NeuroVoider doesn’t do anything particularly different, but everything that’s there is executed with brutal efficiency. Tight combat, deep customization, a breadth of different gameplay styles, an astounding soundtrack, breathtaking environments, and an addictive gameplay loop that always pushes past the ‘GAME OVER’ screen makes NeuroVoider one of the best games I’ve played this year and a must-play for fans of the roguelike genre.

If you’ve been playing the series all along up until now, it goes without saying that you should play it to the end, and the good news is that when you do you won’t be disappointed. And of course, unless you’re a brain-dead zombie you know what’s coming and you know that you better be prepared for feels by the bucketload.

With a satisfying conclusion to many of the threads started in Episode One, Batman: The Telltale Series Episode 5: City of Light offers an intense, emotionally revealing and action packed conclusion to an intriguing and fresh take on the legend that is Batman.

All in all, NEO: The World Ends with You manages to escape the pitfall of being a period piece by taking the Heathers approach to youth culture and focusing more on capturing the feeling of youth than trying to accurately portray the ever-shifting trends. It has a fun cast, an interesting story, and a much more straightforward battle system with room to spend ages gathering collectibles and getting your pin load-out just right. Unfortunately, its cast is generally more well-adjusted than the original game’s traumatized teenagers, meaning that this game doesn’t hit quite as hard as the original The World Ends with You.

Oddmar is an action platformer that is full of visual beauty and substance, and it is very fun to play. MobGe has showcased their attention to detail and overall talent with this title. I still cannot believe that this was once a mobile game. There is a familiar charm to Oddmar but what elevates the experience is the graphics and gameplay. While the story may be forgettable and there is little in terms of replay value, fans of the genre will be extremely impressed with this polished little platformer.

Solar Ash is a spectacular achievement and a worthy successor to Heart Machine’s previous release. The fast and fluid movement makes exploration a delightful dance through the absurd. Although the structure is a little repetitive, the moment-to-moment gameplay is thrilling. Large and intense boss battles are the highlight of the game, creating jaw-dropping sequences that will leave you yearning for more.

Demeo is an essential game for PSVR 2 owners. The addictive gameplay loop is perfect for cooperative play and due to this, you will form alliances and forge memories of epic quests. The intuitive controls remove any frustrations and allow you to concentrate on the tough journey ahead. While it may be a little too difficult on your own, the multiplayer experience is incredible.

Battle Axe might be an excellent arcade game, but that’s a flaw as well as a feature. Extended play sessions, like those you find in Infinite Mode, can quickly wear out their welcome. You can only blow apart so many orcs before you start yearning for more. Maybe the gameplay loop doesn’t escape that cabinets and coins territory, but it doesn’t need to. The action that’s available is nothing short of exemplary. Fluid pixel art animation, tight controls, retro music and audio, and an intense challenge all elevate this game beyond ordinary nostalgia. If you’re looking for your next arcade game, you absolutely can’t miss Battle Axe.

You spend a lot of time in Pokopia just messing around, but it adds up to something satisfying. Making habitats, befriending Pokémon, exploring, and cleaning up the environment all feel like little tasks at first. But they slowly turn into something more significant. It’s a smooth process that feels perfectly natural. It really sneaks up on you. I wish the map and the inventory were more robust, to be sure. And maybe I felt adrift once in a while. But that core loop was so delightful, I didn’t mind all that much. If you’re looking for a Pokémon experience that feels a little different than the usual fare, Pokémon Pokopia might be perfect for you.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is an insanely high-quality remaster. There are so many improvements, including gameplay additions, menu expansion, display clarity, improved graphics, orchestrated music, and fully-voiced dialogue. This remaster isn’t a cheap cash-in. It’s the quality level of remaster that all others should aspire to. The only complaints I can make about the game is that the story and gameplay are dense, and won’t be for everyone. Every tactical RPG fan needs to play Tactics Ogre: Reborn. And for strategy JRPG fans, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is good enough that it might be the exception when saying you’re not a fan of the genre.

