Alaska has a story to tell that could have been an interesting drama about a murder in an extremely isolated small town. It’s too bad that the whole affair is bogged down by slow movement speeds, generally unpleasant visuals, ineffective minigames, and bad writing. If you’re looking for a game that marries good storytelling and an interesting mystery with framed around mundane work made fun, play The Station instead. It’s best to leave Alaska on ice.

What started out as a promising sojourn into another world, where I could single-handedly take on a horde of Giants, ends up feeling much like the citizenry of Extinction, tired of fighting, tired of Giants, and tired of being there. There’s enough good here that the failures just hurt more. There’s fun movement when it works, fun puzzle-like combat, but despite its best efforts, there’s no portal big enough to save it from the weight of its own systems.

Detective Pikachu is not a typical Pokémon game. Anyone going into this adventure expecting the familiar formula is going to be sorely disappointed. But anyone looking for a new spin on a too-well-worn formula, or those looking to play a classic adventure game, will have a fun time. Is it the best adventure game? No. But it’s nice to see a classic formula revived with plenty of love and passion. And at the end of the day it is fun a game with a very unique perspective on the pokémon world. I dig it.

Considering that Assassin’s Creed as a series allows us to visit the past, Rogue Remastered ends up achieving the series’ purpose. It’s a romp through time, a showcase of some of the best that Assassin's Creed has to offer in both gameplay and story, and now visually matches its successors. While not everything about the game is perfect, I have no trouble recommending it, especially to someone that has not experienced it yet.

Owlboy is obviously a labor of love, and not some cold and calculated syndicate product. Altogether, it would have needed some outside help to do doctoring, especially to the latter half of the game. In the end, Owlboy is true to its inspiration: a retro-platformer both in good and in bad. It’s a shame that it couldn’t grow beyond that.

This new release -- cosmetically better but lacking the overhaul that would really help the game stand up to current titles -- doesn't go far enough. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a cynical cash-grab, but I am disappointed that it not only fails to make the original Titan Quest experience much better, it adds some additional flaws and strips away some of the potential for enjoyment.

No matter how seasoned hardcore adventure game veteran you think you are (like me), you have to admit that Artifex Mundi’s casual adventures are welcome break to daily activities. Even though their premises are often dark, their classic attitude of good eventually conquering evil can liven up the dreariest of days. There’s no trendy grey area of the contemporary fiction in Enigmatis 3 and once in a while, that’s only a good thing.

The jury is still out on whether or not Dream Diary exists as a faithful remake/adaptation of the original Yume Nikki, although research has led me to believe that it wasn’t well received by the community. So if you’re a fan of the original game, you might want to temper your expectations. For the rest of us, Kadokawa’s remake is a spooky adventure game that doesn’t break new ground but will take you to some strange and exotic places.

As a puzzle game, Slayaway Camp does the job, but isn't anything special – it's really saved by having such a fun look and idea to it. A puzzle game about being a Jason Voorhees type is just an awesome hook, and spotting more horror movie references has enough thrill to keep you going. The game may not have the meat to really get its hooks in you from a puzzle perspective, but this fun little love letter to slasher movies is definitely worth a look to gorehounds with a soft spot for the genre.

If you're already familiar with Payday 2 and are dying to play the game on the go with a group of equally excited friends, then Payday 2 on Switch will scratch that itch. For those unfamiliar with the Payday series looking to give it a whirl, you're better off sticking to the far cheaper (and feature complete) version of the game on PC. Meanwhile, everyone else should probably spend their money on something much newer and fresher than this.

For all of its faults, Battlezone: Combat Commander is fun, unique, and innovative. It could even stand the test of time if the developers had spent their energy updating the game mechanics rather than just the in-game graphics. Ultimately, it's a fun game that should have gotten a lot more love from the remaster than it did. For my part, I will continue to enjoy this old classic like I did when I was a kid, but I will always be disappointed that it isn't all it could be, nay, all that is should be.

Unlike many games that have big ambitions and big budgets, only to falter at the most fundamental level, Into the Breach under-promises and over-delivers. Its modest look and surface simplicity belie an addictive and really satisfying gameplay loop that is deep without being overly complicated and rewarding in perfect, bite size moments.

I was pleasantly surprised with how addicted I was to Island Time, as each death was a personal challenge to do better and last longer. It’s one of those games I keep thinking about when not playing, drawing mental ideas and strategies for item management and tactical seagull intercepts. Though it doesn’t offer the comforts and stress-free environment of my real world island adventures, Island Time still manages to be a whole lot of fun.

