At the end of the day Borderlands 2 is a game that should be played, as the fun factor is high, the addictiveness is through the roof, and the game provides hours of gaming entertainment.

Ninja Garden: Ragebound is the perfect return to the franchise’s 2D roots. Each area, encounter, and boss fight is meticulously crafted to challenge players while letting them fully embrace the fantasy of being a ninja. The gameplay flows effortlessly, making every segment feel exciting and rewarding. With its gorgeous pixel art and retro-inspired soundtrack, this is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Though it’s not shiny and new, the gameplay isn’t innovative, and the graphics aren’t cutting edge, the writing and storytelling of Telltale’s The Walking Dead have hoisted the game onto their shoulders, keeping it high above the point of obsolescence. If you’re looking for emotional narratives with gameplay suited for any skill level, The Walking Dead should be at the top of your list. Even if you’re not, play it anyway. It’s good.

Empire of the Ants is an excellent game. This is one of those games that seemingly come out of nowhere but will likely be a beloved favourite for many gamers for years to come. While a lot of these gameplay aspects have been seen before in other games, the way they’re included here, through the eyes of an ant, can be quite unique. The visuals are outstanding and the music is brilliant. There are some challenges with controls and the camera, especially in confined spaces or when your ant is upside-down. And unfortunately, I didn’t get an opportunity to experience the multiplayer aspects. Fortunately, the single-player experience is overall so well done that I’d consider the multiplayer mode a nice bonus more than anything. If you’re looking for a unique gaming real-time strategy experience, then you really can’t go wrong with Empire of the Ants.

There are a couple of remasters almost every year these days. At the pace they’re going, it’s a win for everyone involved. In this new revamped release, monsties, adventure and the power of friendship are the names of the game. Monster Hunter Stories is undoubtedly an epic re-release ready for a pretty and new look at a great adventure.

The best thing about Sound Shapes is how elegantly it blends really interesting musical elements into accessible gameplay.

It’s not a new game, far from it, but it’s a rollicking continuation and one that leaves you wanting the next chapter. The improvements are incremental, but if Remedy can keep this momentum going, the next installment should be the true masterpiece. There aren’t enough psychic power action titles, and right now, Control is the best game in town.

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.

While not everyone agrees that Final Fantasy XVI is the best entry in the series, it was certainly one of the standout games of 2023. With its absorbing narrative, memorable characters, great acting, and engaging real-time action combat, Final Fantasy XVI brings to the PC a thrilling experience that does nothing but improve an already stellar game.

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.

Every so often, a game comes around to demonstrate the untapped potential of VR technology. Transference is one of those games. It grips you from the beginning with its unrelenting atmosphere and doesn’t let up until the credits roll.

Scholar of the First Sin is a fantastic upgrade and worth the purchase if you never had the chance to play Dark Souls 2 on PC or current gen consoles. Even if you did play through it before, the DLC alone is worth checking out.

I found Fae Farm to be full of fun content and it was incredibly entertaining. There was so much to do and nothing felt repetitive (even though you’re technically farming and gathering every day). I was able to play for hours without realizing it, and slowly I was able to improve my home while making a fortune. Of course, it took a while for me to get there, and there’s no rush at all. There aren’t any quick wins in Fae Farm, so just relax and enjoy the experience in your own way.

All in all, this final episode is a great way to wrap up the first season of Tales from the Borderlands. You’re taken on an emotional roller coaster, you’ve been dragged all over Pandora, and there’s just something so incredibly charming about the series as a whole that you can’t help but smile at the end and wonder what’s to come next.

Sunset Overdrive is a game that attacks so many senses, in a good way, that you may just find yourself not wanting to stop playing.

Backbone tells an enormous story within a tiny runtime, and it never feels like too much. New wonders, new horrors, and fresh plot twists are chucked your way with reckless abandon. Yet, you never feel too lost. A little lost, surely! All the better to capture that sense of dark waters closing overhead. Between the clever mechanics, the compelling narrative, and the gorgeous pixel art, there's a real fire lit beneath you from the very start. If you're looking for a detective story with glistening fangs, glittering eyes, and sharpened hooks, Backbone will be perfect for you.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is an exceptional game. With innovative visuals that ooze charm and imagination, you will immediately fall in love with Torch City. The extensive combat system allows you to experiment with the mechanics to create some incredible combinations. Although the game is challenging, it never feels cheap, making you return to battles with new tactics and strategies. Perfectly paced and with plenty of surprises, TiGames has created something special that is a must for fans of the genre.