If you’ve never played the first two Dragon Quest games before, this is the absolute best time to start. They’re crammed with modern upgrades, while the original vibe is still nicely preserved. And if you’ve played them a dozen times, even better. This is a significant departure from the original formula, at least for the first one. Dragon Quest II was a little more fully cooked, hence it needed fewer modern improvements. The upgraded difficulty is great and awful at the same time. I’m thrilled the games are harder now, but like, be prepared for that. The high-speed battles could be a lot faster, but you get used to it quickly. Either way, this collection of remakes should be an easy decision for any Dragon Quest fan.

A game that I curiously found myself having a hard time putting down. I actually drained my 3DS battery more than a few times as I got so carried away playing.

For sheer memorable and engaging gameplay, I recommend The Outer Worlds. It was an absolute delight to play back in 2019, and it still holds up as one of my all-time favorite gaming experiences. I am pleased with the graphical upgrades and enhancements from The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition. Although, with less new content and more new bugs, it should have been a free upgrade for returning players.

There is so much going on that is good that it’s hard to even mention it all. You start with plenty of customization options, not just with character creation, but within classes and skills. All told there are somewhere between sixty to seventy skills per class. I haven’t even mentioned the puzzles, which I found to be just the right mix of difficult, neither boring nor too hard. The story is great, even with the occasional self-spoiler. Combat has a lot going for it and keeps things interesting, but it’s always possible that not everyone feels that way on that front. The few performance issues aside, it’s a game that’s hard not to like.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare doesn’t reinvent the franchise in any way. It brings back everything fans love about the game and that is an exhilarating single player campaign, a frantically deep multiplayer experience and one of the most memorable zombie games you’ll ever play.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a return to form. While the RPG titles offered a huge world, there’s something about the smaller, tight-knit areas that lend themselves to the life of an assassin. The smaller scope and focus on stealth are refreshing which makes the moment-to-moment gameplay a blast. Combat is diverse allowing you to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in and missions give you the freedom to find your own route to the objective. Aspects from the history of the franchise combine in Mirage to make this the best release the series has offered in years.

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.

Max Mustard is the PSVR 2 game I’ve been waiting for. Its clever use of perspective makes navigating Max through the rich, diverse world a delight. Each of the 40 levels introduces fresh ideas, keeping the experience surprising all the way to the end. With numerous nods to classic titles, this ode to the genre is a joy and an essential title for any PSVR 2 owner.

The Division 2 sets a new bar for online loot shooters with fun and diverse encounter design, and more importantly, once again sets the expectation of releasing a feature complete product. It’s not the prettiest pony out there, nor does it possess a strong narrative, but the amount of sheer fun on tap either solo or with friends is sky high.

As a sprawling and interconnected 2D world, the bright and vibrant graphics pull you into the game even more. Now, if you’re looking to reminisce about the times you spent with friends at the arcade, you may have found the perfect game here. Between the graphics, the modern 16-bit soundtrack, and the entertaining gameplay, if you didn’t know what year it was, you might just feel like you’ve been transported to the late 1980s or early 1990s! This versatile little gem will have you playing for hours, as you try to mash your way through the waves of enemies and honestly, who doesn’t find that enjoyable?

Outlast 2 made me jump and cower more than any other game or movie has in the past year. If Red Barrels’ main goal was to make me want to hug my loved ones the moment the credits rolled then they succeeded with flying colors. Outlast 2 is a delightfully nerve-racking horror experience that serves up some of the most horrific and unsettling images you’ll likely see in a video game in 2017. Please enjoy.

I normally want my metroidvanias to be chill, protracted affairs. Take my time, find every power-up, become a walking tank, roll over the boss. Skelattack had other plans, though. I was both relieved and a little disappointed when the credits rolled. Yes, the end was a brutal gauntlet of precision reflexes and constant re-spawns, but it was still tons of fun. Once I got the hang of the float, once I converted to a D-Pad control scheme, the tension was more exciting than exhausting. Maybe I somehow wanted more, but pound for pound, this game maximizes every second of play. If you’re willing to bend to these crushing winds, Skelattack will be a blast.

