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

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

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

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

MLB The Show 18 continues to be one of the best sports games released each year. The action on the field is an incredible recreation of the real-life sport. I do wish that Sony San Diego would take bigger risks each year with its Road to the Show and Franchise modes. But what is offered up in this year’s game makes for a great game of baseball and one that I’ll be coming back to all year long.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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