Don’t bother with Nippon Marathon if you don’t a have company to play the game with or if saying “keep it real, keep it Nippon” makes you irritated. Everyone else, though, forget cheap production values and throw yourself broad-mindedly into the craziness of Nippon Marathon!

There’s absolutely no variety, not even when the lurking horrors start to crawl in and the characters are taken into a dream world once in a while. They, too, play out painfully similar to everything else in the game. As a reviewer, I’m obliged to play games throughout so that I can give an objective view of them. But I have a hunch that if I had purchased Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics for my own pleasure, I would have played it only for a couple of missions and then moved onto something more exciting. When the Cthulhu mythos is left largely untapped in the tepid action, the game is yet another addition to the long list of unsatisfactory takes on the subject.

Battle Princess Madelyn had all the makings of a charmer (there are never enough games featuring a warrior princess!) but it turned out to be a downer. Given ill-defined looks and sloppy level design, sprawling here and there for no other purpose than to pester you, the game is too committed to the gaming of bygone days. The best bet for retro-inclined developers would be fitting their games into modern conventions, and not fall into same old pitfalls that used to plague the genre. Even though your friend Frankie doesn’t realize it, there has been remarkable evolutionary steps in the gaming.

Beat Saber comes at the end of a really important year for the PSVR, with games like Tetris Effect, Moss, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission giving renewed life to the two-year old device. These games — but especially Beat Saber — are the best evidence for VR being more than a promising but ultimately niche technology. It has mass appeal and gameplay that just about anyone can enjoy.

Overall, Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a light-hearted turn-based RPG with some novel concepts attached to it. Still, the magic wears thin pretty fast as there is not much strategy and variation involved in the combat, while side quests are mostly glorified fetch jobs. Nevertheless, the game is still a fun experience in itself and worth checking out if you love tabletop RPGs and haven’t played the first game.

For its beautiful presentation and for all of the ponderous ruminations about life that it might invoke within the player, it’s a crying shame that Rain World just doesn't feel very fun to play. While there is nothing wrong with sluggishness and weight as intentional designs, the options given to the player feel totally at odds with the sheer relentlessness and urgency of the systems at work.

If you’re looking for a game with not even a sliver of hand-holding, Viviette will scratch your itch. If you need no motivation to explore a spooky mansion, you’ll find that in the game. However, If you need either of those things even in the slightest, this is one game I would suggest you hide from.

Book of Demons is an approachable, addictive action-RPG with a few new ideas but overall, an admirably lean approach that doesn’t allow feature-creep or overly ambitious design muddy the fun. Distinguished by its paper book aesthetic and player-friendly mechanics, Book of Demons is thin on story and level-by-level lacks variety but the ability to determine the length of each play session means that it won’t overstay its welcome.

I just can't get into the story here and the gameplay isn't exciting enough to hold my interest. I blame the dull characters and the repetitive hands-off approach to the battle system, respectively. There's a lot of individual things I like, but the game drops the ball on the most important parts of JRPG in my opinion, namely the story and the gameplay. I honestly can't recommend the game to anyone other than the most hardcore JRPG fanatics who are looking for their next fix. I suppose there is a reason it took ten years to get this game on PlayStation after all.

Its art style is unique but darkly opaque and as action/survival/roguelikes go, it doesn’t add much new to the genre. With wildly erratic difficulty spikes, the necessity for uninspired grinding and the inevitable and frequent loss of progress, Below is a niche game for a specific target audience that has enormous patience and determination.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the product Insomniac released, and it raises my expectations for what other companies are willing to put out with their names attached. While I have issues with some of the beats in the final chapter, I have zero qualms recommending it for anyone who enjoyed the main game. And for those that didn’t, well, they just don’t like fun anyway.

Addicted gamer as I am, I had another turn-based tactical combat game to play and review at the same time, namely Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. Oh boy, if its audiovisual excellence could be merged with loose and imaginative gameplay of Jagged Alliance: Rage!, we would have a real killer in the genre! Then again, it wouldn’t be the same game anymore. Like its mercenary cast whose prime time is behind them, Rage! really needs its rugged charisma to live another day.

Beholder 2 moves a little bit slow at times and its one-note humor can be hit-or-miss, but it still merits a Ministry of Reviews stamp of approval.

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!