It's clear that the developers have been paying close attention to player feedback, as this feels like a significant improvement over the previous entry in the series. Major additions like the single-player campaign, the revamped Star Card system and the streamlined game modes all make for a much more robust moment-to-moment playthrough. There's still room for improvement with the loot box system, but it's already been fixed once, and there's every chance that it's only going to get better. The look and feel of Star Wars has been expertly captured in every inch of this game, while the battles are a faithful homage to the most exciting conflicts in the entire series.

Promise Mascot Agency is a weird, flawed experience. You spend most of your time driving around this tiny town, chatting up a series of total weirdos. You’ve got a short list of tasks to complete, a lot of money to make, and a lot of fires to put out. But all of it is so engaging, so charming and fun, that you don’t mind one bit. This town is a complete, well-crafted world full of compelling characters and fascinating stories. Plus, the core gameplay loop is addictive and butter-smooth. I don’t know exactly how to recommend this game, but I can’t recommend it enough.

SaGa Frontier Remastered is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s that encapsulates the best and worst of retro JRPG design. There’s a ton of fun to be had here, but don’t be afraid to pull up a walkthrough if you’re stuck–and it is very easy to get stuck.

If you’ve been a fan of the series since the very beginning, let your faith in the series be restored, because Assassin’s Creed Origins is definitely the best title to come out of the popular series in a long time, if not ever.

Its gameplay is familiar and fun, but its world is like nothing you’ve ever seen. You have to work to see it all, and you’ll want to.

I’m a big fan of Fight’N Rage. Of course, I’ve been a big fan of beat ’em ups for a long time now, but this game does so much right that I have no problem recommending it to someone that isn’t too familiar with the genre. The combat is incredibly smooth, and once you master the various combos your favorite character can pull off, you’ll be flying through levels and juggling baddies like you were born to do so. Dolloped on top of that is an unlockable list that’s almost overwhelming at first, an excellent local co-op mode, and one of the most bitchin’ soundtracks I’ve heard from a game of this nature. Now excuse me, I’ve got some more fightin’ to do.

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

The art design is beautiful as always, the cutscenes would make fans of the original truly astonished and the voice acting compliments it all in an adventure that kids and adults can both enjoy. While I would recommend Shantae and the Seven Sirens to any metroidvania and platforming fan, I’d particularly recommend it to new fans of those genres and it’s a great title to get a kid into the genres as well.

Even with a few short comings every now and then, Episode 2: Starved for Help manages to maintain the same qualities that made the first episode so brilliant as well as drive the story onward into other areas of not only survival, but human nature as well.

With new locations to visit, an intriguing plot, loathsome villains, and all of your favorite characters coming back to help save the day – even if many of them are only cameos – it only falters in its simplistic AI which we have grown to know too well. It’s not trying to rewrite gaming and be wildly innovative, it just wants to let you shoot stuff with an exploding burger launcher. Seriously. Borderlands 3 is sure to be a contender for GOTY and it can only get better with more content and bombastic badasses.

By committing to the wonderful setting, Six Ages has more to say than a dozen fantasy RPGs.

My only major gripes with Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince are highly subjective. It’s a game that needs to reach the kind of people who play mods of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, which provide the player with more challenging combat and puzzles. Blossom Tales II has a very good world map to explore, and its dungeon puzzles and combat are perfect. It starts like a game a parent would want to get their young daughter but becomes one that will impress any old-school Zelda fan who gives it some time. So give Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince your time.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter shines and is truly at its best when all the elements of gameplay work in sync.

EA Sports UFC 4 is the best MMA game to date. With an improved career mode, robust online options and significant updates to the core combat, fans of the franchise will be in awe at what steps into the octagon.

Hivebusters feels like a proper expansion pack to Gears 5 rather than a tacked-on DLC that was really just removed from the main game. The Coalition clearly put a lot of work into this add-on. Though it doesn’t feel like that full step forward that a sequel would be, Hivebusters remains a robust experience and an essential one for Gears fans.