Townscaper exists in that special chill vibe genre that includes games like digital coloring books and virtual bubble wrap, but it also nudges gently up against city builders as well, only without any of the complications or stress. It makes you feel like a creative, relaxed time traveler, bringing into existence a peaceful, little perfect town out in the middle of a perfectly calm sea. Townscaper doesn’t try to do a lot of things, instead it does one thing very, very well.

Everspace 2 has a substantial story, solid flight and combat mechanics, and incredibly addictive, satisfying action. If looter/shooter and space combat don’t seem compatible, Everspace 2 proves they can work together quite well. The narrative, breathless arcade space battles, and deep customization keep Everspace 2 engaging for its full running time and beyond.

While some of the gameplay might feel dated to younger gamers, and the short length might turn a few people off – for everyone else looking for a fun adventure that'll take no more than a rainy afternoon to play through, Full Throttle Remastered is an easy choice.

Capcom gave clamoring fans exactly what they wanted. Each part of the experience whether it is the story, gameplay, visuals, or audio have all come together making Resident Evil 2 a fabulous complete package. While minor annoyances do exist, Resident Evil 2 (2019 edition) is about as flawless as one could hope for. Bottom line, Resident Evil 2 is an outstanding remake and one you can purchase with confidence.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an excellent revision of a game I already liked. It’s still more sci-fi than horror, but a delightfully cynical tale nonetheless. And Yoko is a very engaging heroine in all her bitter glory. If you liked the original Shin Megami Tensei V, or even just thought about playing it, check Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance out. You won’t regret it.

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

A New Frontier, despite its name, really is sticking with what’s worked before, and it’s not made to convert. It’s made to continue, and that’s what it does superbly.

A New Frontier, despite its name, really is sticking with what’s worked before, and it’s not made to convert. It’s made to continue, and that’s what it does superbly.

I love Eastshade. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. The world was beautiful and expansive, the storytelling was not only strong but often masterful, and the whole package left me with that post-game hangover that has you putting down every game after it. It’s still early 2019, but I have no doubt that Eastshade will remain one of my favorite games of the year and one of my very favorite exploration games of all time. If it were up to me, I’d never take that final ship back out of Lyndow.

A Plague Tale: Innocence is an unsettling, nerve-wracking stealth experience in the best way. The relationship between Amicia and Hugo develops naturally and believably, and the horrors of their ordeal is set wonderfully against the backdrop of the 100 Years War and the Inquisition. Aesthetically, the atmosphere of the game is well represented in its level design, audio, and overall presentation in each of its settings. While the character accents are great, the voice acting itself can be hit or miss throughout, and the band of misfit children against the Inquisition and the plague is the most forced point in the game. It’s a title I couldn’t stop playing and could easily be a top sleeper hit of the year.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is Ryu Ga Gotoku’s best game. The expansive world is packed with content and will beckon you to explore every inch of the environment. Although mini-games and activities are a staple of the series, they have never been as diverse and addictive as this. With its touching yet hilarious story and intricate, deep combat system, we already have a game of the year contender.

While Aaero has a small scope and limited replay-ability it is an experience unlike any other.

Jotun is a well-crafted experience made for anyone fond of great storytelling mixed with satisfying combat.

It provided more of what people loved about Bloodborne; fantastic music, cool trick weapons, and monstrous bosses that will kick your ass. If you’d loved Bloodborne as much as I did, this DLC is a must purchase.

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.

After spending quite a bit of time with the DLC, I would venture to say that it is the best we’ve seen in a long time! Infinity Ward and Activision definitely put their best foot forward, and it shows.

MLB The Show 24 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Though, it never needed to. The Show has been an outstanding franchise for a long time. If anything, this year simply continues that tradition of excellence. The storylines are entertaining and insightful. Changes to the Diamond Dynasty mode ensure players won’t burn out in the early months of release. Most importantly, gameplay is once again a brilliant simulation of the actual sport. Kudos to San Diego Studio; it’s another homerun.

Some great character depth as well as an overhaul to both the Final Fantasy formula and battle system makes Final Fantasy XV a delight for existing fans and new players.The title is a huge step in the right direction for a franchise that has staggered in recent years.

The gameplay is Total War at its finest, and the variety in factions and units allow for many ways to handle your short and long campaign objectives.

