The Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a dream come true for Mortal Kombat fans. There are multiple versions of every Mortal Kombat game, up to, and including, Mortal Kombat 4. The package has exhaustive extras, including a long documentary about the history of the series. Almost every game has online play with rollback netcode. And Mortal Kombat Trilogy has its load times and bugs fixed, so players can have every character in one game. My only complaints are minor, and that some of the games are awful. But I’m so glad those awful games are included, for completion’s sake and for nostalgic reasons. If you have any love for Mortal Kombat, the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a must-buy. It’s arguably the best retro game collection of all-time.

Lara Croft GO is beautiful to look at, has thought-provoking puzzles, and most importantly, is super fun to play.

Overall, I am quite happy with this year’s installment in the Madden NFL franchise. While the changes may not be as sweeping as we have seen in the past, Madden NFL 16 feels like the most complete Madden I have played in well over 10-years.

FIFA 14 doesn’t bring any “game changers” to the table but what it does do is refine an already superb soccer game.

In the end it's a great game with some new challenges and it is a bright light for what we have in store as Nintendo's newest console begins its life cycle.

By not numbering this latest game, the developers are signaling a rebirth of the series. In many ways that’s true. The action-RPG mechanics and narrative-heavy design bring the franchise in line with other ARPGs. At the same time, Dynasty Warriors: Origins is still a Musou game at heart. The immense battles fans of the genre love are still there. There’s less of a repetitive feeling this time around, and the game should be successful in courting new players coming from other ARPGs.

This DLC is definitely a must buy for diehards but is something casual players really need to think about before making the plunge. Keep in mind though that Ultra Street Fighter IV is what this fighter should be and it has been perfected through hours of hard work to get it there.

In sum, Telling Lies represents a niche genre that explores interactive storytelling in a very unique way. The game’s director, Sam Barlow, evolved the Her Story formula, but at a cost. After all, what makes the game so good also reveals its flaws. The ending, for example, can feel very anticlimactic depending on how you uncover specific videos. Still, as the saying goes, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” And Telling Lies is quite a journey — hopefully, one that will inspire many more story-driven games to come. Now go, awaken the sleuth inside you.

Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza showcases all of what Hitman can be. It makes the first episode feel tepid in comparison as its open map and brilliant level design offer up a lot more opportunities and ways to execute them.

There is a lot to really like about Project Cars 2. There’s a veritable smorgasbord of cars and tracks, enough so that there should be something for everyone. The visuals are again top notch. The handling is much improved since the first game. The issues that are there are ones that seem to be at least fixable.

It’s an exceptional all-in-one package for those who have been considering jumping into the franchise. While it’s unfortunate that there’s a noticeable decline in the remaster job after the first Bioshock game, it’s still greatly improved from their original releases.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 looks and plays exactly the same as Fuga: Melodies of Steel. Though there are few changes, they are all key changes that improve the game. They give a it lot more longevity for completionists. I highly recommend playing the original game first, as the second game is a direct sequel. This series is for fans of turn-based JRPGs only, but is well worth playing if you’re at all curious.

Yes, Ape Out is a short game but the action, visuals and soundtrack are simply bananas. Plus, the price is definitely right at just $14.99 US. That’s a lot of primate pandemonium for a pretty fair price, and that’s not even mentioning the extra Arcade Mode in which you earn points for kills and speed. A refreshingly original game that takes its gaming influences and runs with them like a jazz soloist on a Saturday night, Ape Out is one game that elevates ultraviolence to an art form.

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.

Reigns: Game of Thrones is great fun for fans of the show and books. It’s bite-sized gameplay encourages high replayability and can be surprisingly addicting. You’d do well to try it out yourself and see what kind of ruler you turn into. For me, I have lost all naivety. I know politics now are less about power and more about seeing how long you can survive to hold said power. And if people get uppetity, well… I have a pet dragon. Let’s see how they like that.

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a great reminder of what small developers can achieve with simple graphics and simpler controls. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who craves some old-fashioned platforming action and isn’t afraid to die a lot. Just remember to turn off the flashing lights and screen shake if you’re sensitive to that.