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

The more time I spend with The Thaumaturge, the more I settle into it. When you spend more time with any game you are bound to notice the edges of things, the literal and figurative invisible walls. But The Thaumaturge was more like a pair of shoes. As I learned the restrictions of what you couldn’t do in the game, it focused me towards things I could do, and they were all awesome. If you have been craving a dark fantasy RPG where you get to play as a John Constantine type, I have good news, The Thaumaturge is it. Anyone looking for their next interesting and original RPG, this is it!

There is no question episode three has some big shoes to fill as “Tales From the Borderlands: Episode 2 – Atlas Mugged” continues Telltale’s successful string of story driven adventures.

This DLC feels in some ways like a new, different game set within the base world. You can now try to explore and develop your sneaking, stealth and thievery skills, all while engaging in a pretty fun main storyline.

Greak: Memories of Azur is a heartfelt, thrilling adventure. With three leading characters, the game has managed to carve its own identity within a crowded genre. The jaw-dropping visuals and intricate soundtrack ooze atmosphere, enticing you to explore every inch of the world. Although controlling several characters at once can be troublesome, it takes nothing away from this fascinating, methodically paced, puzzle-platforming quest about family, home and hope.

I wasn't sure what to expect with Arceus, but the surprise was a pleasant one. There aren't any gyms or gym leaders, but I found plenty of tough battles. The graphics are pretty basic, but the character models all look terrific. Even the environments aren't so bad, as long as you're playing in portable mode. I was instantly hooked by the gameplay loop. Everything you do in the field feels so seamless, so smooth. This game makes Pokémon feel a bit dangerous, something I never thought was possible. If you were hoping for a traditional Pokémon experience, you'll be thrown for a loop. Keep an open mind however, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus will be a fantastic time.

Even though some of the peripheral bits were less polished, the core gameplay in Fever is red hot. Actually playing a match of Tennis in this game is downright excellent. The regular matches are excellent, the tournaments are intense, and the special matches are all awesome. If you’re looking to change things up, the Trial Towers and the score challenges add a stack of fascinating twists to the standard tennis systems. Although I didn’t really vibe with the campaign mode, I still recognize its usefulness. I also wish those motion controls could be used in every other part of the game. If you want a more aggressive, fast-paced tennis game that’s also colorful, cute, and accessible, Mario Tennis Fever is an excellent choice.

Despite some small annoyances that are either confusing or intrusive to the overall immersion that Steins;Gate Elite provides, this was a genuinely fun and engaging experience. In fact, because of how graphically close it is to the anime and how intense and complex the narrative is, Steins;Gate Elite is smooth as butter from start to finish and captures the true meaning of a graphic novel come to life.

Endling: Extinction is Forever is more than a game; it’s a statement. The commitment from Herobeat Studios’ to portray an honest view of how humans affect the environment is commendable. While there are heart-wrenching moments in the game that some may find too difficult to consume, it’s an incredible experience that will leave a lasting mark.

AEW: Fight Forever is the best wrestling game since WWF No Mercy. There’s a visceral nature to every punch and slam which makes every physical match-up an absolute thrill. While the mechanics are deep and allows fans to master techniques, there’s also a pick-up-and-play ethos that is amplified through silly mini-games and over-the-top gimmick matches. The odd hit detection issue, basic creation suite and lack of community uploads are disappointing, however, they don’t take away from what is the greatest wrestling game in the past 20 years.

Monster Hunter Stories is an unlikely alternative to the main series of the Monster Hunter franchise that effortlessly packs a punch. With its adorable cast of characters and art style, it’s inevitable to be drawn by it. With changes in the battle mechanics and role as a player, returning fans might be skeptical with how it holds up, but rest assured it’s a game for both returning fans and newcomers to enjoy and seamlessly fawn over.

