I was not one that thought Steven Spielberg’s first outing was going to be a stellar one, but boy did he and EA prove me wrong.

With such a fantastic transition to consoles in Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition, I’m even more eager about possible Blizzard ports in the future.

In its current form, The Serpent’s Curse is half finished. The second episode isn’t due out until sometime this month but do not fear, episode one is pretty substantial and ends with a satisfactory cliffhanger.

What Valhalla lacks in originality the visceral and fun combat makes up the deficit—and that speaks volumes to me given that Assassin’s Creed never quite found its footing in this area. Packed with enough content on the disc and planned future DLC, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another hefty and captivating entry in Ubisoft’s long-running historical franchise.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is the perfect mix between spooky and fun gameplay, suitable for fans of any age. The mass amount of variation continuously keeps the game feeling fresh as you play. The option for co-operative play also adds another layer to the game, increasing the replayability further. From the gorgeous graphics to the fantastic music, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is nothing but an enjoyable experience. Going in as a new player to the series was also fantastic. I can definitely see why so many people love the series, and we would love to see Nintendo take it to new and refreshing places in the future, once again.

Destiny is by no means a flawless game, but it’s able to overshadow its faults by offering superb gameplay while blending everything into a singular, truly fun experience.

MechAssault 2 struggles with its single player mode and strives with its multiplayer support to still bring you another great Mech experience.

For someone looking for a game like the Baldur’s Gate titles but with more emphasis on spending time fighting monsters and delving through dungeons, this may be just the thing.

A much more detailed game that improves upon last year's graphical system with much better character models.

When you combine the classic mode with the story mode and all the customization you can have with characters, there is just a bundle of things to do in this game.

There’s no denying that The Outer Worlds bears the imprint of earlier Obsidian games and a number of other timeless RPGs as well, but those influences do little to diminish the accomplishment of some amazing worldbuilding, entertaining storytelling and brilliantly realized characters. The Outer World tackles some serious subjects but never feels weighted down by them and it’s a fully realized example of an RPG that allows for an immense amount of player agency while keeping its larger narrative on track.

The Walking Dead delivers a dramatic and emotionally exhausting experience that few, if any, games have achieved. Forming a close bond with the characters over 12 hours of game play makes the countdown clock for each decision even more stressful. As the psyche of each survivor has slowly been reduced to tatters, every choice has positive and negative impacts for all.

Aliens Infestation, while it may be a late entry into the DS library is one of the best games to ever grace the system. While it may seem like a title to get fans ready for next year's Colonial Marines, this game is no slouch. Infestation is some of the most fun you can have on a Nintendo DS. If you are looking for some great 2D action Aliens Infestation is definitely right up your alley.

NBA Live 09 is the real deal when it comes to a great video game basketball experience.

It all adds up to make this the most functional version of the game yet, itself one of the most exciting and polished MMOs around.

Although it doesn’t include all the PC game’s extra content, Civ VI comes to the PS4 and Xbox with both the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions and the latter in particular is a literal game changer. I can certainly imagine using Civ VI as an engaging educational tool to consider the many competing forces around climate change. That sounds dreary. Of course, Civilization VI on PS4 remains what it has always been: addictive, accessible and fun.

Although not a perfect package, Splinter Cell Conviction is a great game that offers a great single player experience as well as a solid cooperative game that all combines into another must have action game.

All the additions to the base game, from the new hero, to the ultra creepy Mosquito Vampires, are glorious, and in the end, add a fantastic amount of good content to an already great game. Ten dollars earns you an easy 30+ hours re-exploring the Ancestor’s Homestead, and while I am loathe to make value calls, this one is so easy that not making it feels wrong. If you have not picked this up yet, stop wasting time. The Countess calls…

One that fans of dungeon crawlers and tower defense games will find has a ton of re-playability.

One thing really neat about this mode is the props in which you can place on the court to add to the difficulty and style of your dunk. It's a simple getaway from the main draw but it's [definitely] a worthwhile one.

It’s a relentlessly tense stealth-action shooter that manages to make its dead-horse premise feel as if it’s never been seen before now.

