The most frustrating thing about Earthfall is that it squanders its potential at every turn. From subpar graphics and gameplay mechanics to a story that’s been told a thousand times before, and a complete lack of game variety this alien shooter could have been a lot more fun.

Despite all of the extra customization, RPG elements and other details, Bus Simulator 18 still gets to be boring after a few hours.

The story isn’t memorable, the combat is lackluster, and the large open world isn’t full of many interesting things to do. However, I do still thoroughly enjoy blowing stuff up, knocking stuff down, ramming vehicles through a building’s foundations, and collapsing a bridge with EDF forces driving over it … do I have a problem?

A fantastic game and a must-play for anyone that enjoys puzzle-platformers. The game is by no means hard, and you’ll likely finish it over the course of a weekend – but for those that are set on completing every objective and finding every Pixel Toad – you’ll be sure to squeeze many more hours out.

Octopath Traveler is an incredible combat system, a juicy progression tree and a gorgeous setting wrapped in the trappings of a traditional RPG.

Though each of those individual elements won’t surpass anything you’ve played before, one can’t deny the level of effort that has gone into making this a smooth VR experience. Seeking Dawn is not the definitive space epic you may have been waiting for, but for now, it’ll do.

Another big turnoff is a buy-to-own piece of DLC that is a credit multiplier. Memories of loot boxes in other games spring to mind where players willing to cough up money get an unfair advantage over those who do not. Credits are needed to upgrade bikes, etc.

The whole narrative was shallow. The game shows potential, but it is so incohesive and unimpressive that it flounders as a whole.

Another World is an important part of gaming history, and was a stand-out title upon its first release. However, by modern standards, the game is probably more valuable as a glance into how games were changing in the early 1990’s. The art style is dated, but still stands out nearly three decades later. The updated graphics offered in the port offers a coat of polish while still maintaining the spirit of the original. The controls are clunky and awkward, but they contribute to the aesthetic of the game in a revolutionary way.

Sonic Mania Plus is absolutely the way to experience this game. I may not have been blown away by the new characters, but Encore Mode is an excellent remix of the Mania I know and love. Whether you’re new to the game or coming back for more, Sonic Mania Plus is worth your time and attention.

This is a perfect game for VR neophytes and children, as well as those that like puzzle/3D platforming style of games.

Shining Resonance Refrain plays like a pretty standard yet extremely solid JRPG. Despite the slow beginning, the story is interesting and extremely well thought out. The characters are likable and the graphics are beautiful.

There’s a lot of fun be had here, a great challenge for those looking for a new retro-style platformer like this to take on, but 20XX never truly finds that “retro” charm. Instead, it’s a new idea pretending to be a retro experience, and the more astute players out there will be able to sniff it right out.

Dream Alone brims with potential but falls slightly short in multiple areas. The concept and artistic execution is beyond intriguing, but certain kinks still need to be ironed out to make it a smoother and more flexible experience. The main musical score is hauntingly beautiful, and my only complaint is that I wish it were integrated into the levels more in place of the constant rain sounds that tempted me to mute the game on more than one occasion.

Truth be told, I had a great time with Gray Dawn. Laughing at the absurdity with my friend made it a really fun experience. It’s an awful horror game. That needs to be understood. There’s no horror classic to be found here, and there are many games to scratch that itch for less than $20. That said, if you’re the type to grab a couple of friends and head to the cinema to see a movie that’s so bad it’s good, then I would absolutely recommend Gray Dawn.

Rest assured, if you love a great story told with devastating style, you need to play through Nier Automata several times.

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.

Practice and patience will definitely pay off and the most persistent gamers will be successful.

Seasons adds in one or two fun systems, and I can’t wait to see how they interact with future content, but it doesn’t have the game-changing impact you’d hope an expansion pack would bring.

A deeply thought-provoking experience with a mystery that begs to be explored and is faithfully ported to the Switch.

The roguelike elements, a variety of characters with unique playstyles, and quick run times make Mooncrash easily replayable and fun in short play sessions. While Prey was a solid title, Mooncrash is a quality portion of the game that is comparable to the main game.

Figment is a beautifully made puzzle-adventure action game that sits among the finest indie games on Switch. The gorgeous storybook art style, sweeping soundtrack, enjoyable puzzles, and the thought-provoking storyline is what makes Figment a must-play experience. The pacing, humour, and creativity are all top notch, and it sets everything up for a hard-hitting and memorable finale.