Those looking for a big investment of gaming will probably do best to avoid this title. But those after a nice palette cleanser, I recommend 911 Operator. It’s not going to light the world on fire, but is a decently-crafted little time sink that works well on the Switch. If you’re looking for something to do in-between catching Pokémon and settling it in Smash, 911 Operator is a nice buffer title to call on.

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.

It’s a short game, taking about an hour or so to reach the end credits but the time is well spent and nothing feels wasted or padded for length. The game’s puzzles are just right, neither too easy or too hard, and in some cases make a great use of the facility’s retro-futurist technology. Some might balk over the absence of enemies or outright peril but hungry aliens, killer robots, or demon possessed soldiers would only serve as annoying distractions and just get in the way. All in all, Red Matter is an awesome science fiction yarn built with an eye for dreamy, retro futurism aesthetic.

I won’t lie to you, I am trying to be positive, and I want people to enjoy this game. ARK: Survival Evolved is a solid survival adventure with unique mechanics, an intriguing mystery and lore, and plenty of years of development in its past to show for it. However, there are just too many issues on the Switch version right now to enjoy it to its fullest, making it near unplayable for many, and I really hope that changes as we move forward.

The bright and fuzzy charm that captivated people fourteen years ago still feels fresh and original. The game may not have much replayability after it ends, apart from replaying levels to make bigger stars maris, but it’s worth keeping around whenever there’s need for a moment of two of calm and mindless fun.

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!

Gal Metal is an average rhythm game that definitely falls in the “lost potential” category. With the huge falter that is the main plotline, the most appealing part of the main campaign would be the character interactions. Gameplaywise, Gal Metal is a novel concept that is ultimately limited by the accuracy of the motion control hardware.

The true beauty of a minimalist story tied with absolutely stunning visuals and emotionally resonant music make for a genuine masterpiece. Gris is an absolute gem of a work that definitely deserves your attention.

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.

The added lore is a welcome addition in the episode but what Hunted boils down to is this: if what you want is to spend three more hours doing the same things you did for sixty hours, then Legacy of the Lost Blade’s first episode is a success on all fronts.

As a character, Grave fails to impress and comes off as a tryhard edgelord with his gothic-inspired coffin chained to both arms. Even the product page on the PlayStation website appears slapdash, with text seemingly lifted from Google Translate without any readability edits. Gungrave VR is a total headache (which has nothing to do with virtual reality) and no one, either series fan or VR enthusiast, should waste their time.

Just Cause has always done, and still does, one thing very well, but it has long lost its novelty and desperately needs something - a reboot, a visual upgrade, a good story. Adding interface and systems complexity does nothing to make core experience more compelling or less familiar. Bugs and opaque mechanisms aside, fans who love the Just Cause games for their unadorned mayhem and destruction will find it once again, but it is hard to imagine anyone coming away excited for another sequel.

When you eventually get going, the game is surprisingly addictive and moody, with bare-bones execution that still maintains an excellent attention to detail and an effective audio design rising up the hair on your back. The wicked gameplay loop of trying to survive and escape is equal parts fun and frustrating – as it pretty much should be.

True Fear: Forsaken Souls was not only an entertaining game in its own right, but also woke me up to the fact that this might be a genre I should be paying a little more attention to in the future. The cutscenes come off a little simple and not as effective as the developers may have wanted, but the consistent tone in the levels and the fun puzzles help push past that and make the game enjoyable throughout. And hey, maybe it might make you more interested in checking out more from the genre as well!

Blasting the giant alien spiders and ants into mincemeat and watching buildings and bridges crumble under the force of a well-placed explosion (and the Havok engine) is still mindlessly entertaining, at least for a while, and each class and all their weapons are fun to jump in and out of at will. The biggest bummer is that what was a unique hook in Earth Defense Force 2012 has become less inspired and not really infused by much in the way of new material. Earth Defense Force 5 is strong evidence that the series is in need of reinvention.

Guacamelee 2 is a fun, lighthearted game that incorporates intense platforming and fast-paced Luchador fights. The sequel doesn’t bring many new ideas to the table, and veterans of the original may want to hold off for a while unless they’re craving more of the Mexiverse. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a tight Metroidvania with vibrant colors and a great sense of humor, then it’s an easy recommendation to dip your chips into Guacamelee 2.

