The fact that a game stuffed with hundreds of hours of content runs so well on a mobile video game console is nothing short of amazing. On its own, Skyrim is a phenomenal game and now I don’t have to be stuck on the couch or on my computer. I can play it wherever and whenever I want. What a time to be alive.

Zen Pinball’s South Park offering isn’t perfect but it will serve as a lovely addition to its already robust catalog of tables.

The great thing about Star Wars Pinball is that you don’t have to read instructions in order to get something out of the game. My fondest experiences with it were spent during short, impromptu sessions that didn’t accomplish much outside of listening to the sound effects and watching the table light up.

Sure Spore may not be the perfect game but its an amazing accomplishment and one that I think everyone should really check out.

It seems to "borrow" a little too much from the Need For Speed Underground series.

It’s bit of a shame, then, that The Missing locks a poignant message behind such a tricky game, built from bricks of pain. On the other hand, all the hardships are there for a reason: to understand J.J. and what she has to go through to accept herself. A unique and powerful experience, I can tell that the game will linger long in the mind after finishing it.

It is not unreasonable to assume that the software suggested in Eliza already exists, though it has not yet been exploited and marketed. Our culture certainly believes that technology is the solution to what ails us, even when what ails us is technology, and Eliza the visual novel is an interesting and engaging exploration of that thesis.

Outside of the small issue of too much randomness in the drops, Enter the Gungeon is an excellent way to blow more then one afternoon.

Each episode so far has had its good parts and bad parts- but each time, it's something different. It's been inconsistent, and I don't think it can keep my interest if it doesn't settle down and find a groove for itself. The lack of focus on Lee/Clementine is only forgiven because of the extra focus on a good story twist at the end- but I really hope they find a balance in the future, which would truly make the game compelling on a level that Telltale hasn't done before. As of now, it still feels like a work in progress.

In the end, if you enjoy quirky RPG’s, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr's Journey should definitely be on your radar. The story is funny, the battle system is fun and engaging and just every part of the game is solid. I’m thoroughly convinced that any RPG fan would enjoy Bowser’s Inside Story and this remake is the way to do it!

The latest Need for Speed release has its share of slip-ups, but it's mostly able to sideline them and deliver a fast, fun open world racing game very much like Criterion's classic Burnout Paradise.

With only some minor hiccups in the execution, it’s a well thought out formula that produced a challenging yet fun game worth your time.

There's no doubt F1 2012 is the best game in the series, in both content and execution, but it still feels to me like this franchise needs a year off.

The exploration loop is incredibly satisfying, and combat feels both tight and adaptable, like a complex dance where the partners both accentuate each others strengths, allowing any weak points to fade into the background.

NBA 2K9 comes as another solid outing for 2K Sports, its not a huge leap forward like some of us would expect.

Another element to the game I found trying were the unique, almost Descent-like controls because it took some getting used to. My mind had trouble getting around using the left bumper and trigger for throttle. Strafing is performed with the left analog stick as is vertical boosting--functions I typically expect to find on the right stick. It took a lot of patience and practice before I got used to the controls, though I never really felt comfortable with it. As this is a personal gripe, your mileage may vary. In the end, these concerns failed to disrupt what amounts to be a nice, stellar spin on the roguelike genre. Everspace has the same one more run motivation that spurs players to reach the end goal and at the same time, offering a fresh experience with every run.

I suppose that Frostpunk's main flaw is also its central conceit, because not everyone will be attracted to experiencing its icy apocalyptic wasteland or the uncomfortable ethical and moral decisions that the game forces at nearly every moment. Nobility, zealotry, authoritarianism and egalitarianism are hardly the stuff of sunny escapist fantasies. Kudos to 11 Bit Studios for crafting a game that is as addictive as it is dire, dour, and determined to make us regret our choices, no matter how well-intended.

Just Cause 2 sets a new standard in the sandbox genre, and will be difficult to top due to its incredible graphics, expansive world, and extremely fun gameplay.