At this point, The United Front DLC illustrates exactly what Sledgehammer needs to work on, while highlighting exactly what makes Call of Duty so damn popular as a franchise.

Limbo is certainly worth your time, but whether it’s worth the price is a point for somewhat serious debate.

There’s no denying that at its core this game is good, however, the problem lies in the fact that it’s just so damn unpolished.

If you want to make a visual novel, make a visual novel. If you want to make a visual novel with a heavy emphasis on music, make a visual novel with a heavy emphasis on music. If you want to make a visual novel with a heavy emphasis on music that’s also a rhythm game, you had better be ready to make something really truly special to make it work—Lost in Harmony: The Musical Odyssey is not.

I understand one of the big attractions to the MotoGP series is the realism, but too much realism for me takes away the hint of escapism that I look for in games. MotoGP 18 is impressive, as all of Milestone’s games are, but that doesn’t always translate to fun for general audiences. This title is a must have for serious Grand Prix fans, but lay people like me it comes off as overwhelming with a tedious learning curve.

Wreckfest is wild, a cornucopia of damage that shines in demolition, dampening the pain of a DNF with the pleasure of watching your car get destroyed in spectacular fashion.

I think Rainbow Skies is an excellent title for any RPG enthusiast who isn’t locked to an aggressive review schedule or an ever-expanding backlog. If you’re the sort of person who delights in maxing out skills and levels of all sorts, you’ll want to check out Rainbow Skies.

Once this game actually runs how its supposed to, New Gundam Breaker could be a pretty decent time.

Sniper Rust VR’s formula may work on the mobile free-to-play market, but as a VR title, it doesn’t take advantage of the medium in a way that justifies its existence. Anyone who has handled a sniper rifle in virtual reality will know that sniping should feel fun and rewarding, not like the chore as it is presented here. Unless you’re looking for a lesson in how not to design a VR shooter, steer clear of Sniper Rust VR.

Lego The Incredibles simply does not meet up to the expectations its predecessors have set. With a roster that lets us down, overpowered heroes, a near lack of puzzle mechanics, a small world, and a ton of repetitive tasks, there is nothing super about this game.

Captain Spirit is an absolute must experience for those who enjoy a heart-filled narrative. It’s easy to overlook the simple character models when you understand the scope of the situation and depth of their character. With easy controls, a detailed environment, and perfect soundtrack, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a feel-good hit that expands on the Life Is Strange universe in a beautiful way.

While future Bomberman games have the potential to assert themselves as more lengthy and strategy-demanding titles deserving of a mind-blowing rating, the current release really is just lighthearted and fun … and that’s just fine.

Unforeseen Incidents occasionally stumbles in its accessibility through bugs or difficulty, but its story, humor, and art make it a great time piecing together clues in the world that Backwoods Entertainment has created. It might not have reinvented the genre, but given the opportunity, I’d grab a beer with Harper in this game or—we can hope—the next.

There is a healthy number of tracks that will take hours to master, cool Gravs and parts to unlock, and it’s a joy to look at and listen to while you do it. But with a little polish and workshopping, Antigraviator could have gone from really good, to really great.

Jurassic World Evolution seemingly casts a wide net. If the aim here is to appeal to a larger audience, rather than a niche one, then it’s a job well done.

Put everything together, and Mario Tennis Aces is a great addition to the Switch lineup. For hardcore tennis fans, there's lots of authenticity to the shot selection and special moves. If you like an RPG-style Mario adventure, there's a deep and well-written mode that will keep you interested. The game could do better to prepare you for unexpected moments of difficulty, but that doesn't change the fact that Mario Tennis Aces is a really fun game and another essential title for any Switch owner.

The Banner Saga 2 is a mesmerizing and beautiful turn-based RPG with a deep and layered combat system while also delivering a strong narrative jammed with plenty of tough player decisions.

I immediately fell in love with Yarny and his companion, and the puzzles and platforming were consistently solid. It’s unfortunate the story was sidelined a bit, but the implantation of couch co-op surely helps makes up for it.

