Good DLC should pull you back into the game’s world. Final Fantasy XVI’s DLC sort of achieves this goal. You want to spend more time there, but the version of the world on offer feels a bit bleak. Maybe this is just the ‘end of days’ vibe that permeates the final chapter. Perhaps I’m just cursed with knowledge about these characters and their ultimate fates. Either way, the actual tangible content is mostly pretty fun. Yes, the sidequests are a bit dull, and I wish the main quest was a bit longer. And while I don’t care about the plight of Leviathan and his Dominant, the ensuing battles are a blast. Plus, there’s a boatload of postgame content to dive into. Though the Rising Tide DLC doesn’t quite hit the same story highs as the main game, that gameplay is still tons of fun.

Mystery and thriller fans looking for a slick and intriguing game would do well to check it out. MISSING has found the right mix of technical and artistic elements.

While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is tweaked sufficiently to warrant being its own entity.

Sure, it doesn’t break new ground and the main character is yet another one of those stereotypical brooding males out for revenge but there is no question the game delivered in the entertainment department.

Sim racing fans clamored for years for a serious console racing sim. They have finally had their wish granted. Assetto Corsa Competizione instantly becomes the premiere realistic console racing simulation game despite the hardware limitations of the current-gen. That doesn’t make it the best console racer, just the most realistic. The road ahead looks bright too with planned cross-platform support and future DLC which will also include an expansion of the racing scope with the release of GT4 cars coming this fall.

Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns introduces three well-rounded veterans that add even more variety and depth to an already robust roster. The guest characters inject personality into the game, offering you the opportunity to create memorable encounters with iconic figures from video games, film, comics, and television. While the campaign delivers incredible sequences packed with cinematic flair, it falls short in narrative depth. Nonetheless, the game’s engaging combat mechanics, diverse character lineup, and stylish sequences ensure that long-time fans of the franchise will still have plenty to enjoy.

Whereas Shadows of Valentia suffers from uninspired level design, it makes up for it with its twin armies, fun dungeons, and returns to form. It is a welcome step back from the previous 3DS Fire Emblem games as it focuses on a tighter narrative while providing us with a glimpse towards the future as Shadows of Valentia ventures into new territory with its explorable areas and fresh gameplay mechanics.

All in all, I had a great time with Steel Assault and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes action platformers, especially retro ones. However, it is modeled directly off of old-school arcade games, with all the difficulty and strategic planning that entails. If you don’t enjoy replaying levels over and over trying to get everything just right, or games that challenge you relentlessly, Steel Assault probably isn’t for you. You’re supposed to struggle. That’s the point of the game.

Horace is a charming homage to an era of gaming and culture that’s rapidly fading into the sunset, yet it never rests on the nostalgia factor to keep the player engaged. The sound design is messy and the cutscenes can run on too long, but its affecting story and sharp, fun platforming are bound to satisfy anyone keen on the genre. Nostalgia may be a common crutch, but with a sturdy foundation beneath it, Horace shows that feeling a little sentimentality isn’t a bad thing at all.

Little Kitty, Big City is one of those rare games that appeal to all ages without dumbing anything down. It’s a short and relaxing romp that will make you appreciate your feline companions that much more. If you love cats you’ll enjoy this game. If you don’t, maybe Little Kitty, Big City will melt your monstrous heart.

Every component of GORN, from the huge assortment of weaponry to the strange physics, comes together to deliver exactly what is promised: bloody, melee carnage. It’s a no-frills experience that doesn’t concern itself with anything extraneous, like moral questions or a narrative. For some, that’s more than enough. For others, GORN is at least worth checking out, if just to see first-hand how gross dislocated eyeballs are. It’s pretty gross.

Games like Cryptmaster are rare. Not just because of a particular aesthetic or unique mechanic, but because they take a core idea and focus it. Cryptmaster is ok with not being for every gamer, but puzzle-RPG fans with a love of words, a wicked sense of humor, and a taste for the macabre will enjoy it.

