In the end, I enjoyed myself most when I stopped comparing Nioh to Souls games and appreciated it for what it is. Nioh has fast-paced, challenging combat with a deep loot and upgrade system. With well-designed levels and a ton of content, it's easy to sink a lot of time into this visit to Sengoku era Japan.

Marred only by a relative lack of content, Fast Racing Neo more than ably fills a void left by other futuristic racers and just looks and sounds incredible as well.

Bioshock is an absolutely fantastic game and one of the best of this generation first on the 360, and now just as good on the PS3.

Torchlight is a great downloadable title that should not be missed by anyone who enjoyed the Diablo titles, or anyone looking to get into the game type because they will have a lot of fun with this game.

Star Renegades is an impressive roguelike I didn’t realize I wanted until I finally gave it a shot. It’s a polished title that wears its inspirations on its sleeves and delivers a well-crafted gameplay experience from beginning to end. The sharp blend of luck, skill, and perseverance needed to beat the game as well as the superb presentation kept me coming back for more. Each playthrough rewards the player with subtle improvements along with a greater familiarity with how each character functions on a mechanical level. Without a doubt, Star Renegades is a quality title well worth putting your time into.

If you are down for mayhem, down for a great story and feel up to a difficult challenge The New Order has you covered on all bases. What it lacks in online play it makes up for in collectables and story length.

Although maybe not perfect, Killzone 2 has all the right ingredients for what turns out to be one of the best games so far in 2009.

Call of Duty: World at War I believe will surprise gamers with how complete of an experience it is.

That was the last game I played before I wrote the review but really it's not all that uncommon in the game. FIFA 12 is an amazing game of soccer. There were so many times that I would sit back awe struck at the action on screen. If you have any interest in soccer, do yourself a favor and pick up this game.

Journey is an amazing achievement for thatgamecompany and it shows just how far Jenova Chen's studio has come since since flOw. The game controls like a dream, is startlingly beautiful and will be one of those games people will talk about for months.

Characters aside, Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move is a very fun game, with a frantic pace and several deviations on the main puzzle type that serve to give you a pretty full package.

If you are a fan of the series, or are looking to get into fighting games, Street Fighter IV is one of the best we have seen in many, many years.

NHL 08 is by far one of the more impressive NHL titles in the past few years.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd is absolutely charming and it’s not only due to its cutesy looks. With a dimensional world of multiple planes hovering in the middle of nowhere and tons of text to read through, the game could pass for a foreign cousin to the equally engaging and prosaic-heavy Torment: Tides of Numenera. Both games share a fact the flashy presentation is not always needed to tell immersive stories. It’s the quality of the writing and the riveting dialogue that count towards the long hours lost in front of the computer. When all is said and done, Trails in the Sky the 3rd comes out as a balanced, thoughtful and inspiring JRPG.

Tacoma may only be about 3 hours long, but it fills that time beautifully, telling a thoughtful, poignant tale told through the magic of science fiction. Come for the space, stay for the heart. And the space basketball.

What stands out about Top Spin 4 when it is all said and done is the amazing on court action. Whether your playing with a friend or the computer the game brings to life the game of tennis like no other game before it has.

Skate is one of those games that managed to really surprise me this year, especially in a year where there haven't been any big surprises. Skate manages to really come out with all engines firing, and manages to make a great skateboarding game.

Deus EX Human Revolution has been one of the more entertaining games I have played this year so far. Filled with a gripping story, interesting characters, and addictive game play Deus Ex is a game that would be a worthy addition to any collection. Fans of action or RPG games should find a lot of value in this retail title.

Crusader Kings III is utterly engrossing, full to the brim with interesting stories and tough decisions for the player to make. It succeeds as both a strategy game and a captivating RPG. And this is all before the player even thinks about touching multiplayer or what will undoubtedly be an incredibly active modding community. More than anything, it is an immensely dynamic platform where players can voyeuristically partake in medieval stories of war and politics for years to come.

It looks beautiful, plays like butter, and is still one of the most enjoyable games I play each year. The game does have its issues, but as of writing, a lot of the glitches I saw seem to have been addressed. My biggest gripe (and I know I’m not alone) is the amount of emphasis placed on VC each year, and how it feels even more off-putting this year. It takes away from what is such a beautiful and well-crafted game. But if you’re like me and don’t play the card game and don’t mind the grind, NBA 2K20 is still the best sports game on the market.

