Overall, Tropico 5 makes a solid entry into a genre already populated by great games. It has some drawbacks, but it gives you a good construction game while offering enough variety of play to offer many hours of fun games and great replay value.

All in all, Digimon Survive knows exactly what it’s trying to be and does it well. Unfortunately, this means it’s not a very interesting strategy RPG. If you’re a Digimon fan, you’ll either love or hate it. And if you’re looking for a fun, story-heavy title, I definitely recommend checking it out. But strategy RPG fans may want to find something else with fewer cutscenes.

Unfortunately the gameplay aspects of Grim Fandango have not aged gracefully. Even saying poorly is being kind. Yet the world, the characters and stories it contains are still top shelf. Go for the adventure, stick around for the laughs.

Ideally a strategy game such as Tropico 5 would give the player the choice of either a game or player directed playing experience. Tropico 5: Penultimate Edition at first blush gives the player more but once you start playing it, you realize it has also taken away something a segment of its fan base enjoyed before – freedom to play the game they want.

Trails of Cold Steel is a very good, long JRPG. It’s not going to win any game of the year awards, but if you’re a fan of the genre, and are aching for something that harks back to the glory days of the PS1 RPG, play it. Thoroughly enjoyable combat, and a deceptively well-told story, make this a JRPG totally worth your time.

Overall, I had a really fun time with Battle for Neighborville and still feel like I only scratched the surface on the amount of gameplay and replayability the game offers. If you’re looking for an easy pickup and play title with some fun and chaotic third-person shooter gameplay, then Battle for Neighborville is a great choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a deep story or are turned off by “childish” writing, then it might be best to avoid picking this game up. While I think this game is great for any age, I would definitely recommend picking this up for a child old enough to get into a shooter, but too young for more mature games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends — if they like Splatoon, they’ll like Battle for Neighborville!

Perhaps the best Sword Art Online game thus far. While the game’s setting does detract a bit from the visuals, the gameplay and overall world of Gun Gale Online more than makeup for it.

Buried beneath these weird outer layers is a string of tough, glittering Mega Man games, all starring the elusive red swordsman of my youth. If you’re a fan of Mega Man, or even action platformers in general, the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is worth checking out.

Onslaught is by no means the definitive must own CoD DLC but it’s solid and gives Ghosts some more legs. So really what more could you ask for?

Players of the first Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts game will find this second game an all-around improvement, especially in mission design and pacing. The story is a bland concoction of cultural and military stereotypes but it does a proper job of setting the stage for the action, which can be very satisfying, at least at sniping distance. The less open-world nature of the campaign keeps things moving and the large toybox of gadgets and weapons is there for players to use, or not. I wish Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 had a more engaging set of characters and better action combat outside the sniping mechanics, but the game is a well-made step in the right direction for the franchise.

No, it’s not a bull’s eye by any means, but Hard West will certainly hit close enough to provide you with hours of Wild-West fun.

The story is surprisingly quick to blaze through as well, but there’s a lot to come across that the game doesn’t really seem to force on you, and Pikuniku’s world and gameplay is just memorable enough that this is a fun little title you may get more mileage out of than you’d expect.

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

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a faithful reimagining of a classic, recast as a 90s-style 2D action game. While it captures iconic moments and adapts them naturally to the genre, Bitmap Bureau also introduces original segments that add to the narrative. The team adjusts the gameplay to suit each scenario, creating an experience that effectively mirrors its cinematic counterpart. Although the runtime is short and the movement feels a little too close to games of that era, the range of options available provides plenty of incentive to revisit the game. The result is a strong package and a heartfelt ode to a bygone era.

Arizona Sunshine Remake is a very welcome remaster in a world stuffed with game remasters. VR technology has improved tremendously in the years since the original game launched. This is especially true on the PlayStation side, where the inside out tracking of the PSVR 2 has replaced the light-based tracking of the PSVR 1. If you have fond memories of Arizona Sunshine, picking up this Remake for $10 is a no-brainer.