MotoGP 19 is a huge leap in the right direction, with this being an excellent title for the fans of MotoGP. Milestone’s making the right steps, and their next entry could be the de facto MotoGP experience if they keep trending upward. They continue to improve the quality of the game with each release to marked effect, and it’s safe to say that MotoGP is in good hands.

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.

It would be easy to break this game down to its constituent elements. You drive, shoot, and soak up loot, slowly growing strong enough to rip the head off of an evil empire. Each piece holds satisfaction and joy that belies its base description, however. Combat in Rage 2 feels smooth as glass, with every gunfight playing to a violent rhythm. Travelling throughout the world is fast and engaging, with every pit stop bringing new wonders of varying quality. Even the stock-standard open world components have been polished to a vibrant sheen. While it hasn’t reinvented the wheel, Rage 2 still manages to deliver on every promise with ease. Among sandbox shooters, this game shines, crackles, and sparks.

ANNO: Mutationem is an audacious title that successfully merges genres. While the 3D segments aren’t as tight as its 2D counterpart, the originality shines through making this a fresh adventure. The gorgeous environment is full of character and is a joy to inhabit. However, the delivery of the narrative lacks the nuances to fully immerse. With its solid action gameplay and exciting bosses, fans of the genre will have a blast in this futuristic, cyberpunk escapade.

Either alone or with a buddy, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a good time. It updates a decades-old beat ’em up franchise by adding roguelike mechanics that actually harmonize pretty well. The gameplay is accessible but plenty challenging, and the large roster of unlockable characters keeps things interesting.

It’s difficult in all the right ways, satisfying, rewarding, and always entertaining. Off the course, the career mode needs a ton of work to align with the likes of 2K’s in-depth, fleshed-out NBA series. Though, they can now proudly add PGA Tour to their list of sports franchises on which they hang their proverbial hat.

Children of the Sun is a twisted take on a tactical shooter. Surveying your surroundings to identify your prey before sending a solitary bullet for complete eradication is a blast. The development of the premise through special skills, challenges and end-level scores helps to make the game endlessly replayable. While I would have liked a little more focus on the interesting story that bubbles underneath, the intoxicating gameplay will sink its seedy hooks deep into your psyche, ensuring countless hours of adrenaline-fueled excitement.

In a season where game releases generally slow down, gamers should take a close look at Spec Ops: The Line as it has some great qualities that most should enjoy, but the ride may be over a little too quickly for those who those who invest the money and don't play online.

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.

Killing Floor 2 and Killing Floor Incursion go together like Rocky and Adrian. Each game has gaps. But different gaps that complement one another. Put together they give you a gameplaying experience where the sum is greater than the individual parts.

Dead Rising 4 took everything that was great about Dead Rising 3, removed the timer, and brought back the franchises most prominent protagonist in a big way. The game isn't without it's faults. You're more than likely going to encounter the occasional glitch, some of which may require reloading a previous checkpoint. Also, the lack of co-op in the main campaign is a huge disappointment, but the separate co-op campaign is an okay compromise. Dead Rising 4 is an absolute must for fans of Dead Rising.

FIFA 13 on Nintendo's new hardware is a surprisingly robust experience. Nintendo junkies will be able to fully appreciate the HD visuals and sounds in this game; however, there are a few issues that pop up and the omission of key features from other consoles make it more like FIFA 12.5.

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.

Unruly Heroes is a fun action-platformer with a beautiful artstyle, solid puzzles, and a lighthearted sense of humor. However, one shouldn’t let its kid-friendly artstyle fool them: this game’s platforming challenges rival those found in other 2D indie platformers such as 2018’s Celeste.