If you are a fan of One Piece, or a fan of Dynasty Warriors, you owe it to yourself to play this game. If you’re not a fan, play it anyway.

Given where Episode 2 leaves us, I am truly looking forward to see where A New Frontier goes. Javier is a charming character with a deep backstory, and they way his family is introduced throughout the past and present leads to an immediate investment in his future. Add in some shady actions on Clementine’s part, as well as the overwhelming desire to keep her around, and I feel that TWD is back on the right track. Telltale continues to impress.

Frankly, Unravel Two is honestly just as enjoyable as the first Unravel, only instead of leaning heavily on the feels from a story perspective, it has upped the quality of its platforming. I would have loved for them to have found a way to highlight both sides of the equation, but based on my 4-5 hours of playtime, if one side had to fall even a little, they chose the right one. Unravel Two is a glorious little game and you’ll be better off having played it than not.

There may be those gamers that will be so turned off by Youropa's control issues that they won't enjoy the experience. If you can look past them, though, you will find that the game is everything you would hope for out of an indie puzzle platformer - quirky and playful on the surface, with a solid gameplay foundation underneath.

To be frank, there isn’t a whole lot more that can be said about Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus that hasn’t already been mentioned here or the dozens of reviews written when it first came out last year. As far as the Switch port is concerned, the game has been downgraded to make it run but not once did I ever feel I was missing out on anything or compelled to stop playing it on Switch and move to the PlayStation 4 or PC. The truth is, you’re going to have far too much fun slaughtering Nazi scum to even care about some fuzzy textures and the occasional broken particle effect.

As long as you can look past a few design flaws and don’t mind slightly dated graphics, Neon Chrome is a game for anyone who wants strategy and destruction in a single package.

It's a campaign that merits multiple playthroughs, and a story as strong and daring as those of Bioshock, Shadow of the Colossus and Dead Space 2. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that it achieves this in spite of mechanics that are noticeably dated and bereft of innovation. For that reason, the game is best taken as a whole, and not as something that can be played simply on the strength of its mechanical composition.

This is a perfect example of a fighting game that was done right. The only thing that was really lacking in the game was more depth in the offline modes.

Detention isn't for everyone. It's not an easy snack to gobble up. It will haunt you for some time and creep into your dreams. I recommend the game for those who enjoy deep and troubled stories and want to experience them in some other manner than just keep walking and pressing X when prompted. I can't stress enough how mature the story and its dramaturgy is, considering these guys have never done any published games or storytelling before. Detention meets all the unwritten laws of Asian tragedies and I could easily picture it as a movie by the likes of Ang Lee, the world renowned Taiwanese director. That's the highest compliment I can imagine giving to this game.

Grid doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead builds around it and attempts to improve it, and in the end succeeds in making one of the most enjoyable racing games I have played in years.

Dragon Quest comtinues its tradition of excellence with this perfect blend of strong storytelling, enchanting visuals and solid combat system.

If you love music, as a composer or just as a fan, Tadpole Treble will be a pleasure from start to finish.

The bottom line is, if you want to play an action-RPG that is easy to get into, rewards skillful play in higher difficulty levels, and lets you easily play with your friends, Diablo III is a game that you absolutely cannot miss. But its narrow design makes it a game that I can't recommend without caveat for those who prefer single player experiences.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the best version of the best game in this series. I missed my map at times, but the new additions more than makeup for having to pull it up when needed. If you’ve already played the original version though, there probably isn’t enough here to justify purchasing the game again unless you really love playing co-op. For any gamer who missed it the first time though, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the best games released in 2020.

Fans of the game will be happy with the upgraded graphics and portability, and newcomers will be interested in the more structured guidance. It’s good to be weird sometimes, and Majora’s Mask 3D embraces that thought.

I don’t know what else they have up their sleeves, but these three tables were more then enough to get me absolutely salivating at the idea of more Star Wars content.

A good run with a favorite weapon perks things up, but having beaten all the available bosses and only unlocking access to the third tier of goods, doesn’t leave me pushing to find out what else is there. It’s a little gripe, and one that ultimately only detracts from the game once you’ve definitely gotten through it. That aside, Neon Abyss is an absolute joy. Having put plenty of times into other games like this, Neon Abyss is the first where it felt like the deck was stacked equally between the enemies and the player. Sometimes, the random swings go the enemies’ way, and you find no bombs, no keys, and die to spikes while making what should have been a super easy jump. Other times, the screen is a solid wall of enemy eating fire and you are its master, leaving gods to cry and shudder in your wake. I like those runs.