Although I appreciate what the Royal Pack has brought to the lore of Insomnia, its paltry additions may only appeal to the most hardcore fans who don’t mind replaying the definitive edition of a single chapter. If you’ve never played Final Fantasy XV, the Royal Edition or Windows Edition, both of which have all the DLC – including the character episodes and bonus content not present in the Royal Pack – is the way to go.

While the actual story felt like it was trying to drive me away from the action, Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2 kept me in by being a really stellar side-scroller. The shooting felt great, the environments were well-designed and chock full of enemies to beat, and the arenas were challenging without being cheap. Certainly not as sweet as its namesake overall, but you’d be crazy to turn down this cannoli without giving it a chance.

In the league of arcade racers, it still manages to hold onto its throne, despite improvements made to the online and the way the genre has progressed. These aspects hold it back a little, but as a driving game, there's still nothing that can quite match it, and I look forward to continuously revisiting the game now that it's out on new consoles.

I'm looking forward to what Colorfiction will make next. They are talented in crafting interesting worlds, but they aimed a little too low this time around. I can see where they were going with 0N 0W, but it just doesn’t seem ambitious enough. I recommend the game to those who are looking for a bizarre, desolate experience that lacks any narrative depth.

The skill system, leveling up, confrontations and the immunity/weakness system are all fantastic game design choices that really get you invested in the game. Pair those with superb writing and a beautiful location to explore, and this is one fantastic start to this episodic series. If you're a mystery hound like me that can appreciate these twists to the genre, I think you'll agree that Episode 2 can't come fast enough...

I should have never slept on Toki Tori 2 when it first came out, and if you've been interested on it, but never had the drive to grab it, let this review be the thing that pushes you. The improvements and extra things brought to the Switch version make it the most complete and enjoyable way to play it (though the game is also available on PC and PS4). Any puzzle fan's library would be greatly improved with the addition of this game!

While the allies mechanic isn’t technically new, this iteration borrows the best elements from some of the best Kirby games that came before it, forming an experience that remains entertaining throughout its short campaign. The only downside is that it costs as much as other Switch games that offer much more content. Nevertheless, Kirby Star Allies is a charming romp that is bound to make even the angriest puffballs smile.

MLB The Show 18 continues to be one of the best sports games released each year. The action on the field is an incredible recreation of the real-life sport. I do wish that Sony San Diego would take bigger risks each year with its Road to the Show and Franchise modes. But what is offered up in this year’s game makes for a great game of baseball and one that I’ll be coming back to all year long.

In its current state, Sea of Thieves comes off as a boring and meaningless. It’s astonishing how void of content it actually is. Absolutely beautiful to look at but completely underdeveloped as a game. In comparison, Pirates! from 30 years ago was ugly even at the time but brimming with things to do and rich world to explore. As a full-priced title, Sea of Thieves is daylight robbery.

On the whole, Ni no Kuni II is a beautiful and well-made game that manages to make its combination of action-RPG and city-building seem natural. Despite some initial intimations of darkness, its tone is light-hearted and upbeat and its core combat is very satisfying throughout.

Same Stitch is a fantastic end to a killer season. Batman: The Enemy Within is, in my mind, unequivocally the best thing Telltale has ever put to code.

Moss is one of the most fun and imaginative games available for the PlayStation VR. Even the VR design, which plays with distance and depth of field, is really cool. Although the story was mostly lacking, the world building is fantastic and real, the puzzles offer enough challenge for this age-friendly game, and above all, you’ll be enchanted by Quill and want to hug her and be her best friend forever and ever.

The Alliance Alive is a solid RPG with a lot of flaws (generic characters and story) but balanced with a lot of strong points too (fun gameplay and combat). Despite its annoying shortcomings, the game can be recommended to anyone looking for an RPG that plays like it's straight from the golden era.

The plot and characterization revolving around Joseph, the Heralds, and the cult are very engrossing, and combined with the solid first-person shooter gameplay and free exploration, it’s a game that’s hard to put down. The fact that you can play the entire game in co-op is icing on the cake.

I still have major concerns about the game's combat, but Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a good history lesson for what inspired me and so many others to love RTS genre so much. It’s a brilliant game with a ton of content and for such a low entry price, I think it’s worth a look even if it’s not perfect.