Red Wings: Aces of the Sky is a solid first effort by All In! Games. I hope this isn’t the end of the road for the franchise, because there’s tremendous groundwork that’s been laid here for something that could be truly special. If the developers were to flesh out the modes, further the variety in the missions, and hire actors more capable of conveying the power of the writing, we could have one of the all-time great dogfighting games ever made. Until then, Red Wings remains good, but not great.

It’s hard not to characterize Watch Dogs: Legion as “Ubisoft open-world game with hacking”, but that’s what it is. That’s not inherently a bad thing, but I believe that more could have been done with the new mechanics without taking away from other portions. Overall, Watch Dogs: Legion is a fun game with a shiny new mechanic that can be utilized in different ways in the future.

Indika has a compelling and genuinely original story to tell. It’s by turns darkly humorous, thought-provoking, philosophically challenging, and emotionally shocking. It’s weird, too, but sometimes more attached to its off-kilter elements than it should be. Things like ignoring fun and narrative consistency for the sake of being quirky feel like missteps when they waste the player’s time or slow the pace. Indika is definitely original and sometimes daring, but stumbles a bit in its execution. Imperfect or not, I can’t help but admire the look of the game, the memorable characters, and the audacious themes.

Cyanide & Happiness: Freakpocalypse isn’t going to blow you away. It’s certainly not going to have you reaching for the medicine cabinet, though. I suppose much of what you get out of CH: F will depend on your ability to take a joke. The gameplay won’t be what keeps you coming back, but Coop’s story has much left to be told, and I’ll be there for the sequel. The rub is that if Explosm doesn’t bring their A-game for episode two, I’ll probably take a swing at Coop, myself.

This experience has a cool agenda beyond having a fun, silly time, and that makes it greater than the sum of its parts. Mulaka is a thoughtful, beautiful game that will transport you to a magical world. That it’s a world that I’ve never seen before makes the game even better.

It was fun, especially if you enjoy Metroidvania style games or Greek mythology. I’m excited to see more from Alientrap in the future.

It’s time for Visual Concepts and 2K Games to go back to the drawing board with their microtransaction philosophy. At this point, it’s hard not to feel like they’re gouging the player. Especially given the exorbitant prices their premium edition versions cost. And it’s so damned frustrating to dislike as much of 2K22 as I did because behind every extra dollar asked of me was an excessively smooth compressed spin or step-back jumper to put a smile on my face. I like NBA 2K22. I wouldn’t say I like it enough to remortgage my home to play it.

Aside from the in-your-face self-promotion, lack of evolution, and sketchy phone control, Just Dance 2022 retains the positive elements that have kept both would-be and accomplished dancers coming back for each new version. The starting setlist is relatively strong, and there are lots of options to craft the experience. How long the good times last probably depends on whether you’re willing to finally cave and buy into the Unlimited option to get your sweaty hands on those 700 other songs. There’s a way in which Just Dance 2022 feels more like a starter pack than a full game, but it’s still a great excuse for us sedentary endomorphs with multiple left feet to move and have fun.

The chuggy frame rate (particularly in in Arkham Asylum) is disappointing but it won’t ruin your enjoyment of either game.

It’s a very ambitious direction to take strategy games, with a more concentrated experience to offer than broader real-time strategy titles. But this focus needs some polish.

While the basic gameplay mechanic gets it right, the lackluster story and cement-headed AI keep this title from greatness.

Mario Wonder was excellent. So I'm always open to more playtime in that world. But I'm not as excited about multiplayer content. So this colorful carnival of party games isn't for me. But I see the vision. The games themselves are all fun, and the conceit itself is crammed with collectibles to hoover up. I just wish the single-player section had more than a handful of boss stages. It's great that there are seven of them, but the pattern gets pretty familiar by the end. But if you've been itching to take your Mario Wonder skills on the road, then this is almost perfect. We're still wandering the walled garden of friend codes, but this is a low hurdle to leap. Meetup in Bellabel Park has a ton of party game potential that you won't want to miss.