NCAA Football 10 is the complete college football experience, it has the depth, the style, and the substance that fans have been looking for. For the first time in years I am happy to report that the upgrades in NCAA Football 10 game were enough to make for one of the best NCAA Football titles in years.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a masterpiece of design that balances tradition and subtle innovation and is very bit as entertaining on the Switch as it was on PC or PS4. It’s a generous game with relaxed yet engaging storytelling and despite some minor graphical compromises and hiccups, it’s a near-perfect fit on the Switch, absolutely worth revisiting for those who played another version, and required playing for anyone with an interest in the genre or series.

With the DS rapidly gaining more following, PSP finally gets some break with this re-invented classic. A perfect fit for fun mobile gaming.

If you haven’t yet gone on the Child of Light journey I implore you to stop reading now and go play this game.

Sunset Overdrive is the definition of the word “fun.” Insomniac has created something special here. The hilarious plot, unique gameplay, stunning art style and massive, explorable world translate to an unforgettable journey into Insomniac’s not-so-serious apocalypse.

No "Gran Turismo 4," but comes close to usurping the throne for the genre with jaw-dropping visuals and impressive online play.

From the moment I picked up this game I can honestly say I was just floored by how amazing the gameplay really was.

There’s simply nothing to not like about this DLC. It continues an already great story, adds weight and characterization to an already established Spider-friend, and, as a bonus, awards two of my favorite costumes in the bunch. If you’re looking for more Spider-Man to play, and I mean, why wouldn’t you, Insomniac continues to provide ample reasons to swing around New York. Beyond just swinging. Which is still fun, btw.

Despite the nigh-unmatched degree of complexity the tools in Dreams provides, it can be difficult to discuss and break down its value. At the end of the day, the experience it offers is relative to the patience and determination of whomever plays it. Thankfully, the appeal of Dreams isn’t limited to those willing to quit their job and meticulously craft the perfect road, tree, or building by hand. I’m never going to create a level worthy of top billing among countless masterpieces online. Yet I’m able to enjoy the game for what it offers, thanks to a variety of pre-built and simpler options.

Hockey season is back on, and 2K series continues with improved passing controls and fun enforcer feature, all for a low-low budget price.

The SOCOM goodness lives on with another blockbuster tactical shooter, featuring massive environment, interactive vehicles and slicker visuals.

Metal Gear Solid 4 is essentially the best game out there on the PS3, and can easily compete with any other game on any system.

Gears of War 4 is one of the most visually impressive games on the Xbox One, period (and yes, I am one of those who think that graphics matter). While the combat is familiar, it is also fine-tuned and polished for maximum challenge and enjoyment, whether in the multiplayer modes, or plowing through the campaign alone.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 continues to be pure magic and no matter how many times it gets ported onto the hottest new thing, the experience will never be diluted.

While Okami may never have sold the numbers it deserved, it was as worthy than, as it is now, of all the praise that was heaped on it. Upgraded visuals, and a stellar $19.99 price point added on to that already complete package makes this the version of Okami to own.

Thronebreaker : The Witcher Tales is a phenomenal game that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys card games or even puzzle games. The port to the Switch was a wonderful decision, but no matter where you play Thronebreaker, you are in for a fantastic experience.

Skate 2 is without a doubt the best skateboarding game out on the market today and I would highly recommend picking this game.

Games like this on the Wii didn’t sell anything compared what Nintendo was able to do with Mario, and the majority of 3DS owners don’t have access to the title since it’s a N3DS exclusive. Still, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is worth buying a new system for, and this is a must-have for longtime jrpg fans.

If you hated the previous games, then steer clear, but anyone with an Xbox 360 should pick up this superb third-person shooter right away, and without hesitation.

LittleBigPlanet for the PSP is one of the best games out there, and if you were a fan of the PS3 version, or wanted to see what all the talk was about, go out and buy it now.

Soundtrack aside, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is a comic fan’s absolute delight.

With a meticulously designed world and the elaborate puzzles that reside within it, The Witness is a game you won’t want to miss.

The steps forward for NHL 12 might not be as monumental as NHL 11 was, but at the same time they didn't have to be. NHL 12 is a must purchase for hockey fans or even those who have passing interest in the sport.

