There’s a lot of familiar territory and some attempt to move in new directions, but nothing particularly ground-breaking.

There’s always room for innovation, and I know in the future that games will continue to achieve things I didn’t think were possible, but Beyond didn’t hit the points I needed to really be impressed, especially when the bar has already been set high by other narrative-driven games.

Even if you find yourself to be less of a Dragon Ball Z fan and more of an achievement junky with a sweet tooth for fighters, that alone should give you reason enough to give this HD collection a shot.

It will surely appeal to fans of Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and will most likely be picked up by a virtual pinball table collector such as myself. That being said, the lack of randomness in the opening of the game and repetitive voice work has me actually recommending that newbies to Pinball FX2 take a perusal of their extensive table library to find something that really piques their interest, then after some quality time with other tables, take a gander at this one.

If you’re willing to make the best out of the awkward battles and you love those classic RPG stories that start off small and build into these epic adventures, then you’ll definitely be in for a treat with Indivisible.

It does not bring anything truly new to the table in terms of gameplay, and the interface can be a tad finicky, but the clever writing alone should be enough to keep you coming back for more.

All in all, this review finds Infernax to be a bloody good time. Again, though, be sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Also, be wary of the platforming.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S remains a strong puzzler that successfully merges two iconic franchises into one cohesive, content-rich package. Mechanically tight and perfectly suited for portable play, it’s an easy recommendation for newcomers looking to dive into a vibrant and addictive puzzle experience. That said, the additions in this version are relatively minor, offering little incentive for returning players who already own the previous release. For fresh players though, it’s a delightful crossover worth your time.

It's hard not to admire developer Ebb's commitment to a bleak and violent biomechanical world. No game has ever nailed the style of Giger quite so precisely and consistently. Scorn is genuinely disturbing in the way of an unsettling nightmare, but even unrelenting tension eventually loses impact. Its puzzles and exploration sometimes feel arbitrary and needlessly obtuse. Ebb might not care if I waste time getting lost or missing important clues, but Scorn's rewards aren't always worth the effort. Scorn is a darkly beautiful vision but just not much fun to play.

If you’re looking for a new table to add to your Zen Pinball collection, you’re going to be happy with your choice if you side with ‘Marvel’s Women of Power’.

Honestly, Zombie Army 4 is exactly what you’re expecting it to be. Which is totally fine! If you’ve got a craving for gory undead violence, this game has just what you’re looking for. In spite of the weird pacing and curious boss placements, there’s still a lot of fun to be had. Especially if you’ve got a propensity for long range kills and curious weapons. If you want a dang decent undead action game on the Switch, check out Zombie Army 4: Dead War.

All in all, Kaiju Wars is not a revolutionary experience, but it sure is a good time. I recommend it to fans of challenging SRPGs, retro gaming, and the kaiju genre alike. Plus, it includes several public domain giant monster movies, including multiple Gamera films, the 1925 film The Lost World, and the North Korean monster film Pulgasari. If you’re interested in old-school monster movies, that alone might be worth the price of admission.

A short game that makes a hell of a first impression. The story might not be anything to write home about, but it’s fun, engrossing, and surprisingly funny.

The game this time around is more story and dialogue heavy, and I felt like it presented itself as more of a visual novel, however the battle system is quite good and remains mostly the same as the First and Second Chapter.

There are scenes here that feel placed out of obligation rather than necessity, and it’s what makes this episode a weaker installment than the debut. But A New Frontier still engages with its characters, world, and direction. The ending only leaves me wanting more and that’s what The Walking Dead is supposed to do.

While some elements of Valkyrie Elysium are disappointingly lackluster, in the end, the combat is excellent. That alone was enough to keep me engaged through the game’s dozen or so hours. I have a pretty long wish list for future games, like more impressive visual design and more interesting missions. But the real-time action? It’s a keeper.

For the old fans, Re-Boot Camp is practically perfect. The games look much better, while the mechanical guts are properly preserved. On the other hand, if you remember these games being frustrating, that feeling will persist. If you’ve never played the Advance Wars games, you’re in for a fascinating experience. The heavy Fire Emblem influences are balanced with a more brutal, more inconsistent pace that will keep you on your toes at all times. I found myself (an old fan) elated and infuriated in equal measure. If you’re looking for a strategy RPG set apart from the rest, good news! Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp isn’t quite like anything you’ve played before. Love it or hate it, you’ll certainly be engaged.