The visuals and the platform challenges create a strong framework for what could be a great game. Despite these sturdy foundations, the skirmishes are problematic. Castle of Heart is blemished by some bad gameplay decisions when it comes to the action. If you can look past these flaws, though, there's an enjoyable game making me warily recommend it.

Florence doesn’t last long but when it's finished, I was left with an overwhelming series of emotions. I don’t want to sound hyperbolic, but I found the simplicity of this game to be profound. Florence right now retails for $2.99 on the App Store and although it doesn't have any replayability, I think it’s worth every penny. I hope that Florence inspires more games of this kind that captured an hour of my day and transformed it into an intrinsic adventure that I’m not soon to forget.

When A Way Out works, it’s one of the most magical video game experiences around. It’s not always perfect, but it’s such a breath of fresh air that even when it doesn’t quite gel, it’s still a joy to play. I loved A Way Out. I think it’s one of the more unique and interesting games released in recent memory.

The remaster might have some flaws that could have been prevented with just a little bit of effort. Despite that, Final Fantasy XII is still solid and just as fun as we remember it. Some aspects might be a bit too easy now, but perhaps the New Game Minus mode will encourage players to challenge themselves for a new kind of experience. All in all, I didn't regret playing the game again, but I also feel that there could have been a little bit more love put into it.

Overall, True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 1 is a solid addition to the hidden object genre with a horror twist to it, so if you enjoy the genre already, you are likely going to enjoy this game as well (and vice versa, of course...). If you're just a horror fan though, you may find the constant stream of puzzles to be annoying as the puzzles definitely out-weigh the story here, so just make sure you know what you're getting into (this isn't Silent Hill or Resident Evil after all!).

The gameplay changes that run counter to the original arcade game don’t always work, but overall, the elements synergize to form a worthy and thrilling deviation of the classic formula. It takes time to learn this new playstyle, but it’s a worthy and thrilling deviation of the classic formula.

At the very least, Gun Gale Online could have been a world worth exploring. But no, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet offers nothing to keep you but freely gives more than enough to make you wish you had the time you spent playing it back.

In the end, Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds may scratch your itch for that nostalgic JRPG experience, but only if you're really desperate for such. Otherwise, prepare to mentally harden yourself to withstand many frustrations as you drag your way through the game. It's a shame that despite the stunning art and music, Legrand Legacy ended up being a very average JRPG, greatly flawed by its questionable choices in the game design and pacing.

The story and setting were interesting, but the scope of the gameplay was fairly narrow and the experience was not really repeatable.

Attack on Titan 2 is a comprehensive take on the franchise and a good entry point to it.

I wish I could sit here and call Surviving Mars an excellent game, because once you get past the eight-ish hours of unnecessary enigmas, it approaches that. It’s rich, intelligent, and deeply moving, succeeding as an entertaining simulation time sink and a profound, uplifting window into the future. And as headache-inducing as it could be, I was always having enough fun to figure it out, and I suppose that says it all. Surviving Mars is flawed, but nonetheless great.

Yakuza 6 offers one of the finest, most realized crime stories of the medium. It also marks the conclusion of Kiryu Kazuma’s story, granting him an ending befitting such a well-rounded character. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a Yakuza expert to appreciate how it all ends.

Beast Battle Simulator has a cool premise, alright, and a lot of fun until suddenly it isn't anymore. Every encounter tend to start looking the same, no matter what species are battling. It would be a perfect browser game, or cheap tablet title but $10 seems a little steep for a game with fairly limited shelf life.

Regardless of how you play it, though, you can go into Shiftlings knowing you’re in for a nice mix of fun, bewilderment, and satisfaction.

It looks fantastic, the combat is epic and thrilling, and the sound design and musical score by the insanely prolific Jasper Kyd round out an impressive sequel. Lack of clarity, some brutal difficulty spikes and some core conceptual and mechanical issues with the game's absolute reliance on co-op are the only sour notes in a dark symphony of epic action.

As an experience, this title is truly exceptional, and has me looking out for Outlands' next title. But I am a game reviewer, and as a game, I cannot in good conscious suggest you play North, as it falls fatuigingly flat fairly fleetly.

In the end, Mulaka's disappoints by bolting a really interesting and rarely experienced setting to a rather unimaginative action game and and art style that might be divisive. The gameplay loop is so familiar that the story and Native American setting feel arbitrary. Never very challenging as an action game, Mulaka is best experienced as a brief portal into an unfamiliar culture.