With couch co-op and the addition of Steam’s Remote Play Together, you can play with another person with just a single copy, provided you have a solid internet connection. Unsighted is an utterly amazing title for a debuting indie team that is well worth your money and attention.

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

If Capcom continues to push these remakes out with the care and quality of Resident Evil 2 and 3, then I can’t wait to see what we get in the future. While the game still stubbornly hangs on to a few of the original’s mechanical shortcomings, the vast majority of the package is a breathtaking recreation of material we fell in love with two decades ago.

The game’s focus on the art of defending and the long-awaited addition of authentic player styles makes the play experience a joy to take part in

Super Mario RPG is so faithful to the original that calling it a remake feels disingenuous. The game is more of a top-to-bottom remaster. Every scrap of it had been re-built, polished, and reborn for the modern era. The visuals, the music, and the controls all feel crisp and clean. The writing holds up quite well. And there are a few pleasant surprises for fans of the original release. Since I'm so familiar with the game, I wish there was more new content, but I'm at peace with this. It's better that the game be preserved for a new audience. But whether this is your first time playing or your fifteenth, you're gonna love Super Mario RPG for the Switch.

We Love Katamari is a better game than Katamari Damacy. It has more level variety, and had multiplayer options before it was remastered. The core gameplay of both games is exactly the same. We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie is a fantastic remaster of that already great game. The HD visuals and gameplay tweaks look and feel perfect. The only fault is in the bonus content. It’s always lovely to have more features, but none of them are so compelling that they extend the time you’ll spend with the game. We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie won’t be for everyone, but it will also be a “must play experience” for many.

Sine Mora is not a long game, but it has a lot replayability thanks to it's several modes of play, particularly if you're eager to challenge yourself beyond simply finishing the game. I feel this game should be experienced and enjoyed by all fans of the arcade shooter genre due to its detail and production values.

If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy of Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster yet and have a PS4, don’t hesitate on experiencing two classic games upgraded and fit for this day and age on Sony’s current-gen console.

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

Ni No Kuni is a timeless masterpiece of a JRPG. The only reason to not own it is if the JRPG genre is just not your cup of tea. But if it is, you’ve got up to 100 hours of engaging game ahead of you, and those hours will not be forgotten.

Prodeus’ ultraviolent combat is fantastic if that’s what you’re in the mood for. But even the most delicious meal can sour in the stomach if there’s simply too much. In short bursts, Prodeus not just stands on the shoulders of giants, it dwarfs them. Over hours, though, the incessant action and jackhammer sound design start to feel a little restrictive and repetitive. Prodeus is a near-perfect homage to late 90s shooters, but you don’t need to be a demon spawn of Doom to enjoy it.

I review a lot of games and I’ll admit that diving into another roguelike isn’t always immediately appealing. But Ravenswatch does enough clever things with its mechanics, art, character design, and premise that I was intrigued and engaged. Ravenswatch demonstrates again that in the hands of talented developers, there’s still a lot of untapped potential in the roguelike genre.

Curse of the Pharaohs is a marvelous DLC that builds upon what makes Assassin’s Creed Origins great and takes it one step further into the realm of the fantastic.

Overall, Berserk Boy takes much more from the likes of Mega Man than it does the Metroidvania genre. This is not a bug, it’s a feature. I for one am very happy we got a high-speed action Mega Man in 2024. If you enjoy retro platformers, get out there and play Berserk Boy.

For all my minor grievances, I’m enamored with this little bar. The larger narrative is pieced together by countless conversations with just as many people. None of them are alike, and all of them add something new to the mosaic. Even the apocryphal bits end up worth it in the end. Chat logs, history lessons, job descriptions, alibis, and cryptic orders all build what feels like a real place. More than ray tracing or 4K textures ever could, these collected story bits have swept up into a smoky dive that I’ll continually revisit, long after the tale is told. For a glimpse into something genuine, fascinating, and truly memorable, absolutely check out VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action.