It was clear from the start that Dying Light had a different zombie apocalypse story to tell, or at least tried to tell a familiar story with new mechanics. With an impressive amount of DLC to its name, Dying Light has continued to grow and evolve, becoming a much more than a rote zombie shooter. In particular, for anyone who has not played Dying Light at all, the Platinum Edition is easy to recommend as the version to pick up as it includes literally everything the game has to offer. Owners of the Enhanced Edition or new consoles looking for a bleeding-edge showcase should be aware that Dying Light Platinum Edition doesn’t bring huge visual or mechanical improvements to the game, but instead curates everything Dying Light into one immense collection.

This game suffers when subjected to a reviewer’s brutal pacing. Maybe if I hadn’t been racing towards the finish line, the endless tiny loading screens wouldn’t have bothered me as much. I was also forced to discard a lot of the side content. It’s not super compelling stuff, but the act of completing it can be pretty relaxing. Searching for Sprite Bulbs scratches that completionist itch in a big way. Plus, the game is beautiful and the battles are a lot of fun. I still wish the puzzles weren’t so frustrating for me. But again, they benefit from more patience than I could spare. My momentum while playing felt wobbly and uneven, but this is still a well-crafted game. Perhaps your time (if you can offer more of it than me) will be well-spent playing Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

A classic and nostalgic board game, The Game of Life 2 is just like real life–it is short, sweet, and you might get paid decently but your taxes are insanely high. It’s a fun game to play with family and friends without having to purchase additional equipment. Plus, bonus points for being easy to understand. Sadly, I found it hard to buy a house. But as I said, this is just like real life.

Insurgency is a game that doesn’t have any big problems but rather it has a bunch of little ones that culminate.

If you are put off by the punishing hardcore nature of more realistic rally racing games or just want a fun change of pace, Rally Arcade Classics is definitely worth your time.

Particle Hearts has a clear vision, and it’s executed with confidence. The stunning visuals and remarkable soundtrack work in harmony to deliver a presentation that feels truly memorable. Each puzzle is distinct and thoughtfully designed, ensuring that every encounter remains engaging. While the protagonist’s movement lacks some of the fluidity and pace expected from the genre, the atmosphere the game evokes is wholly unique. For those looking for an experience that sidesteps common trends, this is absolutely worth your time.

Lil Gator Game suffers from some minor frame rate drops and the music was a bit out of place. But, the overall package was pretty good. I’d recommend Lil Gator Game to young gamers – assuming they have willing parents who can help them read the objectives. I’d also recommend this to gamers looking for a chill, relaxing Legend of Zelda style game to tide them over until Tears of the Kingdom launches next year.

Mafia III’s compelling story and combat really shine through, and it is simply a fun game.

Nightdive’s excellent work aside, this is a remaster of an OK game. If you’ve played the previous two installments, remember that going into this one. The deficiencies of the original game in terms of storytelling and overall design are still present. If you keep that in mind, be prepared to enjoy the best version of Turok 3 possible.

My nostalgia for the game isn’t connected to gameplay. Instead I’m wistful and rosy for the zen-like grind and the charming aesthetic. If you’re okay with playing this game in portable mode at all times, I can easily recommend Final Remix. If you’re put off by the motion controls, or if you were looking for more in the way of new content, then purchase this one with caution.

Frantics is a solid title in the PlayLink line of games for the PS4 that’ll surely bring laughter, competition, and rivalry to any party. The unique art style and flow of game sessions truly make it enjoyable to experience and play through.

When all is said and done, World War Z is a worthy entry into those Left 4 Dead style of zombie games. At a competitive and reduced price, it is excellent value for the buck.

If you are a series veteran looking to relive the magic of Life is Strange, then there is no doubt Before the Storm will scratch the right itch.

I like Kiln’s cheeky humor and colorful style. I’m frankly amazed the game is more than just a wacky premise. The pottery-making sim aspect isn’t half bad. Unfortunately, Kiln feels constrained by a lack of alternative modes and maps, with systems and mechanics that could be deeper. In its present state Kiln is engaging for a while, but the fun doesn’t last long enough.

