Metroid: Samus Returns doesn’t merely hope to satisfy a sense of nostalgia, it transcends those aspirations to become a much more compelling experience. It takes nearly everything about its predecessors that made them great and introduces new elements that make gameplay feel fresh and exciting.

Pragmata is a refreshing, refined adventure that tells a personal, grounded tale in an otherworldly setting. With traditional sensibilities, the game shows confidence in its mechanics, placing them at the forefront rather than smothering the experience with unnecessary content. Stepping back to the golden age of shooters, it manages to carve out a niche that feels both nostalgic and distinctly its own.

Dragon Quest piles on the enhancements in the 3DS version, and these tiny improvements are so numerous, that Dragon quest VIII feels far less dated than an RPG over a decade old should feel.

I enjoyed Triangle Strategy more than most reviewers, and I don’t love most strategy JRPGs. I love JRPGs, but prefer them turn-based or action-oriented. Triangle Strategy has an epic, gripping medieval fantasy narrative, and I urge anyone curious to give it a try knowing this. The game doesn’t advertise how cutscene-heavy it is, but knowing that going in really helps. Fans of visual novels, tactical games, and JRPGs all have something to chew on here. Unfortunately, the PS5 port is almost the same experience as the Switch and PC versions. It just has the expected visual upgrade that comes with a more powerful console. But it’s a treat to finally have this fantastic game on all modern consoles.

It’s not perfect of course, and may not turn heads amongst the most eccentric of JRPG lovers, but what Level – 5 and Studio Ghibli have produced is an entrancing trip through an alluring, original adventure that’s surprisingly touching despite it’s simplicity, and easily rivals some of the best games I’ve played to date.

Thanks to its art direction and genuinely creative use of Sims-like mechanics, Closer the Distance gets your attention. What keeps you enthralled, emotionally engaged, and frequently discomforted is its pitch-perfect exploration of some very difficult subject matter. It’s a heavy game but absolutely worth your time.

All in all, these are minor problems on an otherwise fantastic CRPG. Watch out though, Wasteland 3 doesn’t pull any punches with its subject matter in sexuality, violence, and language. But if you are fine with that, I would highly recommend you give Wasteland 3 a shot, especially if you were (or still are) a Fallout fan.

With all of the improvements to the on-ice product, it doesn’t take long to realize where the shortcomings of the franchise bleed through.

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's possible that my careful steps around the bulk of the narrative have failed to entice you into playing. The premise appears rather clumsy and bare, at least from a distance. Children piloting mecha to save the world from giant monsters? Preposterous! Reconsider, I implore you. For the anime nerds in the audience, this is a narrative of light novel complexity, a misleading moniker that belies the beast in its depths. For the rest, know only that the density of plot and complexity of the characters make this story more layered than most time travel tales. The combat sections will hook you just as hard, though for very different reasons. If you can absorb the narrative, and see past the strange battle sections, you'll be left with a rich, beautiful, compelling game you can scarcely put down.

Even though I love this franchise a lot, innovation is always welcome. The echo system is a fascinating blend of new ideas and established concepts. Using random objects and enemies isn't totally new, but making them the main form of offense is. Transplanting 3D ideas into a 2D plain is a tough challenge, but the devs have handled it nicely. I wish the echoes were easier to scroll through, and the combat could have been harder. But I loved exploring every inch of this world. Even after the credits rolled, I still went back for more. If you're looking for something charming and unusual, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is right on the money.

This is a definite step up from what PlayStation 4 owners received not too long ago.

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

With full character development, a wonderful companion system, and a spirit all its own, The Outer Worlds is everything I had hoped it would be and more. From the excellent writing to the beautiful environments, each new world is vast enough to feel expansive without being desolate and wasted space. The gameplay and combat is fantastic and handles great, with the only downside being its occasional dip in frame rate or issues loading textures. The Outer Worlds fulfills the promise every other RPG makes of putting you in control and I can’t wait to try the game over and over again with different styles and tactics.

