Even though Gnosia has a simple and familiar concept, it presents a sophisticated social deduction game with an interesting narrative. With various roles and combinations of crew members, each game can trigger new events depending on what you decide to do. Although constantly playing the same guessing game can feel repetitive (as this is true for most things), there is great replayability due to the many options Gnosia provides. Mix this with a group of eclectic characters and a thought-provoking sci-fi narrative, and you’ve got yourself a great game you can play for ages.

There is no doubt there are times that Episode 4 does feel a little stale, and frankly the combat sequences do come up short, but at the end of the day fans of the previous three episodes will walk away dying to find out what happens in the final installment to one of the better video game experiences of 2012.

From the visuals to the sounds, Resident Evil has been polished. With the addition of the alternate controls, it’s given a modern touch that only enhances the experience. This is without a doubt the definitive way to play Resident Evil.

I had a great time with Loop Hero. I just wish I’d been able to unlock the Necromancer class sooner. Smashing my enemies with an army of summoned skeletons is amazing.

While it looks and plays differently than past Dragon Age games, Dragon Age: The Veilguard doesn't abandon either its rich trove of lore or ability to tell engaging stories. Dragon Age: The Veilguard has memorable characters and action-focused combat that contains more than enough depth to see it through to the end. Polished and confident, Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like a return to form for the developer. Dragon Age: The Veilguard gives us a beautiful world to experience, interesting companions to explore it with, and action that grows increasingly more nuanced throughout.

Hands down the most ambitious game in the series to date. Ubisoft Toronto made a very bold choice to try and appease fans of every past game we’ve seen and create a ‘Splinter Cell For All’ style game. By and large they’ve succeeded fairly well at their task.

Between its immensely fun co-operative gameplay and its charming approach to storytelling, Unravel Two is an excellent follow up to an already stellar indie title, and I genuinely hope that Coldwood Interactive continues to thrive to bring us more creative experiences like this one.

Newcomers to Tekken may find the learning curve to be a tad bit high and accessibility to resources lacking, but self-driven investigation on combos as well as tips and tricks is all part of the fun. It’s also a surprisingly suitable entry point for newcomers to learn about the Tekken universe and returning fans to have a recap.

Mega Man 11 brings the series to new heights. Every element of the game is glistening with polish. Yet, the core Mega Man formula remains largely unchanged. If you’re coming to this game looking for massive, sweeping shifts to the Blue Bomber’s oeuvre, you may come away disappointed. My disbelief at the growth that’s happened is tempered by the amount of growth in question. Make no mistake, these are small steps. But they still take Mega Man to a new place, one that I’m quite reluctant to leave. In spite of my constant, low-burning frustration, I've had a blast with this game. Fans can rest easy knowing that Capcom has brought the blue bomber back with a vengeance.

A fantastic game and a must-play for anyone that enjoys puzzle-platformers. The game is by no means hard, and you’ll likely finish it over the course of a weekend – but for those that are set on completing every objective and finding every Pixel Toad – you’ll be sure to squeeze many more hours out.

EA Sports rolled the dice by going all in with a new engine and single player story mode. For the most part, they pulled it off as it features interesting characters and a compelling story. While it is predictable, a little too short and contains some goofy quick time events, it's a hearty addition to the franchise.

Straddling the line between remake and remaster, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a compelling reminder that the original was pretty magical, despite its almost endearing flaws. There’s little doubt that this new version goes a long way to making a great game even more appealing to newcomers, without making it unrecognizable to longtime fans. Short of an entire, from-the-ground-up remake, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is the ultimate version of a genuine classic.

If you fancy VR or love horror games and the Resident Evil series, you should definitely check out Resident Evil Village on the PSVR 2. Here’s hoping that the upcoming Resident Evil 4 Remake is getting a full VR Mode. Plus, it would be awesome to have Resident Evil 7 ported to PSVR 2 too.

The team at Jumpsuit clearly put a lot of effort and ingenuity to work to create an elegant and challenging experience. While it’s a game you probably won’t go back to once it’s over, puzzle game aficionados will find a lot to like within.