Open-world sequels are a risky venture. Sometimes a winning formula can’t be transplanted into open spaces without consequences. But Titanic Scion manages the shift. Your time in this massive world is focused on that critical combat/custom/upgrade gameplay loop, so you never feel lost or shiftless. I could do with fewer load times, and the routine gear scrutiny does mess with the pacing. But once you’re actually out in the world, mixing it up, the game flows quite beautifully. I can’t get enough of that core loop, at least once it gets going. If you’re looking for an enormous mecha RPG with tons of customization and a captivating story, then Titanic Scion is exactly what you need.

Rocket Riot is a fast paced game with tons of frantic action. The soundtrack is top notch and the graphics are fun and colorful.

If you’re more of a casual racing fan looking for something different, it might scratch that itch, especially if you prefer more simulation-style racers over arcade racers.

A solid police management game, playing to its strengths and providing a well-rounded experience for players.

Miasma Chronicles is not light years away from Mutant Year Zero in either setting or gameplay. It is, however, a more refined and self-assured game, with an even better narrative and characters. The world-building and story are worth the price of admission, backed up by solid and creative tactical combat mechanics.

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.

This is very much my kind of RPG. One where I can tend to a massive roster of fighters, a sort of garden of fantasy violence. The combat is simple to execute yet endlessly deep, with new layers constantly revealing themselves. The art direction is fantastic and the gameplay loop is terribly addictive. I found the story perfectly okay. It’s an effective vehicle for bringing me more battles in an organic fashion. I like the writing, though I recognize it’s more style than substance. Truly, Unicorn Overlord plays to its strengths. If you also long for a battle system so compelling it obliterates the rest of the game, then you can’t miss this one.

Once you strip away the needless open-world padding, there's an excellent game underneath. The world is engrossing and beautiful, the boss fights are clever, and the new controls are seamlessly integrated into the rest of the game. There are some breathtaking sights to see, and Samus is sporting some awesome new armour. All the superior design choices make the baffling ones stand out even more, however. I can't comprehend why this game was made open-world. The backtracking you have to do is downright offensive. Otherwise, this is a fantastic entry in the Metroid Prime series.

In some ways, ARKTIKA.1 feels like a step backward for 4A Games. Puzzles can be a chore to play through and the story doesn’t come close to matching the studio’s previous efforts. Despite these issues, there’s a ton of fun to be had in teleporting from cover to cover, blasting off bandits and monsters with cool guns. There’s little reason to revisit the campaign after one playthrough, but while it lasts, it’s a blast.

Fun, fast-paced and full of ass-kickin’ action, this is a straight-up Jurassic classic that everyone should experience.

If you like shooters, particularly bullet hells or other puzzle shooters, then you’re going to love Thoth. Hands down, this is the most refreshing indie shooter I’ve played in a while. It could look a little sharper or maybe have some more levels, but for such a modest price it’s very hard to complain.

Shadows of Adam does an admirable job of choosing what to excavate from games of yore. The result is a beautiful trip to yesterday, one that doesn’t waste time getting there. Shadows of Adam is a delightful retro experience.

For the King II is a happy synthesis of accessibility and depth, though some of the mechanics can be a bit opaque. It’s ideally a game for four friends but works well enough for a solo player. There’s a bit of a learning curve and it might take time to click, but overall For the King II is colorful, appealing and a lot of turn-based fun.

Strider strikes a good balance of old school coin-op difficulty and all the modern day trimmings. Double Helix has crafted a reimagining that plays as well as it is steeped in respect for its content material.

Aphelion is a cinematic adventure that tells a dramatic tale about two astronauts’ passion and commitment to one another and the mission. Although its gameplay is conventional and follows in the footsteps of its inspirations, the design amplifies the sense of isolation, heightening the tension of each moment. A touching and grounded story, the game leaves a lasting impression, proving that even among the stars, it’s the human connection that resonates most.

Best enjoyed with friends, I would have liked a little more freedom with character customization visually and I felt the need to buy bullets between waves was a waste of the excessive amount of time players are given to shop, but overall the experience should be enough to please even the most bloodlust consumed gamer around.