10tons Ltd has managed to find extraordinary margins within the genre as restricted as top-down shooters. When they travel the road further, who knows what they can come up with? Meanwhile, Tesla vs Lovecraft is a juicy slice of blasting fun.

The remaster’s asking price is high for what it offers, but hardcore fans who want to experience a new coat of paint may still want to check this out. Although the original game was a better package for its time, the remaster is still a fair way to enjoy this classic action-RPG.

Grab Games has done a great job of marrying the winning formula of Punch-Out! with virtual reality. Learning how to handle each fighter’s repertoire of attacks takes patience and memorization but on the plus side, you’ll get a great workout along the way. It’d be cool if the mini-games offered more advantages to the player but that’s no reason to ignore this fun and energetic sports game.

I wasn't the biggest fan of this one. It's a simple game that quickly left me bored and never got much better. The game is alright in some areas but it suffers from being mindless and simple, which isn't what I look for in a game. Phantom Breaker serves a purpose, though the Switch is so loaded down with games at this point that space on the console is better off being used for something else.

Rad Rodgers is a tautly constructed, well-paced game that doesn't outstay its welcome. Although I grew tired of the Pixelverse gimmick and wasn't always on board with the game's humor, I enjoyed its vibrant art, action and level design. Whether you're a platforming wizard or just a casual fan on the genre, Rad Rodgers will keep you entertained.

If you have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story from The Fall, then the next chapter of that story is easy to recommend. It doesn’t, however, have the same emotional impact as the first game, nor does it provide explanations that tie up all of its loose ends. The game’s subject matter is not entirely fresh, but its unique take on the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence at least keep it interesting.

Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash is unashamed fan service for sure, but more importantly it’s a damn good game. Fast-moving and smooth-controlling water tagging action is satisfying and addictive. It’s best played in short bursts, though, as long sessions in a one go can get a bit repetitive. However, there’s so much to play, so many plush girls to play with, and tons of things to unlock and choose from, that you’re most likely coming back to the game for a long time. A few words of warning: PBS is absolutely not for the humorless or uptight persons out there. If you can stand the heat - and take the game as it is - it's unadulterated fun.

The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human is both enchanting and incongruent, engrossing and annoying. The best moments are the quiet ones, when you’re just drifting among massive kelp forests and futuristic ruins. The sense of loneliness is masterfully implemented - you really feel like the last of your kind. There are plenty of messages in the subtext, some subtle and others obvious, but there’s a general trend of bad choices compounding on each other until humanity loses trust in itself. If the boss fights were replaced with more of this interesting lore, we’d probably have something great. Regardless, if you can handle a lot of trial and error in the name of a good story, go ahead and take the - wait for it - plunge.

Sky Force: Reloaded was a game that truly surprised me. Despite being several years old, everything feels modern and polished. While it can be challenging, it never deterred me from playing thanks to brilliant design choices that kept me motivated rather than frustrated. It’s an easy game to recommend and one that I see coming back to for a long time to come.

Everything in the game adds up to the overall experience, making The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II one of the best in the genre. The third part of Trails of Cold Steel saga has seen the daylight only in Japan for PS4. I hope the western PC conversion doesn’t take too much time to arrive. I want to see what’s stored for Rean and Class VII in the future!

It took a rocky trip through hell (both metaphorically and in-game) to finally appreciate what Fear Effect Sedna tries to do. It’s clumsy, controversial and at times even ugly (not Hana, though!), but if it was too perfect it wouldn’t be Fear Effect; rough around the edges and morally dubious. In the end, the game did respect its characters and origins, opening a possible future for the franchise.

Dragon Quest Builders is an engaging sandbox craft game that appeals to players who desire a more structured Minecraft campaign. It’s satisfying to build entire towns, and the RPG elements and addictive feedback loop may keep some playing for hours on end. Although I was disappointed with the segmented chapters and limited free build mode, I still had plenty of fun with the core campaign. The Switch version may not be the ideal version for everyone, but it’s still an excellent option, especially for newcomers. My only wish is that Square Enix can craft an even better experience with Dragon Quest Builders 2.

Overall SteamWorld Dig has a lot of potential for some fun. Unfortunately, due to the tedium of going to and from the town to make money just isn’t for me. It’s a very well built game though, so if you like grinding, or if it doesn’t bother you, you like can’t go wrong with SteamWorld Dig. However, if you’re like me and tedious tasks tend to gnaw at your attention very quickly maybe give this one a pass and try Spelunky instead.