Two Point Hospital is a darkly humorous, fun and addictive game worthy to be called a true successor to Theme Hospital and the greatest of the classic tycoon titles of the past. Developers Two Point Studios know what they’re doing and it shows in the balance of near-perfect game design and biting satire. This game will suck many hours of your life from you before you know it, but along the way, it will also deliver a healthy dose of fun and laughter.

Botany Manor is all in all an excellent choice for cozy gamers who enjoy gardening and puzzles. It offers a smooth and relaxing gameplay experience that is sure to appeal to both veterans and newcomers alike. It’s a cozy gamers dream and reprieve from a slew of farming simulators.

PES 2018 is great off the pitch, but its very foundation begins to disintegrate when the whistle blows for kick-off.

Though it may not look pretty, it has a charm reminiscent of Diablo II and Diablo. I felt a nostalgic dread turning each corner and felt jubilation in defeating each boss; that is something that can’t be recreated with fancy visuals and flashy skills alone.

One thing is for certain, Black Ops 4 is easily the best multiplayer experience we have seen from the franchise to date. With a robust line-up of multiplayer maps, 3 graphically stunning zombie experiences and featuring the best battle royale shooter on the planet, Call of Duty fans should be thrilled with what Black Ops 4 is offering. Sure, the lack of a single player mode is a bit of downer and I do feel like Activision is positioning itself to monetize the crap out of Blackout. Yet at the end of the day, Black Ops 4 is the most definitive and complete Call of Duty multiplayer experience and is primed to take a big chunk out of PUBG and Fortnite’s market share.

Creative Assembly continues to support the base game with quality free and paid content. If you’re a fan of Total War: Warhammer III, Thrones of Decay is a no-brainer purchase. Like previous DLCs, it gives players a trio of new Lords to learn, a large number of new units to play with, and another reason to sink hours and hours into the game.

The first game is showing its age, but most of its issues are dealt with by various quality of life tweaks. However, the first game has a lot of loading screens. They last just long enough to be annoying every time. All in all, Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is the best way to enjoy these classic JRPGs–and their crafting systems. I recommend these games to anyone with a JRPG-shaped hole in their lives.

The pacing is weird, you can spend a lot of time wandering around, your move set is limited, and we’ve seen all this before. The Metroidvania genre has made leaps and bounds since its creation with Symphony of the Night. On the other hand, this game feels so damn good! Every strike and every skill is pure, like a fine decanted wine. The level grinding, the power acquisition, the wild monsters, and that sparkling aesthetic all put a real humming in my blood. The thought of thirteen DLC releases on the way makes my heart race. While the score below is technically accurate, know that in my heart, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night gets an easy nine out of ten. I’ll be exploring this weird world for quite a while yet, and I suspect that many of you will be doing the same.

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.

Tales of Vesperia is one of my favorite Tales games and one of my favorite games from the last generation. While Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition could have benefitted from some quality of life improvements found in newer Tales games, the remastered version still holds up as one of the best Tales games available. Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is a must-have for fans of the original release due to its new characters and is a great entry point for anyone new to the Tales series as well.

The Pedestrian is a beautiful game that permeates with ingenuity. Each area is brimming with ideas and these are suitably positioned to not overwhelm the gamer. Due to its design, players of any skill level will be able to jump on and enjoy this unique title. Unfortunately, there are a few road bumps along the way and the conclusion of the subtle narrative is a bit of a dead-end but this doesn’t take away from the incredible journey across the city.

Visuals are upgraded but like any remaster, the results are uneven and this is certainly not a complete rebuild like Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 were. Even so, I still recommend picking this one up whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newbie.