Guacamelee 2! is everything one could ask for in a sequel. It packs in what everyone loved about the original, while building on it enough to make it well worth tagging into the ring for once again. Killer tunes, well-designed combat, and challenging bosses are all high points for a game that had a tough act to follow. It's also legitimately funny, with its references paying homage to all kinds of pop culture, from Sonic The Hedgehog and River City Ransom, even to the Star Wars themed Luchador called Boba Fight. Guacamelee 2! is a perfect second helping to the hearty offering that was the first title, and fans of the series will be pleased through and through.

It is a wonderful single-player experience, and I highly recommend escaping for a day into the colourful city of Cloudbank.

Once I successfully reconciled my expectations with my reality, the game revealed itself as a compelling, masterful work of art. Nothing feels useless or extraneous. The story wastes little time, the fights are all exuberant and engaging, the exploration is addicting, and the entire game is gorgeous. I can think of no better game to be the swan song for the PS4.

With Treyarch at the helm and eight studios collaborating on development, Activision clearly spared no expense on Black Ops 7. The all-hands-on-deck approach shows, with production values soaring. Despite a few technical hiccups, this is one of the most content-rich Call of Duty games ever released…Treyarch has crafted something special: a sprawling, ambitious, and endlessly replayable shooter that caters to nearly every corner of the Call of Duty fandom. It’s not flawless, and some may scoff at the lack of innovation, but it stands as a staggering achievement in both scale and ambition. Massive and occasionally messy, it’s nonetheless a thrilling ride. Black Ops 7 delivers everything fans could hope for and then some.

There are hours of replay-ability in the Adventure and Bowhemoth modes, tons of unlockable content, and of course hours of fun online or local multiplayer.”

Far Cry 3's deep open world experience filled with its cast of unforgettably insane characters, entertaining storyline, vibrant visuals and varied gameplay make it one of the best open world games to touch down in 2012.

The gameplay pacing is a brutal slog at times, the narrative making a full meal out of every conflict and emotional development. Yet the execution is still masterful, still compelling. If you’ve played the original Persona 5, I can’t commit to the green light. I know there’s so much more to see on this second lap, but the first one was more or less a full marathon. If you’ve never played before however, that’s a different story. For first-timers, don’t hesitate for a moment. Persona 5 Royal is a fabulous RPG, one deserving the monarch’s spot atop the Atlus mountain of games.

Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition is the absolute best way to replay a cult classic of a game. It still retains the look and feel of the original, while providing some much needed improvements like resolution, frame rate, controls and more. Hopefully this edition will create a new generation of fans. It truly is a must-play game.

Yet there’s no denying that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the series at the height of its powers. This is a portable, high-speed party brawler with a massive roster and a host of game modes. Whether you’re into couch co-op or online play, this game comes in hot and heavy. Maybe you, like me, have skipped the last couple entries. Maybe you’re equally unsure about this one. Take it from me: you don’t want to sleep on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Nintendo has knocked it out of the park with this one.

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.

With its slew of new features and mechanics, Gods and Kings make a great addition Civilization V world. So if you are looking to come back, or a reason to start creating your empire once again, Gods and Kings can be purchased with confidence.

It’s incredible to me that a game with such maudlin themes and tense, haunting atmosphere could come from a team like Tarsier Studios, whose previous titles, Little Big Planet 3 and Tearaway, were so full of light and cartoonish whimsy. They’ve complete flipped the script on their previous oeuvre, crafting a work that left an indelible mark on me as a gamer and as a human being.

Devil May Cry has everything a solid action title should have including a responsive and exciting combat system accompanied by great looking visuals and a heavy soundtrack.

There is a little bit of everything for everyone in this innovative and entertaining game. It’s been acclaimed as one of the best games of the year, and it certainly lived up to my expectations.

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.

If you want a modern take on the classic Zelda formula that includes multiplayer and a health dose of both nostalgia and fresh experiences, I cannot recommend Rogue Heroes enough.

Unfamiliar with the franchise, I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by Sword and Fairy: Together Forever. Although its pacing may frustrate impatient gamers, its story is worth telling. With outstanding art direction, music, and combat mechanics, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever should appeal to fans of sprawling RPGs. While the player can sometimes feel like an observer rather than a participant, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever is welcoming to newcomers. It may still be a niche series, but Sword and Fairy Together Forever cements the franchise’s viability for a larger audience.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a fast-paced and gorgeous space adventure that offers the toys to life option for collectors and a strong digital edition for those who just want to play. With fantastic controls and epic music, the game is marred by a drop in texture from time to time and unfortunately repetitive and stale dialogue outside of the campaign. Building and leveling up ships is a lot of fun, and some of the battles can be truly epic. Starlink has quickly become a game hard to put down and I hope this is the beginning of a growing franchise.