Summerset is a wonderful expansion for fans of ESO and people looking to jump in. The expressive new soundtrack and change of scenery are elegant and grandiose, and the detailed landscape provides endless corners and coves to explore. As expected, the lore is incredibly deep and offers an intimate opportunity to get to know the striving, high-brow Elves who inhabit the land.

I understand that release windows are a big thing that helps boost sales maximizes exposure. I’m sure that’s the reasoning behind Tennis World Tour’s release in this state because I can’t think of any other reason a developer would willingly release such a debacle.

It is certainly a pretty game. The minimalist polygon planes are very evocative, the sound design is lovely, and the abundant bloom lighting creates a mood. There’s sort of a goal (get to the next triangle) and when you achieve it, the art style shifts. But I didn’t really find it relaxing, I found it boring. And I never got over feeling perplexed.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi is certainly the kind of game that you can get lost in, constantly muttering ‘one more turn’ while losing sleeping and playing into the wee hours of the morning.

Agony is an ambitious game; it sought to give gamers an experience that they had never had before, which it does somewhat deliver, and I have to credit its developers for even the attempt. But this final product just doesn’t feel finished; this is more like an Early Access game – full of promise and great ideas but just lacking in content, polish and attention to detail.

Once in a while, Safe House successfully pulls me into the allure of mindless task managing, but the gameplay drags down the strong elements of the story through its repetition, and despite the multiple endings, its replay value is low. Safe House delivers enough of a good time but never quite follows through with its promises, falling short of something that I’d recommend to friends.

Onrush feels slow to start but once you dive in it can be addictive to play. With fast-paced, high-intensity encounters, a gamers competitive nature will quickly take over in this skill-based game of road rage and crazy tricks.

Despite Nightfall being a relatively short bit of DLC, it manages to pack in some fun challenges with the level design, and the combat is as satisfying as ever. I found the story to be nicely paced throughout the four levels and leaves you off just before the opening of Aragami. However, the DLC doesn’t add much more to the game than the three new Shadow Techniques and is over once you’ve only just gotten into it.

Whatever score I tack onto the end of this will struggle to capture the proper essence of what must be the purest Souls experience you can find on modern consoles. Bloodborne feels fundamentally different, while Dark Souls III carries all the improvements and changes that have been made to the franchise up to this point. Dark Souls Remastered is a shined-up version of the series, in essence, a pure delivery of exquisite suffering and sublime reward with a stable frame-rate and functional lighting. From a technical perspective, I can’t recommend this game enough.

Little Nightmares is a perfect example of doing lots with so little. It succeeds as an excellently taut piece of visual storytelling while also delivering a compelling gameplay experience. It happens to be one of the more unique horror games out there thanks to a detailed art style, fantastic animation, and top-notch sound design.

I’m really impressed with Gunheart. It’s easy to get caught up in the importance of the cross-play aspect, but the game itself is great fun. It’s a solid shooter, which some great mechanics and customization that should keep players engaged for quite some time, at the very least long enough to get their money’s worth.

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker puts a ton of work into the acting and presentation of the characters but lacks in the actual gameplay to make it stand out as a video game.

Witnessing a studio succeed beyond what their audience expects of them is always a pleasure, and DONTNOD Entertainment has done just that with Vampyr. Whether you're intrigued by the idea of stalking London as a bloodthirsty vampire or expressly fancy a rock-solid ARPG, consider sinking your teeth into this gem.

The quality of Cultist Simulator‘s writing and intriguing setting coupled with its arduous gameplay made me wish I was reading a surrealist novel rather than grasping at some sort of narrative with all these disparate cards. While I can appreciate the game’s own attempt at experimentation with its indefinite gameplay, tabletop format, and fragmented story, I could not find much enjoyment in constantly wondering what I was doing and asking myself why I was still playing.

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.

As a “spiritual successor” to Descent, Overload accomplishes what it sets out to do, bringing it twenty years into the future with new graphics, weapons, and gameplay. However, it seems to have skipped many of the lessons that game developers have learned along the way, failing to adjust the game for modern expectations as it succumbs to the repetitive level designs that so characterized past limitations.

It is basically your favorite retro racing game with enhanced graphics and better sound effects.

Ikaruga remains a treasure in the shoot ‘em up genre due to its tight gameplay, challenge, and overall design. While the game continues to stifle me at multiple points, its smart design and ease of entry keep me coming back for more punishment.