Perhaps I am asking too much of this quirky little indie game. It doesn’t come from any major company like Sega. The developers have taken the Tetris formula and worked it in a brand new way. It’s fun and cute, but it does grow old more quickly than it should. Overall, the lack of additional gameplay modes keeps this good party game from being a great party game. Even just two more modes would have been just the right amount to keep it from going stale so quickly.

Moonlighter is a fantastic and unique adventure that can be played for either five minutes or five hours at a time. The gameplay works significantly well on the Nintendo Switch, making it a perfect pick-up-and-play game. Whether you just want the simple serenity of running your own shop, or the big adventure of beating each dungeon, you will find a great time with Moonlighter. You should definitely invest your gold into this title.

World’s Fair is probably a must-have for Planet Coaster aficionados and for anyone who eventually wants to access creations made with it in the Workshop. Like Cities: Skylines, with each new expansion Planet Coaster just establishes itself that much more firmly as the game to beat in its niche. With only three new rides (the recent Vintage Pack included seven), World’s Fair feels a little content-light but as usual, the new designs, music and elements are excellent and useful.

The games and their level design definitely hold up in 2018, with plenty of content and charm to keep you coming back. On top of this, the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is not a full priced game. If you love Spyro, and like what you see and hear of the game, then there'll be no catches to disappoint you. What you see is what you get, and what you get is a blast from the past, with an amazing and impressive passion put into bringing the games back, better than ever.

Don’t Starve: Hamlet is a no-brainer recommendation for Don’t Starve fans. It likely won’t win over anyone who previously rejected this series, but this refreshing combination of humor, creativity, and challenge is sure to delight the long time fans who are hungry for more.

In Tsioque, solving the puzzles unlocks the story but the puzzles don’t really add much to the tale (which takes a somewhat abrupt change of direction near the end). For much of its length, the slightly post-modern fairy tale isn’t all that engaging, either, or at least not as engaging as the characters and visuals. I wish the developers had voiced their heroine and made the puzzles not just satisfying to solve but a satisfying part of the narrative.

Killer7 is a work of art that surprised many in the past. Now that it’s been remastered for the PC, a lot of new players and old fans alike can finally experience the game in gorgeous high definition. Personally, the game has always been a landmark title to me that set a creative standard that has yet to be topped. It’s absolutely polarizing through the ways it breaks conventions in both the story and the gameplay. Overall, Killer7 is a game I absolutely recommend to those interested in layered, artistic experiences or highly-stylized games with surprises at every turn.

While the X Games content might be quickly exhausted, there’s still plenty to dig in the base game. For newcomers, Steep X Games Gold Edition is a great entry point to hit the virtual slopes. It’s modestly priced and includes the base game and Winterfeast DLC alongside the X Games pass. I could almost say that the pass is mandatory for the previous owners of Steep, too, because slopestyle is such an essential addition to the game. Hoping to see you on the slope!

The bottom line, though, is that I can’t help feel disappointed that the bugs I experienced really ruined it all as I hate losing game progress over something that wasn’t my fault. I’m hesitant to recommend the game until it gets patched (again, let people make setting changes from the pause menu! And give us a manual save, too!). Or, at the very least, let me caution you to be extremely conscious of how and when you go back to the game’s menu screen to avoid harsh, mental anguish.

GRIP: Combat Racing is a solid enough throwback to warrant a play from Rollcage fans but for those racing game players looking for something new, the game doesn’t deliver. It isn’t bad by any measure, but it doesn’t do enough to set pulses racing.

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.

Demetrios: The Big Cynical Adventure mainly appeals to a specific subset of point-and-click game fans that like crude comedy. However, the jokes don’t always land, and the story with its unlikable characters fails to compel. The puzzles are the strongest aspects, although several of them sport frustratingly obtuse logic or feel rushed. If anything, Demetrios will scratch that itch for fans of the genre and humor, but it won’t sit well with everyone else.

Squishies doesn’t hurt for content, sporting about a hundred levels and all the collectibles to grab on the way. I enjoyed the game the most when played for a short period of time and avoid burnout by playing for long stretches of time. Still, if you’re looking for some good, solid puzzle fun on the PlayStation VR, Squishies has a lot to offer. And the map editor is nearly worth the price of admission alone for its content creation and 3D art potential. It’s not going to blow the roof off the genre by any means, though it’s one of the better puzzle experiences on the platform.