Clearly the developers went in with a lot of new and ambitious ideas but the execution of such in some ways fell short. What made the first Joe Danger game enjoyable is simply not found this time around.

I have and will continue to enjoy my time with WWE 2K23. It’s nowhere near the overall improvement 2K22 was when compared to 2K20. But it didn’t need to be. 2K23 is a fantastic follow-up to last year’s game. If Visual Concepts continues in this direction, it won’t be long before the WWE series stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of the sports game genre.

It's hard to imagine any action game fan not being entertained by Ninja Gaiden 4. Its combat is visceral and incredibly fluid. Moving around the environment is more engaging than ever, making every battle a ballet of acrobatics and combat. Some sequences slightly overstay their welcome and there's a questionable bit of storytelling near the end. Breathe a sigh of relief. Ninja Gaiden 4 is the return to the bloody good time that fans have been hoping for.

As it stands, the game is a fun romp, but only if you can get past the differences from real pinball psychologically.

DrinkBox has really outdone themselves, and have made an absolute classic.

On the new maps that include behemoths, you’ll get the armored train or the dreadnaught. All said I’m very impressed with this expansion pass.

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.

Fuga: Melodies Of Steel is a tricky game to review. It’s likely not what anyone is looking for. Not only is it different gameplay-wise from the other Little Tail Bronx games, but its linearity will also turn off many RPG fans. What it is though, is very good. CyberConnect2 certainly achieved their vision with this strange adventure. Though Fuga’s audience may be extremely niche, those who play it, without expectations, will be in for a treat.

Wreckfest is wild, a cornucopia of damage that shines in demolition, dampening the pain of a DNF with the pleasure of watching your car get destroyed in spectacular fashion.

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.

Final Fantasy VII was such an accomplishment and really, it will always remain an enjoyable classic for us all. And for those who have not yet experienced its glory, now is a great time to try out the game that influenced the world of RPG.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a great addition to the franchise. Its personal story develops Aloy’s character and gives a glimpse into a different side of her. The new characters drive the narrative further to deliver a memorable tale. It’s easy to comment on the similarities with previous releases, however, the DLC offers more than this. While there are some uneven boss encounters, the jaw-dropping final segment and beautiful setting make this an unforgettable trip to LA.

If you are a grand strategy fan, and you are one of those people who avoids war whenever possible (I know you’re out there), Victoria 3 is the game for you. What it lacks in breadth it makes up for in depth. There isn’t a more sophisticated nation simulator around, and the game will only grow in time. Much like The Sims before, Paradox games tend to have dozens of expansion packs. I will probably leave Victoria 3 installed in anticipation of those. This is a gigantic, excellent strategy game and for some people (nerds), it’s going to be a fave.

Even for those new to the franchise, this is an excellent place to start. The characters, worlds and story (although confusing) are really great once you figure it all out.

Despite a slow start, when Dragon Quest Builders starts rolling it’s hard to put the game down.

A game that is rich and deep with personality and unmatched ridiculousness. Saints Row IV is exactly what I needed this summer. It takes everything that I love about sandbox style gaming and makes it better.

With fantastic presentation, impressive graphics and voice acting, a surprisingly interesting story, a great control scheme, and a huge amount of content, I highly recommend Injustice: Gods Among Us to not only comic book fans and fighting game veterans, but to anyone looking for a game that’s extremely entertaining to play.

If you’ve never had the chance to climb the snowy mountains of Skyrim, face off against its fierce Frost Trolls, or absorb the souls of dead dragons you’ve bested then jumping into Skyrim Special Edition is a no brainer.

The occasional dip in my enjoyment was a fair trade for the unsettling atmosphere, the fascinating narrative, and the clever premise. If you’re in the market for an unconventional horror game, I can easily recommend Yuppie Psycho.

Despite the mechanic shortcomings, there’s still a lot to like and should be enough to satisfy anyone who’s looking for an old school RPG. inXile has some solid talent on board and this strong offering can definitely fit the role of a suitable successor to one of the most enjoyable RPGs of all time.