If the game was a little more polished on the graphical front and came with a more original story, this one could have been a real gem instead of being good.

It’s a recycled formula that has worked over and over again and it has left some gameplay issues that should have been fixed long ago (e.g. floaty control or collision detection); however, the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” formula works and for many that will most likely be fine for them.

Once again, we come to the important question: is this roguelike worth your time? That depends. Fans of the genre will appreciate the challenge level, the smooth combat, and the robust skill selection. Newcomers and outsiders will love the unique aesthetic and the high level of polish. On the other hand, this game is proper tough. If that’s what you’re looking for, great! You’re in luck. If you’ve been softened and spoiled by other, more considerate roguelikes, then consider yourself duly warned. Have A Nice Death is a slick, relentless roguelike with all the charm and challenge you could need.

Observer on the Switch brings back all the good aspects of the game and gives you more flexibility on how to play it with new touch inputs and, of course, the option to play it on the go. Observer also looks better in handheld mode, which provides even more reason to make full use of the console’s capabilities. However, it is still the same flawed game it was almost two years ago when it first released. Observer is a visual and auditory tour de force and excels wonderfully as a narrative entry into the cyberpunk genre, I just wish more attention went into creating a compelling gameplay experience to accompany it.

At the end of the day, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a satisfying action RPG with reasonable writing, fun scenarios, and the opportunity to hit zombies with barbed wire baseball bats. That it happens competently in VR makes me feel good about the future of such experiences, even if there are some usability troubles. If you’ve already got a headset, giving Saints & Sinners a shot is a no brainer. If you’re still on the fence, well, it might be about time to hop down.

If you go into the game knowing it is short you can adjust your expectations accordingly. The Guest looks, plays, and sounds great but because of its brevity feels like a easily forgettable brief encounter rather than an overnight stay.

The Collider 2 is a twitchy reaction game that looks gorgeous and is a lot of fun to play. Collider 2 expands on the foundation laid by Collider while still fulfilling the motto of the game publisher’s name – Shortbreak.

Vibration from the controller and the sheer speed and sense of losing control feels great and makes you believe you are in a powerful suit.

McPixel 3 is frantic fun. The mixture of minigame madness and point-and-click puzzles deliver ridiculous outcomes which continue to amuse throughout its relatively short run time. Frustration can build, especially with its often bizarre solutions, however, the humor quickly overrides this. Even though some jokes don’t land, it’s sure to make you laugh, particularly if you enjoy silly and slapstick comedy.

Other than wishing for some more of that story, the only other drawback was that the default configuration for a controller didn’t have the brake mapped to it. You can change it of course, but should probably be there somewhere, to begin with. This game is worth your time, whether for nostalgia, the car combat or both.

As a compilation, it doesn't break any new ground; however, if you are a fan of classic fighting games and want to excuse to head back down memory lane then Marvel Vs. Capcom Origins is a purchase you likely won't regret.

The occasional dip in my enjoyment was a fair trade for the unsettling atmosphere, the fascinating narrative, and the clever premise. If you’re in the market for an unconventional horror game, I can easily recommend Yuppie Psycho.

Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is not only a fitting tribute to a much-loved classic but it's also the rebirth of the franchise. With its punishing gameplay and brutal boss fights, even experts will find this quest a challenge. However, even with the range of accessibility options, the difficulty may deter those with a passing interest.

Space Junkies possesses a strong foundation. It’s frantic combat and responsive weapons no doubt appeal to those looking to spend quick bursts of game time in VR. Developed in-house by Ubisoft, it’s also one of the best VR experiences one can have in terms of comfort and ease. However, the admission fee alone for this arena shooter might turn away potential fans, and with an already low player population, it remains to be seen whether Space Junkies is here to stay.

An interesting concept with a relatable story that is well executed in some aspects but done poorly in others. The game attempts to tell a thoughtful story about an invasion of privacy by requiring the player to snoop through a stranger’s phone, and the further you get in uncovering the depth of Laura’s problems, the more it feels like voyeurism. It requires some cognitive dissonance on the player’s part, drawing you out of the game and making you question why you are fishing for passwords and so aggressively digging into someone else’s life.

As a whole package The Medium is very much a story of compromise. For all its successes in visual storytelling and interesting setting, it’s collared by poor pacing and dated game design. Still, it’s well worth a look for history buffs and those fascinated by the unknown. So what lies beyond? It’s still up for debate. In the present, The Medium offers an intriguing possibility to puzzle on.