All the makings for a good show with a well-established cast, colorful action and good music are there, but with a hefty price tag. To pay hundred bucks for the collection, you really must ask yourself if you’re a fan enough to get something you might not entirely enjoy. I was on a fence myself, and it took the right tracks and the dancers to get into the groove. Then again, when the titles are bought individually, they cost a full game’s worth each so in that sense the collection is a better investment.

When viewed against the other two games in the series, Darksiders III is a disappointment. While I feel the gameplay is harder than it needs to be, I’m more concerned that the product seems half-broken in a lot of places. This is an upsetting follow-up to a great series and it deserves better.

When it comes down to it, Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition is an ambitious game that failed to ultimately capture me. Early on it discouraged me from continuous play, and while I eventually got into a rhythm, the barriers of entry still gated off levels of enjoyment. The lack of a tutorial is a major flaw, as a game with this much original language needs to provide a strong opening to capture attention. The spots that shine bright really stand out, and for those looking for a detailed and captivating story-based game, you could do worse. If you’re ready to read a lot, this is an adventure I can recommend you to embark on. If you aren’t, you’ll find yourself drowning in this zee of words.

If you, like me, fire up the Oculus every so often to see what’s new, and are hankering for a new VR shooter, you’ll probably enjoy Experiment Gone Rogue, though it can’t compare to non-VR triple-A shooters. Developers continue to support the device and VR in general, and gameplay and mechanics inch forward towards the competition outside virtual reality. And of course, Repulse can’t be faulted for the Oculus’ limitations itself. It’s still heavy, awkwardly tethered and still not ready for mainstream.

There is fun to be had with Warriors Orochi 4, as I certainly found myself hooked in once I got going, yet I don’t recommend the game for the uninitiated. It failed to leave a strong lasting impression, and I lacked the emotional connection to the story concepts. If you’re a veteran of the franchise, you’ll find Koei Tecmo has made a solid entry to add to your library. If, like me, you’re still fresh-faced, wait for a sale or work your way towards it.

To me, Deep Sky Derelicts is a rare foil to the games of today. A title that hones in on creating exciting and rewarding gameplay systems is both difficult and rare. It’s the missing half to the atmospheric, but gameplay thin, Darkest Dungeon. That’s a real shame, too, because given the unique setting, there was so much space for creative expression. If you’re looking for another loot-based dungeon to crawl around in, there’s a solid game in here, but there’s just too many underwhelming things for me to get excited.

Party Hard 2 is a serviceable, yet mostly bland game with little going for it besides some of its music and the tense gameplay. Planning out killings without getting caught was the true highlight for me. The story lacks writing prowess and it’s further held back by the low budget production values. Overall, Party Hard 2 is a game I’d only recommend to those interested in some virtual mass murdering.

I’m not sure the “rage game” genre is really a thing, but if it is, Rage in Peace deserves a place at the big people’s table. Although it has a narrative, lots of secrets and side-quests to discover and a colorful style that helps to balance its premise, Rage in Peace will primarily appeal to a very specific subset of action fans less concerned with strategy or character and more focused on achieving a fast and flawless command of the game’s patterns and obstacles. The game doesn’t aspire beyond that narrow goal, but it does its rage-inducing thing rather well.

Unfortunately, the game is quite buggy with multiple technical issues and beyond the solid (but not great) story and replayability. There just isn't much else. Still, if you're a fan of the genre and you're itching for your next mystery murder read, The Shapeshifting Detective is an easy game to recommend for a good evening or two of getting lost in. Just be sure to temper your expectations a little.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee is not a total reboot of Pokémon, nor is it entirely the console experience that many fans have asked for, but it goes a long way to making a very familiar game feel at least momentarily fresh. Most of the mechanical changes are for the better and help make Pokémon a great casual RPG for just about anyone. Most critically, it allows longtime fans a not-too-jarring glimpse into what might be the future of their beloved franchise.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee is not a total reboot of Pokémon, nor is it entirely the console experience that many fans have asked for, but it goes a long way to making a very familiar game feel at least momentarily fresh. Most of the mechanical changes are for the better and help make Pokémon a great casual RPG for just about anyone. Most critically, it allows longtime fans a not-too-jarring glimpse into what might be the future of their beloved franchise.