While the DLC gives you another reason to revisit one of the best games of last year, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the base game. The developers designed the levels well, but they don’t offer as many paths and secrets as the main campaign. Although boss battles exceed expectations, the worlds don’t maintain consistent theming across all enemies, which detracts from the idea of visiting these distinct worlds. Regardless, priced at only $9.99, the Villains DLC delivers on its novelty concept and lets you delve back into a classic title.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is a great fit for asymmetrical multiplayer. I’ll take any chance to engage with a film that made a huge impact on my childhood. Also, the film lends itself very well to this style of gameplay. My hope is that future support includes new content. I’d love to see maps set in iconic locations, like the Sedgewick Hotel. Additional ghosts and equipment (like the pink slime gun) would be great, too. There’s a solid foundation to work with and future plans would go a long way to keeping the experience fresh.

Meet Your Maker starts with a great concept, but it takes time, patience, and the willingness to fail a lot to really enjoy what the game has to offer. Player made levels range from brilliant to annoying, and unfortunately building is locked behind hours of grinding, which just seems like poor design. Negatives aside, Meet Your Maker does have a pretty compelling loop for both sadists and masochists.

Sadly, there’s no way to know what life in a computer is actually like. Exception does a damn fine job of imagining it, though. If nothing else, I hope that any sufficiently-advanced AI civilization would naturally gravitate towards neon and synth. I never got enough mileage out of the special moves, but I did love zipping around this weird little world. The soundtrack alone is almost worth the price of admission, which should lay bare my artistic priorities. If your dreams of entering the net remain withered, perhaps a little time with Exception will soothe your soul.

While it looks like a modern storybook tale, Gylt deals with some pretty intense subject matter that many can relate to. It would be easy to complain that Gylt doesn’t go deep enough in any direction or layer enough complexity on its basic systems. That would be true if the game was longer than its five-hour running time. Its mechanics might not be remarkable, but Gylt’s themes are impactful and its presentation is memorable and engaging.

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

The Letter: A Horror Visual Novel is a very good story, with an excellent focus on character relationships. The story uses the structure of the visual novel genre to deepen its quality. This is what a visual novel should be. It doesn’t have the originality of genre classics like 428: Shibuya Scramble, Danganronpa, or the Ace Attorney series. But it is an easy recommendation for fans of the genre, who are looking for more.

All in all, if you enjoy anime and story-heavy JRPGs, you’ll probably enjoy this title as well. If you prefer games that feature better gameplay to cutscene ratios, you should probably play something else.

I enjoyed Total War: Arena more than I thought, but I’m not sure if it has enough carrot at the end of the stick for me to keep playing long term. The grind to the higher tiers seems makes me wonder if it’s worth my time trying other factions, and the matches with the same units begin to feel repetitive. Without much more dynamic interaction during the actual battles, it’s hard to see myself staying engaged.

There are obvious flaws here and there, and I would have loved to see more interactivity or animations, but The Mind’s Eclipse is a compelling tale that’s worth experiencing. Just make sure you stay away from all those pesky nanites.

Wargaming and its ‘World of’ franchise have turned military vehicle combat into a fun, popular, and extremely lucrative series of games that are very well done. Most of the time, I’m usually done with games once my review is over and it’s a real testament to the playability of a game if it stays in my heavy rotation. Legends has earned that spot as one of the games that I’m going to continue to enjoy at least semi-regularly for the next little while… or until I run face first into that paywall and my interest wanes. Hopefully, I’ll get a solid run out of World of Warships: Legends before I get priced out.

It’s great to see this game getting a second life. Who would have believed it possible for this game to be playable on consoles? The mood is still great, and the game is very replayable because of the randomization of who is human or replicant. I very much enjoyed this retro-future trip back to 2019.