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.

All in all, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a great exploration of the weight of history, the price of a wish, and how much a person can be willing to sacrifice for their dreams before they become a monster. I just wish the camera didn’t hate my guts and there were a few less QTEs waiting to ambush me.

As an add-on, I really appreciate the depth this brings to my games, but I question how often I will actually pick a nomad clan to play. Let’s be real- I pick the same couple of regions every time, make a giga-knight, and then weep as all his failsons lose his lands and legacy. But if this season of Crusader Kings continues at this level, I might be convinced to step outside my comfort zone and learn something new. Khans of the Steppe is a solid entry in what is looking to be an exciting season of new DLC for Crusader Kings.

If you like psychological horror, thrillers, mysteries, and the atmosphere of ghost stories, you’ll enjoy Urban Myth Dissolution Center. If you prefer your games to have actual gameplay beyond gathering and assembling information, you probably won’t. But please give this title a shot just for the sheer experience of playing it. It’s an unsettling gem.

Trials Fusion takes the series into the realm of being a full game and not a small arcade title anymore as it has some serious chops to run with the big boys, especially with a $20 price point (digital version).

A Highland Song is wonderful. The atmosphere that permeates the game is intoxicating and will make you want to search every inch of the environment. There is a real incentive to replay the game due to the many routes and the timed objective. Although the survival aspect feels a little unnecessary, there are plenty of elements within the design that will make you fall in love with Scotland.

The Oregon Trail was, and is, a landmark product in gaming history. Gameloft’s remake updates a classic and makes it relevant and fun for gamers in 2022, without sacrificing the original’s personality. Setting off for the West has never been more inviting.

Whatever your reason for buying MDR, be it the wackiness, gameplay, or art, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

While its random elements will surely turn some gamers off, there is a lot to like about Tharsis. From its toying with morality to the pure ecstasy it provides when defying the odds and having a successful flight, there really isn’t anything else like it. If you’re willing to overcome a substantial learning curve, then you’ll your haphazard trip to Mars.

Curse of the Dead Gods is a brutal, dark, and edgy roguelite --one that takes inspiration from others in the genre while offering plenty of unique mechanics and ideas that set it apart from its predecessors. The game is hard, but rewards are frequent and plentiful. Winning a run, or being able to purchase a few of the pricier upgrades offers extreme satisfaction, making you feel like a true adventurer. The game elegantly balances a deep and complex risk/reward mechanic, while confronting you with an intricate and brutally difficult combat system. All things considered, the risks are truly worth the rewards in Curse of the Dead Gods.

Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is equal parts cheesy, satirical, thought-provoking, and nostalgic. The pacing is often questionable, but the atmosphere can be incredible. The writing can be awkward, but the characters are dear to my heart. And although I already knew how Zack’s story ended going in, I still wanted to watch the journey. I’d heartily recommend this remaster to any fan of Final Fantasy. And if you really want to jump in here, go for it. It sure is a great time.

There are elements of Unheard that still befuddle me. Why did there have to be a framing narrative around testing a sci-fi sound machine? Why couldn’t this just be a series of devious chapters, full of double identities and swapped masterpieces? Ultimately, I don’t think some of the eccentric flourishes hurt the game. Unheard – Voices of Crime focuses on doing a few things well. The game rises to that very specific set of standards.

A great game that doesn’t bust the bank and will give your hours of enjoyment as you plot, craft and deploy your plans for your great prison break.

A slept-on gem that needs some attention.

Castlevania Requiem is a decent port of two classic, beloved games. At $20, PS4 players are getting a lot of value for their money. Both games have a lot of content with optional levels & a secret playable character in Rondo of Blood and a massive, open-ended map in Symphony of the Night. Castlevania fans wouldn’t be making a mistake by purchasing this collection.