If you’re looking for a difficult yet incredibly fun platformer, look no further.

There is a ton of content that definitely makes up the cost. However, at this price point, I would have liked seeing a physical release as well instead of it solely being a digital release. With the cute anime visuals, intricate character designs, vibrant and pastel color schemes topped with fun and catchy music, you’ll be in for an absolutely charming adventure with three very adorable girls.

When I finished Call of the Sea, I couldn’t help but smile. It was such an incredible journey with an intriguing story and a well-thought-out ending. From start to finish, with the exception of a couple of frustrating puzzles, I truly enjoyed this game. Considering it’s is launching on Xbox Game Pass, there is absolutely no reason for Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One gamers to not give this gem a try. The sheer amount of love and care that went into crafting this world should be the new standard that all devs strive to achieve. I can’t wait to see what Out of the Blue have in store for us next, and I truly hope we’ll return to the world of Call of the Sea in a future title.

I appreciate how the development team really understands the particulars of the real life game as it helps to deliver another great effort. With the advancements made to many aspects of the gameplay and aesthetics this year, both big and small, virtual hockey fans should rejoice as NHL 14 is yet another winner.

There remains room for improvement and I certainly experienced a few let-downs with Madden 15; however, this is hands down the best Madden game to date. And let’s just say the future remains bright for the franchise.

Slime-san does its job admirably. It strives to be annoyingly difficult and it succeeds with a platformer that is trying, it captures the style it aims for and offers many hours of playtime.

Hellblade’s rewarding combat system and its larger story that deals with mental health in a significant way make for a great cinematic journey that isn’t afraid to embrace its linearity. While I would have liked to see the same kind of ambition in the puzzle design, Senua’s Sacrifice is a worthy addition alongside the likes of the severely underrated Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.

Ultimately, Grime is an overall successful transposition of the 2D Soulslike subgenre into a new and engaging world. Although it lacks the emotional richness of the best Souls games, Grime’s striking environments, solid combat, imaginative enemies and original mechanics all work together in harmony, and it clearly establishes a formula that is open to refinement and possibility.

Between the DLC and the Switch’s portability, there’s a lot of new life breathed in. On the other hand, if you’ve never played this game before, this review is more of a warning. Spend your money wisely, for countless hours can vanish in a blink.

It hit every note that it needed to and didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. Maybe that’s the secret to Kirby’s longevity. It knows what it is and what it shouldn’t try to be.

I was disappointed that Strange Antiquities didn’t fix some of my issues with the first game, but it’s still a marked improvement in gameplay complexity and depth. A perfect pick during the Halloween season, Strange Antiquities delivers on that cozy-yet-spooky Victorian vibe with the best of them. If you love mystery games, the pull will be irresistible.

Although these are fairly bite-sized adventures, each one packs a remarkable punch. Every chapter works to distinguish itself from the rest of the pack, and it shows. While I can’t recommend each story with equal vigor, I am impressed with the total package. Sure, I would prefer fewer chances to soft-lock yourself. I’d also love to leave behind some of the level grinding. But the core gameplay loop is still fun. Between the wild stories, the engaging combat, and the incredible voice acting, Live A Live feels like much more than the sum of its parts. If you’re any kind of fan of classic JRPGs, you owe it to yourself to check out this game.

Simply put, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions is a fantastic RPG for the 3DS. For those who were not fortunate enough to experience Super Mario RPG or the original Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, this is a must-have. The gameplay is fun, the puzzles are simple yet interesting, and the combat reminds us older gamers of a time when turn-based combat was at its peak.

The pressure is back on with GW2: EoD and it feels good. The main quest line and combat are engaging thanks to new elite specializations, unique characters, and interesting fight designs. Despite some lackluster parts of the main adventure, there is still a drive to keep going. If you love focused stories in MMORPG’s, End of Dragons is an expansion that not only adds to, but builds on, a well established world. With all the other content EoD adds, there is so much to do. Yet the story is the highlight, ushering you forth as the hero you want your character to be, if you’re brave enough to face the End of Dragons.