By almost every metric, Horizon Zero Dawn is a classic action RPG. For anyone who missed it, the Remastered edition is definitely the version to pick up. For those who already own it, the upgrade to Remastered is a reasonable $10 and at least on PS5, PS4 cloud saves work just fine. If the new and improved visuals inspire folks to play the game, or play it again, that’s a win for everyone.

Yakuza 0 is one of the greatest entries in the long-running series, and the Switch 2 port is masterfully executed, offering excellent performance alongside new features. While the new online mode may not quite hit the mark, the core campaign remains incredible, and the added cutscenes enhance the overall experience. Although there isn’t much new content for returning players, this version serves as the perfect entry point for newcomers to the series.

Going back to when Final Fantasy XII first released, I must say that I regret not giving the game a fair shot. Roughly 12 years after its release, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age brings an epic narrative and deserving entry to a classic franchise to the Nintendo Switch. The game also feels right at home on the console and brings with it all the improvements and additions from throughout the years.

Bravely Default is so full of old time good RPG fun that you could literally shake a stick at it and it wouldn’t change a thing given how much quality is in this game.

Jedi Survivor is the definitive Jedi video game experience. As a Star Wars fan, I love it. I imagine it was a lot of fun to develop, and the Jedi Team at Respawn are absolute rockstars for what they've achieved. I'm confident the performance hiccups on PS5 will be resolved. Apart from that, I can't get enough of the game. I'm actively finishing my initial playthrough and am stoked to jump into new game plus.

Starfield is Bethesda’s most polished game yet. It has a ton to do but falls flat on the exploration aspect. Without vehicles, walking around planets is not an efficient way to travel. The story is fantastic however and the game is visually stunning. It’s a unique experience you shouldn’t miss out on.

If you like first person shooters, if you’re an old DOOM fan, or if you just like killing demons, treat yourself to DOOM 2016.

At first glance, Realm of Magic can seem barren. However, it’s all a guise as the true game begins in its mystical new realm of Glimmerbrook. All in all, The Sims 4: Realm of Magic is a ton of fun. With a bunch of newly added features to take your Sims game to the next level and a ton of different new paths to experience, this game pack does not disappoint.

OlliOlli World manages to stay true to its predecessors whilst making verts feel fresh. The multi-faceted levels are an absolute joy, adding experimentation and exploration to the solid foundation. With enough depth to please veterans, yet simple enough to attract newcomers, Roll7 has nailed the mechanics, making the trip to Radlandia essential.

Overall, Esoteric Ebb does a great job of applying aspects of its influences into its own splendid package. The experience is one that is full of surprises and delightful in its own way. While not for everyone, the game is sure to be memorable for those who enjoy the genre as well as those who simply put in the time to complete a playthrough. With so many variables available even at a surface level, each player’s first playthrough should be unique enough. If you are a CRPG fan at heart, Esoteric Ebb is a no-brainer to give it a shot. If you’re not, there’s still likely something for you if anything about the game resonates with you at all.

The Switch version of Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is awful. It’s not ready to be played right now, because the menu navigation is straight-up broken. The game needs a patch with cursor sensitivity options at the very minimum, but even that fix would still make for a lazy port, that isn’t console ready. The story of Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is captivating, and the throwback point-and-click adventure gameplay will be a treat for some. But the game needs more time and effort to be an enjoyable experience.

If you have yet to pick Assassin's Creed and you recently picked up Nintendo's newest home console it is definitely worth looking at. The perk of playing on your GamePad is a plus and apart from the lack of achievement/trophy hunting (if you're into that sort of thing) I found it to be a solid experience that matches up well with its counterparts.

With the addition of new character classes, new maps and quests to complete, scenario levels, co-op, PvP, Steam trading cards and a never ending story mode, all for a mere $19.99, it’s an experience that should not be missed.

