If you are in the mood to spend a weekend enjoying some graphic ultra-violence with your brain turned off, then Ryse: Son of Rome should make a nice addition to your library, especially if you can find it on a Steam sale.

Although it adds nothing unique and makes some visual concessions to fit the platform, Darksiders Warmastered Edition is a great way to revisit what is now considered a minor classic of the action-RPG genre. With fluid combat and a dramatic, if skeletal story, Darksiders has retained most of the fun-factor that made the game stand out way back in 2010. Playing the game on a big screen in 4K might be optimal, but Darksiders on the Switch is a decent alternative.

When I wrapped up the 7-8 hours of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy I was sort of blown away with how polished and enjoyable the experience was. At times, Uncharted 4 felt a little combat heavy for me, but The Lost Legacy feels like it does a better job of balancing traversal, combat, and puzzles. Although there were two chapters that comprised the open-world segment of The Lost Legacy that didn’t do it for me, the rest of the experience is so polished and so enjoyable that it more than made up for it. Not to mention that Nadine and Chloe are fantastic characters that make for a truly memorable Uncharted experience. Uncharted 1-4 may have been all about Nathan Drake, but this game proves without a doubt that Uncharted can live on without him.

NHL 19 has hockey coming out of its ears. There’s enough content here to last a good while or at least until NHL 20 finds its way on the shelves. Offering different levels of realism on a large scale, from controls to team management, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

What could be more satisfying than decapitating people and eating their brains? Stubbs sure knows how to have fun in this B-movie style zombie actioner.

Fluidity: Spin Cycle offers up hours of uncompromising puzzle fun. The only downside is a control scheme that isn't as comfortable and streamlined as the Wiimote.

The series kicked off with all of the right design decisions, but the sequel doesn't prosper in this regard. Perhaps it's unfair to focus so much on the negative aspects of a game that is still very much worth playing, but it really is good in spite of what is new, and not because of it. It's for this reason that although I can still wholeheartedly recommend the game for fans of Pillars of Eternity, I have come away from it with feelings that are decidedly mixed.

Nimble gameplay, luscious aesthetic values, wise storytelling and truly understanding the principles of its genre make Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan a breath of fresh air amidst Western games with often are marred by needless drudgery. Quite an achievement for a 2D side-scrolling action-RPG with a very modest price tag coming from an untapped territory in the world of gaming.

There’s something awfully disarming about Nihon Falcom’s straightforward and honest approach to the action RPG genre. All the trademarks of their user-friendliness are evident in Ys SEVEN too, like saving everywhere you want, an auto-map overlay and a fast travel introduced during the course of the adventure. But above all, Ys SEVEN hooks in with its simple and blistering fast gameplay, ensuring it’s always fun to do the necessary grinding to keep up with the numerous boss fights. I enjoyed every minute - and there were lots of those minutes - with Adol and his friends.

Overall, I had a ton of fun with Doom Eternal, even if the story is borderline incomprehensible to seasoned Doom Slayers. I look forward to more installments in the franchise if this is the level of quality we continue to get. Those platforming sections are truly awful, though.

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.

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.

By most metrics — polish, graphics, writing, acting and engaging game play mechanics — Gears 5 is an impressive product for both solo players and competitive or cooperative shooter fans. But moving forward, the series desperately needs to venture into new ways of telling its stories and pacing its encounters. The tentative toe-dip into open world design is a great start, but not enough. Gears 5’s campaign is robust and almost always fun and its focus on the female protagonist Kait is a welcome tonal and dramatic shift, though it doesn’t much impact the gameplay. I’m always ready to dive into a new Gears game but I’m hoping next time, The Coalition will take some bold chances, make some tough choices and steer the series in a really new direction.

The game now has a total of 50 songs, plenty of different modes to choose from in the same old DDR Style. Any fan of the series couldn't go wrong with this one.

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.

This is a game where the grind itself is the context for enjoyment, and while that’s not a bad thing, when that grind runs its course, there’s going to be nothing left to hang your hat on. Thankfully though, the foundation is just that good, and I don’t regret the hours I have poured into The Division 2. If only other loot shooters, released earlier in the year, had learned and applied the lessons Ubisoft did.