Alas, Astro’s Playroom is only a few astonishing, magical hours long. There are lots of collectibles to go after and a leaderboard driven speedrun mode, but when I finished, I was still hungry for more. And that’s kind of the only criticism I can levy against it. The way it leverages PlayStation’s history, I can’t wait to see what irresistible creation Team ASOBI comes up with next. In the here and now, Astro Bot has earned a place in my heart among the very best of PlayStation’s franchises. ‎

Alien: Isolation on the Switch is fantastic, and is most definitely a game that deserves a spot on your shelf. Even five years later, Isolation continues to be a horror tour-de-force that will have you wishing you could play something rated ‘E’ for everyone instead. Bring a pair of headphones and do your best to get over that input lag, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of the best port this console has seen to date. You may also want to bring a portable charger as this thing is an absolute battery killer, but hey, when you look this good and feel this good, I don’t mind.

In the end this 3DS port is a solid game and both fans of the original and those new to the game will enjoy all that this portable version has to offer.

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 keeps much of the character and fun of its predecessor while infusing it with some fresh new energy as well. Hanging out with Joker and the rest of the Phantom Thieves once more is every bit the joy it was last time I saw them, and the varied and challenging combat is consistently enthralling from start to finish. Fusing the rich game world of Persona with real-time combat, Omega Force and P-Studio have created a new Persona of their own and it is a worthy addition to a classic franchise.

THQ and Vigil Games have taken the Darksiders franchise and released a sequel to the original that is such an incredible game it exceeds every expectation I had. From the production values to the size and scope of the game itself, you can't help but sit back and be amazed with what they have done here.

Silver Dollar Games has not only delivered on making the perfect palette cleanser game, they’ve also made a damn fine, addictive, and unconventional beat ‘em up. Fans of the original game might be a little upset it’s not a massive leap forward but, honestly, when you’re having this much fun, does that really matter? And when you factor in the low entry price on the Switch eShop, One Finger Death Punch 2 is a no brainer purchase for a game you’ll be happy to return to again and again…and again.

Overall, Young Souls feels like a more mature cartoon in video game form, in a good way. It features two strong gameplay loops with satisfying elements and feedback. While there were some gameplay decisions that I wish were different, Young Souls is a solid package. Also as a note, it ran smoothly via Stadia, which was actually my first experience with the platform. All in all, Young Souls is a video game experience that is more than it first appears, and should not be overlooked.

Red Dead Redemption is an exceptional game that manages to capture the spirit of the Wild West. The incredible sound design and enthralling narrative are highlights of the adventure. Although it runs perfectly well on the Switch, the lack of an online mode and no additional content is disappointing. The high price point is contentious, however, this is an exquisite open-world adventure that shows Rockstar at its finest.

Heretic + HeXen is a collection of 2 classic first-person shooters. It has both games, HeXen’s DLC, and 2 brand new campaigns. Nightdive Studios has crafted another loving remaster, with a fine attention to detail in modernizing the authentic experience of the original games. It’s a ton of content for a very low asking price. The only problem is Heretic + HeXen is two very old games that not a lot of people are going to enjoy experiencing for the first time today. But if you have any nostalgic love for the original games, then please pick this collection up for yourself, and for the sake of future Nightdive remaster projects.

The smart, funny Bond-inspired writing, the meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of Oculus’s VR controls, and the well-designed missions had me … well, glued to my seat the entire time. It may not change much from the original, but I Expect You to Die 2: The Spy and the Liar once again delivers a thoroughly-enjoyable VR experience from start to finish.

At its core, Triangle Strategy is a tale about the dangers of extremism. It paints a grisly picture of greed, selfishness, and horrors committed in the name of Unity, Morality, and Liberty. However, it also offers up the hope that the cycle of violence can be ended. Bringing true peace and understanding to Norzelia won’t be easy, but it is possible.

College Football 25 is a success. Period. There will always be individuals who can’t accept EA Sports delivering a solid product, but I’m giving credit where credit is due. This game has gotten me excited about simulated football again—something that Madden hasn’t done since the mid-2000s. It’s not perfect, but nothing is. The year ahead with College Football 25 is officially exciting, and if Madden can replicate what it does well, it’ll be a glorious time for football fans.