What drew me to Arcade Spirits is the aesthetic and the story. The characters are cute and easy to like, and I love being able to track my status instead of guessing where I stand. Arcade Spirits has an enjoyable story and I will be playing it again until I’ve romanced everyone. It doesn’t really bring any innovation into dating sim world but it is one I can easily recommend.

Observer is a decent game. The highly detailed environments and disturbing dream sections are hobbled only by the gameplay’s limited, repetitive nature during the real world sections. It features a solid voice work performance from Rutger Hauer too. As an early title for the PS5, there is much to be impressed with. Observer runs smooth and loads quickly, and it looks great even though the artistic direction subdues the impact. However, the old dictum remains – good graphics alone do not make for a great game.

Resident Evil Village: Winter’s Expansion includes a wide range of content. Shadows of Rose is a great addition to the family saga and neatly ties up narrative threads from the base game. Although it follows conventions of the franchise, the supernatural twist does add a new element that leads to some innovative scares. The inclusion of a third-person mode for the main campaign is a fantastic addition and the new characters are great for the Mercenaries mode. Although Rose’s story is a little short, the expansion offers some memorable moments and gives a reason to return to the macabre village.

None of the glitches are game breaking, but they do detract from the experience. How much they do will be up to individual tolerance levels. Kinetic Games have promised to address current issues with future patches. One thing is that working is cross-platform play. PS5 and PC players can do coop play. It is a testament to the game experience that players will get past the PSVR 2 issues and still go ghost hunting with Phasmophobia. If you love ghost busting and can tamper your expectations with the game’s polish, you are in for a great time.

The game selection menu is a clever throwback that feels steeped in history. The trophies and challenges are a great way to add some more challenge. Being able to fast-forward is perfect for some of the slower RPGs, while the rewind feature is almost too much power for someone as feckless and impatient as myself. While I continue to lament the lack of certain exceptional titles, the wide range of games being offered helps ease that pain.

Despite the love and humor that went into it, the annoying dialogue mechanics make the repetition inherent to the genre stand out. Still, I want to see more of Clawville: there’s still time for this dirty city to turn over a new leaf.

All in all, Hookah Haze is a charming exploration of trauma, friendship, and the importance of human connection. It looks great, sounds nice, and does a good job with its theme of time running out. It’s ironic that the game needed more time in order to reach its full potential.

There’s no shortage of weird little games on the Nintendo Switch. Whatever brief escape you’re seeking out, you’re certain to find it on this system. Cycling down a series of hills may not immediately catch your eye, but it should. Sometimes a single mechanic is a blessing, in that it inspires a narrow degree of perfection. On the other hand, there’s a very good chance this game just isn’t for you. But! On the off chance the confluence of bikes and bodily harm pings something deep in your guts, you won’t be disappointed. The controls, the game feel, and the level design all come together to bring you peace of mind in the strangest way. Let Lonely Mountains: Downhill take you away, and you’ll be deeply satisfied with the trip.

I really enjoyed Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening. But a lot of that love has to do with the excellent presentation. The game struggles with some odd controls, and archaic level design. It’s not built as tightly as a lot of modern platformers. But it has lots of content, and a variety of gameplay in its main story. The game’s real strength is its anime presentation. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening perfectly captures the visual and auditory aesthetic of its Space Cobra source material. If you’re a fan of Space Adventure Cobra, or looking for more 2D action platform games, then Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening is worth your time. Maybe just wait until it’s on sale.

I kind of wish that Mirthwood’s combat was either way better or entirely optional. Alas, it is neither. Aside from that, though, Mirthwood is an entertaining and engaging mashup of cozy farming and RPG adventuring. It’s easy to spend a lot of relaxing time puttering around, chatting up the townsfolk or combing the world for treasure.

The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story tells a thrilling tale of greed, family and death. It is beautifully shot and manages to achieve a level of quality rarely seen in the genre. The detective segments are great but are far too easy due to visual clues plastered throughout. While there are issues with the game, it is still an enjoyable experience that will keep you guessing throughout.

Overall, if you’re in to punishing yourself with some turn based violence, than Skyshine’s Bedlam is for you. It’s not exactly polished and it still needs a little work, but it’s definitely a worthwhile game.