Though later levels offer different and more challenging obstacles, it won’t take you long to settle in. I wish the practice of targeting and interacting with people was less reliant on the headset, but if that had been the case, there’d be no reason to make it a virtual reality enabled product (though to be truthful, it doesn’t need to be). If you’ve played any of Dakko Dakko’s previous games, you have a fairly good idea of what you’re getting into; a simple and straightforward game that bubbles with personality and is effective at passing the time.

Overall, Metal Gear Survive is a great game. No, really. I don’t blame anyone for taking issues with the company that produced it, but it’s clear that the developers really put in the time and effort to make something worthwhile. There are some obvious issues with the story and one blatant microtransaction cash grab, but Survive has a ton of genuinely enjoyable content for its budget price. If you’re looking for a Metal Gear fan service game with a tacked on survival mechanic, this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a survival game with a Metal Gear paint job, it’s well worth looking into.

Terra Feminarum is like a handwork. A unique take on a well-worn concept and turned into a piece of art, quite like no other. It takes some nerve, though. It can be frustrating to lose a life to a momentary lapse of concentration but rarely it’s the game’s fault. Basically, I’m saying; buy Terra Feminarum for that itching arcade shooter fix! I might be biased but I have all the reasons to be so.

Where The Water Tastes Like Wine is a welcome addition to the adventure genre. While its minute-to-minute narrative lacks the complexity and pull of classic adventure games, its open-world design and unique approach to storytelling make it something unlike anything I've ever played before. For those looking to lose themselves in an atmospheric world with phenomenal music and voice acting, Where The Water Tastes Like Wine is worth experiencing. It's certainly an acquired taste, but the water tastes pretty good here.

Ripped Pants At Work is a fun and wonderfully inexpensive game that’s great for a group of friends to pass the controller around. The numerous puzzle pathways to each pair of pants are cleverly designed and offer a good challenge. The soundtrack is pitch perfect, as an acoustic guitar plays a jaunty and gentle tune that runs counter to the stress and terror typically associated of running across busy streets in your underwear. While this won’t command much of your attention for too long, as you could easily collect the entire of pantheon of legwear in as little as half an hour (or less if you challenge yourself), it's still a pretty fun distraction from boring computer work. Ripped Pants At Work takes an instantly relatable premise and fills it with personality, easy to understand mechanics, and silly visual humor.

Progressing through the levels felt way too slow, finding collectible candles frustrated me, and I wasn’t particularly fond of the camera. The story failed to grab my attention due to the bland protagonist and the boring narrative. The gameplay mechanics stay somewhat interesting throughout, but the level design, platforming, and puzzles hold it back from greatness. Candleman is a decent experience, but it’s not a game I’d recommend without a few warnings.

Super One More Jump is a simple single-button game with an excellent execution. What could have been a generic mobile port is a well-crafted autorun platformer instead, with sleek presentation options. The fast pace of the game may not appeal to all, but hardcore players who seek an adrenaline rushing 2D roller coaster ride may want to seek out this hidden gem. This is an addictive experience that leaves you wanting one more jump.

Strikers Edge is a pretty pixel art game with a very focused design and a well-developed experience. Unfortunately for the game, the fun is only there for the first couple of hours and the luster sadly quickly wears off. I appreciate the simplistic design but the unforgiving AI and limited roster/arena scope makes the game feel less then it could have been. I enjoyed Striker’s Edge and could even see this game becoming a breakout hit if the developers were able to expand the game's roster and loosen up the difficulty a bit.

I will admit that there is a sizable chunk of content here as my fifty five hour playthrough was made up of about ninety five percent main story and five percent of late game sidequests. But when the game feels chore to play, some brevity would have been welcomed. It's a shame to see a title with so much promise feel so flat, but I guess Lost Sphear's main characters' optimism has rubbed off on me. I still think the folks at Tokyo RPG Factory have the ability to make a truly outstanding game. Here's to hoping.

Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a game I hadn't expected to enjoy as much as I did. Its shallow story failed to hook me, and its initial levels had me wondering if that is all there is to the game. However, the more I played, the deeper and more enriching its mechanics became, and the more I looked forward to each successive puzzle. While a bit unrefined and lacking a coat of polish, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a challenging and entertaining experience for those looking to kill a few hours on their Switch.