I don’t usually go in for rhythm games, but Final Bar Line proved the exception. While it’s a well-crafted experience, it’s the Final Fantasy connection that really sold me. The quests, the customization, and the heavy dose of nostalgia are all wonderful. Conversely, the art isn’t great, some of the inputs are confusing, and the intended audience is pretty granular. In other words, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is mostly for Final Fantasy fans. If you fall into that category though, you won’t want to miss this game. It’s a terrific way to revisit your favorite titles in the series.

For better or for worse, this is classic Sonic the Hedgehog at its purest. The graphics, the sound, and the controls are all pixel-perfect reproductions lifted straight from your memories. Everything you loved and hated about the old games is back. If you took the time to master the special stages back in the day, you’ll find many opportunities to dust off those skills.

For series veterans, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great time but it doesn’t give us anything we haven’t seen many times before, with the usual environments, side-activities, and cutscene-heavy narrative exposition. If we are being honest it’s a series that is due for a reset, and it looks like the upcoming Yakuza: Like a Dragon will be just that. But if you have not yet experienced the series, Yakuza Kiwami 2 needs to be high on your must-play list. So much to do, so much to explore, so many faces to roundhouse kick – living the Yakuza life sure is a hell of a lot of fun.

Image & Form has done it again. They’ve created another gem in their SteamWorld series that not only shows their talent as game developers but also their love of RPG’s. The card battle system is incredibly addictive and offers a ton of gameplay options to boot. And while the story is somewhat by the numbers, the memorable characters, dialogue and rewarding gameplay elevate it above the pack. Even if you’re not big on card games, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is another home run for Image & Form and a definite must-buy on Nintendo Switch.

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.

Matterfall is an absolute gem to play, taking gameplay we know and love and adding just the right nuances to give us something great.

Tyranny is an important entry in RPGs as it exchanges good vs. evil for order vs. chaos and demands the player to consider what they believe is just in a cruel world. A powerful achievement in its own right, Tyranny is an absolute must for players who loved Pillars of Eternity and seek a rich, engaging tale of how people act in difficult circumstances.

If you’re a fan of the late DJ himself, well this game is a no-brainer. He was clearly a great talent and the music is outstanding. But for everyone else, AVICII Invector: Encore Edition on Meta Quest 2 is still worth strapping on the VR headset and giving a go. The music is great and the gameplay is addictive and fun. If you like rhythm games but you don’t want to sweat (or risk accidentally bonking your family in the head), AVICII Invector: Encore Edition’s chill EDM vibe is the VR experience you’re waiting for.

The Sinking City arriving on next-gen is a surprising yet greatly welcome arrival. With such a rich world and narrative, compelling investigative segments, and some truly horrifying features like experiencing hallucinations when your sanity meter drops, this was a title classic horror fans simply must try.

I mentioned previously that there is something small missing from Battleborn and to be honest I’m still unsure of what it is. It might be the lack of a training room where you can test out different heroes, or the fact you can’t choose from all of the story missions in a public campaign group, or that you can’t stay with your group at the end of a successful campaign. In other words, there are many small details that add up to take away the sense of polish for the game.

Viewfinder doesn’t have the tonal mastery of an exploration game like Myst, but it’s puzzles are second to none in the genre. You should definitely challenge yourself with Viewfinder, the most beguiling puzzle game of the year.

A strong starting point for this episodic series. I for one am quite eager to see where Eliot’s story ends up leading and if you’re a fan of Noir fiction, or have a taste for the gritty, Blues and Bullets will definitely scratch that itch for you.

Great Sonic games are a rare breed. At least from a gameplay perspective, it's tough to nail that balance between blistering speed and precise controls. While Colors: Ultimate never reaches that platonic ideal, it gets pretty close! Really, it's hard to ask for much more than that. Plus, the writing is snappy, the graphics are vibrant, the soundtrack is amped up, and the difficulty scales up nicely.

Scott Pilgrim EX takes a beloved formula and boldly restructures it. The blend of interconnected exploration, refined brawling, and engaging RPG mechanics creates an experience that honors its roots while feeling distinctly modern.