For anyone who missed Metro: Exodus in its original release and can scale the graphics card barrier to entry, the Enhanced Edition is definitely a must-buy. Thankfully players without the requisite gear can still enjoy the game’s other, less major, improvements and fixes too.

It’s hard to beat solid mechanics and a sense of camaraderie you usually only get from playing sports.

I've mentioned some minor problems and disappointments, but I mean what I said at the top. This is the most impressive Doom game iD has developed. The ingenuity and evolution of its gameplay, while remaining true to itself, is outstanding, along with an epic campaign to complement it. The Doom Dance in The Dark Ages is addictive, and I'm stoked to continue playing.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is an authentic recreation of a masterpiece. Each aspect of the visuals has been beautifully and faithfully modernized with painstaking attention to detail. Although Konami has only reworked minor elements, these aspects combine to improve the overall experience. Even though the game does show its age at points, it's still undoubtedly one of the greatest adventure games and Delta ensures a new generation can experience it at its very best.

Frostpunk 2 trades intimacy and the plight of individual survivors for the challenges of growth and sustainability. The threat of extinction is mixed with economic challenges and the vaguely hopeful promise of long-term survival. Frostpunk 2 broadens the scope and deepens the mechanics of the first game, adding even greater complexity to puzzle-like city building that remains addictive and unique in the genre.

Though it’s not as polished as the 2018 original, Spider-Man Miles Morales is a smashing success. It looks sensational and is an absolute riot to play. Miles’ story brings all the drama and feels it needs to and highlights a community outside what’d normally be on the drawing board for a game like this. Despite some bugginess, this is the game you want to show off your impressive new hardware. I can guarantee I’ll be slinging from Harlem to Hell’s Kitchen daily for the foreseeable future.

New items, new challenges, a new character, new room layouts, new bosses, new transformations, new soundtrack, new floors, and the list goes on. This is the expansion we were hoping for. Nicalis did us a solid and stuffed a disgusting amount of content in a game already bursting with disgusting content. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to kill Mother for the thousandth time.

At the end of the day Forza Horizon is the racing game I have been wanting for quite some time and Playground Games should be commended. With a good mix of simulation and accessibility, new open road exploration, the freedom to get away from closed tracks, and some great visuals and sound, I found I could not stop playing and neither will you.

If you’ve got the funds, I’d say picking up Russian Subway Dogs is well worth your time. The game offers an arcade style experience that few games can offer well. It’s likely you’ll play it more after you’ve completed your initial session, even if you have no reason to. I’ve come back into it several times to play a single level or try my hand at the Endless mode. It’s well worth the coin you’ll spend on it.

Quibbles aside, this is an outstanding piece of work by Camouflaj. Making a VR Batman game comparable to the flat versions is no small feat. You get all the elements of an Arkham game. There’s exploration, combat, detective work, stealth, and puzzle solving. While it may not have the scale of a flat Arkham game, it has an engaging story with unexpected twists as you try to track down who is the Rat King. What is also heartening is Camouflaj will continue to update the game with free content such as additional Challenge Maps. If you’ve yet to experience VR and are a big Batman fan, you’ll never get a better or more affordable opportunity to try it out with a Quest 3S/Batman bundle. Or really feel like Batman.

Mixtape sets a new bar for cinematic experiences. Taking inspiration from the legendary work of John Hughes and combining it with the sensibilities of modern animation, Beethoven & Dinosaur manages to create something that feels fresh and distinct. Through its heartwarming and emotional story, you quickly form a connection with each character, leading to a memorable experience that will resonate long after the journey ends.

This is a game that might be too dense for more casual players, but patient strategy gamers are in for a treat and a good, long season in hell.

If you have yet to experience Batman: Arkham City on the Xbox 360 and PS3, then Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition is a no brainer purchase; yet, if you have already ventured a few rounds with the cape crusader through this adventure on a previous console than I have a hard time recommending the $50 plunge.