The Forge is a great opening shot for the rest of six DLC adventures to follow, not to mention that it alone is better than the dreary 20th anniversary content released for Rise of the Tomb Raider. It’s a fun way to extend the game’s life beyond New Game+ and is tightly woven into the context of the main story, its people and their history without feeling unattached or forced.

Fallout 76 is a confusing experience, a discord of half-baked ideas and false premises but also some genuinely smart gameplay mechanics that allow solo players and groups alike adventure in equal terms. I want to desperately love it more but as it stands now, the game makes it pretty tough. Still, I will have my Frankie keep on going, no matter how stubborn that might be in the long run.

For fans who played and loved the early games, Battlefield V is like a memory on steroids. It’s a very good game, not quite a great one yet, but six months from now it may prove to be a high water mark in the franchise.

The game can get a little dull over time, especially if you’re trying to get through all fifteen levels in a one sitting, but like most things in life, Trine: Enchanted Edition is better with friends. One last point I’d like to make: I staunchly recommend against playing without a Pro Controller. I thought the Joy Cons were rather unwieldy for this particular game and not at all comfortable during some of the more intense platforming sequences. Do yourself a favor and splurge on the better controller if you have the means to do so.

It’s not necessarily a game for players looking for brilliantly devious puzzles and new mechanics, but from an artistic standpoint it succeeds in some important ways. Its pleasant visuals and music are cornerstones for a quality adventure time, even if it’s otherwise not overly ambitious and suffers from occasional flaws. However, the game is fairly easy to recommend if you’re looking for a story that explores themes such as mental health and tragedy.

I suppose it says a lot about a game if the biggest thing I’m complaining about is the short length. I hope Neverout gets extra puzzles or a sequel down the line because it really is fun to play. Plus, a sequel might give the game some longevity. Beyond replaying to collect trophies (though to be honest, you’d have to work hard not to get them all on the first playthrough) and taking advantage of the game’s PlayStation VR support, Neverout is more than its surface level homage to a really great movie. I really liked Neverout because it offers the right level of the challenge and atmosphere to keep you engaged all the way through to the end.

Valiant Hearts defies the traditional war game, featuring comical, fluidly animated visuals that tell a somber story about people caught up in World War I. The interactive puzzles, alongside engaging action segments, are effectively interspersed in an experience that is hard to put down. While this slower-paced war title may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s worth a playthrough for history buffs, puzzle platformer fans, or anyone who wants a beautiful adventure game with a lot of heart.

In the end, my recommendation for Marble It Up is based upon what kind of games you like to play or are looking for. Those longing for a title chock-full of content will be disappointed, but those after a small time sink that rewards commitment and mastery, then Marble it Up is a great game to fill those voids.

In many ways, Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe is a perfect video game. For starters, it looks like one instead of yet another movie wannabe. It teaches, entertains, challenges, stresses and eventually rewards you, like any true video game should. In times when big games are high on cinematic violence, indie titles like this should be cherished. And who knows? Maybe the game urges you take the frying pan out of the kitchen cabinet and try out some cooking yourself, even if you don’t fancy yourself exactly a master chef. I, for one, played with the thought what taste gems the ingredients I use in the kitchen would break into!

It is rare that a multi-genre game can be successful in more than one of its mechanics, but Thronebreaker is simultaneously an excellently written story, an entertaining isometric RPG, and an addictive and engaging card game. Finally, for fans of The Witcher universe, it gives us another excuse to live in that richly-imagined world. For me at least, Thronebreaker came out of nowhere and was a very happy surprise indeed.

I think I would have liked the game better if the characters were on foot or the bikes were less touchy. In the end, I give Street Rats some credit for its creativity because I haven’t seen a mashup of gameplay like this before. It’s fun and has a great sense of style that works with the world it’s trying to show off.

Tetris Effect, as a Tetris delivery system, also does what it does very well, making this the version you simply must own if you must own a version. I mean, it’s Tetris. What the hell else is there to say.

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.

In terms of tactics and board games, and with the announcement of a bunch of other board game classics coming to the Switch, I can’t really think of a reason to pick up Armello in comparison. It’s alright, and a decent take on a fun way to represent an analog idea within video games, but the game itself doesn’t really have much to hold you beyond a couple of plays.

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.