I Hate Running Backwards is a game that offers simple, satisfying fun and colorful, fast-paced action.

It’s a badass strategy simulator, one with deep gameplay and that glorifies what is maybe one of the most gnarly periods of human history. It makes for a wonderfully executed strategy experience. But I still long for the day that we leave behind this whole “historical accuracy” fallacy and devote our fantastic game development resources to something more deeply imaginative.

The biggest frustration was the lack of indication when a chapter is completed.

Smoke and Sacrifice get a lot of the things we love about this genre right, with the added bonus of playing a protagonist with clear goals and motivations. It also teaches players a lesson with every death. While there are save points, they are far and few between, so ensuring that you choose your battles wisely will also help you on your journey. With beautiful visuals and a thematic ambient soundtrack, Smoke and Sacrifice is a brilliant game you should check out.

Walden, a game turns a gorgeous piece of literary work into an interactive experience where the player can truly live out Thoreau’s vision and experiment. For those seeking excitement and thrill, this title will likely bore you. However, for educators or those looking for a short, calming episode that connects the player to the underappreciated beauty of nature (without actually having to leave the home), Walden is a great little option.

The Banner Saga comes to Nintendo Switch via a fantastic and faithful port, its dire tale of survival and strategy completely intact. It plays well, it looks fantastic, and every battle and dialogue choice is here for the taking.

I’m torn about this collection. On the one hand, I love III and the Alpha series. They’re smooth, gorgeous games with amazing mechanics, cool characters and tons of competitive depth. On the other hand, I’ve got just, no time for the other six games in this collection. They’re slow, clunky and unpleasant. If you’ve got a heavy cache of childhood memories tied up with any version of Street Fighter II, you might get some more mileage out of those games.

Moonlighter is a very solid product overall, but there are parts that feel like they could have done a lot more with. It’s got great graphics, a simple, yet rewarding premise, and combat is satisfying despite its shortcomings. Moonlighter’s no pressure approach and overall design make it feel fresh enough that it is worth looking into, but for me personally, I hope this isn’t all that we get, as I like the product a ton. It just feels like missed potential.

Fast paced, competitive, and strangely addictive, Dodgeball is a simple idea that turned into a pretty fun game to tackle. While most of the appeal is online, there’s still plenty for you to do on your own to hone your skills for the big matches.

Slavish adherents to modern sensibilities may wish to look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a blend of fast-paced fun and familiar flaws, you can’t go wrong with this game.

Is it addictive? Yes, but at the same time it could be even more addictive. High speed is always mentioned but for me at least, I wouldn’t mind it being even faster.

Animal Super Squad just isn’t all that interesting to play. Why? It simply feels like it’s manufactured to try and capitalize on what made certain other games successful for streamers and content creators across the internet. Sometimes that very well may work, but in this case, it just feels shallow.

With amazingly realistic graphics, intense music, rich characters, and a dynamic decision scheme, this action adventure title is enthralling from its opening scene to the very end, and if you let it, it will take you on a journey to what feels like an entirely different world.

Both a fun experience for fans of the series as well as a good introduction for others. While the gameplay is a bit repetitive, it is still enjoyable, and both the visuals and audio make it a joy to experience.

Far: Lone Sails allows players to complete the game at their own pace, and some might find it to be relatively brief. As a matter of fact, the short length is the game’s biggest weakness. I wanted more, but what’s there is something I treasured.

It’s classic art-style and gameplay are a tribute to a bygone era, but there is no excuse for the lack of content present in a title being ported to current gen consoles in 2018.

Shio provides you with the tools for success but refrains from any hand-holding. It demands perfection and doesn’t allow for even minor mistakes. Needless to say, no matter how excellent the story and the atmosphere are, the degree of difficulty present ensures this is not a game for everyone. For fans of the genre though, Shio is an adventure that simply begs to be experienced.

Although my own experience with this game has been a profoundly negative one, I can’t completely condemn it. After all, the graphics are delightful and the premise is an engrossing one.

Similar to a classic arcade game but made better, Spacejacked is extremely addicting and delightfully frustrating.

Lake Ridden may not be doing anything new or incredibly exciting, but it still feels unique.

Ultimately, MachiaVillain needs a lot of cleaning up, explanations and balance fixes. Then maybe we can all come together to have a bloody good time.