Nintendo’s newest treasure lives up to its predecessors and improves upon the formula in well thought out and engaging new ways.

Having FFX, FFX-2, and all that extra content splashed together with a fresh coat of paint lends itself to a game that is simply fantastic value for the buck.

If you like bullet hell games and are ready for your next challenge, I wholeheartedly recommend Hell is Other Demons. You will have no regrets. Now go forth, young Demon Rebel. Get gud.

Schell Games have forged a winner. The swordplay gameplay feels real and the physics make for a challenging and fairly physically demanding game too. Add in the power-ups and abilities that can be added to each weapon and there is a play style available to suit every player’s needs.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played the games before or if your artistic ability is basically zero, Jackbox Party Pack 7 is sure to bring a lot of joy into your home. There is a good variety of games, from creating speeches to drawing pictures, which can be as vanilla or as inappropriate as you choose it to be. Even though it is an offline multiplayer game, you can easily stream this to your friends. This party pack is a no-brainer to have in your library and is guaranteed to keep everyone busy while putting a smile on their faces.

I’ll be playing this one for a long time. After a dozen or so hours, I’m completely hooked. An impressive number of cards, enemies, items, and more to discover is going to keep me on this train, and the excellent visuals and music will help make the ride to hell… heavenly. It could use a patch or two, but Monster Train is a smash hit.

I loved this game. The story is engrossing, the art is terrific, and the emotional impact is undeniable. I was a little bored by the election arc, but it still had me engaged. Card crafting is somewhat nebulous at times, but this is likely for the best. After all, if it was laid out nice and clean, it wouldn’t feel as mystical. You’re making a brand new form of divination. It’s normal for some elements to feel distant and strange. The game is touching, it hooked me, and creatively energized me. If you’re looking for more magic and mystery in your life, check out The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood. You won’t regret it.

In a gaming landscape often dominated by frantic and intense titles, Jusant serves as a serene beacon of tranquillity and introspection. It reminds us that not every gaming experience needs to be an adrenaline rush. Instead, it offers an opportunity to escape the chaos of the outside world and immerse yourself in a beautifully crafted environment. With Jusant, you’ll master the art of climbing, explore diverse biomes, and uncover the mysteries of the tower, all while enjoying a captivating and peaceful atmosphere. In a world filled with high-octane games, Jusant stands as a soothing journey to new heights, where the destination is only half the adventure.

Overture offers a significant amount of new content that visually, narratively, and mechanically slots easily into the base game. It doesn’t push the franchise forward, but that’s not its mission. Instead, its job is to provide fans with more of what they loved about Lies of P. In that regard, Overture is an unqualified success. New difficulty options mean that even more gamers will be able to experience Overture’s evocative world and engaging combat. Overture might not be a proper sequel, but it is a great reminder about what makes Lies of P such a fantastic Soulslike.

Despite some thorns in the AC racing rose bouquet, Kunos has created an auto game that is definitely worth taking for a spin.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a heartwarming and interesting journey with fantastic characters and a balanced combat system.

There’s a lot to like here if you’re the right kind of person. The combat is tight and precise, there’s a ton of variety, and the challenge is mighty stiff. At the same time, Nioh 2 is mechanical on a level that’s a few layers too deep. I see what the goal was – differentiation – but it overcomplicates things where it doesn’t need to. Souls die hards: buckle up and get in there. Souls haters: you’ll hate this too. If you’re somewhere in the middle, give it a go, but beware you might end up like me: appreciating Nioh 2’s craft, but not actually enjoying it.

On one hand, I didn’t necessarily enjoy the gameplay. On the other hand, the story was enjoyable and this really is an excellent PC port both visually and how smoothly it runs.

Should you play The Witcher 3? Absolutely. It’s one of a handful of games from the past decade that you simply can’t miss. Should you play The Witcher 3 on the Switch? Honestly, probably not.