Oh... Sir! is mostly a delight, a fun little game about just insulting your opponents until you've humiliated them enough that they concede. Though some of the writing isn't to my tastes (and of course, more words would be appreciated), the actual back-and-forth insult trades are really enjoyable. It's fun to string together just the right words to take the opponents down. It's going to be one of my go-to games for when I just need to kill a little bit time, and I hope to see the developers improve on this concept.

The presentation is of a high-quality throughout, even if some cutscenes are technically a bit muddy. The graphics paint sinister yet colorful vistas of the pirates’ immortal realm. I also liked the representations of Davy Jones and the ghost girl. They were easily better illustrated and rendered than characters in most other Artifex Mundi games. I’m almost certain, though, that the backing music was already heard in the first game in the trilogy! Within Artifex Mundi’s staple, and casual adventures in general, Nightmares from the Deep 3: Davy Jones is an enjoyable and relaxing diversion to daily chores. No sudden deaths or time limits, just an involving mystery with plenty of ghost pirates. That’s quite a nice mix, I’d say.

Bleed 2 is like its heroine. Short, sweet and mad. The game can be an unadulterated bliss when you manage to get in the groove; glide across several smooth-scrolling screens, taking no hits as you go, dodging and blasting your way forward. I advise to play the game in a lit room with well-rested eyes. Otherwise its action can get dizzying, as I firsthand experienced after the first session with the game (a late evening after watching a movie). Bleed 2 achieves just that what it sets out do. It’s a short-lived but tight package of intense arcade action with no extra frills or cheap padding. Simply put, it’s fun as hell!

While the first game shows its age a little, Bayonetta 2 looks as if it were released last year. The graphics are better, the gameplay has more nuance, and the presentation is even more outrageous. And best of all, both games run like a dream when taken off the dock. It still blows my mind that Nintendo was able to get high-end games like this and Skyrim to run so well when played on the go. If you haven’t played Bayonetta before, then this two-game collection is the perfect opportunity to get on board. And for those anxiously awaiting the release of Bayonetta 3, there’s no reason to not dip back into the well with this fully featured, amiibo supported, and now completely mobile, Switch reproduction of Platinum Games’ best franchise.

Made possible by Kickstarter funding, The Station accomplishes what it set out to do; tell a story built on the foundations of progressive science fiction. The length might be an issue for some people but the journey to the finish line is what ultimately counts. An easy recommendation for those that appreciate the visual storytelling of games like Gone Home, The Stanley Parable and Dear Esther.

Despite some of the shortcomings I found in the narrative and its inability to simply impress when it came to the conclusion of most cases, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Hacker’s Memory manages to hold its weight. It's saying something when compared to other RPGs in the fighting monster team genre. The true stars of the show are the digimon, as they indeed should be, and there’s enough zaniness in the rest of the game to keep you entertained throughout its long running time. There’s room for improvement, though, and should the developers choose to keep this side of Digimon series going, we could see something truly amazing in the future. As it stands now, Hacker’s Memory is not a bad way to hang out with some of my new favorite digital friends.

While there's no denying that we need to be reminded that living in harmony with the natural world gives us strength, Fe's gameplay mechanics and moment-to-moment action are not always rewarding. Its emotional arc lacks the clear structure and coherent ending that some of its cousins -- like Journey or Ori -- have done better. Fe's world is aesthetically pretty but pretty frustrating to navigate, given the imprecision of its platforming and while its use of music --both in gameplay and as an underscore -- is unique and lovely, it isn't quite enough to carry the game for its handful of hours.

Little Red Lie is depressing and misguided. However, it curls up so much in its self-pity and vitriolic hate towards everything that you can’t take it seriously anymore. And the game is meant to be taken very, very seriously. Not all entertainment is meant to make us feel good, but Little Red Lie pushes the envelope. At the very end, the game even falls into mocking at the player who has suffered the self-indulgent boredom of it all. I’m not sure that’s a good sales pitch for Will O’Neill’s future projects… I played this game through for you, and I hope you won’t ever make the same mistake. I’m sure the author meant for us to go all reflective on ourselves at the end but the game didn’t make me look into the mirror. I’m better than that - and so are you. And I’m not lying.

As it currently stands, The Escapists 2 isn't a bad game. Those able to overlook its flaws will find something wholly unique and immersive, and even those who aren't should find things to enjoy within the first several hours of gameplay. At the same time, however, it's painfully clear that a few more quality of life improvements would have made the game so much better. For those looking to become the next Andy Dufresne, The Escapists 2 will certainly whet your appetite. Unlike the movie, however, don't expect it to be smooth sailing.