Shovel Knight: King of Cards is the proverbial cherry on top of a massive sundae that I’ve enjoyed thoroughly, and I know I’ll look forward to revisiting it in its entirety in the future as well.

At the end of the day Skylanders SuperChargers is yet another great entry into the Skylanders Franchise. Personally, I was worried that the series might get stale, but Vicarious Visions has whipped up some “Portal Magic” by adding vehicles into the gameplay mix which allows for the game to not only be fun, but also show that there is a still a lot of life left in the franchise.

Escape Academy is a wholesome, family-friendly adventure film come to life. The bright colors and blocky shapes lend to the idea of Saturday morning cartoon fun. The puzzles are clever, often requiring the player to pause for a moment and take it in before spotting the solution. Some segments can be difficult for players, but Escape Academy offers a useful Help button to keep things moving. The game has an intriguing – if campy – narrative and cast of characters who make the experience a joy to play. The timer for each room is generous but applies the right amount of pressure to keep you moving. Escape Academy easily earns an A on the final.

Overcooked 2 takes an already tasty recipe, throws in a few new ingredients, and presents itself on a more attractive platter. Just make sure you’re sharing with a friend.

Skylanders SuperChargers doesn’t just push the franchise forward, it takes a giant leap.

The Midnight Walk is a special game and one that tells a deeply affecting story while exploring a range of poignant themes. Its stunning art direction and masterful audio design come together to create an experience unlike any other. Though it offers little in the way of traditional challenge, the emotional journey it delivers lingers long after the credits roll.

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.

While Rime’s long trek from announcement to delivery may have been tough to endure for those initially struck by its ethereal charm, the wait has been worth it. Rime is thoughtful, intelligently designed, and satisfyingly accomplishes the emotional experience it strives to deliver. It’s Journey meets The Last Guardian, and while individual elements of Rime feel familiar at times, the way they’re combined make for a unique and memorable experience.

If you’re a fan of the original Rock of Ages, you will absolutely love Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder. Rock of Ages 2 brings back everything that made the original so fun and unique, then cranks the dial to eleven.

It finds an excellent balance between being relaxing yet challenging and is sure to be a necessity for fans of classic gaming. Alwa’s Awakening is classic gaming for the modern gamer and an incredibly enjoyable experience.

The only question to really debate is who should buy Civilization VI Anthology. For anyone new to the game on any platform, the answer is easy. Anthology is the most complete and full-featured portal to Civilization available, probably for the rest of the game’s life. It’s an exceptional value, entertaining and richly rewarding to play. For players who already own Gathering Storm and several other add-on packs, the answer is less clear and probably depends on how much more Civilization VI they want. Nothing is perfect, but Civilization VI and its wealth of additional content still represents the pinnacle of accessible yet immensely deep strategy gameplay.

A win in my books. The story was fun, the characters amusing and it was challenging. This game doesn’t just give you the answers or make it easy to win and this will keep you coming back for more. Fans of anime styled games, murder mysteries and puzzles should definitely get a kick out of this one and three games in one makes it a bang for your buck.

While the single player affair is pretty lackluster, SpeedRunners is definitely a gem in terms of multiplayer. It’s a game that will get you to group up with buddies regularly, and one that will make you sweat due to how intense matches can get. It’s really a must buy if you enjoy platformers.

When it comes to virtual pinball, Zen Studios are the masters and it should come as no surprise that they managed to pretty much knock the Star Wars Pinball: Heroes Within Pack out of the park.

Wrath of the Druids is a substantial, mechanically strong and visually impressive expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and anyone who appreciated the main game will absolutely enjoy Eivor’s journey to the Emerald Isle. Wrath of the Druids does not make any fundamental changes to Valhalla’s game play but it’s easy to become invested in the new story, interesting characters and beautiful environments, and can be enjoyed by a player at any level.

If it weren’t for the occasional camera issue, a steep learning curve, and somewhat frustrating QTE’s, this game would be pretty much flawless. That being said, it is an absolutely gorgeous title with a terrific soundtrack and just the right mix of Platinum Game’s frenetic, stylish action and Kojima Production’s fantastic storytelling, and when everything is combined it makes for a wild, over the top, exciting game that should not be missed.