Overall, ZeroRanger is absolutely fantastic shoot’em up. It’s highly replayable, while thematically revolving around the repeating cycles of reincarnation in an undeniably Buddhist fashion. I found the game to be an absolute joy to play and reaching the end was highly rewarding. It’s easy to pick up but certainly hard to put down. I’d highly recommend it to those interested in a unique, polished take on the shoot'em up genre.

Tied Together is a fairly entertaining co-op multiplayer game at core but marred by the lack of variation. Although not a long-lasting experience, it does promise moments of family-friendly fun.

Gaming needs more entries like The World Ends With You: Final Mix. Perfection in entertainment isn’t about lacking a single negative aspect, but rather how those blemishes are overcome, and how the work makes you feel. The game has issues as it fails in areas that could potentially cripple it for some. But at the end of the day, I believe it to be worthy of a perfect score. Deserving the highest praise, The World Ends With You: Final Mix can, and should, be listed among the best titles in the history of the medium.

I love seeing From Software getting out of their comfort zone. It’s a nice change of pace and a good way to challenge themselves creatively, but I would have liked to see a little bit more out of the game. I want them to play against the expectations of the genre a bit more because if you strip away the atmosphere and the story, there’s nothing here you haven’t played before.

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is not a great game. Though it has an entertaining character creator and some fantastic customization options, separate the game from the license for a second, and it becomes clear that Shinobi Striker is a sub-par action game and an even worse multiplayer experience. The game sets an interesting foundation for future Naruto games, if only conceptually, but no one save for the bravest of Naruto fans would likely enjoy Shinobi Striker in its current form. Better off next time, Naruto. Believe it!

Whether you're in for the full campaign, fun with friends, or just want to smash some stuff up, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in this charming, rage-relieving adventure. With plenty of settings to assist the motion-sick players, and the option to use a standard controller or Move Controllers, you'll find no problems with accessibility across this vast and hectic game.

Although there are a few environments in the game that feel fully realized, and sections of story and dialogue that hint at a much more satisfying gameplay experience, Call of Cthulhu only sporadically engages with the imagination of Lovecraft and too often seems like a sketch that needs to be more completely filled in, shaped and polished. Once again, the particular genius of Lovecraft has eluded us in the video game form.

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.

Overall, getting a 100% completion in the DLC clocked me in at around four hours, with the story taking about two-to-three to work through. Given the quality of both the story and the side content, picking it up and its follow-ups too should be a no-brainer. Or at least it was for me. But then, I’m the sick fool currently playing through a new game plus on Ultimate difficulty. I’ll let you know how that goes when we check in on our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man next time.

There is a lot of time consuming busywork in Niffelheim, whether foraging, crafting, completing quest events or running back to a fallen corpse. Crafting games can be relaxing time sinks, but the presence of deadly enemies makes crafting cumbersome. 2D action games can of course be a lot of fun, but the necessity of time-consuming crafting ruins the flow of combat. Niffelheim looks impressive but hasn’t quite figured out the magic balance between two competing mechanics.

I reckon Space Hulk: Tactics sinks well with the target demographic but it makes no effort to convert non-believers to join the Imperial cause. The fact that it works as well as it does, goes solely down to the original board game. Outside it, it’s just not attractive or appealing enough. Maybe that’s the reason there was no online activity going on during the review period, no matter what time of day I tried to seek out opponents. Playing Space Hulk in the real life with local opponents is a true social occasion - something that Space Hulk: Tactics can’t achieve.

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.

What Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption ultimately lacks is the kind of flexibility and variety that makes the Souls games so engaging. I actually think that Sinner’s bosses are interesting, well-designed and sort of terrifying, and in the context of a game with a fleshed out story, character-defining progression and better pacing, those bosses could be memorable level-ending encounters. In its present form, Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption feels like a proof of concept tech demo that badly needs to have a real game built around it.

Is the Switch version the best way to experience Dark Souls? Probably not, and I can’t imagine new players coming to the game for the first time trying to learn Dark Souls in the handheld mode. My advice for Switch owners who have never played From’s masterpiece: play it docked and on the big screen first. For those Souls veterans who just can’t get enough of their favorite game, be prepared to retrain your muscles, play in a dark room, and be a little amazed that you’re holding the game at all.