With its beautiful artwork and incredible soundtrack, The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince is a satisfying experience that could be further enhanced with more intuitive controls and a larger assortment of puzzles. Even though sometimes the puzzles can feel too easy or monotonous, the lack of challenge can be preferable for players looking for something simple. Being on the shorter side in terms of game length, Liar Princess would not have done any better if the game was longer – in fact, it was a good length for the purpose of the story. Overall, The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince was a delightful experience and is undeniably a story to remember.

Although Risk System might not appeal to bullet hell enthusiasts, it still provides an excellent challenge. And really, Risk System isn’t trying to appeal to them anyway; it’s made to be much more accessible and innovative. In that sense, it exceeds in shining colors. I just wish there was more game to play. But for the low price tag, anyone interested in the shoot ‘em up genre can’t go wrong with a Risk System purchase.

If linear gameplay and combat that’s decent at best don’t sound like your idea of a good time, look elsewhere. Masquerada: Songs and Shadows tends to fit a niche that is a classic staple of video games.

Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile is a smart and thoughtful reimagining of the classic novel. The shift to the 1970s and the addition of a new protagonist breathe fresh life into a familiar tale. While the gameplay conforms to genre conventions, its mechanics are executed with care, resulting in an engaging and intriguing adventure that keeps you invested from start to finish. Despite some stiff animations and occasional pacing issues, this remains a grand journey, and one of Poirot’s finest outings in the medium.

A game about depression, starring depressed characters, is an acquired taste compared to other titles in the series. At the same time, Persona 3 Portable has more bite than either of its successors. All in all, I would recommend Persona 3 Portable to anyone interested in an old and troubled classic. But Atlus, please add the animated cutscenes back for the next remake.

If you enjoy action RPGs and don’t mind butting heads with enemies or bosses that will kill you in a couple hits, then check out The Surge. The few problems with it are certainly present, but they can be overcome through patience and perseverance. Just don’t underestimate the security forces, those guys are no joke.

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.

Overall, there’s plenty to like about The Adventure Pals. It’s clearly got a lot of polish, and at no points did I have issues with the gameplay. Levels are surprisingly well crafted, and collectibles are well hidden. The bosses are creative, showing some serious visual appeal. There’s nothing but positive things with so many aspects of this game, but the lack of a true co-operative experience left something to be desired.

Blood Drive marks a largely transitional time in the series, and despite its minor flaws, still manages to be a shining example for the genre and provides a satisfying end to the “Heavenly Host” saga that has endured for decades.

Assault Suits Valken Declassified is an incredible remaster. Having all the cut material with a new translation is going to be a dream come true for some. The translated guide book, and making of documentary are incredible extras. The game itself won’t be for everyone. It’s a 2D side scrolling run and gun, with a unique feel. Because it plays so differently, it’s a niche offering in an already niche genre. But any Cybernator fan, or anyone remotely curious should know this remaster goes above and beyond expectations.

In the end, I can easily recommend WWE 2K25 to new players and fans. This is a gigantic entry in a venerated franchise that won’t steer you wrong. For more familiar fans, I can’t be so certain. Hopefully, my outsider’s viewpoint is still a useful one.

It was rather fun to play a turn-based tactical RPG in this style, but I wish it had just a bit more life to it and not feel so stiff.

This game is a great time, with a couple minor caveats. If you don’t mind the random, roguelike nature of the combat, then you’ll love it. If you’re playing on PC, you’ll love it even more. The writing is snappy, the action is fast-paced, and the character designs are terrific. I had a hard time grappling with the roguelike elements, however. There’s certain patience this sort of system demands of you, and I don’t have enough of it. On the other hand, if running experiments on hapless humans in dank dungeons appeals to you, take heart! Despot’s Game will be right up your alley.

Overall, Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition brings more Shadow Warrior 3 to its fans. You know exactly what you get with Shadow Warrior 3: fast-paced combat, wise-cracking jokes, and a pretty streamlined experience. The Definitive Edition gives players more to do and allows them to go back to their favorite parts of the game. In addition, it brings a higher quality of the game to current-gen consoles. As far as Definite Editions go, Shadow Warrior 3 does a solid job in implementation.

Early frustration at finding and holding the best racing line quickly turns to satisfaction as you become more accomplished at doing so. MotoGP 14 is an impressive package with a lot of depth and challenge but is hampered by the lack of a proper FFB controller unique to this type of racing.