The best iteration of the series thus far, for the most part improving in all aspects of the game. While keeping player freedom as an option in Road to the Show would have been nice, the mode is still enjoyable.

Final Fantasy X / X-2 is a classic title that is still in the hearts of many and with this HD Remaster, we not only get the 2 core games but also the short film, Eternal Calm, a 30-minute audio drama Final Fantasy X – Wish-, and Final Fantasy X-2’s Last Mission. With an incredible package of games and extra’s, playing through this JRPG epic will last you quite some time and the added bonus of being able to play it on the go or docked is simply fantastic. For those who haven’t checked out the games yet, be sure to pick this one up as it’ll be a great addition to your library.

Obliteracers is beautiful, hilarious, challenging, and a blast to play.

Frostpunk is, without a doubt, not an easy game and requires extensive strategizing and multiple playthroughs to succeed. It takes a lot of effort and a fair amount of alertness to get the job done, but once your decisions prevail and your city is thriving, the sense of accomplishment is unlike no other. With its intense premise and the pressure of making tough choices, Frostpunk is undeniably one of the most challenging and addicting city-building strategy games I have ever played.

Advanced Warfare is about the most fun I have had playing a Call of Duty game in several years. Granted it remains very familiar but the leaps are significant and in the end pay off.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the perfect update for a flagging series. Its clever storytelling, bizarre substories, and engrossing gameplay makes this one of the strongest entries in the franchise. Mixing deep societal messages with references to popular culture, the game is both hilarious and thought-provoking. It is very clear to see that with Ichiban Kasuga, the series is in safe hands.

While this is a terrific game, it doesn’t do enough to distinguish itself from the Wii U release. I’m the target audience, however. I never played the original, so all of this is fresh and incredible to me.

At its heart, this game asks a lot of you. For some people (like me!), the toll is freely paid. For others, the boon of hours and tough calls will be too steep to part with. At least, I can confirm that your fond memories of grinding for loot and facing off against the hordes are wholly intact. Torchlight 2 is easily as good as you remember. I lost hours and days to this game with a blink. Whether you’re looking for a new ARPG, or just a little more time with an old favorite, Torchlight 2 won’t let you down.

[A] triumph in the genre.

I expected Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics to be packed with content, and of course with 51 games it certainly is. But what I didn’t expect was how well done the overall package would be. This is a game collection that is both accessible and easy to pick up and play, yet surprisingly chock-full of enriching content like How to Play guides that will make you want to dive deeper into each of the games and learn about them as you do.

Would I recommend Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark? Yes, I would. It has remarkable polish, gorgeous art and was simply a blast to play. I went in with low expectations but walked away grinning from ear to ear. If you are looking for a turn-based tactics game set within a stunning fantasy setting, Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark should be right up your alley.

In a time where games rely on updates, patches, and DLC to become what the game should have been at launch, it was very refreshing to see Sniper Elite 4 release without any glaring weaknesses or issues. Overall, the game is well polished and simply fun to play, without sacrificing intricate details for the sake of simplicity. Lastly, the title also features an authentic, hardcore difficulty for “sniping purists and masochists” which is sure to add many hours to a title already with lots of potential for replayability. Sniper Elite 4 took a shooter niche, sniping, and built an excellent title and solid franchise around it.

Although it drove under the radar on PS4, Wreckfest deserves the attention of racing fans, especially those with a destructive streak and a love of vehicular mayhem. With its vastly improved framerates and bumped-up resolution, Wreckfest on PS5 is the definitive way to play the game, whether against humans or the game’s more-than-decent AI drivers. Wreckfest might not be the new console generation’s ultimate racing sim, but it has some depth, a unique set of chops, and is a lot of fun.

It’s a kick-ass retro turn-based strategy game that constantly flexes your brain muscles, and punishes your idiocy with a quick death. What it lacks in encounter diversity it makes up for with an excellent stable of mechs to play around with, a bad ass soundtrack, and a vibe that sucked me down the rabbit hole something fierce.

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.

