The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut is a game I really wanted to like, but ultimately just made me wish I was playing Diablo or Torchlight instead. At it’s core, it’s technically sound, but the handful of interesting mechanics are lost in a sea of terrible ones, and does an injustice to the titular vampire-hunting doctor.

The world of The Eternal Cylinder is the most imaginative surrealist representation I’ve seen to date. You’ll be shaking your head in wonder at just how the hell anyone was able to think up such a design for a creature that just skids across the water. Or the giant floating monsters that want to sit on you. It’s a boon that the gameplay holds up as well and if you ever find it too challenging, it’s easy to turn down various settings to let you sit back and immerse yourself in something you won’t be able to easily describe to your friends. And the longer you play you’ll wonder why more games aren’t this creative in all aspects. I really enjoyed my time guiding my flock of Trebhum from danger to salvation. And I hope you will too. Just remember to roll like you didn’t know you could.

All in all, the world of Afterimage is gorgeous and thrilling to explore. I just wish the game’s storytelling was as compelling as its setting.

Dordogne is a gentle and comfortable adventure that manages to capture an authentic quality. The intriguing narrative threads are thoughtfully implemented to allow you to tie strands together. Gameplay aspects are rudimentary and at times feel unnecessary, however, they do help make the jaw-dropping environments feel alive. While at times you may wish that Mimi could run, that thought seems to dissipate as you take in the beautiful surroundings. Although this is not for everyone, those who enjoy narrative-driven games will fall in love with Dordogne.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not revolutionize the formula that has both served and undermined the franchise for a very long time. It does shake things up a bit by bringing back the twin protagonist mechanic in a new way and making some tentative progress with mission design, stealth, and combat. Shadows’ world and attention to Japanese history and culture are genuinely impressive. Naoe is not the ultimate assassin and Yesuke is not the most refined ARPG hero. However, their different strengths add creativity to combat and narrative complexity. I don’t think Assassin’s Creed Shadows will disappoint many fans, nor pull in the uninitiated in great numbers. It’s a solid AC game with just enough new ideas to make it stand apart from the recent titles.

Despite being a long time coming for North American fans, the real value here is more about getting two gameplay experiences for the price of one. That’s just enough to keep this one from being an average experience.

In the end CastleStorm is a great little game that is worth the asking price if it’s a genre that you’re interested in.

Not every game or genre needs to appeal to every gamer. Hell Let Loose is built for hardcore multiplayer shooter fans with a desire to move away from the casual and sometimes irrelevant teamwork that makes easier games well, easier. Hell Let Loose demands commitment, cooperation, and enough patience to learn the game through several hours of painful, frequent death and have a genuine willingness to contribute to a squad instead of being a lone hero. Meet these requirements and you’re in for a singular and memorable battlefield simulation.

The King of Fighters XV is the greatest release in the series rich history. With its fluid and deep combat, veterans can compete in thrilling and intense battles. However, SNK has also included numerous elements that make the game accessible to support newcomers to the franchise. Whilst there aren’t many unlockables, the game shines in the arena, making this a necessity for fans of the genre.

MMORPGs continue to come and go, but only a handful remain really vital and appealing to a broad range of new and faithful players. While not every expansion of Elder Scrolls Online has been equally amazing, each one has deepened and broadened the core experience. With High Isle, ZeniMax and Bethesda tone down the melodrama. In its place are political upheavals, scheming anarchists and an addictive new card game. The Elder Scrolls Online continues to be a dream MMO for both solo players and groups.

People of Note is uniquely brilliant. This music-themed adventure is a true homage to the industry, boasting an incredible visual style and a stellar soundtrack. Whether solving environmental puzzles or taking on foes, every moment feels engaging, creating a well-paced journey across multiple regions, each brimming with personality. While some of the dialogue can be a little grating and its range of genres may not resonate with everyone, it captures the spirit of a playable musical and deserves a standing ovation.

If you’re a fan of pinball games or looking for something to distract you while the next great VR game launches, Pinball FX2 VR is a great game to check out. The nice variety of pinball machines and the possible promise of more pinball machines coming down the pipeline make Pinball VR one of the stronger PSVR titles to come out this fall.

I’m not sure how I feel about this collection. I didn’t enjoy most of the games I played. And yet, this release does an admirable job gathering up so much Turtles history and memorabilia. You’ve got the games, the box art, the concept sketches, the music, and the TV stills. You have a clear snapshot of the Turtles hype train running at full speed. The effect is so complete this collection feels like a curated museum exhibit. On the other hand, the games are mostly bad. The action is repetitive, the difficulty balance is busted, and the stage design is mostly an afterthought. If you’re looking for a thoughtful essay on Ninja Turtles history, then look no further. If you want a bunch of fun games, The Cowabunga Collection is not for you.