The Raven Strike DLC missions are a welcome extension of the game, and with intense, traditional Ghost Recon gameplay, and with the addition of a new Guerilla map, and they really should be considered a must purchase for fans of the game and those just looking to expand their Future Soldier experience.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the perfect example of a game I didn’t know I needed. It scratches the itch that Pokemon hasn’t been able to touch in years, all the while setting itself apart from the influences it drew from. While it may be limited in certain aspects by the Switch itself, there’s no denying that this one of the best games for the system in 2021.

When I think about my time with Death of the Outsider, I don’t immediately think of the shortcomings in the story, I think about that oh-so-sweet combat that exemplifies my love for this series.

If you haven’t played it, you should. Plain and simple. It’s worth your time, though you’ll be feeling how much time you’ve spent with it after it has consumed roughly 40 hours of your time once the credits finally roll.

If you’ve been itching to get back in the driver’s seat, DIRT 5 is what the doctor ordered. Despite a lackluster career mode that fails in both connecting to the player and building tension, DIRT 5 succeeds where it matters most. Driving. This is the best representation of off-road vehicular shenanigans I’ve ever had the joy of playing. Mastering my skillset and conquering each course was as fun as any racing game over the last five years – I attribute much of this to each class of car being as certifiably entertaining as the last.

With an absolutely gorgeous setting, deeply rich and complex character development, intelligent and tactical combat that is still user-friendly, and literally hundreds of ways to play through the game, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an absolute must-have for fans of fantasy RPGs.

Even with its imperfections, the incredible design, storytelling, and gameplay chops on display boil down to this: Control is the best game Remedy has made, and it's one of the most unique narrative action games out there. It’s visually jaw-dropping and the superpower combat is entertaining as heck, but it’s the paranormal adventure and stylistic choices that really make Control sing. Those already on board the Remedy train are going to be googly-eyed with love, but this is a provocative and cerebral story set to crown Remedy with superstar status.

Anno 117: Pax Romana takes the series into fertile new historical territory and is one of the best games in the Anno franchise, as well as being one of the most enjoyable city builder sims in recent memory. Polished, incredibly detailed, and beautiful to look at, Anno 117 hides imposing systems depth and complexity behind a relatively accessible interface. Like the Roman Empire itself, the game is a perfect platform for inevitable expansion. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of quality content for fans of the genre.

For all the hardcore racing gamers who love to geek out over the various different cars, the realistic tracks, and put the pedal to the metal, this is your nirvana. Now if you’re anything like me, someone who doesn’t watch Formula1 or know a whole heck of a lot about cars, but just likes the humdrum of sexy ass vehicles, you’ll still have a ton of fun with F1 2019. If you’re completely new to the genre, you might find it a bit difficult at first, and it could even be a bit intimidating, but before you know it, you’ll be having just as much fun as the fanatics. Unequivocally the F1 series is at the top of its game, with this latest title leaving past 11 titles in a cloud of dust.

There is no doubt that Mario Kart 8 is a great game, plain and simple. With the power of the Wii U at their disposal Nintendo has been able to create some really great looking tracks, add a lot more racers for you to compete against, and there is a fairly robust local and online multiplayer component for fans to enjoy.

There's no question that Borderlands 4 is an ambitious improvement over the last installment. Its visually impressive open world is full of enjoyable content to discover, the narrative is more serious without being dull, and the series' wicked humor is intact via side quests. In fact, the risks Gearbox has taken pay off so well it made me wish they'd taken more chances with combat. All the vault hunters are fun to play, making multiple playthroughs or co-op rewarding. Borderlands 4 doesn't revolutionize the franchise, but it absolutely evolves it and sets up an exciting future for the series.

Although over the decades comics have become ever more reflective of the complexities and concerns of contemporary life, in the end, they are still often the literary or cinematic equivalent of fast food: momentarily delicious, exactly what you need to fill the void, but not necessarily memorable or nutritious. Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t afraid of touching on some weighty themes, but they’re always secondary to an absorbing story, entertaining characters, and engaging action. Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t perfect, but overall, it’s a very effective translation of Marvel’s iconic band of misfits from page or screen into interactive entertainment.

Despite the small issues I encountered with this Psych Ward DLC, it plays very well and adds both replayability and enjoyability to a game already far above its genre. Introversion Software and Double Eleven do a great job showing that simulation games do not have to be boring or mindless, and that they can be home to creativity, variety, and if you’re feeling up to it, absolute chaos.