While Bayonetta requires a bit more grit during boss battles, both are still easy enough for anyone to pick up and not feel lost or unpracticed, and I highly recommend this bundle as a starting point for interested players. If you are a fan of hack and slash gameplay and creative finishers or fast-paced shooters where you just want to have fun and not think much of it, these games should definitely satisfy your needs.

Galactic Civilizations III: Crusade is not just another DLC; this feels like an expansion or maybe even a sequel to the original release. While this was one of my favorite games already, the improved depth and gameplay make the 20th or 30th hour just as fun and interesting as the first – and that is saying something. Stardock has made one of gaming’s best 4X strategy games even better, and this an essential purchase for series veterans and newcomers alike.

The Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels expansion is really easy to recommend if you enjoy Forza Horizon 5. It adds a brand new, Hot Wheels-themed region and 10 new Hot Wheels cars that you can earn for your collection. You’ll get hours of playtime from Hot Wheels park, from ranking up to Legend status to developing your own tracks in the creator. It’s worth noting that this Hot Wheels expansion is also quite a bit more enjoyable than the recently released Hot Wheels Unleashed game, which makes me wonder… when Playground Games are done exploring the world of Fable, maybe they should be tasked with a full-on Hot Wheels game. At any rate, I would highly recommend the Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels expansion.

With such a dynamic and interactive interface, Yakuza 0 will keep you coming back for more and even catch you off guard when you least expect. It’s a game everyone should experience or at least try out.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition includes the original sci-fi epic and its brilliant expansion, delivering a package that every Action RPG fan should experience. The Nintendo Switch 2 version offers a range of control options, with gyro aiming standing out as a valuable addition that enhances gameplay. While other platforms may offer higher frame rates and sharper visuals, this is a strong port, and an excellent way to experience the adventure on the go.

When not compared to previous iterations of the series, MLB The Show 17 is a great baseball game with something for everyone. The various modes provide players with a plethora of options both online and offline. When compared to previous MLB The Show games, MLB The Show 17 stands out as the best iteration of the series thus far, however, as a “game of failure,” there is room for improvement.

Whether you’re a fan of the originals, or a curious party looking to get into skateboarding games, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a must play. All the original content, a smooth framerate, portability, loads of in-game customization, and a pinch of new content are a recipe for skateboarding success. Only a lack of create-a-skater options and lack of Spider-Man mar this fun flashback. This is what it’s like when worlds collide.

Though the game bears imperfections, Bungie has transcended my expectations for Destiny 2. The narrative succeeds in engaging me as a player, every great idea from Destiny 1 has been vastly expanded, and progression rewards are unyielding.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has stolen my gaming heart.

There may not be puzzles to solve but there is certainly lots to keep you involved.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus is the kind of game that provides experiences unique to the video game medium. It is also the kind of game that pushes the visual novel genre’s boundaries, and serves as an excellent example of what non-video game players might not know they’re missing, if they’re not willing to try different kinds of games. This is a game you will tell everyone about when you’re finished playing it, and at the same time, just like this humble reviewer, you won’t want to share why. For less than $20, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus is a highly recommended and very unique gaming experience.

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

If you picked up a shiny new Wii U and have not played Darksiders II on any other console you really can't go wrong picking this up as it makes for a solid launch title. From its production values to the size and scope of the adventure you embark on, the game will really engross you. That being said, if you have previously played the game on a different console then I really can't recommend it as nothing has changed and the GamePad features don't add anything mind blowing to the overall experience.

I really wish Nintendo took the extra step to include both Pikmin 1 and 2 in this package. The entire series should be available for everyone to enjoy. With that said, don’t sleep on Pikmin 3 Deluxe, it’s a plucking good time and just enough to tide us over as we continue the long wait for Pikmin 4.

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.

Each of the Furies has an exaggerated personality to comical levels and nothing in the game takes itself seriously. It’s actually a very fitting setting for a cartoonish brawler: good hack-and-slash fun through hordes of enemies. It’s a great game to play with friends and have a great time.