Gaming can be hit or miss when it comes to getting what you pay for. Sometimes, though, a game comes along that not only provides a good value proposition, but well exceeds what's expected. As one of the first of the crowd-sourced games to come out of Kickstarter since Double Fine ran the table with donations for Double Fine Adventure, FTL begins to show that as a viable way to finance games. While having some small issues, like no compatibility with Steam's Cloud service, I have no problem recommending this.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an impressive game that shines especially bright on the Nintendo Switch. The game's constant sense of progression and discovery is a joy to behold, whether you're docked to a television, relaxing on the couch, or playing from somewhere else entirely. While the game's performance issues, small text, and barebones online functionality put a slight damper on the fun, the ability to play the game wherever you want more than makes up for it. Whether you're new to the Builders series or are fresh off the original game, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a great addition to the franchise and a solid choice for your Switch library.

Although I have extreme reservations for the nudity incorporated by the developers, which I hope won't carry over to the sequel, God of War provides an engaging storyline, backup with by a stunning graphics engine and solid gameplay elements.

If you're a fan of the fast paced racing then WipEout Pulse is a must have for your PSP.

Fans rejoice because not only is Resident Evil back, but now you not only can enjoy it on your own but with your friend as well. The new cooperative gameplay works quite well, and if your a fan of the franchise it just make sense to go out and buy this one as well.

As the name suggest, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is exactly that. RuptureFarms has never looked and felt so good. Revamped visuals, new mechanics, and an immensely fun adventure revives this classic title and reminds fans why we fell in love with Oddworld in the first place.

Even though DiRT Rally 2.0 has such a realism on the surface and under the hood, it still goes with the video gaming first. Tuning the car has a clear cause and effect relationship, as one can expect from a game, and career races have five restarts to resort to in a case of complete disaster. Indeed, DiRT Rally 2.0 might be closest thing to driving a real rally car, but at the same time it’s not like driving a real rally car, no matter how brutally authentic it can at times feel. After all, you don’t need a driver’s license (or a death wish, judging by some of the tracks!) to be able to play and appreciate it and the game is fully content with that.

There is no doubt about it, Warhawk is a great game, and is one of the new reasons to go out and purchase a Playstation 3.

The question is probably being asked, I own the PS2 version of Guitar Hero 2, do I need to upgrade? My answer is simply no.

Alien: Isolation represents a strong return to form for an ailing franchise.

Where the next episode goes from here is anyone’s guess, but there is absolutely a showdown brewing in Richmond, and misery is sure to be included in the aftermath. Rather than looking forward to any kind of conclusion to the main plot, the smaller subplots revolving around family are what have kept me thinking about the future of the season. I just hope that, given how quick the tide can come in during the closing episodes, that this family is strong enough to endure what comes.

There’s little replay value, but for a few hours of joyous, moving and fulfilling entertainment for a mere three bucks, you couldn’t ask for anything more. Umiro is a neat little package that works perfectly within its limited set of rules and gameplay.

Overall, Windbound is a genuinely enjoyable experience. With its charming visuals, rewarding gameplay, and earnest game design, it has successfully sailed across the sea of mediocre single-player survival games and reached a new high.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot was designed for a specific audience and likely will not draw people who aren’t already invested in the series. For everyone else, Bandai Namco has delivered a gift to Dragon Ball fans the world over, a loving tribute to Japan’s most popular and endearing addition to popular culture.

EA shatters the curse as The Godfather does the great movie justice, drawing you into the Mafia world and backs it up with solid gameplay and engrossing plot.

On one hand I believe it’s a truly brilliant game and an experience that everyone should play. On the other though this is one of the toughest games to play and I can’t say I “enjoyed” any of it. At the end of the day I think it’s a game that everyone should play.

In all, The Wolf Among Us has a superb introductory episode.

If you have any interest at all in turn-based games, you owe yourself this game as a gift, and honestly, even if you have little to no interest, playing this may just get that engine started.

All in all I’d say if you are a fan of JRPGs you should give this one a try. The journey was fun and the characters were likable enough with some character development along the way. The combat makes gives a twist to the standard turn based combat and slight customization of skills and magic are fun to play around with.

If there is one thing that really stands out to me about Rock Band 3 is that in a time where music games are starting to feel dated, Rock Band 3 manages to still be fresh.

Gorgeous visuals, fantastic gameplay, and just one of the most entertaining shooters of a long time.

The campaign has a few bothersome technical missteps but playing the game with friends online, watching them engage targets in the middle of an assault on a Star Destroyer has brought life to my inner child.

It's the kind of game that ends with someone punching a woman in the face. The kind of game where good guys don't look at explosions. The kind of game that results in an absolute, amazing sense of chaos when it can get all 4 players in and, despite a few flaws, it's the kind of game that reminds you that games don't have to be high art, philosophical ideals, branching paths and morality systems.