Although it does a great job of nudging the player along the way, Civilization VI is complex, deep, and endlessly replayable. Like every entry in the series, Civ VI will no doubt be followed by a number of rebalancing tweaks, small changes, and expansion packs but fresh out of the digital box, Civilization VI is simultaneously familiar, fresh and remarkably fun.

The games might be as old school as they come and the lack of Metal Slug and other top tier SNK titles are missed but the SNK 40th Anniversary collection is more than a compilation of the company’s early hits. The clean interface, breadth of games, added console ports and new playback options represents a new beginning for legal retro game emulation.

The steps forward for NHL 12 might not be as monumental as NHL 11 was, but at the same time they didn't have to be. NHL 12 is a must purchase for hockey fans or even those who have passing interest in the sport.

Burnout Paradise is the first great game of 2008. It has all the makings of one of the best the Burnout series has seen, and if improved upon for next year could be the best Burnout yet.

While it has a few missteps and lacks the semi tongue in cheek humor of the original games, I found that the experience of Max's journey to be far more engrossing than I initially expected.

Well written, fun, easy to pickup and difficult to put down, 80 Days is not only one of the best mobile games around, it’s one of the best video games, mobile or not, to come out in 2014 so far.

You have nothing to lose if you want to try Stretchmo, so go ahead and download it! Odds are you’ll fall in love with it like I have with all of these games, and this latest entry is still a ton of fun to get into and tear apart. Play it, buy some levels, and achieve puzzle platforming bliss on the go.

OlliOlli 2 is exactly what you want from a sequel: refinement, addition, and an evolution of the game before it that is just a better game.

The plot is certainly original for an RPG, with the concept of cells as the unseen enemy of mankind. Certainly would have made a good movie by Hollywood standards.

With an emphasis on player choice, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has leapt to new heights, truly becoming a full open-world RPG. The fluid parkour and engaging stealth mechanics are still here, joined by enhanced combat and progression systems established by its recent predecessors. With a beautiful recreation of ancient Greece, a compelling story of intriguing mysteries and intrepid characters, and genuinely exciting moments, this odyssey remains engaging throughout. It’s easy to recommend this epic journey to veterans and newcomers alike, but of course, the choice is yours.

However you characterize it -- rebirth, change of direction, or coming of age -- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the most mature game in the series' long history. It is a difficult game from a combat and survival perspective, and a challenging game in the amount of information that players have been trusted to figure out for themselves. Compared to its amazingly interactive and constantly surprising world, Breath of the Wild's relatively rote story and sometimes frustrating controls add a note of disappointment to an otherwise peak gaming experience.

At the end of the day the cocky, confident, wisecracking and unapologetically sexual protagonist and her amazingly rich style of combat still beats strong at the heart of Bayonetta and revisiting the game on PC is a reminder of how much fun the game was in 2009. Any fan of stylish action games will still appreciate Bayonetta, especially now that some of the original's technical issues have been addressed and resolved.

Salt and Sanctuary clearly gets it’s inspiration and ideas from previous Souls games so there is a lack of innovation here, but developer Ska Studios does a masterful job of adapting the already proven formula of Souls into a exceptional 2D adventure.

Madden has slowed down a bit in Madden NFL 10, but in terms of performance it has ramped up to a new high.

For all of the fans of the original Pikmin, or any strategy enthusiast, you need to go our and buy this game right away.

Cadence of Hyrule is a miracle project, birthed from an indie developer given the keys to Hyrule Castle and surpassing everyone’s expectations. Brace Yourself Games has managed to compose its own worthy Zelda adventure, incorporating its own rhythmic roguelike gameplay with fantastic remixes. The end result is a unique musical experience that’s hard to put down. Needless to say, the game may not be as inviting to those unversed with The Legend of Zelda. But for big fans seeking a new tempo, Cadence of Hyrule hits all the right beats, and I look forward to an encore.

Episode 2 proved excellent all the way around. I really appreciated the points they chose to hit, the themes of friendship and change, as well as the fantastic trip the Admin takes the group on. I never thought that these kinds of stories would be possible with Minecraft as the background, but it just proves to show that a good story can take place anywhere. Even an exploding Heckmouth.