I have mixed feelings about My Hero Academia: All’s Justice. At its core, it has a good 3D arena fighter battle system. Its best feature is its massive dream roster of My Hero Academia characters that all feel unique from one another. But almost every bonus mode and feature feels cheap and undercooked. Everything except the combat seems like an afterthought. But if all you’re looking for is versus battles with tons of My Hero Academia characters, then My Hero Academia: All’s Justice is a dream come true.

Overall, TOHU’s lovely aesthetic, challenging puzzles, and do-it-yourself style of direction make this a real winner in my eyes. While so much good hits a real stumbling block with controls not designed for a controller, it didn’t stop me from really enjoying this unique and wacky world. And I appreciate the complicated puzzles that are enjoyably difficult instead of ‘smash your head against a wall’ hard. I would recommend TOHU, especially if you’ve somehow managed to figure out quicker reaction times with your controller than I have.

The pressure is back on with GW2: EoD and it feels good. The main quest line and combat are engaging thanks to new elite specializations, unique characters, and interesting fight designs. Despite some lackluster parts of the main adventure, there is still a drive to keep going. If you love focused stories in MMORPG’s, End of Dragons is an expansion that not only adds to, but builds on, a well established world. With all the other content EoD adds, there is so much to do. Yet the story is the highlight, ushering you forth as the hero you want your character to be, if you’re brave enough to face the End of Dragons.

Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a new adventure on their 3DS as it provides an adequate challenge for all sorts of different gamers. It’s also the better use of yarn than that pair of knitted socks your grandma made you for Christmas when all you really wanted was another 3DS game.

It may flounder a bit, but give it a chance and it can swim just fine.

Anyone who digs the horror or suspense genres should absolutely pick this up. Being born out of personal torment and inner conflict makes this game a unique experience, and sometimes you can’t help but relate to Thomas’ confusion as he wanders through the dark.

Layers of Fear: Inheritance may inherit the technical wizardry of Layers of Fear but it does not recapture the level of tension and dread of its parent game. More proof that you indeed cannot go back home.

The Blair Witch Project fans and horror game fans alike will find lots to enjoy here. The roughly five-hour campaign can be completed in a few sittings, and with four different endings, there’s lots to come back for. It isn’t always great, but when it hits the mark its a ton of fun. A weak second act keeps it from being a home run, but it’s worth battling through just to play that final sequence. At times, Blair Witch genuinely had me feeling like I was playing through the movie, and as a fan, isn’t that all I can ask for?

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a worthy remaster of a classic, beloved game. When it was first announced, I was genuinely excited at the prospect of replaying this game. I imagine if you don’t have the same nostalgic feeling for Plants vs. Zombies, you might not share the same enthusiasm, but for fans, it’ll be nice to be back in the backyard. The updated visuals are crisp, but don’t expect anything too mind-blowing. I would have liked to see a deeper PvP mode, and the lack of any online mode might be a turn-off for some folks. The Co-Op mode is great and worth the price of admission alone. If you’re a fan of Plants vs. Zombies or looking to see what all the fuss is about, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a great place to start.

Nintendo has succeeded in creating a truly dreadful experience, a game that drills into your psyche and alters your brain. Heed my dire ramblings, and take this gorgeous, well-designed journey at your peril.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic retro experience, then you can’t go wrong with Save Me Mr. Tako! just keep in mind that it even comes with the negatives of that age of games. Despite those shortcomings though, it’s a charming romp through and through.

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 4 continues where the previous three chapters left off. The story continues to get deeper and darker into the sordid past of Playtime Co. The franchise is known for some tense moments and creepy atmospheres – and Chapter 4 continues that tradition. The remaining Poppy Playtime crew, such as Poppy and Kissy Missy, are all there along with some new faces like the Playdoh-inspired Doey. The game will take most users no more than 4 hours to complete, but completionists will take much longer to find all the various collectibles and nail all the Achievements. If you’ve enjoyed the Poppy Playtime adventure so far, there is no doubt you’ll already have this one on your wishlist. If you’re new to the franchise, go back to the beginning and start with the first chapter.

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan is a lovely, family-friendly adventure. Its non-violent approach means that anyone can jump in and enjoy the 1930s inspired game. Although heavily influenced by those that came before, the game manages to find its own identity with its refreshing take on conventions. Whilst there are odd performance issues and a lack of challenge, it’s still a wonderful experience that deserves your attention.