Tunic is a great game for a specific audience. The target gamer is someone who has patience, loves puzzles and isn’t bothered by dead ends and roadblocks. For those folks, Tunic is a delightful Zelda-inspired ARPG that unfolds into something bigger than its style suggests. Knowing the shorthand of Soulslikes mechanics will cut through some of the game’s opacity. For some, though, the game’s obstinate refusal to easily give up its secrets may be a barrier to enjoyment, no matter how lovely and inviting the game seems to be.

Daedalic has a strong reputation, and they’ve maintained it with this release.

Overall, Pepper Grinder is a solid action platformer. It has a unique feature that helps set it apart from the rest, despite some points that still feel quite generic. Aside from some difficulty spikes, Pepper Grinder is relatively easy and short to get through. While sometimes games can feel a bit too short or too long, the game feels like it hits the right spot in terms of length. Sure, we’re starting to reach a point of saturation with indie 2D action platformers, but there is always room for innovative, fun experiences and Pepper Grinder fits that mould perfectly.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened! captures the absurdity of the original and perfectly translates it to the virtual realm. Tooting your way through songs, whether accurately or disgracefully delivers endless laughs and a delightful sense of chaos. While the song selection is vast, there is a lack of contemporary tracks on offer. Although great in short bursts, the game can get repetitive during longer sessions. Regardless, the game shines in a communal setting, where the ridiculousness of playing (or spectating) guarantees laugh-out-loud moments. Weird, wonderful, and utterly unique, it’s a hilarious addition to any gathering.

The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting was a pleasant surprise and had a lot more content in it than I had thought it would. I’m glad that EA is listening to the Sim Community and actually hearing what we want in the next packs. I hope that with these positive reviews, they’ll begin to do fan votes more often cause clearly we know what we want. All in all, I would put this Stuff pack in my top three favourites, with the other two being Tiny Living and Laundry Day.

All in all, I had a great time with Another Code: Recollection. I recommend it to fans of interesting stories, mysteries, and puzzles. It won’t provide a real challenge, but it has a great atmosphere. And if you haven’t played the original games, this is a great opportunity to fill the hole in your library.

For a game composed of familiar elements, Souldiers still managed to surprise me. If nothing else, the game’s execution is exemplary. Even if you’ve played a ton of pixel art, soulsborne, and Metroidvania titles, this particular blend is a satisfying one. The art direction is beautiful, the controls are tight, and design is rock solid. If you’re looking for a new 2D adventure, Souldiers will easily scratch that itch.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an excellent remaster of two great visual novels. If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney series, then these are must-play. If you’re new to the Ace Attorney series, then I recommend starting with the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. My only complaint about these games is that they’re really similar to other games in the series, gameplay-wise. And they don’t have the series’ best stories. There are also only two games in this collection, when other series collections have three. But the price is right at $54.99 CAD, and they’re great games, despite not being the series’ best. The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a loving remaster of two fun visual novels, one of which hasn’t been available until now.

Liberation sounds just as good as it looks, with or without the use of headphones.

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium shouldn’t have much difficulty finding an audience. For folks like me who grew up in the arcades, there are plenty of nostalgic hits here that will motivate a purchase. Thankfully, gamers can purchase titles individually or as a full collection. It might be hard to justify buying the whole collection if you already own Capcom Fighting Collection. This was poor planning on Capcom’s part. Despite this, there is plenty of other content to enjoy here, including a variety of titles that can be played with a second player. I believe that this collection should have been released as more DLC for the Capcom Arcade Stadium. Still, I’m grateful to finally get a chance to play, and replay, these classic games.

Dragon Quest Heroes does an exceptional job in displaying how the beat ‘em up Warriors/Musou formula works with the beloved Dragon Quest RPG series.

Though Paper Mario: Sticker Star may not be a game that I return to upon completion, I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend that fans of the series and those looking to enter into the Mario universe in a unique way on the 3DS pick this title up.