In addition to being an engaging and thoroughly entertaining — if sometimes emotionally challenging — game, Vampire Therapist casts light on several widely used CBT techniques. Players are almost guaranteed to walk away with insights into their behavior and thinking and hopefully be more open to seeking guidance from a living, probably non-vampire therapist.

Episode 6 sums up Hitman’s 2016 season: great level design, some good assassination opportunities, and a minimal story.

Never before has a shooter been taken a direction that puts just as much emphasis on the environment as the people that are in it. Each match feels like a fresh new experience, and it’s all done with a sort of “makes too much sense” grace that I’m legitimately surprised we haven’t seen done before.

The combat is shallow and gets tedious near the end of the game, the story drags in parts and could have benefited from being an hour or two shorter, but Tearaway is such a rare type that those things are easily forgiven. It joins the mediums of video game and art together, then flips them topsy turvy until you’re unsure of where one begins and the other ends.

Long time veterans will have a few minor gripes with TrackMania Turbo, but it’s the perfect experience for those new to the series.

Seasons adds in one or two fun systems, and I can’t wait to see how they interact with future content, but it doesn’t have the game-changing impact you’d hope an expansion pack would bring.

If you must prepare for this game, then prepare to be exhausted, elated, and energized. I found the Persona/Fire Emblem mix to be a bit unbalanced for my tastes, with too much tough and not quite enough touching. Still, under the layers of glitter, music, and misery, there’s a rock-solid JRPG to be found. If any of these disparate ingredients caught your eye, then Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore will almost certainly keep you hooked.

Snufkin Memories of Moominvalley is a wholesome adventure with a clear message of environmental protection. It gives us a fresh take on the tale of human greed as a disruptor of nature. A truly stunning homage to the work of Tove Jansson and the messages of friendship and respect in the story of Moominvalley.

Set in an idyllic town, amongst the harmony of nature, Life is Strange: True Colors might appear to be an escapist fantasy. But it has something to say. Subtly, and most importantly effectively, it reflects its characters and themes onto the player. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, and an adventure that ultimately kept me glued to it from start to finish.

From the Wii-like characters and its entire eye-popping arcady graphical design to its surprising variety and depth, Super Mega Baseball 2 provides a fun and exciting twist to a sometimes boring and cumbersome sport (sorry baseball fans).

On a story level, Paradise Killer was fantastic. It could have used a lot of fine-tuning but the setting was unique, the characters were interesting, and it asks a lot of questions about morality, acceptable behaviour, the difference between truth and fact, or law and justice. It’s up to you to decide what is right, but the game is a let down in execution. The experience is a long way from video game paradise, but it has its heart in the right place.

WWE 2K24 develops on the solid foundation from its predecessors. Each thoughtful tweak and refinement improves the gameplay to faithfully replicate the television experience. New additions help to bolster the package giving you plenty of options to engage in the world of wrestling. While it sticks to the established formula, it’s still a confident step in the right direction.

A Criminal Past is a different kind of Deus Ex, and one that kept me engaged.

I must mention that this new Switch version of The Lion’s Song is $9.99, while the iOS version is only $6.99. There is no obvious advantage in playing the game on the Switch as opposed to on an iPad, especially since the retro visuals do not gain anything from being played on a TV-sized screen.

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.

I love Star Wars, I love video games, and Fallen Order is a glorious amalgamation of the two. Though I’ve experienced everything the game has to offer, I genuinely can’t wait to play through it again on the hardest difficulty. At this point, I can only hope Respawn follows it up with a sequel because the force is remarkably strong with this one.

A brilliant game that may turn away some beginners due to its steep learning curve, but stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with an intense squad-based shooter that gives Battlefield a run for its money. It also serves as a cheerful reminder to me that I’d be as useless in a real firefight as I have expected.

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.

If you do not already own Black Ops 2 for any other console, and you are a COD fan who has picked up a shiny new Wii U console, then you will inevitably want to pick up Black Ops 2 at it is a purchase that is really a no-brainer.

Irony Curtain is a satirical point and click with plenty of nonpolitical humor that’s a pleasure to play. The art style is great, and the humor manages to be a good mix of political satire, references, and great jokes. Irony curtain is an excellent time if you are looking for a relaxing point and click with great atmosphere.

GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an accessible and deep fighter. You can easily combine moves and unleash cinematic super moves which allows newcomers to pick up and play instantly. However, nuances permeate the combat which allows veterans of the genre to delve into the mechanics to hone their skills. While at a glance, the game looks similar to its predecessor, new combat and online options flesh out the game to make this a superior fighter.

I honestly don’t think this game is getting the attention it deserves. The bad things (bugs, balance, optimization) in this game can be patched while the core of this game is phenomenal. If you are a fan of Lovecraft’s work, you are doing yourself a huge disservice by not checking this one out.

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.

Nocturnal has a strong core mechanic that generates some interesting puzzles and game play. Aside from that, the environments and story aren’t especially interesting, and while there is progression and a bit of depth, there’s some frustration, too. Nocturnal does a lot with its basic premise, but the rest of the game feels like an afterthought.

The sound design is supported by an old fashioned art design that gets the job done. Sometimes it looks like a very attractive GBA game and sometimes the portraits are distractingly higher res than the character models. Classic game weirdness! And that’s the thing- Symphony of War doesn’t get perfect marks across the board. But it adds up to more than a sum of its parts. Once you start noticing how elegantly all of Symphony of War’s systems interact, you’ll never be able to go back.

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.

Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile is a smart and thoughtful reimagining of the classic novel. The shift to the 1970s and the addition of a new protagonist breathe fresh life into a familiar tale. While the gameplay conforms to genre conventions, its mechanics are executed with care, resulting in an engaging and intriguing adventure that keeps you invested from start to finish. Despite some stiff animations and occasional pacing issues, this remains a grand journey, and one of Poirot’s finest outings in the medium.

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.

Without my suffering-tinted lenses, Ghostrunner is a fast-paced, tough-ass platformer. Every stage is a non-stop barrage of fresh new challenges. Death is around every corner if you ever stop moving. You’ll experience crushing defeat in a host of different ways, but your victories will be all the sweeter. You can choose your path to victory, with multiple routes available through some of the larger stages. On the aesthetic side of things, more or less every stage is drenched in cyberpunk minutiae. The neon, the grime, and the violence lend an electric urgency to your already death-defying exploits. My only warning is this: know what you’re in for first. First-person action platform games aren’t for everyone. Of course, I had to play one to discover this, so who knows! Maybe a new favorite subgenre is waiting in the wings.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is incredibly polished and option-filled. It’s a must-own collection for retro fighting game fans. Lots of these games have been trapped in arcade and Sega Dreamcast exclusivity. There are lots of players out there chomping at the bit for modern versions of the Capcom vs. SNK games, and the Power Stone games. The only thing keeping Capcom Fighting Collection 2 from a higher score is that all the games aren’t created equal. And Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper is another version of a game found on several other collections. The modern retro fighting game scene has never had so many rich options. Thank you Capcom!

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.

Star Wars Outlaws is a great port and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 library. While it sticks to the tried-and-tested Ubisoft formula, it still delivers plenty of memorable moments in a beautiful open world. Other versions may run at a higher frame rate and feature sharper textures, but this iteration works incredibly well on the hybrid console – enough that its shortcomings are easy to overlook. If you passed on the first opportunity to delve into the seedy underbelly of the franchise, then this is the perfect opportunity to live out your scoundrel fantasy in a galaxy far, far away.

Legend of Tianding is a great example of the 2D action, platforming genre. Due to its smooth combat, effortless traversal and gorgeous visuals, the game instantly stands out compared to its peers. Although there are difficulty spikes with boss battles, these matchups have been brilliantly designed, offering a myriad of indicators to aid you in your fight. Beautifully and seamlessly merging an array of mechanics, this is the perfect way to celebrate the Taiwanese hero.

Given the big changes this year to F1, Codemasters have crafted an impressive technical showcase that is accessible to players of all skill levels.

