I’m sure part of it is nostalgia, but this is a story that transcends its cliches. I did and do care for Tommy. His wife and family are criminally underwritten but when he says he is fighting for them, I believe him. That makes the Definitive Edition something akin to a shot-for-shot remake. It manages to capture the charm of the original, imbues it with modern technology, and freezes all of its flaws in a sepia toned amber.

Shadow Warrior 2 a is brilliant bundle of slice and dicing fun, and being that I’m someone who was massively unimpressed by Flying Wild Hog’s debut title Hard Reset, I gotta give credit to them for improving so drastically over just a few years.