Although Dynasty Warriors 9's hack-and-slash fighting is fun for a while, and it contains a deep roster of characters, a sprawling story and an even larger landmass to explore, it's hard not to conclude that the franchise is in need of a more radical re-imagining than this installment provides. While there is challenge to be had in the boss fights and the carnage of the large-scale battles, Dynasty Warriors 9 feels awfully familiar.

Be prepared for the best and the worst of the 80s with Crossing Souls. For the most part, the action-adventure against the comfortable backdrop of the era’s popular culture is a heartfelt and charming trip down the memory lane. At its best moments, the game made me even feel like a kid again, and that’s hell of a triumph. The torturing endgame drags Crossing Souls needlessly down, and is a cold reminder that all those games we remember fondly from decades ago were actually a bit sadistic in their nature.

I’m still surprised with how well the drama is acted and how the script effortlessly transports you into a Medieval Europe frame of mind without too many anachronisms to ruin the flow. You don’t see very many video games like this and even though there’s still more game to play, I find the whole thing very cool. Kingdom Come: Deliverance requires a whole lot of patience, reading, studying, and analyzing how things work. Beyond these hurdles lies a fine piece of interactive historical fiction.

With its massive number of creatively designed set pieces, StarDrone VR proved itself to be more fun than I initially gave it credit. The virtual reality element adds a nice sensation of depth to the visual aesthetic, but I never felt the headset was necessary nor the definitive means to play. Replete with puzzles of varying difficulty and scope, StarDrone VR is a fun, pick up and play activity that won’t upset even the most sensitive of VR owners.

Gunhouse is truly something else. It’s an unorthodox genre crossover with an equally unconventional puzzle mechanic. It takes a while to learn, but the payoff is worth it. It’s unfortunate that the game is fairly expensive on the Nintendo Switch compared to its much more competitively priced mobile version. Nonetheless, those looking for a different puzzle experience may feel welcome in the Gunhouse.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed 2064: Read Only Memories more if I hadn’t been spoiled by The Red Strings Club, another cyberpunk adventure I reviewed beforehand. It dealt pretty much with the same themes as 2064: Read Only Memories. But in comparison, it was tight, smart, emotional and really involving with its moral choices. There’s an attempt at social commentary here too, mostly regarding human rights (hybrids are the big debate in Neo-San Francisco), but most of the acute agenda is buried under tons of preaching, failing to connect emotionally. In the end, 2064: Read Only Memories plays its hand perhaps too safe. It should provoke when it preaches, and affect when it lectures. Read Only Memories… Indeed! Play With Memories would have been more involving.

ChromaGun is a fine enough puzzler, though it feels like it's missing things you might want from games of the same ilk. The puzzles don't particularly evolve much and neither does the looks, making the game feel rather static and simple most of the way through. Despite some odd difficulty spikes, the game is something you can mostly breeze through without too much issues. If you're looking for a quick puzzle fix something in the vein of Portal, it's gonna scratch that itch decently enough.

Brawl’s two aces are its price and, in this case, its platform. The game is a cheap buy on a system that makes local multiplayer easier and more practical than anything else on the market. Even on the dinky little Joy-Cons, it’s very accessible and easy to pick up on. Yes, lackluster singleplayer and the lack of online harm the game, but not as much as they would have in more typical circumstances. The multiplayer is genuinely fun, with a surprising longevity thanks to its more unique modes. If you’re looking for a solid party game and don’t mind dropping ten bucks and a bucket of blood, the Emporium is a good place to be.

With its feet firmly planted in Assassin’s Creed Origins’ new open world direction, The Hidden Ones should satiate those in need of traversing more geographically interesting locations, completing quests, looting tombs, hunting down bandits, and going after those bloody Romans. More of the same all around, so your mileage of enjoyment may vary.

Everything about this game seems to flow perfectly together. It's light, yet heavy. It's fun, yet serious. It has the style and feel of Guilty Gear, the craziness and fluidity of Marvel vs. Capcom, and the familiarity of Dragon Ball. All of these things blend together very nicely in order to create a game that can truly be enjoyed by everyone. I can play FighterZ any time with anyone and have an absolute blast with it. Whether you're a hardcore fan of the genre or not, this really is the fighting game you've been looking for.

The Red Strings Club is provocative but not preachy, smart but not smug, and poignant but not pretentious. And it’s just that extra bit self-assertive like all the great stories need to be. Most of all, if you play the game true to your own conscious, it gives us hope. The Red Strings Club makes perfect use of its medium as an interactive thriller, challenging you inside out. Maybe I’m getting old, but when a game makes me cry at the end, it must be something special.