While Age of Wonders 4 doesn’t shy away from depth and complexity, it rarely overwhelms the player. Starting with the faction creator, Age of Wonders 4 is dedicated to letting the player shape their experience as much as possible. No matter how you prefer to play, you’re in for hours of engaging strategy and tactics with an incredible array of mix-and-match fantasy elements.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an excellent remaster of two great visual novels. If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney series, then these are must-play. If you’re new to the Ace Attorney series, then I recommend starting with the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. My only complaint about these games is that they’re really similar to other games in the series, gameplay-wise. And they don’t have the series’ best stories. There are also only two games in this collection, when other series collections have three. But the price is right at $54.99 CAD, and they’re great games, despite not being the series’ best. The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a loving remaster of two fun visual novels, one of which hasn’t been available until now.

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

A delightful romp through Medieval Europe, an art history lesson, and a mind-bending puzzler all rolled into one. I found it a thoroughly-enjoyable experience and a truly pleasant surprise. Its simple, accessible concept will pull you in right away, while its intelligent game design will keep you engaged for hours (depending on how long you spend admiring the artwork).

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

I went into What the Golf? expecting a fairly straightforward golf game with a few silly surprises, but it’s so much more than that. Even if its simplistic nature sometimes acts as a double-edged sword, What the Golf? is a devilishly charming experience full of good humor and imaginative gameplay wrapped up in a thoughtful and endearing package. It may be made by people who know nothing about golf, but they sure know how to make a fun video game.

This is the part where I tell old Total War fans that now is a great entry for dipping back into the franchise. The size, scale and themes feel much more like Total War than anything with muskets or wyverns. But this isn’t a backwards looking nostalgia project. Pharaoh: Total War Dynasties incorporates good ideas from nearly every entry in the series. I am more excited by the future of the Total War series than I have been for a while.

Darkest Dungeon is a grim game. The tactical strategy of both the combat and resource management comes with tension and complexity. This is not a foray into casual gaming, even dedicated Dark Souls players will find Darkest Dungeon a nightmare at times. It is, however, a rewarding experience and one that is full of character and excellent narration.

Though the mechanical elements are rock solid, the look and feel of the game is still off. At least for me, this campaign content feels subdued and a little lonely. Taken as part of the complete experience, the single-player content is something of a safe house. A quiet space where you can sharpen your skills and experiment with new weapons. Even so, the solo campaign for Splatoon 3 had me longing for the chaos of the online arena.

There is no doubt many will turn their nose at yet another Call of Duty game running on the same engine at 60 frames per second. The "ain't broke don't fix" path has certainly been taken again. This being said, Treyarch has undeniably been able to up the ante in nearly every facet of the Call of Duty experience with Black Ops 2. The riveting single player storyline features the wonderfully-designed strategic Strike Force Missions; the online Multiplayer experience is much more robust than ever before and the Zombies mode has also received significant upgrades. It is quite amazing how the development team managed to fit this much content onto one disk. Needless to say, shooter fans can purchase Black Ops 2 with confidence.

Judgment has its flaws, but it does give you a fresh take on the established Yakuza formula, and the story and characters bring some much-needed realism that sets the game apart. The gameplay additions, while they don’t always hit the mark, at least represent an attempt to keep things interesting. If you haven’t yet played Judgment, this new Remastered version is absolutely the way to play it. Disappointingly, it doesn’t offer any new content, but it does improve on the graphics, frame rate and load times to a degree that vastly improves the experience.

In terms of basic gameplay, this War of Mine is actually quite a bit like The Sims.

Puyo Puyo Tetris isn’t just an arcade puzzle game; it’s packed with loads of different mode types, ways to play with others, and approaches to the puzzle genre. There’s so much to do in many more different ways that truly brings out both Puyo Puyo and Tetris in a unique way. Together, Puyo Puyo and Tetris make the ultimate stack, match, and clear game. If you even have the slightest urge to puzzle it out Puyo Puyo or Tetris style, give Puyo Puyo Tetris a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

Battlefield 6 is an improvement over its predecessor in many ways. The single player campaign has some impressive visuals, but the gameplay and story leaves much to be desired. The multiplayer is where Battlefield 6 shines, and should keep players engaged for the foreseeable future. I do wish the devs would have given us a console-only crossplay so Xbox and PlayStation gamers could game together. All in all, I imagine I’ll be jumping into Battlefield 6 for more often than I did Battlefield 2042. Granted, that wouldn’t take much. Battlefield 6 is a step in the right direction. But for future single player campaigns, maybe consider bringing back Battlefield: Hardline or Battlefield: Bad Company.

