A perfect homage to an older genre, Nelly Cootalot: The Fowl Fleet is filled with humor and charm.

Simultaneously a throwback and a breath of something new, Eastward is a magic trick of blending familiarity with novelty and grim apocalyptic sci-fi with wide-eyed fantasy.

Shakedown: Hawaii offers a wonderful cavalcade of carnage down in paradise. The place is inviting, but may lose its appeal for some after the jokes and violence get old.

The Textorcist offers a unique twist on bullet hell gameplay that’s bogged down by annoying design and bad dialogue. Impressive but disappointingly few boss fights provide some hours of entertainment, but the game has little else to offer.

The undead series about the undead stumbles a little in its revival episode, though it still retains tension, great setpieces, and undeniable heart.

While repetition defines The Sojourn as more of an attractive collection of brain teasers than a rich narrative experience, its intricate levels and creative puzzle design will engage any player looking for gratifying challenges of a slower pace.

Lost Words is an emotional journey that is told beautifully, and only slightly let down by the lack of gameplay and puzzles in between the fantastic storytelling.

Though some weak modes dampen the overall package, Samurai Shodown might just offer the best pure fighting game experience in recent memory, for both veterans and newcomers alike.

Even with all that said, though, Pepper Grinder’s core gameplay is still ridiculous fun, and raising the flag at the end of each platforming level still feels triumphant, if only for short-term pleasure. Pepper Grinder is a short game, only four to six hours, so the lack of other compelling aspects feels disappointingly underwhelming. Still, the thrill of the precision-heavy chase is an oh-so-tempting one, even if you won’t remember the chase very well afterward.

Entrancing, magical, and beautiful, Eastshade is much more than a pretty picture.

A truly fantastic beat ‘em up that’s been brought back from the dead, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition is utterly sublime.

A great space combat simulator that is fun to play and contains plenty of great moments, even if it is a little barebones in some places.

While Irony Curtain doesn’t add anything particularly new to the point-and-click genre, satirical humour, likeable characters and fun gameplay make this a puzzle game definitely worth your time.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a smart, fun and well-executed roguelike take on the beat ‘em genre.

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada II is a beautiful and ridiculous space opera that delivers on pretty much every front. Anyone who has ever wanted to smash big chunks of (heavy) metal cathedrals together will love this game.

Amnesia: The Bunker is one of the most terrifying horror games ever made, but those looking for Resident Evil 4 levels of length and replayability are going to be left seriously disappointed.

Humankind is a refreshing and authentic take on the historical 4X strategy subgenre, albeit with some balancing problems that keep it from greatness.

While Solasta: Crown of the Magister suffers from lackluster visual presentation, the tight gameplay and excellent dungeon editor make this a game that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.

Super Crush KO’s issues are prevalent enough to dampen the overall package.

Sniper Elite 5 successfully builds on the foundations of Rebellion's long running series, but some glitches do hamper the experience somewhat.

Despite some hokey voice acting and a few technical quibbles, Darksiders: Genesis manages to be every bit as significant to the franchise as the mainline games.

A Fold Apart stands apart from its indie puzzler peers thanks to a heartwarming story and some truly innovative paper riddles.

You simply aren’t missing out on all that much by sticking with FIFA 20.

Resident Evil 3 is a mostly superb remake of a horror classic with many clever spins on the formula and fluid, enthralling gameplay. I just wish there was more of it.

A fabulous collection of one of gaming’s most deceptively difficult games, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania is pure, unadulterated fun.

Give Little Big Workshop just a bit of time, and it’ll hold your attention for hours on end.

The Pathless is a fantastic game full of rewarding exploration and moment-to-moment gameplay that gets right at the heart of what makes open world games fun.

Do Not Feed The Monkeys is an offbeat slice of dystopia that feels right at home on the Switch.

Lucky’s move to Switch is a lovingly-crafted adventure that exudes creativity and fun, and if it’s any indication of what to expect from future outings from this delightful little fox, count me in for the long haul.

Grapple Dog’s not a perfect platformer by any stretch of the imagination, but the core gameplay concept and visual design still manages to raise huge grins.

Rough combat and simply serviceable story aside, Assassin's Creed Mirage trims the fat while also adding plenty of promise for future entries in the series.

Kaiju Wars stomps its way onto the strategy scene with its brilliant sense of style, distinct setting, and tight tactical gameplay.

She Remembered Caterpillars is great puzzle game with a deep story and engaging, ambitious, and colourful obstacles to test you. Simply put, it is one of the best puzzle games in years.