While new players can jump into Monster Hunter World without fear of being overwhelmed by its complexity, the reality is that at some point, all players will need to take a deep dive into the game's weapon, upgrade and combat systems. Most important, players must be willing to accept and learn to enjoy the game's very specific style and rhythm, both markedly different from most action RPGs. Whether playing solo or with a group, Monster Hunter World is a rich and rewarding experience.

Dusk's core gameplay is just what you'd expect: a zippy shoot and strafe loop with minimal story and lots of little secrets to find. Lots of games have tried this before, but Dusk realizes that the appeal of those early 90s shooters was largely in the level design and environmental details. They made the worlds seem more real than you might imagine, given their primitive processing. Although it isn't quite yet a complete package (additional chapters are coming later), Dusk comes eerily close to feeling like an undiscovered sibling of the classic shooters.

Azkend 2: The World Beneath has an interesting concept but executes it in a way that causes more stress than fun. Still, its a unique take on the match-3 genre, with a clever story mode and rich presentation helping it stand out among the pack. It’s worth a try for puzzle fans, but not every adventurer will appreciate this journey.

If you’re playing singleplayer - which, until the update, you most often will be - then that’s how to best enjoy Hammerwatch; short bursts. It’s nice to sit down every now and then and just relax with something charming and humble. Yes, it will take weeks to complete its two six-hour campaigns this way, but every time you come back, you’re a little stronger, maybe a little faster, and definitely richer. In singleplayer, it’s a good game. In multiplayer, it’s something more. Keeping in mind that the PC version already has online multiplayer, I am confident that Crackshell are being honest about the forthcoming update. So if you're on the fence, at least keep an eye on this one.

Rebuilt for a new generation, Bluepoint has created a stunning tribute to one of the best video game experiences on the PlayStation. I haven’t seen a quality remake of a game like this since Capcom’s Resident Evil REmake. And now that the visuals finally match Shadow of the Colossus’ grandeur and scope, there’s no better time to play it for the first time--or third, fourth, or fifth.

Out of Ammo offers a nice blend of RTS and FPS mechanics that's pretty fun. The ability to take possession of friendly units and fight alongside AI soldiers is a cool trick that puts you in the middle of action. It's unfortunate that known technical issues with the PlayStation VR don't allow for the level of precision I came to rely on during the heat of combat. It's also a little dry, content wise, as Survival maps differ only in terrain and setting--you'll always fight the same units no matter which map you choose. I look forward to what version 2.0 and 3.0 might look like down the line.

Though the idea of flying inside a spherical globe is cool, I’ve come to appreciate just how valuable a horizon is for collecting my navigational bearings (maps can sometimes be very confusing to look at). The lack of clear and defined objectives combined with a novel, yet disorienting, sense of place does make the adventure a little more confusing than it needs to be at times. When the flight controls, camera issues, and framerate drops become a problem (and they will), they are loudly disruptive to the meditative experience InnerSpace tries to cultivate.

SteamWorld Heist is a phenomenal addition to the Switch library. Its story might not be the most gripping of tales, but its deep and varied combat ensures that players will come back to it time and time again to test their wits and take on more challenging difficulties. Clocking in at around 15 hours, there's also quite a lot of bang for your buck to go around. It might be a spinoff and a port, but for those interested in a deep yet accessible SRPG that you can take on the go, SteamWorld Heist deserves to be on your radar.

Mom Hid my Game! is short, sweet, and delightful - a fun game to enjoy on little breaks between other games. It's quick to fire up and get into, and the puzzles are pretty fun, if not the most challenging things in the world. Even your failures are quick to bounce back from. It loses out a bit by repeating some of its challenges and at times not being sensible, but it's otherwise a fun and unusual puzzle game you owe it to yourself to try.

Pleasing aesthetics aside, Zwei hasn’t aged all that well in parts that matter the most. The game lacks the wit and charm of its sequel, the gameplay is unwieldy and the progress amounts often to guesswork. Everything The Arges Adventure does, the superior sequel The Ilvard Insurrection refines further - and beyond, as any good sequel should. There’s no guesswork in which one of the Zwei games I recommend to fill the need for a funny and smooth Japanese action RPG. In the end, The Arges Adventure is not a bad show, it’s just has passed its shelf life.