Episode 2 might be a slower entry in the episodic series, but it gave me enough meaningful content and satisfying gameplay to enjoy playing throughout. Life is Strange 2 isn’t about Daniel’s telekinesis. It’s about the relationship between Sean and Daniel, two brothers who’ve been torn from their normal lives by unforeseeable circumstances. While the supernatural enhances the story, it never drives the emotional connections. As before, I look forward to that wonderful nerve-wracking experience of learning what terrible and joyous things will happen to the brothers next.

Popup Dungeon is a fantastic starter game for newbies to the turn-based strategy genre, and it’s the ultimate playground for those who want complete creative freedom to make their own tabletop adventure. You could play around with the creation tools for hours and almost never skim the surface of what’s possible — the sky is truly the limit here. Though it’s certainly not a game for everyone, it’s one of the most impressive experiences I’ve seen for customization, and a must-have for anyone who wants to create an in-depth D&D campaign.

At the end of the day Tactical RPG fans and Pokémon fans alike should give this title a try as it can be quite fun.

Card battle games offer endless replayability, with little chance of things getting stale because the combinations of cards in a particular situation are unpredictable. Knights in Tight Places has solid and very enjoyable core systems and mechanics. The combat is fun and the new art style helps sell the new setting. The story was perfunctory but it got the action where it needed to go. If card battle games are your go-to genre, you’ll enjoy Knights in Tight Spaces. If you’ve never played this kind of game, it’s an easy one to start with, welcoming to new players and very satisfying to veterans.

All in all, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a fun adventure in crafting and exploration. Its chill atmosphere mixes quite well with the slightly heavier themes. And the crafting is excellent.

Another Sight accomplishes that elusive feat of art — making the player care about the characters through their journey and interactions with one another throughout the story.

All in all, BlazBlue Entropy Effect is a fun experience with slick combat. I just wish it felt like the BlazBlue title meant something. Right now, it seems like an unrelated game got put under the BlazBlue umbrella for marketing purposes. Oh well, at least Taokaka is still fun to play.

Overall, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is an enjoyable experience that’s jammed-packed with Olympic-sized fun. With so many events and modes to choose from, all presented in Nintendo’s signature welcoming style, there’s something for everyone here. Just don’t expect a deep and engrossing experience; while there are nice extra touches like Story Mode and an added retro element, this is mostly a game meant for casual, bite-sized fun on the go.

Road 96 is a brave step forward in the world of narrative-driven video games. The snippet style structure superbly interweaves the diverse cast of characters creating an incredible journey through an authoritarian world. Although there are performance issues, this is an experience like no other and a must for fans of story-based games.

1999’s Amerzone was technically a product of its times, but it told a still-interesting and layered story, set in a fantastical world. Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is a true remake, keeping the skeleton intact while bringing the graphics, sound, puzzle mechanics, and exploration up to contemporary standards. Players of the original will find Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy both a respectful and exciting new experience. Adventure puzzle game fans who missed it the first time are in for a treat.

This is a solid platformer that highlights a new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed universe, taking us to a unique setting and providing a well needed challenge that will test the very limits of our patience.

Overall this game proves that playing detective is bound to involve hours of fun.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a great choice for a Switch 2 port. It runs smooth, looks dang decent, and boots up clean. Whether it’s your first time in the valley or not, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an RPG that demands mastery of every element contained within. You need to focus in order to absorb the dense story, the escalating combat systems and the endless sea of upgrade menus. Like an advanced math class, there are dire consequences to skipping even a single lesson. However, buried under this formidable outer shell is a heartfelt story that hooks you early and doesn’t let go.

Indie games of this kind, rise or fall on the creator’s ability to weave a narrative that engages the player on not just a gaming experience but also on that all important emotional one. The cost of this game is a worthy one to experience Price’s journey.