FIFA 16 stands as a high water mark for soccer games, and sports games as a genre.

Monster Hunter Rise is probably the best game in the series. It isn’t quite as accessible as World, but long term it offers much more varied combat and a richer experience. Its world and gameplay are insanely engaging and fun. Technically, the port to PC results in solid, smooth gameplay and marginally better visuals. If you have a choice, it’s definitely the way to play, the best and most complete version of one of 2021’s standout games.

All in all, The Sims 4: Island Living has blown me away. The Island of Sulani is simply beautiful and the implementation of the new jobs and career path, as well as all of the other fun things your Sims can get up to, has really made me fall even more in love with the Sims. With beautiful visuals, an impressive upgrade to clothing as well as objects in the build and buy sections and new gameplay features, I honestly feel like this will be one of the best expansions to the series yet. Plus you get to live as a freakin’ mermaid, and I mean, who doesn’t want that life, right?

With great character and level design, and so much to do, there is more then enough to keep anyone busy. The new trapping of enemies adds a more immersion to an already busy game.

The original game was a fantastic teaching tool with a little bit of fun added in, and while Rocksmith 2014 Edition is once again a great guitar teaching tool, it has a whole lot more fun included this time around. This fun factor blurs the lines somewhat as it is way more enjoyable this time around, or at least it feels that way and you may not consider it a guitar-teaching tool at all, which in itself is a testament to the development crew.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is one of those rare games that should appeal to both veterans of the franchise and absolute newcomers. A decent story, great music and appealing visuals are icing on the Digimon cake, a delicious and satisfying take on the turn-based JRPG battle formula. With a little more edge and deeper mechanics than its Poké-cousin, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is addictive, fun and definitely the best game in the Digimon Story series.

All in all, Tombwater is one of my favorite Soulslikes, if not one of my favorite games, period. I’m not usually a fan of Zelda-likes, but I could barely put this one down. And only part of that was because I kept getting lost and wandering into a new miniboss arena.

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.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the greatest multiplayer experiences Nintendo has produced in a long time. With enhanced graphics, all previous DLC included as well as bonus characters, and the return of the Battle mode, this is a party game for any occasion.

Being my favourite entry in the STORY OF SEASONS series, A Wonderful Life is a wonderful game. If you are new to the STORY OF SEASONS series, A Wonderful Life is an excellent place to start. Having previous knowledge of how the game works can be an advantage but there isn’t anything you can’t learn. All you need to do is work hard and make the most out of every day – but most importantly, have fun while doing so. And if you’re like me, you’ll fall in love with everything the game has to offer and find the Forgotten Valley is truly an unforgettable place.

Thanks to its modular building systems, new juvenile dinosaurs, and engaging campaign, Jurassic World Evolution 3 is the best of the series. It feels like a more flexible and more refined version of a familiar game. If it had compatibility with prior content, it would be a 10/10, but Jurassic World Evolution 3 is a great foundation for expansion.

Respawn Entertainment did just that with Titanfall 2; they turned the ideas and mechanics from the first game into an even better experience.

Playing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 a year later, I am still incredibly impressed by the game’s performances, visuals, and attention to detail. The treatment of Senua’s psychosis as both ally and enemy is effective and unsettling. Looked at through the lens of a Soulslike or action RPG, Senua’s Saga will feel limited, but that’s obviously not the game’s intention. Still, swordplay can feel both brutal and imprecise, and there’s repetition in both the game’s pacing and structure. Performance on PS5 wasn’t always perfect. All that being said, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is a real achievement and one I enjoyed a second time. The inclusion of insightful developer commentary and other free updates for owners of the original on PC and Xbox should tempt players into a brand new playthrough.

I have played Destiny since its launch last year, and I can confidently say that with the Year 2, and The Taken King DLC upon us, this is what Destiny pretty much should have been all along.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will not convince non-believers to jump into Call of Duty. If you’re a fan, you’ll be buying it. If you’re a relapsed fan, you’ll likely come back. And if you hate Call of Duty, you’ll still hate it. It’s a solid effort with a well-designed campaign that feels like you’re playing a summer blockbuster movie. The multiplayer, although severely lacking some key ingredients such as hardcore, the ability to ping, and crossplay issues, is still quite enjoyable. It’s still Call of Duty multiplayer, but it brings enough fresh tweaks to keep us fans happy.