On its own this is still an excellent story, albeit one bogged down by all the most insufferable visual novel tropes. But without the first two parts, the story still feels incomplete.

Cassette Beasts is a fantastic Pokémon alternative. It’s a fun monster catching JRPG, with lots of memorable moments. Any fan of turn-based JRPGs, 2D Legend of Zelda-like adventure games, or collect-a-thons should give it a play. Right now Cassette Beasts is a PC-exclusive, but there are Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch versions planned for May 25 2023.

MLB The Show 20 is less like that random pitcher who threw a perfect game, and more like your perennial Cy Young candidate. You can count on the franchise to come out year after year with quality content and gameplay. While the actual season may not be happening soon, MLB The Show 20 is sure to keep baseball fans glued to their screens.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is the perfect way for fans of Automata to experience the original and for newcomers to engage with the franchise. With updated combat and visuals, Replicant can proudly sit amongst greats in the genre; however, the hypersexualized representation of Kainé remains and deters from an incredible experience.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a technical improvement over Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. It still has some problems that should have been flagged during quality assurance testing. The cursor should just be dropped from all sections that aren’t point-and-click. But the narrative is fantastic, and the “Choose Your Own Adventure” chapter structure makes the experience feel more like a game, and less like a novel. The stylistic visuals mask Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse’s low budget, and the music is constantly phenomenal. I’m not sure if the first game has been patched, but Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is enough of an improvement that I might give it another try.

When you combine the great music, voice work, and amazing physics based pinball action with a great theme like Star Wars you get greatness in a product like this.

Zen Pinball 2: Portal Pinball is a marvellous experience which makes you want to pull out the Portal games and play them all over again.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 removes whatever imaginary stench Modern Warfare III left behind by revitalizing the franchise with a standout campaign, engaging multiplayer, and a nostalgic yet innovative Zombies experience. The seamless launch with minimal issues speaks to the 4-year development cycle, resulting in one of the most polished COD entries at launch in recent memory. The campaign’s rich narrative, enjoyable mechanics, and sheer variety adds depth and excitement to the single-player experience. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and fresh gameplay, ensuring that both new and returning players feel right at home. With its return to classic round-based Zombies, Black Ops 6 successfully appeals to long-time fans while offering enough new content to keep everyone invested all year round. Overall, this installment not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Project Cars occupies a unique bridging point between arcade racers and full out simulation games. The good news for hardcore racers is that the game’s fuel mixture is graded with a performance that pushes Project Cars more to the sim side of the starting grid.

If you’re looking for a complex city builder where you need to stress over sewage systems and power grids, Two Point Campus isn’t it. However, if you want to spend some happy hours creatively building the college that you wish you had attended, mission accomplished. Two Point Campus is first and foremost a lot of fun. It doesn’t thumb its nose at higher education so much as use it as a jumping-off point for silliness and a relatively deep building sim. Two Point Campus is a warm-hearted and good-natured take on college life, an engaging sim that’s accessible and entertaining.

If there was a place Duck Game runs foul it is in the amount of content. While there are a lot of guns and interactions the rest of the game is shallow. In a party atmosphere rotating through games is no problem but playing through online multiplayer is a different story. The $13 price tag mitigates this somewhat, but I think some people will become bored should they play multiple rounds in a row. As a party game, I recommend Duck Game highly. As a personal purchase, I still recommend Duck Game because it is a simple game done well.

I was so engaged when playing through Danganronpa Decadence. My predictions were wrong, and I was very impressed with the outcome. If you’re at all a fan of visual novels, mysteries, or anime aesthetics, then Danganronpa Decadence is a must play. It’s four games for the price of one, and I loved all of them.