WRC 8 is finally a true match for the Dirt series with its authentic presentation, engrossing gameplay, and varied selection of vehicles and circuits.

Mortal Shell is a fun and compelling game that just doesn’t quite hold up all the way through.

Though the gameplay can be a tad simplistic, Cake Bash succeeds through the whimsical fun and madcap silliness it brings to the party game genre.

Any issues with Truberbrook are more than outweighed by the brilliant visuals, great audio, and enjoyable cast of characters.

For what it is, Dead or Alive 6 offers an enjoyable experience for new players and veterans alike, but the full package currently fails to deliver in a lot of key areas.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia does not quite reach the heights of truly great tactical RPGs.

While not the slickest, fastest character action out there, Battle Through Time feels like a game that fans will be playing time and time again.

Noita relies far too heavily on random numbers to create any kind of enjoyment, and though it might make some fun stories, players will be left craving an actual roguelike rather than this RNG simulator.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits grounds itself on relaxation, healing, and cuteness, getting us to reflect and meditate on the beauty in the world when there is darkness abound.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a blindingly bright love letter to the entire series with a sheen that’s often diminished by its own technical shortcomings.

Scott Pilgrim EX had a lot of legacy to live up to, and it mostly honours that with excellent mechanics and gameplay overhauls alongside a brand new story.

Fantasy Strike’s philosophy of a truly “accessible” fighting game is a successful one, with plenty to love for new fighting games players and veterans alike.

Full of wit, great gameplay and memorable moments, SuperEpic is simply one of 2019's best indie games.

Broken Lines is a solid turn-based strategy-RPG hybrid with endearing characters, strong tactical gameplay that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and an alternate history WWII survival-mystery story filled with desperation, hopelessness, and dread.

There is always something new to see in Heaven’s Vault, and I was constantly taken aback by Inkle’s sheer and heartfelt attention to detail. Every turn of the plot, new character and puzzle was enough to see me through to the mystery’s end, and somehow even the minimal gameplay adds meaning to the story in a way few other puzzlers manage.

Ghostrunner’s fusion of parkour and one-hit kill gameplay makes for a challenging but brilliant experience worth checking out.

Despite a plethora of decently challenging and fast-paced levels, Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity’s lack of level and gameplay variety stop it from being the next arcade classic.

A smart remaster that retains the core of the original while improving graphics and adding quality of life improvements, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is great for both fans and newcomers.

Pikuniku is a bizarre and often hilarious puzzle platformer that is too hamstrung by its brisk campaign to make it much more than a neat distraction.

By the time you have to leave this strange planet, there’s a real sense of disappointment as it’s a world that you want to keep exploring for as long as possible.

This game has such a rich history and I sincerely wish this remaster reaches people who appreciate it or who never had access to it before – after buying it on sale, of course.

Make no mistake: while it certainly doesn’t redefine the genre, Feudal Alloy is an incredibly strong second title from Attu Games. It abides by genre conventions with a style that is all its own, nearly flawless gameplay, and an injection of strategy sorely missing from most Metroidvanias. One of 2019’s first strong indie titles.

Regiments may give you the opportunity to try yourself out as a combined arms commander, but it doesn’t go the extra mile to flesh out the experience to the fullest.

Unruly Heroes is a super fun take on an old story that is full of charm, breathtaking art, and more challenges than you can shake a bo staff at. It’s certainly not going to make anybody forget other Journey to the West adaptations, but it has so much going for it that it makes this version of the story all its own.

It’s definitely bigger, and there’s certainly more, but there’s still a lack of polish around the edges that stops it from being definitively better.

Demon Turf’s few flaws do little to detract from an excellent 3D platforming experience that’s worth checking out, whether you’re a casual player or potential speedrunner.

Telltale’s The Expanse reinvents their mechanics while being a faithful inclusion to the lore that fans of the books or Amazon’s TV series will get the most out of.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is immensely fun and easily the best instalment of the franchise to date. You will absolutely want to set sail for this one.

Etherborn is a beautiful and innovative puzzle-platformer that can often be headache inducing, but even so it is very much worth your time.

Rebirth subverts player expectations by offering intriguing new features and wonderful world design. Even if the puzzles are sometimes obtuse, Rebirth is well worth your while.

Field of Glory 2: Medieval is a solid new entry for the series, taking combat from antiquity and into the age of chivalry. The gameplay remains strong and complex with meaningful minor changes to authentically reflect the Medieval period. Though there are some modes of the game that could do with a significant rework, the game still offers plenty of strategic and tactical decision-making opportunities for budding commanders.