Metal Hellsinger is a fantastic blend of metal music and first-person shooting, with a headbanging gothic vibe that’s hard not to love. It’s a perfect duet of virtuoso vocals and furious action. Like the best metal band, it shreds. Over an extended play session, Metal Hellisinger’s lack of variety hits a slightly disappointing note, but overall it’s a potent and immersive mixture of hard rock and heavy-metal action.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure represents a nearly forgotten genre of game, and represents it in fine fashion. Competent if not revolutionary platforming propels Sackboy through a stunning world full of fun set pieces and clever writing, while an approachable challenge level opens the experience to all skill levels. It’s about having fun, and Sackboy’s first full adventure absolutely succeeds.

Ion Fury was an absolute treat to play and truly felt like I was reliving my teenage years again. The action is non-stop through a vast campaign with a nice assortment of weapons at your disposal. The game is loaded with secrets such as handy item drops and amusing easter eggs. While it’s a shame the game didn’t launch with multiplayer, we’re told it’s being developed and will be added later. I was disappointed that controller support was a bit lacking and the lack of Steam Achievements was a downer. With that said, the game delivers where it counts. Ion Fury is an excellent homage to classic ’90s first-person shooters like Blood, Shadow Warrior, and Duke Nukem 3D.

Does Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reinvent the wheel? Certainly not. But it doesn’t have to. Ryu Ga Gotoku firmly remains in their wheelhouse with this follow-up to last year’s Infinite Wealth. They’ve absolutely done enough to warrant your swift return to Honolulu. Naval combat is a blast; hand-to-hand encounters are still satisfying in that old-school beat-em-up sort of way, and the setting is a pleasure to explore. If there was ever a game I didn’t know I needed, this is it.

If you haven’t looked into this new episodic take on a cult classic, you definitely should. King’s Quest is a great way to kill some time if you enjoy a more comedic point-and-click adventure like Monkey’s Island.

This is a pack for pinball enthusiasts who also love Bethesda games. That might not seem like a hug leap but it creates a dilemma: it isn’t good enough to convert fans of either camp to the other. The tables are fun, but so are many others.

If more hard-hitting story is what you’re after, then surprisingly 3C3C1D119440927 might just be for you. It will come across as just another arena mode for many, but there are enough little details layered in to make this combat-centric content worthy of any fan’s time. It’s a little pricey being over ten dollars, but I assure you that this one is definitely worth it.

Gato Roboto is polished, and there is no doubt a certain naive charm to the game, aided by catchy music and sound effects. The environments and enemies are rendered with a defined style that lends character to the game. The game also controls well which is a necessity as enemies come at you from all directions. But, and it’s a big but, the monochrome white of everything strikes me as bland. Because of it, nothing stands out. Not the environments. Not the enemies. And especially not Kiki.

Take me out to the ball game and leave me in the nosebleeds. I’m never coming back. MLB The Show 21 is a tremendous homage to a sport so many love. I know the Road to the Show regression will drive people crazy, and the bugs do continue to somewhat hinder my enjoyment. But this is all fixable stuff. What lies underneath is a beautiful simulation of baseball. Isn’t that what we came for?

On the surface, Birushana is your typical otome game and in most aspects, it is. However, it is refreshing to have a character who isn’t desperate for love and attention. Even though some routes will put her in a damsel-in-distress position, there are others that showcase her resolve. The conversations are often on the longer side and the men surrounding Shanao are all simps…the ideal type for an otome game. Though the game isn’t perfect, there is so much content to unpack that you’ll likely end up taking days to play. A word of advice – don’t be afraid to romance the man you’re not interested in. Some routes will really surprise you!

If you’ve been looking for a way to play these games on modern consoles, then Lunar Remastered Collection is a godsend. The visuals are mostly preserved, the item management is better, and the voice acting is brand new. New players might be thrown by the simple plot and the retro combat, but the high-speed autobattles offer a convenient off-ramp. While they aren’t my favorite retro RPGs by any means, this collection is a great way to get ahold of them. If nothing else, the 90s anime vibes are downright immaculate.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a glorious blast from the past that takes no prisoners. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy memorizing level layouts, this is the game for you. And if you don’t, give it a try anyway. It’s merciless, but incredibly engaging.

RIDE 6 represents a significant leap forward for the franchise, elevating both its technical performance and overall scope. Milestone has carefully balanced accessibility with authenticity, broadening the game’s appeal without compromising the realism longtime fans expect. It’s an impressive achievement. One further reinforced by the studio’s clear commitment to ongoing support and refinement.

The Quarry is a significant evolution of the formula established with Until Dawn. This time around the performance capture, cinematography and complex branching story are even more impressive. The game's biggest achievement, though, are its setting, narrative and characters. While they don't entirely transcend the stock tropes of genre fiction, they are far and away some of the best in any videogame and absolutely the equal of big-budget horror films. The Quarry is a must-play for horror fans. Gamers who enjoy great narratives, memorable characters and intriguing choice-driven mechanics will love it too.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 seems to favour fixing most of what was there instead of changing the make-up of the game. While these smaller additions are all well and good, there is a feeling in the football sim community that both Pro Evo and FIFA are due for a generational leap in years to come. However, that starts with getting what’s already there right – and in that regard, PES 2019 passes with flying colors.