While Death’s Gambit as a whole falls a bit short of expectations, the game itself is a solid action-RPG. The game looks great and runs well most of the time, with a solid challenge that is also unlikely to frustrate players too much. With multiple ways to experience the game, I can see myself returning to the game with a different playstyle. Overall, Death’s Gambit does justice to some of its lofty comparisons, though some more time in the oven would have helped polish the title.

There’s definitely lots to like about Coffee Crisis, and its developers deserve credit for recreating the 90s brawler with near-perfection. If you have a nostalgic yearning for some retro fun, and especially if you’ve got a buddy who can help you kick some alien ass, Coffee Crisis is one cup o’ joe that’s worth a sip. On your own, however, it might be a bit more frustrating and simplistic than you’d like at times, and your initial caffiene-high of enjoyment might wear off quickly. Either way, though, make sure you keep the lid on your coffee mug because the bangin’ metal tunes will have you pumping your fists as you play.

This particular journey simply didn’t hold the appeal for me that it once might have. If you’ve got fond memories of this series, then the Definitive Edition of AoE 3 will hook you good. This new model looks and sounds great, there’s a ton of new battlefields to conquer, and new ways to do that conquering.

Boundless is such an ambitious game that seems to know how to make the end game fun, but it puts it at more than an arms reach away. It’s such a large time investment that I can’t commit to. Still, there are players who will love the game loop, probably fans of Minecraft or My Life is Feudal. It’s a technically sound game and I did enjoy having two independent hands for holding equipment, but it all seems to get lost in the wash for me as I think about how far off the end goal is. Boundless just tries to make the journey sweeter by showing you an enticing end.

There is just too much happening not to have some fun for a while. It is a cool, visually-appealing game that definitely will entertain you – and at times enrage you. Its level of polish, including the funky music soundtrack, is outstanding. Just know that this is a smaller, casual game, and you will start to find the sameness a bit tedious after a while.

Blade Chimera leans on genre conventions but executes them with precision and flair. While it follows familiar traits, innovative mechanics involving Lux give the game its own identity, allowing the developers to introduce fresh and engaging ideas. Traversing the map is streamlined thanks to warp abilities, while other upgrades provide meaningful character progression throughout the adventure. Although the story is largely forgettable, the stunning pixel art style and creative use of Lux ensure that Blade Chimera remains a memorable experience.

The Count Lucanor brings to us the best of two amazing genres that many of us love, with a great twist.

As it stands, the game is a fun romp, but only if you can get past the differences from real pinball psychologically.

Unbeatable is an ambitious rhythm game that has a few major flaws. The main one is the camera during rhythm gameplay sometimes ruins what is otherwise a flawless system. The second problem is that the story mode struggles with pacing and features very little rhythm gameplay. And the third major problem is that a lot of the dialogue is going to be a major turn-off for many. Playing Arcade Mode a bit before starting Story Mode will fix some of these issues. And I love that Unbeatable has an extensive Story Mode. But I can’t recommend the game to everyone as it is. Still, Unbeatable’s probably a must-play for most rhythm game fans. I’m really rooting for it.

If you are an avid reader of Visual Novels, I would certainly suggest picking up Enigma:. While it doesn’t have the most outstanding storyline, the execution of it is very well done. Along with multiple endings, a beautiful soundtrack and a memorable cast of characters, I fully believe this game will make a great addition to your virtual library.

The Siege and the Sandfox takes a refreshing approach to the Metroidvania formula. With its focus on parkour and stealth, each trip to the array of distinct biomes is a thrill. The core mechanics drive the level design, creating strong segments that challenge your skills. Unfortunately, small but frequent bugs do affect the experience and halt the game from reaching its true potential. Even so, its inventive design and atmosphere make it a memorable entry in the genre.

While the subject matter didn’t totally resonate with me there is no denying the strength of the DC Comics brand.

Labyrinth City: Pierre, the Maze Detective, is an enjoyable experience that combines intelligent-level design and a charming art style. The lovely setting, packed with detail, is a joy to explore even though it lacks any real challenge. With several collectibles in each level, there is some replayability. However, I would be surprised if many revisit the game after completing it. That being said, each moment of the roughly 3-hour story was an absolute joy. Although a little repetitive, I loved perusing the world, inspecting the oddities, and marveling at the landscape. Fans of the franchise will be enamored with this interpretation of the books, and newcomers will fall in love with the world. Due to this, I would recommend getting lost in Labyrinth City.