It’s hard to imagine a product as ambitious and complex as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 being technically perfect right of the gate — and it isn’t. But despite some issues, when everything is dialed in and running well, the game is visually stunning and its version of the flight experience is awe-inspiring. At its best, it is a technical and artistic marvel that fully deserves (for once) the “next gen” label.

Madden has never played better. The game is smooth, strategic, and a lot of fun. If you slept on last years’ game or are just ready for some football, Madden NFL 16 is another great entry into the series.

NBA 2K19 has a ton of other modes, including a collectible card game, a full-fledged franchise mode, and quite a bit of online play. I could spend another five or six paragraphs going through each of these in detail but it wouldn’t have any impact on my overall feel of NBA 2K19. I come to this game for the career and franchise modes, and I can say both are stellar this year. Combined with a stellar presentation, NBA 2K19 is one of the best sports games on the market.

While it isn’t perfect, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is one of the best action-RPGs I’ve played in recent years. With fantastic combat, a compelling story and characters, and exploration which is among my favorite in any recent game, after a slow first hour or two it grabbed me and never let go. Whether you’re a series veteran or you’ve never played an Ys game in your life, you’ll find an adventure that’s well worth taking.

NBA Live 10 is a great basketball experience for both the casual and hardcore fan and proves to be the series best outing yet.

Ys Origin is both a great introduction to the series and an interesting diversion from the formula. It’s worth playing, both for fans of the series that missed it on initial release and new players who love a JRPG with retro charm. Although one playthrough won’t take up much of your time, the multiple character setup and additional modes add enough gameplay to justify the price of admission.

Although the concept of Symphony is simple, it is one of the most fun and addicting experiences I've had in a good while. Much of the enjoyment comes from the title's ability to incorporate personal music files. Great controls, fun upgrades and a level count that is matched by the number of MP3 files in your collection, Symphony offers a fantastic thrill for a great price.

CrossCode is a superb passion project that has numerous qualities making it definitely worth playing. Even though the story didn’t work too well towards the end, it certainly left me wanting more. The strong character writing made getting to know the colorful cast highly enjoyable. The gameplay has a lot going for it and maintains a solid degree of variety without breaking consistency. CrossCode is definitely a game of the year contender for me that continues to impress.

Hands of Fate 2 leaves much room for imagination which is welcomed in this age of hyperrealism. Reading the text descriptions and imagining the events in your own mind can be more exciting than watching a fancy cutscenes. Not that the game lacks in presentation. The character models on the battlefield are chunky and likable, fighting out in nicely detailed and varied surroundings. A moody incidental soundtrack accompanies the events. And then there’s the infamous dealer, back from beyond the 13th gate. His room is at the same time homey and intimidating, as his scarred eyes peer at you, judging your play with a sneer. In the end, Hand of Fate 2 gave me more excitement than some recent big-budget dark fantasy games. It relies wisely on ageless means of gameplay and storytelling. If the first Hands of Fate was journeyman's practice, the art is mastered in the sequel. At a mere $25, the game is the best entertainment for chilly winter evenings.

A wonderfully different dive into the Caped Crusader’s past culminates in a worthy chapter that further defines his future, and small problems aside, I could not be happier with the way it all went down.

Despite an hours-long tutorial, it takes some time to fully understand the mechanics of Valkyria Chronicles 4 and it remains a challenge from start to finish. That said, the time spent with engaging characters and their stories is immediately rewarding and it’s hard to resist being pulled into the drama, sacrifice and yet somehow buoyant positivity that motivates them. The focus is on tense and often tragic battles, but both fans of the series and newcomers to the franchise will appreciate Valkyria Chronicles 4 as an excellent sequel and the most accomplished realization of the concept to date.

This is a $15 download, and it packs more than enough content into its frame to balance out the relatively meager 5 maps and 3 modes. Make no mistake, however, Gotham City Impostors stands head and shoulders with every other big-box multiplayer shooter out there.

If you enjoyed the original and are wondering if this is a worthy successor my answer would be absolutely there is plenty of new content, and the online play is quite the treat.

Much better than the first Injustice, Injustice 2 is both a top-tier fighting game and a real treat for fans of the DC universe, equally featuring iconic heroes and quirky second-stringers just as lovingly presented. As a brawler, the game is fun for players at any skill level. Between the campaign, Multiverse, and Multiplayer components, Injustice 2 serves up a lot of content. There are some technical hitches in the PC port that need to be addressed, but they barely diminish the overall fantastic experience.