Kuju's strategy title steps up to fill the void left by Zelda, thrilling GameCube owners with a truly superb RTS - the way it's meant to be played.

I must say that I went with my gut instinct and although Day of Reckoning 2 is a solid game I just felt like there was something that was needed in this game, maybe a better story mode that would take this game to the top.

When all is said and done, Age of Wonders III: Eternal Lords is an easy expansion pack to recommend. It applies a new coat of paint to the series that is good for another 30+ hours of addictive turn-based gameplay. If you wore out the core game and the first expansion pack, then Eternal Lords is good enough to entice you to dust them off again.

Nintendo fans can now sing and dance to their heart's content, as Konami brings their solid music title to the Cube, with a nice song selection thrown in.

The time spent in Hyperion alone makes this entry worth playing. The characters are better (depending on your dialog choices, of course), the jokes are funny, and it features the longest and most epic fake gunfight in the history of video games.

I enjoyed my time with Ragnarok Odyssey and thought it to be a great fit for the Vita. The "pick up and play" nature of the contract system makes it the perfect game to play while sitting on a train, plane or bus. Those who have already tackled Monster Hunter for the PSP and are looking for more would do well to give this one a gander.

As it stands, Mortal Kombat 11 is violent and extremely brutal but at the same time insidiously sexy and suave. Its more grown-up take on matters enhances its cast’s appeal and that’s all the personal preference I need to keep up with often unfair gameplay.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is one of the best games available for the Vita and a fine action RPG in its own right. Past some dated visuals and a sparse story are enticing battles and exciting exploration that can suck you in with a ruthless efficiency. If these kinds of character progression treadmills are your thing, don’t let it pass you by.

Although it would benefit from being either a bit shorter and/or having a bit more variety, Void Bastards is easy to recommend. It looks unique and has enough fun baked in that failure rarely feels frustrating or punishing. Fans of action games as diverse as Bioshock or FTL will enjoy it and anyone who chuckles at games like The Stanley Parable will feel at home with Void Bastards’ sense of absurd humor.

However everything seems to have been improved for this year’s game, and to me if your looking for a fun light hearted football experience you really cannot beat picking up Blitz: The League II.

The worst thing I can say about Rhythm Heaven Fever is that it doesn't seem like it utilizes the Wii all that well. It looks sharp, but not in a way that it couldn't have on a portable. The motion isn't used, the IR is optional, and it only uses 2 buttons. That's not to say that the game is bad because of it- it just doesn't seem like a good fit for a home console, especially one as unique as the Wii.

Although I would have liked to have seen a longer experience, if your in the market for new and unique experience look no further then Flower.

The cult movie gets yet another video game treatment, this time on the PSP. It's yet another solid outing for Rockstar, with plenty of brawling and side missions to do.

After years of suffering from mediocrity, the MK franchise shines in this latest actioner, offering an engaging story and rock-solid combat, MK-style.

The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters mixes up the Lovecraftian horror with the Asian concept of netherworld to present its ghastly apparitions and locales, overgrown in tentacles and disfigured flesh. Still, the game is wise enough not to rely on jump scares even though there are some unexpected sights to behold. Like the best Asian horror, it slowly creeps under your skin and when played late in the night, you know what you will be dreaming of. Most of all, the game shows how an effective gaming experience can be made in a simple, economic way.

No matter how good the game is — and make no mistake, it’s great — it’s hard not to scoff at the price. Yes, if you’re a fan of Burnout Paradise or open-world racers, this remaster is worth a look. But unless you’re craving a handheld experience, it might be wise to grab it elsewhere — or wait for a price drop.

Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is a game that has a lot going for it. Engaging game play, tight controls, and a kicking sound track make for a great experience. Lack of narrative pulls it down, but not enough to diminish the time spent with it. For a $9.99 price point, I would gladly recommend HBC and his gun-toting craziness to a gamer looking for some cheap, yet well produced dumb fun.

Behind the long load times of ModNation racer is a very visually pleasing and enjoyable kart racing experience that manages to build off of previous kart racing franchises and adding on a huge element of customization that has never been seen in a kart racer before.