Marvel Pinball – Civil War may not be one of my personal favourites in regards to the pinball tables that have been released for Pinball FX2, as there just was not enough storyline or action to hook me, but that does not mean it was bad. Zen Studios has once again provided pinball fans with a visually stunning pinball table that will interest not only those who love the genre (pinball), but fans of Marvel and the Civil war comic book series will enjoy it too.

Mr. Shifty was a lot of fun to play for the first few hours. The combat was slick and the levels were innovative, but towards the end of the game it stopped introducing new challenges and started to stagnate, repeating some rehashed areas I had already gone through. I have no doubt that I’ll play it some more if they introduce some new content, but until then it’ll be joining the hundreds of other forgotten games in my Steam library.

Last Recode turned out to be something that I looked forward to playing at the end of the day. It has a fantastic story with some great worldbuilding, colorful characters, and includes all three original games alongside a newer, fourth volume to carry on the story. The combat became a bit samey and grindy after a while, but I still enjoyed it, and am assuming I will continue to enjoy it throughout the next three volumes I’m going to play.

Earth Defense Force 6 doesn’t shy away from the franchise’s roots; instead, it embraces them with a tongue-in-cheek narrative and signature frantic combat. While some may groan that it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it is a heartfelt homage to classic arcade shooters that, simply put, is a blast to play. From its engaging battles and improved visuals to its charmingly ridiculous story, this title is a worthy addition to any action game lover’s collection. Whether you’re tidying up your local city by exterminating massive alien critters or teaming up with friends for a co-op frenzy, Earth Defense Force 6 delivers an adrenaline-filled experience that champions the spirit of fun in gaming.

King Oddball is a quietly charming, explosive puzzler. As an indie title, this game works incredibly well and is an enjoyable way to kill some time. With over 120 stages to beat, unique challenge modes, achievements, and an enjoyable playstyle, King Oddball is a game that should not be overlooked and deserves a chance. The controls are simple, the gameplay is addictive, the audio is fantastic, I couldn’t stop playing. While it might not break the mold of simple mobile gaming, King Oddball stands tall as a friendly challenge enjoyable by all.

CastleStorm takes the tower defence genre and adds elements of physics destruction, real-time strategy and role-playing games, making for a very interesting mix that works quite well. It is a casual yet complex game experience that is delightful to play, alone or with a friend, something that this tower defence hater truly enjoyed.

Should you play REYNATIS? Yes. Should you buy it full-price? Probably not. Unless you’re a fan of weird but fun PS2 titles, you should wait for a sale. But when that sale comes, I do recommend you check this game out.

All in all, this is a much more relaxed experience than the PC version, for better or worse. It’s still incredibly satisfying to one-shot an enemy as the rogue, tank as the warrior, and unleash armies of the dead as the necromancer. If you didn’t get the opportunity to play Loop Hero the first time around, I heartily recommend checking it out on Switch. But if you can play this game on PC, you probably should. There’s nothing overtly wrong with the Loop Hero Switch port, especially given the game’s control scheme. It’s just hard to beat the original.

I really enjoyed Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers. The core beat ‘em up combat is fantastic, and the goofy story gives the game a unique flavor. I never thought we would see another game in the series, and the devs obviously have great love for the source material. Unfortunately, Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers is lacking in features, which puts it behind all the modern genre greats. But I easily recommend the game to anyone who’s a fan of beat ‘em ups, or in the mood for something nostalgic.

All in all, Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a fun idea with a cute aesthetic and an addicting gameplay loop. Unfortunately, its implementation of Online Mode is incredibly frustrating. I sincerely hope the developers polish that element up in the future. At least it has enough substance to make its single-player campaign worthwhile.

Rather than a coat of paint, this DLC is more like an extra room added to the ground floor. Whether you want to build a couple houses or a whole map full of them, the Happy Home Paradise DLC has you covered.

A Memoir Blue has a beautiful, varied visual style, emotionally resonant music, and a sincere — if not terribly deep — narrative. The changing and mysterious relationship of parents and children is relatable. It’s a wonderful story to experience, told via haunting, surreal images. Where A Memoir Blue collapses is in its arbitrary and often unnecessary game mechanics. I get that the main character is trying to make sense of her puzzle-like memories. Pixel hunting and awkward object manipulation don’t make me feel invested or immersed. I’d argue they work against it. A Memoir Blue could and should have been a touching short animated film.