Unpacking is going to stick with me at least as hard as the latest superhero movie I saw, and it’s going to make the next time I need to look for a new place that much more tolerable. Maybe even fun. I enjoyed the brief time I spent with Unpacking, and I’m not going to stop thinking about it before my next move.

The controls are simple and soon become second nature as you mine, create, and battle your way around a lush yet simplistic world.

With some impressive titles already released this year, the Nintendo Switch continues its hot streak with Splatoon 2. This may seem like a bold statement but Splatoon 2 finds itself to be one of the best shooters available right now. Granted, it is hard to compare gritty AAA first-person shooters with Splatoon 2 but it's equally hard to argue against the aesthetically pleasing visuals, smooth framerate, polished gameplay, and pure fun of the game.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a beautiful Metroidvania that features wonderful platforming segments alongside challenging encounters. The world encourages exploration, with each route rewarding you, further incentivising you to venture into the unknown. Although the game follows conventions, it delivers a fascinating adventure that fans of the genre will adore.

Stray is much more than a jaunt with an adorable cat. It tells a story about social injustice in a form that is both clever and discreet. The gorgeous visuals and attention to detail make it easy to lose yourself in a distinct world. While the game lacks challenge, the pace and memorable set-pieces make this a tremendous trek with a tabby.

For the most part, though, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life gives fans of the series what they want, plus a new level of polish and smoother gameplay. And if you’re new to the series, this is one of the better titles to start with, and you’ll catch on to what you’re supposed to do pretty quickly.

While I didn’t think there was quite enough that was new about Star-Crossed World, I still had a lot of fun. The new stages are well-crafted and full of optional goals. The new enemy designs are cool and clever. And I ended up getting sucked back into the base game. On the other hand, the Switch 2 of it all is lost on me. The game looks and performs just as it did back in 2022. I hesitate to recommend something so expensive, but the game is still a lot of fun. Returning fans won’t want to miss this one, however. Star-Crossed World is a delightful addition to an already excellent Kirby game.

When actually playing basketball NBA 2K19 shines, the action on and around the court feeling as authentic as a video game can achieve. The ebb and flow of the game comes through masterfully whether in exhibition or in a deep playoff run. The ancillary parts of the game have their moments of greatness too, but those can be overshadowed by the constant shaking of the virtual tip jar. I enjoyed the heck out of NBA 2K19, don’t get me wrong, but man do I wish the letters VC weren’t as heavily involved.

Whether I’m popping Cabal heads, tossing grenades, or making swift 180 degree turns, the game feels outstanding to play.

In its day, Age of Mythology introduced some compelling new ideas into the real time strategy genre. While I think it’s overdue for a complete remake, Age of Mythology: Retold is an excellent way to reacquaint players with a genuine classic, and a perfect introduction for gamers new to the title.

A good remaster should preserve the original game while shining it up for modern audiences. In this case, I could've used a few more mechanical upgrades. The graphics have been majorly upgraded, which rules. And I appreciate having two different control schemes to switch between. But certain moves and skills still feel floaty and/or magnetic. Worse yet, there are core design elements that can't be smoothed over with a remaster. To be clear, this is the superlative way to play the first Dead Rising. But honestly, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is still the weakest entry in the series, at least for me.

I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of disappointment with Madden NFL 17. With no new modes, visuals that look largely the same, a less than stellar soundtrack and a game that plays nearly identical to last year’s game, Madden NFL 17 feels more like an expansion or upgrade than anything else.

NHL 13 is by far the most complete edition yet, surpassing the stellar NHL 12 by a long shot even if the commentary has some shortcomings.

On a machine like the PS4, it feels like so much of the power available is just being ignored. If you have the PC version of Terraria, I wouldn’t jump on the PS4 instalment, but a handheld version could definitely be a nice addition to your library of games.

I’m happy to report that these four new maps are unique enough to justify the addition and definitely won’t feel like rehashed content.

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.