All games build on or look back at what’s come before. The Alters makes a delicious stew out of familiar ingredients, both from other 11 bit studios games and popular genres. Taking survival and building mechanics and adding a complex layer of social simulation isn’t entirely foreign to this developer, but The Alters feels genuinely original, and that’s a bit miraculous in an industry full of sequels and remakes. Ironically, while the game might be about clones, The Alters is anything but a copy of something else.

With an extensive single player campaign, hundreds of items to collect, numerous multiplayer modes, and community created-uploaded levels, BattleBlock Theater gives you a lot of bang for your buck making this pretty much a no brainer purchase.

The battle of the Two Dragons is one of the better stories of the series, though, and you won’t be disappointed with all the upgrades that make this essentially a new game from the original Yakuza 2 in 2006 – including tons of new content and cut-scenes. If you’ve never played a Yakuza game, however, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great place to start, as the game offers an option to catch up on the story so far. If you have a Yen for more classic Yakuza fighting action, Kiryu’s latest saga has all the right moves.

Telltale wraps up season one of ‘The Wolf Among Us’ and the story of Fabletown and its denizens in spectacular fashion.

Octahedron is a bombastic, prismatic, punishing rhythm game that is a ton of fun, while it lasts.

If you haven’t played System Shock before, there’s never been a better time. Whether you’re into shooters or RPGs; or just want to experience a cyberpunk romp with a good beat, this one is for you.

WipEout Omega Collection is a fantastic game for both new gamers and seasoned racers alike, offering something for everyone.

This gruesomely brutal game will surely quench any fighting fans thirst as it’s about the best Mortal Kombat game we have seen to date.

There are a few frustrating jumps, but you’ll overcome them in no time. This artistic platformer is well worth your time and money.

Whether you’re an old fan or a new one this is a great point to jump in for the first time or the fifth time to the Ratchet and Clank franchise. Insomniac has not only reinvigorated a fan favorite but they’ve done it in their signature style. Ratchet and Clank looks great, plays better and is a genuine can’t miss experience on your PlayStation 4.

The enhancements and upgrades are significant making this one of the deepest baseball games I have ever played. The hardcore MLB The Show faithful will be all in regardless, but if you have taken a few years off from the franchise, now is the time to jump back in.

At the end of the day though, I want two things from a new Valkyria game. I want fun, challenging missions and I want to plunge into an overstuffed cast of JRPG soldiers. The game delivers on both counts in spades: the missions are better than ever before in the franchise and the characters are just what you’d hope for. The story is doled out at a bouncy pace and the localization is full of personality. Maybe one day we’ll get a fully realized next-gen Valkyria Chronicles, but until that day Valkyria Chronicles 4 represents the best the series has ever offered.

Given the open world craze sweeping the industry, I expected something along those lines with Forgotten Land. Instead, I got a charming new adventure taking measured steps outside the franchise's usual boundaries. This game proves you don't have to reinvent the wheel, so long as you're adding some sweet rims. While the new mechanics are cool, I also appreciate the way old systems have been refreshed. And while the challenge level felt toothless at first, things managed to heat up in the end. In fact, the game is as tough as you need it to be, from start to finish. If you've been looking for something fresh from Kirby, you're in luck. Kirby and the Forgotten Land has some delightful surprises in store.

Its presentation is the icing on an already rich cake. If you’re a series veteran, you’ll find much to appreciate in this new setting, and if you’ve never tried a Total War game, but always been curious, you’d be hard pressed to find a better starting point than Three Kingdoms. Just remember, take it slow and always backstab.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales could have been a lackluster, uninspired spinoff in an attempt to capitalize off the Witcher’s success, but it is so much more than that. Sure, I have some minor gripes, such as the lack of a mini-map and guide markers, or the anticlimactic final battle, but they all seem trivial when looking at what Thronebreaker accomplishes as a whole. The intricately layered story and carefully crafted characters and writing are some of the best I’ve seen this year, and the card play is more rewarding than it’s ever been before. Whether or not you are a fan of the Witcher series, or even card games in general, Thronebreaker deserves your attention.