Though it is basic, Korix is a great game to play in VR because it’s real time strategy games couldn't be a more perfect use of the medium. At $20, the game offers a fair amount of content spread between an offline campaign and skirmish mode. There’s also multiplayer, where up to four players can play against or with each other against human and AI players. Sadly, no one was playing so I didn’t get a chance to try it out. That’s probably for the best though. I can’t fathom going against a human player--I’d be ripped to shreds! Korix is a great entry level RTS that uses the technology of the PlayStation VR in a spectacularly immersive fashion.

The fourth incarnation of Tecmo's supreme fighter is another hit on the 360, showcasing jaw-dropping visuals and its trademark solid gameplay.

Darkstalkers Resurrection is a great collection of some classic games. I really liked playing Darkstalkers 3, and the unusual round system and art style made the game seem like more than just another solid fighting game. Iron Galaxy did a great job updating the game in terms of visuals, tutorials, and online play. Night Warriors is by far the weaker of the two games, but Darkstalkers 3 is worth the price of admission. It’s not the best fighting game ever made, but it’s a lot of fun and the price point is right.

This isn't a huge leap forward, it is more of a gracious step forward that offers enough to keep the game at status quo. This game doesn't reinvent the wheel, it just improves the wheel to last longer and perform better.

I still feel that the game could have included some more classics, but with what they gave you most of us will be quite satisfied.

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.

If you have ever enjoyed a single moment from the last generation games, you need to own SSX. Newcomers should not fear getting their snowboots wet with SSX. Like the other games, it is easy to get into and the online Ridernet helps fuel the flame of competition for many months to come.

Crysis has been a graphical benchmark to which PC games have been striving to reach for four years. Now it is on consoles and it is an undeniably good time no matter what platform it is on because despite having lauded graphics, that is not what makes the game great. The gameplay is fantastic too. Though not without its shortcomings, Crysis for consoles is an experience to be had by anyone that cannot play it on their PC. And since its only 20 bones, what are you waiting for?

Ironically, although Ashen is one of the better Souls-like games, its strengths emerge the more it deviates from the template. With a distinctive art style and approach to co-op, base-building and character interaction, Ashen suffers in those areas in which its Souls model outshines it: fluid and varied combat being the most obvious area. Taken apart from its inspiration, though, Ashen is still an entertaining and elegant experience.

If you are looking for a fast paced game with lots of bells and whistles, A.D.I.O.S will not suit your needs. However, this game is very well executed. A.D.I.O.S teaches you the lesson of patience.

If you already own it, I wouldn’t recommend picking this up even if you are fancying a second playthrough and own it elsewhere (why waste the money on a game you already have?) but for first timers, go for it. It’s fun, well made, and hopefully if it does well, we’ll see some sequels set in their weird post-human no-electricity world.

Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 3 can be really grindy if you don’t want to pay the extra money and I, for one, really don’t want to. It takes persistent racing to upgrade the bike to hit those precious podiums but excellent physics and responsive handling keep the gameplay constantly rewarding. The game has a nice discipline to it, an important virtue I’d like to see in more videogames. It doesn’t needlessly ramble all over the place but keeps its focus firmly on the supercross. Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 3 is good at what it does. Simple wisdom behind any good game.

The game’s technical problems notwithstanding, I found LEGO City Undercover to be an immensely enjoyable adventure that really made me laugh. It certainly has a lot going for it with a great story, funny script, creative originality and a design that makes no attempt to dumb anything down making it easily accessible for gamers young and old alike. LEGO City Undercover is also a lovely looking game that continues the trend of blending real world objects and geography with colorful and whimsical LEGO objects. For those still upset about the delay over Rayman Legends, I’m pleased to say there’s finally a game that makes Wii U worth owning.

Overall, Dungeon Hearts is an excellent addition to the genre. Its combo of rpg and match play is really quite fun, especially if you don’t mind spending some time with it. While not the best for a quick pick up and play, there’s enough depth to keep it installed on my machine for a long time.

Super Mario Maker 2 builds upon the original in very basic ways. The game adds an impressive array of new mechanics that allow creators more freedom to design. With the addition of the painfully tedious, gimmick-driven story mode, the developers teach players just how annoying the new features can be. Regardless, designing levels has never been more convenient and the vast sea of user-created content is bound to provide endless enjoyment. Overall, Super Mario Maker 2 is a solid release that is highly recommended and successfully manages to mostly satisfy both creators and players, despite the game’s various issues and shortcomings.