I can’t get enough of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, I really can’t, and it couldn’t make me any happier that with The Forge and now The Pillar, the quality curve of the DLC is pointing in a good direction, promising a lot for the five remaining challenge tombs to come!

What Vader Immortal excels at is showcasing really good Star Wars VR content of which there’s been far too little outside Battlefront’s Rogue One VR mission and the upcoming Star Wars Squadrons. The dojo sequences are worth the price of admission because they offer pure gameplay using a VR control setup that is so immersive and fun that it makes you feel cool as you cut down droids and toss training remotes at unlucky Imperial troops.

There’s no way I wouldn’t recommend this game, but just know you’ll probably be done in about two hours. To me, a two-hour game that leaves me wanting more, is far preferable to a 40-hour game that’s stretched itself too thin, and I really only found myself wanting more because I just liked it so much.

Sandwiched between the big-sellers of the season, Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection might just be the game you have been looking for - without even knowing it. There are so much going for it. The hero and the heroine are simply adorable, the world around them enchanting and the revised screenplay carefully crafted. Not to mention the accessible gameplay which doesn’t harass the players with incomprehensible rules or snobby attitude. You don’t even need to devote your whole life to the game. It takes about 30 hours to complete the adventure, give or take a few hours depending on your willingness to do the optional content (like treasure hunting and battling in G-Coliseum). As it stands, it would require quite a cold heart for not to fall in love with Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection.

The one addition that has really made Colin McRae Rally 2005 a whole lot more fun then before is the Xbox Live support. I have found that all of my games have been lag free and all have been quite competitive.

Let's face it even without MJ, NBA 2K11 is one of the best sports games I have played in years and manages to push the bar even higher not only for competing basketball titles but for sports games in general.

And with a solid gameplay, an engaging cast of characters and lots of hours of adventures, Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker is a more than worthy entry in the long running series.

Ultimately, Noita is probably not going to change anyone’s mind on roguelikes, but it sure is well-crafted. The game is filled with so many little quirks and gameplay nuances that I never ran out of things to experience. At almost every run, I would run into something new, be it a spell, an enemy, or even secret areas. One thing certainly worth noting is that the game is what you make it. Noita is undoubtedly a title worth playing for those willing to just dive into the gameplay and master the systems at play rather than worry too much about trying to win.

My love for the original Demon’s Souls hasn’t changed with the introduction of the remake. Like Scholar of the First Sin, the remake stands alongside the original - both can be enjoyed in their own unique ways and do different things well. Since Bluepoint largely kept the base game intact, the changes in the remake are mainly quality of life improvements and aesthetic design differences. Most gamers will find a lot to love in the new Demon’s Souls. I'm excited that more people will get to experience this wonderful game.

This colorful battlefield will likely be one you return to every time you have friends over, and have a score to settle. It was a lot of fun playing Oh My Godheads with friends, and tackle some of the trials on my own, too. With its unique take on some classic game modes and a simply beautiful art style, I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and easy party game.

Happy Action Theater is more of a gadget or a tech demo than a game. But it's a great example of what the Kinect can do.

For those who thought it can not be done, Rockstar has proven you wrong with this almost perfect port of a cleaned-up "GTA III" for the sweet PSP handheld.

Simplistic but addictive gameplay and bright visuals makes this an easy choice.

The sequel to arguably the best action game on the console just got better.

I really enjoyed Below the Bedrock and can’t wait to see how this season is going to close itself out. Telltale seems to have solved their pacing issue, and with the inclusion of the mystery element in finding Fred’s weapon, have added just enough outside of the general comedy to keep me invested. Will Jesse and crew be able to save Beacontown and defeat The Admin? We’ll find out with the next installment.

It’s available, it’s a lot of fun for your buck, and it is simply amazing.

I am happy to report that Fight Night Round 4 is the complete package. If you are a fan of boxing, or of the series, you would be crazy not to go out and purchase this game.

Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game and an even greater achievement upon the landscape of video game that is only held back by some small gameplay issues and its own grandeur. Honestly, the worst part of the game is knowing that there will be no Mass Effect 4 to import my Shepard into. It's like saying goodbye to a friend and it is an experience that, while sort of heart aching, every single person who plays video games should have. But it's nothing without its predecessors. So do yourself a favor, start with the original Mass Effect and see this story through to the end. There is nothing else quite like it.

Papers, Please is a lean game that knows exactly what it wants to do, and does it with more style and confidence than one could reasonably expect.