At the end of the day, you are absolutely getting every dollar of value from Far Cry 4, and I’m nowhere close to being bored of it after roughly thirty hours. If you enjoyed Far Cry 3, do yourself a favour and pick up FC4.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a challenging and extremely entertaining stealth action and tactics game. It has a charming setting and story, with characters and mechanics that encourage creative and varied approaches to combat. There aren’t nearly enough great pirate games, so I’m glad Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew sailed into port.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a fantastic set of 3 Nintendo DS classics. This package contains all of the modernizations and features one could hope for in a collection of older games. But it goes above and beyond with an extensive Museum of archival extras, and an Animation Studio feature. My only complaint is that this second trilogy of Ace Attorney games follows the formula of the original trilogy exactly. If you’re already a fan of the Ace Attorney games this collection is a must-own.

Fortune Island is not as vast of a departure as either of the Forza Horizon 3 expansions were, especially the Hot Wheels expansion. However, the island is huge, with a massive amount of content crammed into it.

At first glance, this game seems like everything I love in a retro RPG. There’s a unique combat and progression system, detailed pixel art, and a fascinating narrative. But most of my biggest issues are in these same areas. The graphics for this release are ill-suited to modern TVs. Progression is obtuse and murky. And the combat quickly wears out its welcome. If you missed out on this game when it first dropped, you’re in luck! It’s been perfectly preserved. But if you’re going in blind, you may be somewhat disappointed with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.

Tetris Forever is a fitting monument to a legendary franchise. With over 90 minutes of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this virtual museum beautifully captures the unique journey of Tetris—from Alexey Pajitnov’s workstation in the USSR to the hearts of millions around the world. Although some classic iterations are absent, the selection of key titles and diverse versions provides a solid representation of the series’ evolution. The experience is enriched by Tetris Time Warp, which celebrates the game’s legacy through its innovative, era-shifting mechanic. As a whole, Tetris Forever tells a captivating story about one of gaming’s most iconic titles.

Moss represents a major step forward for the platform.

All in all, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is an experience you shouldn’t miss, even if you dislike tower defense. This is an experience every bit as wild and gleefully fun as anything else its creators have made. Give it a shot.

Hideo Kojima is the physical manifestation of the Director’s Cut. Often times his idea of a nice neat package is like having a 6 hour version of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but I’m ever so grateful for his presence in our industry. He’s not scared to take chances and make something people don’t like, and more often than not, he makes things I like or can at least appreciate. Death Stranding is some combination of all those things. I appreciate it, enjoy playing it, and on this third playthrough became more convinced than ever that there’s something really special here for those willing to take the time to stare at their boots.

Outer Wilds does what it sets out to do so well that I can give it no higher praise than say it’s a must-have game for any of us interested in outer space and science fiction. It takes the lessons from games before it, mixes in some actual spooky physics, and leans on its handcrafted nature to great impact. While small in scope there’s so much to uncover you will never want it to end.

The gameplay hasn’t evolved too much from previous Trials games, but for fans, that’s maybe not such a bad thing. If you’ve enjoyed previous Trials games, then Trials Rising is highly recommended.

Despite the insidious roguelike trappings, this is a Shovel Knight title to its core. Dig is a nasty slog with no shortcuts to slump against. Spend your money as you might, only your skills can get you further. Like the original games, you can only throw yourself into the meat grinder until your muscle memory spits you out the other side. Although it looks and sounds great, I found myself tangled in the roguelike mechanics. If you’re incompatible with that genre, you might have to pass on this one. But Shovel Knight Dig hides a pretty decent game under all those frustrating outer layers.

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