>observer_ is one of the most immersive games I have had a privilege to play in recent memory. It grabs you by the collar and pulls deep into its twisted cyber mystery. The game progresses with the beat of any good thriller and won’t let you have a dull moment, even with a lack of action as observers come unarmed. It took about 10 hours to solve the case (or did it solve me?), but I would gladly have spent twice the time in the bleak and oppressive neo Krakow. The game is worth jacking back into, though, as it has alternate paths to take and endings to see. >observer_ is like a direct-to-video B movie that never was that you can now play yourself. And it stars Rutger Hauer. Did I tell how awesome that is?

Not only is the gameplay superb but also the graphics are just drop-dead gorgeous.

Considering the Switch game’s price point is higher than the Wii U version ever was, it may not even be a cost-effective first choice if you happen to have both systems on hand and don’t mind lack of portability. All things considered, Tropical Freeze is one of the best platformers on either system, and regardless of how funky you’re willing to go, it’s worth gobbling up, especially for old-school Nintendo fans.

Now in its third installment, this FPS franchise continues to impress us with some pretty realistic battles, enhanced online multiplayer and much expanded gameplay.

Initially, The Swapper only managed to gain my curiosity, but as I progressed further through the game, I began to realize I was playing something special.

Bolstered by sensuous visuals and melodic, elegant heavy metal tunes, Othercide is definitely not the case of style over substance. Both sides of the game support each other in the eternal battle between good and evil. Any fan of tactical combat and challenge should break on through to Othercide!

Stronghold Crusader 2 was a rare game that I got lost in. I started playing and before I knew it, it was six hours later. Who can resist a game about castle building, economy raising, and taking on large castles full of troops and hazards?. Especially when you can soften up the numbers by launching diseased animals over castle walls.

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

NCAA Football 10 is the complete college football experience, it has the depth, the style, and the substance that fans have been looking for. For the first time in years I am happy to report that the upgrades in NCAA Football 10 game were enough to make for one of the best NCAA Football titles in years.

I am a huge fan of open-ended action games, and this one just really did the business for me. There is still just so much action in the game and the storyline is so interesting that it's hard not to just sit back and say wow, this is a fun game.

For as fun as the experience is, not being able to scale it back to something a little more manageable is a shame, but it's a game that gives a great experience if you're able to deal with the challenge.

Rockstar bounces back from their Hot-Coffee fiasco in style, with a fresh take on table tennis. Think of it as Pong for the 360, a truly fluid and fun budget title.

While I would have loved to see more new features and additional games like the oft-forgotten spinoff Mega Man and Bass, a package of four solid action platformers is enough to make Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 desirable to both fans and newcomers.

For all the ire thrown in its direction on forums, consider this rebuttal: Dark Souls has never looked better, ran smoother, or had more to offer than it does on PC. And for one of the best games of this generation, that's no mean feat.

When it comes to nostalgia, there’s a fine line between “loving homage” and “trying desperately recapture former glory.” Fortunately, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a fantastic and faithful attempt to bring a nearly thirty-year old game into relevancy. It’s more than just a flashy reboot of the original title, adding in new elements as well as those adopted from its sequel, Panic on Funkotron, to make something that feels fresh, new, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the kind of roguelikes available today. A blast from the past that never feels forced or at odds with itself, ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove is a delight from start to finish.

Senran Kagura Peach Ball is one of those “You got chocolate in my peanut butter/You got peanut butter in my chocolate” moments you don’t see often in video games. It combines the unapologetic lewd and silly nature of the franchise with the thrill and unpredictable excitement that I love about pinball.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses does a tremendous job presenting a more immersive experience in the series’ first console entry in a decade. The three paths all present unique and compelling perspectives into the rich cast, and the Persona-like school life segments are a breath of fresh air that give players a lot more to do besides constant battling. The strategy gameplay is more or less the same with a few alterations and additions, but it remains a shining example of the genre. Every element meshes together well to make Fire Emblem: Three Houses one of the best games in this long-running series.

PGR2 fixes almost all of the problems that plagued original, and even manages to improve upon everything else.

Draugen didn’t make me a fan of walking simulators overall, as its excellent insight is more exceptional than a norm. However, it made me a fan of Edward and Lissie and the particular brand of storytelling designed around them. I was happy and most curious when the ending credits promised that the dynamic duo will return.

Although this game may also be the most difficult game in the series it also still retains all of the fun and enjoyment that has been with this series since the very beginning.

Sony's other stealth-actioner favorite debuts on the PSP with an impressive story and gameplay mechanics, backed by a solid control scheme and plenty of game modes.