Tiny Trax is a lot more fun than I expected it to be. With only three championship races and an all star cup race (which pulls two tracks from each course), it’s a little light on content. That didn’t bother me too much, though, because of how fun the content is to play. Ongoing support via new courses would be a treat, but what I really want to see added is a track editor. There are a lot of talented and patience content creators out there in video game land, and I bet they could produce some stellar race tracks using in-game assets. Tiny Trax is a celebration of slot car racing, and with its great track design and worthy adversaries, I didn’t realize how much fun I was having until I stopped.

Almost everything about Ghosthunter is great, from the amazing visuals, genuinely creepy sound, and decent story. All it needed was a little bit more behind the gameplay.

As a snippet of what The New Order has to offer, I’m quite impressed with The Old Blood.

After years of churning out wrestling titles, Yuke's further refines the whole package, making this one a solid choice on the next-gen 360.

When I look at Outrun2 I see a game that may not be as spectacular as some games on the market, but it really does an amazing job of creating an impressive arcade style flair that really does wonders for the game.

Episode 3 wound up being a lot closer to what I feel is the ideal for an episode in this series – a fun, high-stakes adventure that throws in interesting elements of the license to create cool moments.

While the puzzles aren't a huge draw, the look and presentation of the game are so unique and interesting that the game's still really easy for me to recommend. It's poetic, and while maybe not incredibly deep, does excellent work with bringing the nightmares to life and infusing their songs with the fear and dread they represent. Fear is the mind killer – and your quest to vanquish those fears is one you'll enjoy going on.

More Than a Feeling was an overall better episode than Under Pressure. It feels like a second half, with episode 2 having gotten all the exposition out of the way, finding and using the Eternity Forge gave Episode 3 all the oomph it needed. With 2 episodes left, I remain invested in seeing what’s in store for the Guardians and what happens to bring the Galaxy back to status quo.

If you are a fan of squad based strategy games or old heist movies, then you should definitely check out The Masterplan.

There are some technical issues that you’ll need to look past but if you’re able to, you’ll find a game with incredible controls that is just waiting for you to step up to the joysticks.

While it’s a pleasure to sit on the sofa and meander through one’s epic theme park creation on the big screen, enjoying the sights and sounds of the rides, the crowds, the vendors and the scenery, actually building that park is still easier and vastly more efficient up close and personal on the PC with a mouse and keyboard. Frontier did a great job of bringing Planet Coaster to consoles and is easy to recommend. Just be prepared for a learning curve and a bit of frustration as you get the hang of building your dream park with the controller.

Perhaps the main reason why Slain: Back from Hell is both a successful tribute to the old school gaming and a damn good game in its own right is the track record of its developers. They really did some of those Amiga games I grew up with back in the day. A heartfelt thanks to the graphics artist and the man behind the concept, Andrew Gilmour, and his co-developers for taking me back to my teen years. A time machine isn’t invented yet but Slain: Back from Hell is surely the next best thing. Those pampered modern gamers might think otherwise as the game takes a good chunk of old school masochism to go with it.

Honestly, there is little bad I can say about Qbeh-1. In a try-hard industry of pretentious or sloppy writing and presentation, Qbeh-1 teaches us that it’s sometimes okay to just be a game and nothing else. If you like challenging puzzles and enjoy a fun meditative zen aesthetic, get this game – it’s worth your time.

It gives you the tools and skills to be the sickest skateboarder you never were.

Like the majority of tables they release, the Aliens Pinball Pack is an overall positive for pinball fans. It does a great job of capturing the essence of the licensed properties, and Zen Studios goes above and beyond with the actual Aliens table by using the voices from the movie itself.

Semispheres is a really cool puzzle game that can be played solo, though I imagine it would be even more fun to play with a partner. The blue and gold jellyfish are controlled using both halves of the Switch’s Joycons, making it extraordinarily easy for two people to work together--a noticeable difference, I assume, from the PC and PlayStation versions of the game. Easy to pick up but challenging enough to make you feel a sense of achievement, Semispheres is a great and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Despite its shortcomings, this game does something other games in the genre struggle to do. SOMA gives us an interesting setting to explore, terrifying, unforgettable moments, and a deep thought-provoking plot that asks its players philosophical questions that linger long after the credits roll.