Streets of Rage 4 left me feeling like a ten-year-old kid playing his Genesis again, while still managing to bring modern gameplay and variety to a classic series. There was no way for me to keep my expectations low with this series returning yet Lizardcube still managed to blow those expectations away. I can say without hesitation that this is the pinnacle of a long-dormant series and genre; a game I'm confident I'll be returning to for years to come.

All in all, is the Bioshock Collection worth picking up on Nintendo Switch? I would absolutely recommend it. As I mentioned, whether you have played them before or not, the hybrid console is a fantastic way to experience each of these titles, and the excellent result of the port alone should be enough to entice players new and old. The games have amazing stories, truly unique settings, and memorable characters and locations that everyone should jump into.

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.

For any fan of the tactical shooter fan out there this is one of those games that is just plain fun.

The multitude of troop types, various win-conditions, and resource management offer complexity, while its turn-based nature and well-explained rules lend an air of approachability. A few bad apples aside, the lengthy story mode presents an abundance of diverse missions that feel challenging but surmountable. Successfully funneling your opponent’s troops into a carefully curated ambush, or coming up with the perfect counter to a particular enemy charge is always deeply rewarding, and the diversity of mission setups keeps the experience interesting throughout. Wargroove successfully revitalizes a largely abandoned style of game with its own unique sense of charm and mechanical innovation.

Given all the recycled and only slightly re-touched assets and somewhat underwhelming presentation in the story modes, SoulCalibur VI feels more like a re-release with some additional content than an entirely new entry. It plays perhaps a bit too safe, wary not to change anything too much, apart from making fighting feel flashier and easier. However, it’s also somehow comforting that the game finds its footing in the familiar turf. Now, I can carry on where I was left off ten years ago in SoulCalibur IV (let’s just pretend that SoulCalibur V never existed) and quench the thirst the way-too early axed Lost Swords left me with.

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.

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.

Unless you’re a chronic stat-cruncher and menu enthusiast, though, I can’t imagine that this incremental and grind-heavy sequel will resonate with you.

For all that I have said about Bulletstorm thus far I can wrap it up by saying that Bulletstorm is flat out good game. Although not the cream of the crop Bulletstorm has enough going for it that if you're a fan of the genre its definitely worth a look.

The developers went back to the core ideals of the franchise, and came out with what made it fun, and fully customized to really shine on the DS.

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.

It is impossible not to admire and be impressed by Xenoblade Chronicles X, to not have many hours of fun with it, but it’s a hard game to love.

Resogun is great for spontaneous, quick play. Anything longer than that starts to give me a headache.

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.

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

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.

As adventure games are becoming a rarity these days, out comes Quantic Dream's effort that totally hooks you in with its spellbinding story.

As a console game, Nioh was in my top five titles of the year and it was a pleasure playing through it again on PC. Nioh moves Souls-like games into their own genre by expanding the vocabulary of combat mechanics and gameplay systems while keeping a structure, flow, and feel that align with From's signature games. PC purists may balk at some of the port's paltry options but the game's elegant and precise combat shines just as brightly on PC as it did on the PS4.

Madden NFL 11 is a great game of football, the best of the series so far, but its not without a few minor draw backs.

Thimbleweed Park is one of those extremely rare occasions when all the expectations are not only met but surpassed. I quote myself from my preview: Thimbleweed Park is not an homage, tribute or even a retro game. It's the real deal. It's everything I love about graphic adventures. As much as I was entertained by the time I spent in Thimbleweed County, at the end there was a bit of sadness in the air as I had to bid farewell to the wonderful cast of characters.

F1 2019 is a great game with solid presentation, smooth technical performance and tons of things to tinker with and drive through. However, it’s severely hurt by its moronic AI. Marrying more traditional video games sentiments to a simulation is always problematic. The thing is, Codemasters has no competition in the genre so there’s no outside pressure to improve on what they have been doing in the past. Emulating clean driving, especially from the AI’s side, isn’t impossible as Gran Turismo Sport did it in a very classy way. Maybe that’s something Codemasters should look into before rolling out F1 2020.