With questionable graphics interrupting the gameplay every now and then, the visuals may become the game’s undoing for players looking for a high-resolution racer. Fortunately, Redout offers a lot of different modes of play and numerous challenges to keep one entertained, so much so that some of the dips in visuals can be partially forgiven if you are willing to accept it. While it may not be consistent eye candy especially when playing undocked, its contents, gameplay, and attainable goals make it an easy game to pick up if you’re looking for something insanely fast, fun, and entertaining.

Possessor(s) is a beautiful Metroidvania with an open structure that encourages exploration and lets you progress at your own pace. While its platforming and combat are both solid, they lack the distinctive flair needed to match the game’s stunning art direction. The narrative is deep and layered, but its delivery sometimes undermines immersion. Despite being a strong and engaging adventure, it doesn’t always capture the magic its visuals promise.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is about the best fans could expect from this finale.

What makes OK K.O.! Let’s Play Heroes so suitable for gamers of many ages is not just the ease of gameplay, but the delightful characters and storyline.

This isn’t for everyone, to be sure. Less of a sprint and more of a marathon, the challenge of The Riftbreaker is both sustained and intense. This means things like pacing hiccups feel a lot more potent. Even if the prospect of an extended campaign like this seems daunting, the game’s lush visuals are a soothing balm. If you want something more out of the RTS genre, The Riftbreaker will have what you’re looking for.

It’s fun, but simple.

Friday the 13th: Ultimate Slasher Edition is not perfect by any means, but it is a perfect representation of the movie series as a whole. By providing players thrills and tense moments any Nintendo Switch owning horror fan should enjoy it, even with some of its deficiencies. The additional DLC extras, offline mode and various goodies all add to the package, and developer Black Tower Studios’s effort is one that would make even Mrs. Voorhees proud.

Certainly an improvement over its predecessor. By no means is it a perfect game as some of the technical issues did cast a shadow over the experience to a degree. That said, Stardock has been hard at work ironing out the wrinkles and the positives far outweigh the negatives.

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

I wish it was longer and ended better, but in its early and middle stages, A Rogue Escape provides enough satisfaction to make it worth a try.

Pulling off your head and lobbing it deep into a dark and dingy crevasse has never been so much fun. With over 90 puzzles, an array of crazy characters, witty dialogue and unique mechanics, a trip to Helheim is definitely worth the trek. Its quirky and intriguing spin on the Norse world is fascinating and due to this, it can proudly raise its glass of grog up high and bellow “Skol” at the top of its lungs.

A fun yet simple title with strong graphical and audio style, making it one of the stronger Japanese multimedia adaptations to date.

Color Symphony 2 is a perfect scratch for the hardcore puzzle platforming itch, but it might not be for every gamer. I would like to have a little more depth to the game, maybe longer levels with an interesting assortment of obstacles rather than lots of short levels with an associated gimmick.

Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series succeeds in its goal of making you feel like a Jedi. With a high production value, intriguing plot, and excellent cinematics, the game will leave fans of the franchise in awe. However, with little gameplay and a short runtime, this is more of a VR experience than a game.

If you are a fan of these shows, you owe it to yourself to pick up this pack. If you are a pinball fan and a fan of these shows, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

In spite of my cruel and cutting remarks, I still enjoyed Lost Sphear.

Ven VR Adventure is overall a solid platforming adventure that uses its many gameplay influences well. There are some nice courses to play through and a visually appealing world to unlock in around 5 hours. They’ve also improved the game from previous versions, allowing you to send Ven backward to retrace missed parts of a level. But I still wish that darn camera didn’t intrude on the fun so much; that issue and a general sameness were a letdown to what is otherwise a game with lots of positives.

Ultimately, this remake does a great job respecting the original game, but bringing the visuals and interface to a modern age.

It is undeniably a beautiful achievement that seamlessly ties together wildlife education and environmental consciousness, and the emotional attachment you will create with your animals makes for an engaging simulation unlike any other.

Even though Shadow Blade: Reload is fun to play, and the graphics are well done, there are some obvious flaws that detract from the enjoyability.