Choices matter, both in life and in The Forgotten City, which uses ancient Roman beliefs about morality, ethics, and law to subtly comment on our present-day conflicts. But it’s never heavy-handed and what you’ll mostly pay attention to are the characters and their needs, your own objectives, the mysterious city, and the clever way time loops and puzzle-solving work together. Whether you play it once or try for the multiple alternative endings, The Forgotten City is a unique adventure.

Conga Master Party! is a blast to play. It’s simple but challenging in such an addicting way.

The sights and sounds displayed throughout The Crew Motorfest aren’t its only selling point. Motorfest is fun. Period. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel and certainly won’t scratch the sim-racing itch you may find yourself with. But, for what it’s trying to achieve, Motorfest mostly nails it. I desperately miss the ability to race across the entirety of the United States. And with a more focused setting, I hoped the narrative might receive more attention than it did. That said, Motorfest may be what you’re looking for if Forza Horizon 5 has overstayed its welcome.

This is a great game for single player and multiplayer with tons of content and replayability.

Overall, this game is hilariously entertaining. Friends who joined me could not stop raving about how much they loved its cuteness and appeal, and this game had us in absolute hysterics. One moment we were shouting at the person who timed their switch to the front poorly and left the rest of us for dead, and the next we were cracking up and apologizing for making that same mistake. The fact that the game required extreme amounts of concentration and coordination left us all in agreement about this: you simply cannot play this game while drinking.

While Earth Defense Force: World Brothers innovates nothing, it is incredibly fun. It more than makes up for its lack of originality with a clever, family-friendly graphical style, and boatloads of content. Anyone looking for some mindless shooter action can’t go wrong with World Brothers. I highly recommend it over other games mainly because of the size of its enemy swarms, the scope of its destructible buildings, and its endless amount of content.

Mighty Goose is an absolute blast. The solid mechanics, stunning art direction, and underlying humor make for a truly thrilling experience. Although the runtime is short, you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

Treyarch has once again given fans what they have come for and that is some meticulously detailed maps that give Black Ops 3 some legs until the next installment in the franchise arrives.

Unbound: Worlds Apart is an excellent Metroidvania that is a must for fans of the genre. The imaginative use of the ever-evolving portals ensures that each area feels unique, helping to create a great sense of pace. Although there are some performance issues, they don’t spoil the beautiful adventure through this grand, fantasy world.

Controls and obnoxious voice acting aside, Pathfinder delivers exactly what it promises and does so very well. I can’t knock a game for not being something I usually play when it does what it sets out to do it so effectively. From the character creation, to the battle system, to the governing system, Pathfinder is incredibly in-depth. It’s very effectively realized and will steal whole hours of your day before you know it. If you miss the height of tabletops and CRPG’s and you love to fiddle with every nuance and detail in your gameplay, then Pathfinder: Kingmaker is definitely the game for you.

Clocking in at such a short length, FORM feels more like a great tech demo than a full title. It’s a shame the story left me with so many questions because there is definitely far more here worth exploring. Nonetheless, FORM’s strong atmosphere and expert combination of gameplay and sound simply demand to be experienced by anyone with a VR headset. Besides, as the old saying goes, it’s better to leave your audience wanting more. With a powerful debut, I look forward to whatever Charm Games comes up with next.

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.

It’s hard to believe this game was released originally five years ago. However, the sentiments about loneliness, love, and what it means to be alive and human are still incredibly prevalent today. For those who want a more narrative-focused experience with a bit of gameplay set amongst a romantic Sci-fi theme, I would certainly recommend this game to you. It’s an incredibly endearing adventure, and with two different endings and multiple love interests, I would say doing more than one play-through is absolutely worth it.

Virginia is a quality game that isn’t afraid to be itself. While its basic mechanics and emphasis on story over gameplay won’t be for everyone, it’s a unique ride that mature and intelligent gamers should take, especially if they happen to be a fan of The X-Files or Twin Peaks. This is something different, and it deserves to be applauded for that.