Lots of personality, android girls looking like cute super-deformed action dolls (you can opt for normal-sized heads too via Ex Options), mad action, smooth and fast gameplay and groovy soundtrack. These are the delectable ingredients for Assault Android Cactus’s tasty cocktail, with only sometimes samey level design adding a tad of sour savor to the mix. Even my brother, who’s usually useless in twin-stick shooters, liked the gameplay here and was actually a big help in demolishing the enemies onboard Genki Star. It goes on to show the game is catered for many kinds of players, all finding their favorite androids to fit their natural skills. Assault Android Cactus sucks you into its crazed action until your eyes start to water and fingers cramp.

The lingering black humor relieves the dark subject matter (Agent 47’s deadpan delivery in disguises is so tip-top!) and no matter what, you can’t help but summon that sadistic smile you’ve been trying to hide. Granted, Hitman 2 doesn’t do much differently than the first season but it doesn’t even need to - it’s just so cool.

This 'expansion' manages to improve on the already excellent Ghost Recon 2, with extra mission and updated visuals, all at a new low price. Absolute bargain!

Fallout 4 is a good game, an absolutely solid work horse of a title that will, if you let it, carry you away for hours at a time to explore its depths. At a time when titles seem to be losing content, Fallout 4 has more then you can possibly consume all at once, and its host of options mean that when you come back for a second, third, or ninth pass, the experience can actually, honestly, be something different. That’s not something you can say about a lot of games, and in that regard, Fallout 4 is truly in a class by itself.

Lara Croft Go is an excellently crafted and surprisingly lengthy puzzle game that loses nothing in the translation to the PS4. Anything you'd heard about how good, full-featured and fresh it was on mobile devices, continues to be the same now, and the addition of extra levels gives players even more to do. It'll be really cool to see if Square Enix does this concept with other franchises of theirs because the work they've done with the Go series has been excellent so far. If you're opposed to playing games on phones, then now's the perfect time to grab it and give it a try.

Scurvy Scallywags is on my front page where it will stay for quite a while. I keep returning to it if I find myself with a few minutes to spare. It’s perfect for those quick gaming bursts and is enjoyable for long periods as well. Scurvy Scallywags is $1.99 on the apps store and is definitely worth the asking price. It brings some unique twists to the match-3 genre that can easily reel you back in.

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.

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.

This is the essence of FIFA 14 – a great package but a hefty sidestep, rather than a leap, as some of its predecessors were. The menus are fantastically designed, accessible and simple, which isn’t a mean feat considering the sheer amount of different modes and ways to play, and make it seem a shinier, fresher product than it is.

New Super Mario Bros. U definitely plays things safe and mostly sticks to the framework established by the "New" offshoot series established back on the DS, but the tougher design and beautiful look make it a great Mario game no matter how you look at it.

As you get to the later levels of the game the strategy becomes even more complex and the game starts going at its full potential.

It is great that Xbox 360 and PS3 owners can now experience Resident Evil 4 but it is a shame that more effort was not put into it to make it stand out. As it is, there is really no reason for this version to exist as it does not bring anything new to the package.

Control marks a new and glorious beginning for Remedy and hopefully there are more wonderful things to come. Despite a few pacing issues here and there and some exhausting late-game shoot-outs, I gladly award the game a perfect score. Am I biased doing so as a Finn myself? Maybe, but Control is a game that today's dull, unimaginative and opportunistic gaming climate doesn't deserve, but I’m happy it exists.

All in all, Resident Evil 3 goes on to prove that the traditional Resident Evil formula, only souped-up to meet today’s needs, works better than, excuse me for saying this out loud, the first-person flatness that was introduced in Resident Evil 7 or brainless shooting action of super-overvalued Resident Evil 4 that took the illustrious series entirely in the wrong direction, only to be redeemed by these excellent remakes.