With co-op and additional skirmish modes available on top of the main campaign, SpellForce 3 is a generous -- and largely successful -- merger of two genres. While it isn't the world's deepest or most complex RPG nor gaming's most substantial RTS, it is a very effectively constructed and balanced hybrid and most important, makes a strong and compelling case that the mashup works. With over a decade between installments, it's not like the SpellForce franchise has overstayed its welcome. It's perfectly timed to delight both fans of the series and surprise new players looking for something new and different.

Overall, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures I & II Deluxe is a great time. It is also one of the few “difficult” games I have ever 100% completed (obtaining all the pointless collectibles, etc). While it is disappointing that a lot of the funny content and nods to the Nerd’s past was cut, it doesn’t overall negatively impact the game. These are still fun games, and I highly recommend them to any 2D platformer fan. Even if you have no idea who the Angry Video Game Nerd is, there is still a lot of fun to be had here based on pure gameplay alone.

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.

Konami adds the massive American Idol license to their already huge music franchise, and it's the closest you can get to the real thing. A must have for karaoke lovers.

Faeria is a solid card game that has enough depth, and unique features to make it standout in a overcrowded genre. Despite a low total number of cards, the vast singleplayer options, coupled with a generous economy and very interesting mechanics, makes this one of the better games in the genre.

Just when games are becoming too complex to be enjoyable, here comes a simple platformer that recaptures the fun of the genre. A nice gem on the Xbox Live Arcade.

My Friend Pedro is an action movie compressed into a 2D-sidescroller, complete with an oddball premise, unlikely heroes, and bullet-time cinematics. It manages to be both a fast run-and-gun à la Contra as well as a slow, thoughtful platformer like Metroid. The game isn’t pushing any visual limits, but on the plus side, it performs fine on the Nintendo Switch’s tablet mode. My Friend Pedro may be short, but it’s an explosive, wild ride that is rarely boring and always bananas.

I really liked how the developers were able to learn from the original game and come back and make an even stronger second outing.

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.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 – Road to Boruto is the most complete fighting game in the series thus far, with every DLC and over 100 characters that span generations. Arena fights featuring strategic ninja jutsu action are exciting to play out, although it does feel simple compared to other fighting games. The story mode, with its intense quick-time cinematic sequences, is a highlight, although it only covers the very end of the long series. Adventure modes are more of a dull grind, but a packed online mode makes up for it, especially with the plethora of playable ninja. Those not familiar with the series may not appreciate the strides taken to recreate the anime, but hardcore Naruto fans will enjoy what this game has to offer. Believe it!

Luigi’s Mansion for the 3DS is a good port that is bogged down by the troublesome control limitations. It’s problematic enough that I would still recommend the GameCube title if possible for newcomers. If you’re a series veteran, this is still largely the same game, although the expanded Gallery Mode, multiplayer, and improved postgame might still prove enticing. Otherwise, the core gameplay is as solid and engaging as ever, and this remake rekindled my appreciation for Luigi’s first big outing.

For those of you who never got the privilege of playing the original, or want to relive those fond memories, the game is a good purchase for you!

For the asking price of $7.99, anyone would be hard pressed to find such a quality shmup within reach, especially one which seems to not only to celebrate, but actually relish in the difficult roots which birthed it. Naming itself a love letter to the ’90s, Syder Arcade is a great ride to a glorious, and well earned, death.

Personally, I don't see it winning any awards at the end of the year, but if you like high fantasy and games that will keep you busy for hours with a great number of quests and activities, Amalur is certainly well worth your money. However, if you're already entrenched in Skyrim, holding off on this one for awhile might be a good idea, lest you suffer from open world RPG burnout.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Masquerada: Songs and Shadows. Granted, it doesn't have the deepest combat system out there, and its isometric graphics aren't what anyone would call top-notch (although both those things are solid for an indie title). But what it does have is a lot of HEART. The story is intriguing and well told and the audio is just fantastic. If you're looking for a song to get lost in, Maquerada may be just what you're looking for.