City of Brass is a fun and swashbuckling adventure that gets seriously hamstrung by its clumsy and sluggish controls. Recommended to any masochist out there who wants to get punished on the go and doesn't mind looking past some issues.

Evil Genius 2 is a solid, expansive, and fun lair management and defence game and a welcome return for the franchise.

The characters form the heart of Lost Eidolons, but a whole slew of grating and annoying issues makes this a run-of-the-mill tactical role-playing game.

Aliens: Dark Descent marries its inspirations with reverence for its source material to create arguably the best Aliens game of all time.

While the games themselves may vary in quality, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy still presents a pretty solid case for purchase.

Back in the Groove is a reboot that maintains the franchise's classic feel with a few worthwhile tweaks. Whether it is for nostalgia or a new adventure, this is a shattered Earth worth exploring.

The experience is mired only by several bland game features, some grating repetitiveness, and an odd lack of personality from the officers.

Total War: Rome Remastered is a solid technical remaster of a classic game, but fails to legitimately improve and adapt for modern sensibilities.

Concrete Genie paints a pretty picture with innovative mechanics and a charming personality that's hard to resist.

Samurai Warriors 5 is over the top in its action, beautifully painted in its presentation, and offers a surprisingly decent narrative. It may get grind heavy, but that doesn’t stop it from being the freshest Warriors game in years.

It’s cool to be the hero you were meant to become in a pretty world, but Black Desert is lacking in the meat of other classic MMOs and requires a hefty grind.

Take Us Back caps off The Walking Dead: The Final Season on a pitch perfect note with the goodbye that Clementine deserves.

Though technically not a bad game by any stretch thanks to great art direction, solid gameplay, and several potentially fantastic ideas for the future, A Total War Saga: TROY is still an uneven and disappointingly stagnant entry in the Total War franchise.

No Code’s sophomore title nails the organic intricacies of feeling like an artificial intelligence system while also telling a compelling and ambitious science fiction narrative.

Iron Harvest is definitely not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just an average real-time tactics game with neat visuals and very little originality in its design.

Refreshingly brainless and made with a lot of heart, Dead Island 2's repetitive quest design and disappointing conclusion don't stop it from being a whale of a time.

While not the slickest, fastest character action out there, Battle Through Time feels like a game that fans will be playing time and time again.

Carrion is a lean but undeniably fun reverse horror with plenty of clever ideas that will have you second-guessing meatballs.

Evil West isn’t the most complicated game ever made, but it doesn’t need to be, offering a good few hours of overpowered fun.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is an updated take that keeps the good and the bad without losing its identity.

The Metal Gear Solid games remain as masterful as ever, but the same can't be said for this rather rudimentary compilation.

While Greak: Memories of Azur can be occasionally frustrating, the design and world-building are effective enough to make it worthwhile and enjoyable for players of all skill-sets.

An unremarkable story is outshined by engaging, if difficult, puzzles, and a persistently creepy atmosphere.

While its comeback could have been better refined, this is a serviceable remaster with enough bells and whistles to entice veterans and newcomers alike.

While far from a perfect comeback, Need For Speed Heat refocuses the franchise on what it does best, and it’s all the better for it.

The lack of variety and a failure to really stand out among the stiff competition hamstrings Black Future ‘88.

Phoenix Point successfully introduces a slew of new features and mechanics that sufficiently evolve the XCOM-inspired genre of strategy games, though is brought down by some buggy, wonky, and unbalanced implementation of some mechanics.

It isn’t the best game in the rhythm genre (that’s Gitaroo Man), but Melody of Memories is going to entertain a lot of people, make a ton of money, and get fans playing through the whole series again.

Even though a lack of polish and poor accessibility keeps it from greatness, HighFleet is still a gem of an indie strategy game.

If you enjoyed the first two games, there is some fun to be had in House of Ashes, but glitches, a predictable story structure and some boring jump scares holds it back from being a truly worthy sequel.

Summer camp was never this thrilling when I was a kid.

John Wick Hex's early pretence of fulfilling strategy gives way to a maddening trial and error experience that simply doesn't do the license justice.

The endless runner genre has seen a lot of potential contenders try and be the best, and while Tanuki Sunset isn’t quite the best of the best, it’s enjoyable enough to leave a positive impression.

In spite of the weak story and awful launch state, Outriders still manages to be a compelling and rewarding looter shooter.