What it comes down to is Rockstar’s intent to build a strongly realized and true to life facsimile of the 1890s — which they’ve done extraordinary well. So well, in fact, that I can’t ever go back to the first game anymore because I'm completely spoiled by this game’s offerings. Red Dead Redemption II is video game escapism at its finest and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything else this year that comes close to matching its accomplishments.

Overall, The Escapists is not a game that I particularly enjoyed, but at the same time I didn’t dislike it either. It was a decent time, but that fun was rather short-lived. The game suffers from a lack of explanation and there's no real indication on what you can actually do. The depth is there, but only if you're willing to do and try every combination of actions and items over and over. The crafting system is mostly guesswork and random chance. But the freedom you have in planning your escapes, the strategy aspects, surveying the area and pulling off your breakout, are thrilling in their moments.

While on paper the changes seem incremental - and if we’re being honest, they are - DC Super-Villains feels like a big step up and a welcome evolution. I’m certainly feeling better this go round than I was at the end of the last, and am even planning some trips back in to clean up and collect what’s left to find. Plus, they got Mark Hamill back for The Joker. That alone means it can’t be all bad.

The Gardens Between remains one of the best puzzle games released this year, a combination of simplicity and lateral thinking, wrapped up in an endearing visual package. The story it tells is impactful, relatable, and human, enhanced by the excellent ambient soundtrack. If only there was more of it.

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.

Still, as rich in content as Black Ops 4 might be, it does exclude a segment of shooter fans that have no interest in multiplayer or competitive gaming, or don’t have a community of gaming friends to play with. Solo players can have a lot of fun with Black Ops 4, though ranking up in multiplayer can be a bit of a frustrating slog through hours of humiliation at the hands of experienced series veterans. The new Blackout mode is probably the best point of entry and promises to be an entertaining game of choice for months to come.

Insomnia: The Ark has an exceptionally cool premise and a very complex story to tell but the game that Mono Studio built to house its vision doesn’t always do a great job. It simply moves too slowly and lacks a central narrative drive. It’s burdened by combat that is both hardcore and limited, and by lots of smaller issues that add up to a bigger overall impression of messiness and missed opportunities.

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.

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.

Thanks to the randomness ingrained with the other games that ensues no two sessions are alike, we could easily stick to the games we liked and still feel like The Jackbox Party Pack 5 was a great way to spend an evening with friends.

For those unaware, Wasteland 2 was a kickstarted game that amassed nearly $3 million in donations back in 2012. The developer inXile Entertainment clearly spent their time and resources to make a fantastic experience that has an identity to stand on its own despite being clearly inspired by other games in its genre. I’m truly grateful that I gave Wasteland 2 another chance, and I recommend you to do the same as well. If you want a stylish, character-driven adventure in the pits of despair, Wasteland 2 is here to scratch that itch!

Starlink doesn’t have many bells and whistles as a game, but the figures are just so dang cool and easily customizable that I can see it really appealing to a wide swath of people. The core gameplay is fine and while it’s nothing to write home about, it does enough to support what comes together as a very impressive experience. Starlink doesn’t redefine the toys-to-life genre, but it does have some of the most beautiful figures I’ve seen and a pretty good game to complement them too.

Super Mario Party’s core Party mode and excellent minigames are the true Super Stars in this package. However, they’re diluted by the extra modes. While some are genuinely creative and engaging, such as the team-based Partner Party and the fully cooperative River Survival, others feel like afterthoughts. Everything included can still be hilarious fun with a good group of friends, but a sharper focus on the classic board game/minigame combo and an increased online presence would have enhanced its longevity. As it is now, Super Mario Party may not be the life of the party, but it’s a solid step in the right direction for this long-running series.

Flood of Light is a beautiful and fascinating game with a story that feels new and effectively told through pieces of text and mystery. The puzzles are fresh, and gain challenge and new mechanics as you progress, never feeling old or exhausted. The hand-drawn art style combined with amazing audio will allure you into the enchanting Hope City while you search for answers. If you enjoy puzzle games and subtle but intriguing stories, then you should definitely play Flood of Light.

Assuming one doesn’t fail too many missions, The Slater is a relatively short game with virtually no replay value as trying to get a better overall score isn’t much of an incentive to laboriously move through the same sequences again. Somewhere deep down I think that The Slater has a decent premise, but there is so much wrong with the execution I had a hard time finding it.