Shovel Knight: King of Cards is a successful union of its disparate halves, existing as both a platformer with consistently inventive level design and an engaging collectible card game. Joustus and the platforming offer a well-choreographed sequence of challenges that deliver constant variation. Half a decade later, this formula still holds up, and while it may have needed a booster shot of an entirely new sub-game, this injection is quite successful. It's a fitting send-off for a title that helped define a new wave of indies. By liberally borrowed the best aspects of games from the past while showcasing the strengths of modern design principles, Shovel Knight has earned its spot in the annals of the medium. Its latest installment lives up to that legacy.

Chances are owners of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 will probably be more then happy just hanging onto that version of the game. The additions to this year’s game aren’t such that make you want to run out and buy the game.

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.

It was a nice breath of fresh air to have these telepathic abilities that worked so well with the game.

Sine Mora is a quality title, from the look to the feel of it, and there could be a lot of useful comparisons between it and other members of the bullet hell genre.

I found this to be a very fun and unique take on the genre.

As the final piece of DLC, The Curse of the Pharaohs rounds out an attractive and full-featured edition of a bold new direction for Assassin’s Creed. While I still miss the form and function of the older Assassin’s Creed games, I can’t deny that Origins and its DLC has made for a compelling adventure that offers a whole lot of value.

Photorealistic graphics are great but there’s something really nice and comforting about the retro-inspired visual aesthetic. The portable nature of the Nintendo Switch is absolutely perfect for this kind of game. Like the title screen suggests, pull the Switch off the dock, pour yourself a drink, grab some salty pretzels, and make yourself comfortable.

When all is said and done, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night delivers on its promise of bringing Castlevania back. Though I had various issues with the game, it still manages to provide that distinct Metroidvania experience. From the forgettable and dull story to the unbalanced gameplay, Ritual of the Night can’t compete with the best of the series. However, based on its own merits, it still provides a journey worth playing at least once or twice. Without a doubt, the game’s release is worth celebrating for, though it’s missing that creative spark Castlevania series has had in spades.

It’s great fun, a hell of a time, and an excellent way to hold on to a true classic of the arcade circuit.

Ghost of Tsushima is a game I could not put down because the combat is so good, the world is fun to explore, and the stories it has to tell are rich and compelling. And I’m already anxiously awaiting a sequel.

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.

If you have a 3DS, pick this game up. It's especially a great deal when you consider that it's just the pack-in game for that amazing stand peripheral.

In spite of its uneven difficulty, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is an easy recommendation for fans of JRPGs. Its world is large, combat is varied, and solid pacing makes it an easy game to digest – especially from the comfort of the Switch's handheld mode. The writing could be better, as could voice acting during most of the game's more important scenes. However, Vesperia still holds up surprisingly well, even after all these years. If you're in need of a game to tide you over until the next big modern JRPG, or if you missed out on Tales of Vesperia the first time around, Definitive Edition makes a compelling case for your hard-earned cash.

It's business as usual for our favorite platformer, as the 3rd iteration offers more mini-games, 3D missions and drop dead gorgeous visuals.

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.

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

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

Sony gears up to the baseball season with an impressive show, delivering console-quality gameplay and visuals on the sleek handheld.

The Pedestrian is one of the best puzzle experiences I’ve had on the console. It starts off strong and carries that energy throughout the rest of the adventure, dishing out new mechanics and obstacles at a comfortable pace that never had me feeling bored or disinterested. Mix together the gameplay with an animated setting and a jaunty musical score and the end result is a delectable delight of video game entertainment.

Grounded in its own reality, The Yakuza Remastered Collection is a reminder of how competent and reliable this franchise has grown to be.