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles does its best to present you with a steady stream of breathtaking vistas, serene escapes and idyllic moments that snap to a picture frame with flawless ease. The core game has all of its slight flaws that came with the other versions, but I found that taking time to frame and save some of what I saw gave me a deeper appreciation of Yonder’s many high points.

Do not expect an evident or strong storyline in the first number of hours, or to be spoon-fed how to play the game through tutorials or directions. Prepare to die in the beginning, a lot. And most of all, prepare to explore a beautiful and diverse landscape with limitless things to discover and create, and to have a lot of fun doing it.

Despite some of the confusing mechanics, awkward camera angles and inelegant solutions, Inked is still very much a visual delight.

The challenge is real without seeming too difficult, never making me feel helpless. The world of Runner3 is beautiful to behold as it bursts forth with color and life. Even though the core game can get monotonous at times, Runner3 is yet another terrific indie game that deserves everyone’s attention.

From the Wii-like characters and its entire eye-popping arcady graphical design to its surprising variety and depth, Super Mega Baseball 2 provides a fun and exciting twist to a sometimes boring and cumbersome sport (sorry baseball fans).

Visually, the most remarkable accomplishment Pillars of Eternity II pulls off is making its world feel dynamic and alive.

I was about to launch into another broken situation here, but I’m sure you get the point. The point is this: although there’s a very competent core loop and entertaining resource management sim somewhere within State of Decay 2, it’s really, really, broken. Unacceptably so. It frustrated me mightily to see a flash of a game I wanted to play, only to be immediately reminded that it’s not ready for release.

It’s safe to say that for those who haven’t experienced this title in its previous forms, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a no-brainer. It features the biggest roster, the most content, and plays well at home or on the go, despite some technical issues. Those who may have only played one of the 3DS or Wii U versions would also be making a very safe bet in this case, but ultimately, this is just a solid choice for any party that is interested in seeing Link and friends (and foes) kick all kinds of ass across what is essentially a love-letter to fans of the series.

Omensight is an enjoyable indie adventure with a compelling murder mystery that unravels several layers of depth and deception. Replaying levels and altering events of the game can be interesting if a bit repetitive as you experience the same locations and areas with each of the supporting cast members.

The Council Episode 2: Hide and Seek does a terrific job of building more intrigue for its fascinating story.

The game has aged well in terms of story, gameplay, and overall mechanics that allows new players to experience an immensely unique title for the 3DS. In addition, returning players can also get their fair share as the enhancements and newly added content will effortlessly invite you to both relive the original story of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey, as well as experience the original story with new twists and turns.

Presentation-wise, Supergonk has a lot to offer. Gameplay-wise, Trailblazers kicks off on all cylinders in a wonderful first impression. However, it drags on its way to the finish line, which is why a driver might prefer some company to keep them entertained along the way.

It’s apparent that Contingent99 knows what they are doing, and they’ve confirmed that there is post-launch content on the way as well, so be sure to give these two gentlemen an honest shot, as you may end up as pleasantly surprised as I was, if not more so.

For The King can be quite enjoyable experience and it’s even better with friends. But be warned, you will earn your victories in this harsh world. And you will earn them only through your many failures.

The Nintendo LABO Robot Kit is one substantial project that’ll take you half a day to build. It’s a satisfying project to complete. After you’re finished, you have a few different mini-games to play, but none of them will make you want to come back over and over.

The Nintendo LABO Variety Kit has some fun and satisfying aspects to it, but it lacks any real longevity. And now I’m faced with the ultimate dilemma – where the heck will I store all these cardboard projects now?

If you come to Thrones of Britannia with a bloodlust you won’t be disappointed. Never has commanding mustachioed men to bludgeon each other to death been such an intellectual exercise. But if you were hoping for a major evolution of the Total War formula, you will be left colder than a Pict at the winter solstice.

Forgotton Anne is a beautifully-crafted, polished experience that is a couple notches from being a stellar gaming experience.

There’s definitely a Frankenstein’s Half-Genie of ideas at play here though; as much as the game does right none of it is original or groundbreaking. Still, I did enjoy playing through it a whole lot, its light and fanciful approach offering a nice break than some of the heavier games of late. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is more than the sum of its parts, but I just wish a few of those parts were original concepts.