A game about depression, starring depressed characters, is an acquired taste compared to other titles in the series. At the same time, Persona 3 Portable has more bite than either of its successors. All in all, I would recommend Persona 3 Portable to anyone interested in an old and troubled classic. But Atlus, please add the animated cutscenes back for the next remake.

I recommend Lords of Shadow, even at the full $29.99 asking price, but if it’s ever on the popular Steam sales for cheaper, make sure you pick it up so you can experience a Belmont’s adventure, as this is the version to play.

Darksiders 2 rises above the rest as a perfect example of what an action-adventure game should be, and if I had my way, Vigil Games would be making them all.

A Highland Song is wonderful. The atmosphere that permeates the game is intoxicating and will make you want to search every inch of the environment. There is a real incentive to replay the game due to the many routes and the timed objective. Although the survival aspect feels a little unnecessary, there are plenty of elements within the design that will make you fall in love with Scotland.

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.

Bloodroots is a game that fans of challenging action brawlers need to give a shot. With its wide variety of weapons, smooth action, and crisp visuals, Bloodroots could be that next Hotline Miami-like fix. The game’s replayability will likely depend on its community, with a scoreboard, speedruns, and self-made challenges at the forefront of that opportunity. While Bloodroots is no walk in the park, it remains accessible to those who don’t particularly love a brutal challenge.

Little did I know that in being tasked with capturing gameplay for week one of early access that Hunt: Showdown would go on to become one of my all-time favorite video games. I’ve actually had to refrain from expressing many of the countless aspects I love. Fortunately, for Hunt’s sake, the majority of its glaring issues were resolved prior to the launch of 1.0. Aside from rare connection issues, Hunt: Showdown is unequivocally one of the best PvPvE experiences of this generation. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re a junkie for hardcore, competitive, survival-based multiplayer in a horrific setting, I strongly recommend paying a visit to the bayou.

Bionic Bay is a captivating platformer that pays homage to the forefathers of the genre while confidently carving its own path. Its stunning art direction immediately sets it apart, lending the game a fresh and distinctive identity in an otherwise crowded space. Adding in the thoughtful mechanics and meticulous level design, Bionic Bay stands out as a truly special platformer and an essential purchase for fans of the genre.

Some of the game mechanics and gimmicks may grow a bit tiresome after awhile, but the clever level design, bonus objectives and unique puzzles make this yet another fantastic title for Wii U owners to add to their collection.

When it’s all said and done though, Dodgeball Academia is much better than I was expecting. I enjoyed the style, the zaniness, the characters, and only got frustrated by the gameplay a couple of times. Given my childhood history with the sport and my general anger over not being able to win in every game, a couple of times of frustration is a MASSIVE win. While the RPG elements to it are a little on the light side, the open-ish world and all of the side quests/daily challenges you get to tackle on top of the story have you 3 hours deep into dodgeball games before you know it. The fun and light hearted aspects of the game outweigh the negatives, making Dodgeball Academia a good pick up if you’re looking to hear that SPLAT once more.

Whereas Shadows of Valentia suffers from uninspired level design, it makes up for it with its twin armies, fun dungeons, and returns to form. It is a welcome step back from the previous 3DS Fire Emblem games as it focuses on a tighter narrative while providing us with a glimpse towards the future as Shadows of Valentia ventures into new territory with its explorable areas and fresh gameplay mechanics.

Life is Strange has closed its curtains after giving us a marvellous show. While the ending is satisfying, Life is Strange Episode 5 “Polarized” isn’t the strongest episode of the entire series. It does; however, offer a nice close to a worthy adventure.

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.

Everhood is an enchanting rhythm-based adventure that falls short of greatness due to a few technical issues. Its combat system is an absolute joy and the music is brilliant, however, frame-rate drops and lengthy load times hinder what could have been a great experience.

All in all, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a strong introduction to the world of Zemuria. And it may have the best pacing of any game in the series. If you’ve ever been curious about the Trails series, love the Trails series, or just want a new RPG, check this title out.

As long as the network issues can be sorted out, I have a lot of great expectations for Helldivers. This can easily be one of the most fun co-op experiences all year, for both indie and AAA titles.