Shredder’s Revenge has a pretty specific target audience. But if you fall within that narrow strike zone, this game is amazing. The animation is incredible, the action is well-crafted, and that Turtles attitude is on full display. If you aren’t an old-school TMNT fan with a penchant for beat ’em ups, maybe you can appreciate the pixel art. The actual game design is excellent, as well. It’s just hard to imagine what this game looks like without nostalgia goggles on. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of that extremely dated cartoon, check this game out. I promise TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a blast either way.

Gotham Knights is bold and brave. It removes the leading character of the universe in order to focus on those who are often pushed aside. The treatment of the new team is fantastic and as a result, WB Montreal has found new figureheads. While the combat differs from Arkham, it’s still a brilliant system that successfully evolves the formula with performance-based abilities. Some missions are repetitive and traversal lacks the speed and ferocity of the combat. However, the game is a joy to play and perfectly captures the birth and growth of a new band of bats.

The Jackbox Party Pack 10 contains tons of fun. It’s 5 games for a very reasonable price. Three of the games could be played at parties for hours on their own. The other two added variety to the overall package of games. The Jackbox Party Pack 10 had some smartphone connection issues, but they were minor and easy to fix. This is a must play for anyone with a love for party games. I will be sharing The Jackbox Party Pack 10 at gatherings for years to come.

RUINER is a tight experience that transcends its inspirations and becomes an experience of its own.

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.

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

At a purchase price of $39.99 Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare is easily the most lighthearted approach to a shooter anyone has ever seen and you’re getting an immense amount of value for your hard earned dollar.

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.

Despite some very minor misses in gameplay, Ready at Dawn sets a very high bar in terms of both presentation and story offering up one of the best experiences to date on your PS4.

The Bottom Line is that WWE 2K16 gives the fans what they wanted – the full suite of Creation modes, a more robust My Career mode, and the biggest roster ever. This is now a huge, deep game that will satisfy the most-demanding WWE fans, and it makes WWE 2K15 look like a Demo.

Every inch of Rogue Flight gleams with style. An obvious passion project like this is filled with delightful little details. Playing Rogue Flight is a joy. I’m an easy mark, the second I see something with wings loaded into a tube, I’m already in. And the sky isn’t crowded with a lot of options. Rogue Flight zooms past expectations into a cool, scrappy game.

Realization, heartbreak, and shock are not just the elements that form the basis of Life is Strange Episode 3, but also what makes it uniquely spectacular.

Cat Quest is a delightfully charming experience, one that people may overlook as a kids game, and they would be sorely mistaken. It has depth, an intriguing art style, some wonderful dialogue, and a compelling combat system that – when combined with everything else it has to offer – delivers a game that is hard to put down.

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.

With two enormous franchise names coming together in one expansive and extremely satisfying title, I think it’s safe to say that LEGO and Marvel has brought us a game that doesn’t come by often and shouldn’t be missed.

Splasher manages to take one of the oldest gaming genres and deliver something new. Nothing about its novel mechanics come off as bizarre or out of place; it weaves mechanics and level design in such a way that it positively innovates. Kudos to the folks over at Splashteam for making a platformer that doesn’t rehash the same old experience.

Controls aside, this might be one of the first collections I’ve acquired in a long time where I’m almost compelled to finish every game.

In the end this game could have indeed been a bit more, but what is there is damn good and driving fans will be impressed that is for sure. Make no bones about it, Forza Motorsport 5 should be a game that you should definitely consider when buying your shiny new Xbox One.

If you have been wanting that extreme survival adventure experience on the Meta Quest 2, Into the Radius is your game. It’ll have you alone, outgunned and loving every minute of it. But even for the rest of us, there’s a fun time to be had — provided you can weather the initial frustration.

Overall, Steins; Gate could be considered the pinnacle of visual novels with its brilliant storytelling combined with beautiful visuals.

Shadow Warrior 2 a is brilliant bundle of slice and dicing fun, and being that I’m someone who was massively unimpressed by Flying Wild Hog’s debut title Hard Reset, I gotta give credit to them for improving so drastically over just a few years.