Now that Telltale Games' zombie epic is more than half done, I feel confident saying that The Walking Dead will stand as a shining example of how narrative can be used creatively in games to create a strong emotional reaction. Rather than abiding by a moral code that the game suggests, I am having a blast playing through each episode of The Walking Dead and just doing what I feel is right.

After the over-hyped console version, the handheld port fortunately delivers with a perfect blend of solid controls and challenging levels.

This might be the best all-around Madden game in the last ten years.

There is intensity in the pre-game intro that carries into the first snap and concludes as the last second ticks off the clock. Even without any game changing additions, there was a clear focus on smoothing out the rough edges and making the best playing Madden of this generation.

Mirrors Edge is an intense and intensely enjoyable experience from top to bottom that manages to capture a very interesting gameplay element and perfect it.

With all of the praise, it is no wonder that for the second time Forza Motorsports 2 still manages to impress.

Dragon Quest Builders is definitely a great stride of creativity in the gaming world. Going in, I didn’t expect anything more than the ability to build things and killing a bunch of slimes. What I got was something far greater, and far better than anything I could have imagined. You have the ability to completely change everything around you, and you can truly feel the importance of your role; even the aesthetics and sounds are great enough to evoke that kind of emotion. It gives you an awesome sense of accomplishment, surrounds you with some of the most interesting concepts that this genre has ever seen, and makes you feel like you’re worth something in this world. This is what it means to be a Builder.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup, and if the years of popularity isn't enough to go by, the vast amount of play styles and options offered by the game should suit the preferences of the many. I recommend the game to all types of gamers, as it's accessible in so many ways. The Nintendo Switch also upholds every aspect of the traditional Diablo experience, so long-term fans of the series need not worry about moving over to the handheld version. If anything, I recommend it for its versatility.

I would love to just ramble on and on about all the wonderful stories and how they're presented in What Remains of Edith Finch, but doing so would denote spoilers (and no one wants that). But suffice to say, this is a game that needs to be experienced for yourself. As I mentioned in my intro paragraph, the players who take the time to forage through all the post-it notes, diaries, family photos, etc. littered throughout the disheveled Finch house will probably get the most out of this game. What Remains of Edith Finch is a strong contender for my Top 5 Games of 2017, and even if you might not consider yourself a fan of the genre, I would still strongly encourage you to give this game a shot.

In the end, I feel like Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battles is a great game just falling short of a few paces from becoming a masterpiece, which I mean in a positive sense because there are rooms for improvement in this already exceptional tactical/strategy game. Ubisoft went above and beyond to prove that they can make a Mario game that can make Nintendo and its fans proud while opening the door for many possibilities in the future.

I'm usually not a huge fan of games like Sine Mora, but this one is really amazing. While it is a little pricy at $15, especially considering its length, I think that it is certainly worth the money. The story is also shockingly poignant, the graphics are beautiful, and the gameplay is challenging but precise and fun. Most importantly, it makes an intimidating genre open for new comers

Despite its generic title, “Out of Time” is the best episode yet of Life Is Strange. It increases the complexity Max’s life and the power she commands.

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.

A great adventure. With the complex puzzles, enjoyable gameplay, and exquisite world to explore, Crystal Dynamics once again gives Tomb Raider fans an exemplary addition to the acclaimed series.

There isn't a better sports title than FIFA 13 out right now, and I include any and all varieties of sports in that claim. There isn't a single release out there that has the depth, variety and longevity to match it.

While I think Nairi: Tower of Shirin had a potential to be a perfectly-scored game, I have to dock enough points to keep it just below it. Subject yourself to the setback of an unsatisfactory ending but experience an otherwise extraordinary graphic adventure. I highly recommend you to join Nairi and Rex on their journey, and hope that I get to join them on a sequel very soon!

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.

From its inception to the execution, Iron Danger showcases a rare, coherent vision where everything comes together to form a unified experience, not least because of truly novel gameplay that holds it all together. I’m afraid that Iron Danger has spoiled other games in its genre for me. I can no longer imagine playing formulaic fantasy tropes with rigid combat and eternally repeated, tired systems.

If it wasn't for a few duds, this game would be incredible, but even still, it's the best game to show off your WiiU and a great experience to play with some friends.

It's without question that Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is one of the, if not the most enjoyable racing games of 2010.

In no way should that inevitable feeling stop your from playing this, though. The joy you’ll find from the craziest dogfight you’ve ever engaged in will far out weigh the point when you will want to put it down. So suit up, and when you’re ready, press up to Raus.