Look, I’m blown away by this game. It can absolutely compete with the platforming greats, and I’m including Mario in that comment. It’s that good. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and it doesn’t overuse mechanics or reuse stages. It’s a very refined and beautiful world that I think is a tremendous introduction to the Playstation 5 and the Dual Sense controller. But even if it was neither of those things, Astro’s Playroom is a great platforming game that I’d still highly recommend.

Fixing what wasn’t broken appears to have been the studio’s number one goal, and they accomplished it. It would have been nice for some more new gameplay elements to have been introduced and for the controls to have received a little bit of precision. It also would have been nice if the Juan had been more fleshed out, as was promisingly teased in the game’s prologue. These issues aren’t deal breakers, though, which means that gamers looking for a good time of cracking skulls and terrorizing enemies as a chicken should find the experience that they seek.

With new characters, stages, modes, and careful tweaking of the entire roster, Ultra Street Fighter IV is without a doubt, the definitive version of Street Fighter IV. It provides a plethora of new content and a staggering amount of detail, all for the modest price of $15. Its greatest feat, however, is that everything culminates into a package that casual fans will enjoy and fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate.

Combat is near perfect, puzzles are varied, and the world of Darksiders II is ready for the taking.

Although they can be difficult to control effectively, the mounts and the new region in Path of Fire - combined with a decent story, voice acting, and lovely music - are more than reason enough to dip back into Guild Wars 2, which has aged pretty well since its launch over five years ago. With a robust community and strong, ongoing support from the developer, Guild Wars 2 continues to thrive and evolve.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a game I enjoyed immensely. It controls and plays better than Assassin’s Creed III and its hard not to enjoy causing all sorts of mayhem on land and sea.

Sure, the game is tepid in some spots and the steep price and lack of any multiplayer options does sting a bit, but provided you haven't grown tired of this tried-and-true formula then Orcs Must Die can definitely provide some hours of silly, unrelenting fun.

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

The best advice I can give is to not come into Persona Q looking for another handheld version of the previous two games. The changes made to the formula may seem minor but they have a huge impact on the experience.

With beautiful visuals and solid gameplay mechanics, I would highly recommend any racing fan checking DiRT out.

Kingdom Hearts III is an amazing yet flawed game made for the most die-hard fans of the series. While newcomers can still enjoy the quick-paced gameplay, the extremely complicated story will surely leave them bewildered. Even if you understand so little of it, prepare to embrace the wacky and bizarre nature of Kingdom Hearts III with an open-mind and it will be a fun ride.

The Live support is really what makes this game as fun as it is.

Madden NFL 11 is a great game of football, the best of the series so far, but its not without a few minor draw backs.

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

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.

In a crowded landscape littered with a few too many survival crafting games, The Forest makes a pretty strong case for itself. With an open-ended world balanced by a story that moves forward, The Forest contains both freedom and mounting tension and provides not just the means for the player to survive, but a compelling reason to do so.

Small but strong improvements in most areas of the game that come together in a beautiful package. I feel somewhat like a broken record because I’ve probably said the same thing in the last couple of years’ reviews of this franchise but MLB The Show never ceases to amaze me with how good of a simulation of the game of baseball it truly is. With no baseball in real-life, I found myself more than once sitting back and just marveling at the recreation of one of my favorite sports in video game form. If you’ve slept on the series the past couple of years, or are just looking for a deep sports simulation while you social distance, MLB The Show 20 is a great game of baseball and for that, I’m truly grateful.

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.

The creative slant makes for a far more interesting game than the original “crash into various structures” formula. With over 400 levels divided in three chapters, over 60 sandbox levels and rewards for collecting hidden skulls, Bad Piggies is packed with a serious amount of content making it the perfect game to spend as little as five minutes or upwards of two hours with.

A decent enough addition for those collecting Zen Pinball 2: Portal tables though it is a slightly empty homage to Aperture Science.

Guardian Heroes is a retro game done right.

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.

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.