Cronos: The New Dawn has great horror elements. It has a strong story about the dangers of a pandemic. The world is visually gorgeous and interesting to explore. The problem with the game is its gameplay often gets in the way of its horror. The player aims, shoots, slowly lumbers around, searches for keys, and reads notes. It’s survival horror 101. Very basic gameplay. Cronos: The New Dawn works great as a visual horror feast. It plays mechanically solid, but can get also get so frustrating that it breaks its horror experience. All in all, Cronos: The New Dawn’s strengths, but it above the average survival horror game. Any fans of the genre looking for more should definitely give it a try. The game matches the quality of Bloober Team’s pre-Silent Hill 2 efforts, but, unfortunately, they’re still going to be looking to create a masterpiece amongst their original IPs.

That comparison between ChromaGun and Portal has come up a lot, but the game doesn’t suffer for it. In fact, this brazen admission of influence written all over the game works to its benefit.

Just like other yearly releases, Just Dance 2015 doesn’t reinvent the wheel but instead take the safe route with the “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix” approach. We get a new slate of songs and a few new features but at its core Just Dance 2015 remains the same.

The attempt at accessibility is welcome but F1, by its very nature, isn’t really a sport for the casual fan. It is extremely technical and the learning curve of not only driving but competing during a full race weekend may frustrate players who just want to jump in.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the type of game the Nintendo Switch was made for. It is a title that anyone can pick up and play and it gets progressively more challenging the deeper you get. It is fast, fun, and simple. While not exactly a long game you will enjoy every second of this charming game. Add in the ability to play with up to 4 friends locally and it makes for a great party game.

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.

The actual physical experience of the game can sometimes feel a bit aloof. Your character sort of glides along the ground, and combat lacks visceral impact.

The fact is, the gameplay in Corruption is fun, and I enjoyed playing it. There aren’t enough challenging tactical games like this (as my thousands of hours in XCOM 2 can stand as evidence of). I commend The Bearded Ladies for knowing they had a cool idea when they saw it, and for focusing on polishing a single aspect of it- in this case the gameplay. And these are games, isn’t gameplay extremely important? Ultimately, Corruption is a tight, extremely playable tactical experience.

If you haven’t looked into this new episodic take on a cult classic, you definitely should. King’s Quest is a great way to kill some time if you enjoy a more comedic point-and-click adventure like Monkey’s Island.

Ultimately, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is an entertaining, competitive, and addicting game that truly captures the visual style and overall feel of the source material. Its thorough character customization allows you to create your ideal ninja, both in looks and fighting style, and its competent multiplayer action lets you unleash your powers in flashy elegance. I’m still perplexed at the choice to restrict the already minimal content, but the fundamentals of the game are solid through and through. With some additional modes and quality of life changes, Shinobi Striker has the potential to assert itself as one of the strongest, and most unique Naruto games to date.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a delightful game with all the love and charm you’d expect from Nintendo poster boys…only now with a dash of poster boy made from poster board. Fun, laughs, and a generally good time are all to be had if you pick this up for your 3DS.

Between the soft focus visuals and the heavy-lidded soundtrack, this doesn’t feel like a typical skateboarding game. Instead, you’re encouraged to meditate through boards and wheels, a few minutes at a time, for a little while. The game feels entirely too short, but only in the sense that you’re left wanting more once you’re done. If you’re so inclined, you can pick away at the many challenges for hours on end. Even then, the nature of these tests feels geared to a string of shorter play sessions. Like an idle game or a farming sim, something you come back to continuously until the task is done. Beyond the actual gameplay, Skate City has some serious merit as an introduction to the world of lo-fi hip hop. These tracks will haunt you in the kindest fashion possible, quiet and blissful beats that bounce around your subconsciousness for weeks afterwards. If you’re looking for a more soft-focus, laid-back skateboarding game, Skate City is not to be missed.

Déraciné is an engaging VR adventure with a tinge of darkness to it that other such games often shy away from. There is a frisson of tension in this story that drives you forward through the conservative VR gameplay mechanics to find out if FromSoftware’s reputation for dark material will eventually surface.