The often-copied GTA gameplay style has been given a new leash of life with character leveling and a truly superb online play.

The Snipperclips Plus DLC is a solid choice for anyone who enjoyed the original. Unfortunately, some levels feel rehashed and others are downright annoying, so it’s not as fresh or accessible as the base game. But the majority of the game’s 30 challenges keeps its penchant for creative multiplayer wackiness alive. The new modes and minigames enhance the package, making this a fairly good deal for the asking price. If you haven’t yet tried Snipperclips, the full Plus collection functions like a complete game, and it’s worth trying out with friends.

Not only is the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection a great bundle for fans of the series, but it also makes some important small tweaks to help broaden these games' appeal. The new checkpoint system helps address the overbearing difficulty of the original releases, a very welcome change that will undoubtedly alleviate many headaches. The core gameplay remains as strong as ever, defined by responsive movement and white-knuckled boss encounters. While each entry's unique systems may not always succeed, the underlying gameplay is so strong that even the weakest outings are engaging challenges. And when everything works in concert, like in Mega Man Zero 3 and 4, the combination of slick movement, great boss fights, and rewarding unlock systems make for some of the most compelling 2D platformers in recent memory.

Shinsekai could have been a true classic if it were more willing to embrace what makes it unique and shed some aspects which feel like they're here because someone wanted to check something off a list. Still, even what's here is a beautifully controlling platformer with a unique and haunting atmosphere. Shinsekai is worth taking a dive for, even if it could have been more.

Creative achievements (that are rife with spelling errors) and a grading system offers some replayability. However, once you collect all the achievements and earn perfect grades for every level, this isn’t much to do afterwards. It’s a fairly short game with no multiplayer option, so when it’s over, there is precious little to keep you coming back.

If you’re a hardened horror game veteran it’s not the most illuminating of experiences, but it’s a fun way to spend a late night all alone. With the doors safely locked, of course.

Tiger makes his debut on Sony's new next-gen console, with the same solid gameplay and virtually unchanged visuals from the 360 version.

There is one thing to take into consideration, and that is the $19.99 price tag! Combine that with the solid gameplay and decent graphics, and any fan of the original should definitely go pick this game up.

Tales of Berseria is an excellent game despite its flaws. The cast of characters shine in their own right and are easily some of the most memorable in the series and the combat additions coupled with the engaging plot makes this a game every JRPG fan should play.

SnowRunner is both relaxing and laborious, although there is gracious video gameness to it, like the fast travel between garages. Elsewhere, if you make a mistake and tip your vehicle over, you won’t be paralyzed or have to pay millions in compensation for the cargo that was left loose and swept territory under it. To sum it best up, Snowrunner is a lifestyle game. There is no grand call to answer as you drive at your own pace and do what you want. The game is all about small triumphs. When you get out of some tricky pothole after an hour of trying, you feel like a winner!

While it doesn’t have the irreverent humor of Dead Rising or the swiftness in movement like Dying Light, what State of Decay 2 offers is the pull that will have you saying, “Oooh, what’s in there?” every time you walk down a neighborhood cluttered with burnt-out cars and piles of dead bodies.

Rockstar takes the classic 80's movie and turns it into the most bone-crunching brawler on then console. Controversial at times, but a solid choice for fans.

Borderlands is a really solid game that does deserve a look this holiday season. Being more of a single player gamer on the consoles I was a bit let down by the games lack of attention to the single player element, but was extremely impressed with the cooperative play.

I was a bit underwhelmed when I first got into Tiger Woods 08, I just didn't feel like there was enough new in the game to make it worthwhile. And then I kept playing, I got into the Gamer Net and was addicted, and then played more into the Career and once again was hooked.

If you have any interest at all in Pokémon this game will surpass your expectations.

All things considered, Duck Game is a thoroughly enjoyable and silly party game. Its simple but fast-paced gameplay, varied map design, and penchant towards bedlam make for unpredictable fun. While I would only wholeheartedly recommend the game for local play, it makes for a great addition to anyone's rotation of couch multiplayer titles.

The second installment improves upon the original with more cards, deeper gameplay and smoother pace. It's not the MGS as you know it, but it's a solid choice nonetheless.