Despite how peculiar it all may seem, all of the elements of Soft Body come together and make perfect sense while you are playing it.

Project Songbird is a haunting journey through the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist. Each act offers fresh ideas, creating a wonderfully paced adventure brimming with creativity and innovation. The art direction, sound, and impeccable voice acting elevate the experience, helping Dakota’s tale resonate. Although the combat and stealth segments lack the intensity that enshrouds other aspects, adding frustration rather than fear, this thrilling psychological exploration remains a memorable and imaginative horror experience.

This game feels like an action movie. Yet I hesitate to shout down from the mountaintops about it. Maybe I’m just too badly burned by the Bionic Cop stage. Maybe I wanted more from the gun shop. If nothing else, I’m going to dump many more hours into Tango Fiesta until I successfully finish the damn thing. The game is just too fun from moment to moment for anything less.

In Tanta We Trust is conceptually a bit odd. While it can be played as a stand alone game, it wouldn’t make sense to do so. On the other hand, players who have beaten Forspoken may not appreciate the pared down mechanics and small scope. There is a way to access the new content from the main game’s campaign, which probably makes the most sense, making it feel almost like a robust side mission. In any case, In Tanta We Trust is neither significantly better or worse than Forspoken, but very much of a piece with it.

Overall, Star Wars Pinball: Solo Pack is a decent but not great collection of pinball tables for Pinball FX3. The tables mostly have cool visuals, their level designs don’t usually get in the way of the pinball fun, and the sound design certainly makes this table pack feel like Star Wars. However, with a $10 price, Star Wars and pinball game fans alike should probably wait until this table pack goes on sale before picking it up.

It’s not hard to recommend Shinsekai: Into The Depths as a very good Metroidvania. And anybody looking for a unique one, will certainly find success in choosing it. However, there are a plethora of amazing Metroidvania titles available, and if you’re new to the genre, I can think of at least twenty others that would be a better place to start.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III is an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding RTS experience. Not everyone will be enamoured with its MOBA-flavoured gameplay, but there is no denying it makes for some frenetic and action-packed battle goodness much of the time. Just as with the game, fans will be divided into “factions” – players who like attack-oriented strategy will be completely in their element – while a minority (like me) who enjoy slower, defensive play will find that this game is more of an acquired taste.

Anomaly 2 takes the tower defense model, flips it, adds some bells and whistles and makes one hell of a fun time out of it. While not having the most extensive story and somewhat repetitive gameplay, Anomaly 2 makes up for it by throwing in enough in game variations to keep you interested as well as having quite challenging difficulty curves to keep you coming back.

Centum is a game for fans of psychological horror and mind-bending puzzles. If you enjoy a challenge that leaves you with more questions than answers, this is for you. The eerie atmosphere and complex puzzles will keep you engaged. Even if the constant confusion can sometimes make you feel lost. Recommended for those who love a mystery and don’t mind the occasional headache.

MADiSON is a solid, polished indie horror game. It struggles with pacing because of the mechanics involved with the puzzles. For collectors and completionists, you may find some replay value as you can collect camera skins and special photos.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed is not hard to recommend for gamers who missed it the first time around, or remember it fondly and want to play it again. It looks, sounds and controls like a current title, and most of the jokes hold up just fine. Not all the gameplay mechanics and mission designs feel that fresh anymore, and it can feel simplistic and repetitive against the backdrop of recent action games. Like the remake of the original Destroy All Humans!, it’s hard not to wish that Black Forest had gone further into actual reboot territory, because the narrative bones, characters, and style could be something special in a more open-world, contemporary game.

Season: A Letter to the Future is a delightful snapshot of a world on the precipice of a devastating event. Due to this, there is a somber atmosphere that resides throughout your trip. Recording scenarios through your camera, audio device, and journal builds further understanding of the narrative; however, these three components don’t evolve which makes the gameplay quite repetitive. Although each encounter is distinct and their story is well told, the conclusion stumbles. Despite that, fans of narrative-driven titles should hitch a ride on this unique trip.