Wii Fit Plus isn’t a sequel; it’s an update. But at $20, it offers a good bit of additional content, features, and refinements—enough for fans of the original to consider upgrading and replacing their old game disc.

Brink embodies everything that people thought online play would be on a console. You've got solid leveling up system that adds another layer of depth to a game that didn't need it, as Splash Damage could have just dialed it in and created just another first-person shooter. With that said, if you get the right team together and you understand your task when you play online then you're going to find Brink to be a very rich experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed Airborne Kingdom and it is certainly one of my favorite city builder/ resource management games. From style to gameplay, the game is relaxing and easy to play.

Skyrim Special Edition delivers the same classic adventure as it did in 2011, while adding packaged DLC, an upgraded visual package and the introduction to mods that have been keeping its PC gaming life alive and kicking for the last five years. Definitely a special edition.

Skylanders is a good game made wholly better by a great gaming experience that is provided by the Portal of Power and the figures. Enjoyable for all ages, you would be hard pressed to find a more engaging, better-produced family friendly game this holiday.

Diablo III on the PS3 has its issues, but it certainly excels in some of the areas the PC version simply failed on. Gamers will be happy with Blizzard Entertainment's well thought out efforts to bring home a solid console version of their PC hit.

Final Fight: Double Impact does a great job of revitalizing two classics and making them relevant and enjoyable all over again with remastered visuals, audio, and the inclusion of online play.

This game is very good. A 10-12 hour campaign, that can all be played cooperatively, is supported by a good handful of multiplayer offerings. The "story" seems relative and sets the stage for a great experience, even with it being a bit repetitive.

Hats off to 4A Games on a job well done.

A worthy addition to the Destiny expansion family. It brings more fun, better balance (risk/rewards) and a tough raid. Definitely a step up, but still contains some old caveats that the series can't quite shake in PvP that hurt it just a bit. Overall, it's a great expansion for the series.

Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior from Sand Door Studio and publisher Spotlight by Quantic Dream is a fun action game that is driven by strategy and a sprinkle of good storytelling. The gameplay’s unique ability to offer the player several ways to succeed in a fight keeps the gameplay interesting and engaging, while the challenge to complete said fight in X amount of time will ensure the game’s longevity and replayability.

Pumpkin Jack isn’t a game that revolutionizes 3D platformers, nor does it particularly add anything new to the formula; but the level of charm, humor, and ambiance it offers is just too good to pass up. It’s easily able to make it onto a “Top Halloween Games You Must Play” list if there is one out there, even if it’s not necessarily going to resonate any other time of the year. Combat is the game’s only disappointing downside, but it was hard not to have a ghastly smile on my face playing through it.

Dragon Ball Genkishin Squadra, from developer Ganbarion and Bandai Namco Games, is a surprisingly solid MOBA game. It takes the Dragon Ball universe and merges it beautifully within the MOBA genre without losing the essence of the IP.

This game’s animation is a beautiful combination of 3D and comic book-like graphics. It is a refreshing take on an adventure and rhythm game and I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. This is definitely a game to add to your Steam Wishlist.

Sadly I didn’t put much time into “Beat Cop”. While the game is amazing in its detail and design, the game actually starts to feel like a job! I can attribute this mostly to my own taste and opinion. I can still appreciate some of the nuance this game offers. I think “Beat Cop” deserves an 8.5 for being strong enough to captivate anyone who craves good character development and witty dialogue.

I’m a sucker for old arcade games and having a 14-game Pac-Man collection at my fingertips is everything thing I thought it might be. Bandai Namco’s Pac-Man Museum+ is a must-have for Pac-Man fans and arcade junkies.

Roboquest from developer RyseUp Studios is just as fun on PlayStation 5 as it was on PC. It still has some of its shortcomings, but nothing that will keep you from enjoying the action, evil robots, weapons, and customization.

Zero Time Dilemma is a great game and a must-play for those that escaped 999 and VLR. Like many third acts in trilogies across all kinds of media, it’s not as strong as the first or second act, but it’s still solid and I recommend it.

Thunderful's Curious Expedition is a very fun game. It has a lot of complicated strategic parts you have to think about in order to be successful, but all of them create a learning experience, much like Oregon Trail did for gamers back in the day, that motivates you to keep going.

In sum, the surprise release of the fourth DLC is great news for anyone that enjoys this game. There is enough quality content in Eternal Embers to warrant a purchase, but it’s also clear that it’s time for Titan Quest to get a full-blown, AAA-level sequel. The bones of Titan Quest are still excellent, but they are very much showing their age in some respects. I don’t think anyone would disagree that it’s time for a proper sequel to be the next big news we hear about Titan Quest. Until then, though, it’s easy to recommend Eternal Embers to anyone that wants to take on another epic quest in the Titan Quest universe.

Blasphemous 2 felt incredibly good to play despite its challenging nature and complex combat. It’s a great Soulslike 2D action-platformer that doesn’t rely on nonsense gimmicks that make the game artificially difficult for the sake of being punishing. Its exploration, art direction, and worldbuilding are unmatched in a sea of modern Metroidvanias released in 2023. If you’re down for a good challenge or path of penitence in a Roman Catholic-inspired 2D platformer, look no further. Like it or not, you will pay for your gameplay sins.

Far Cry 5 offers plenty for fans of the series, with a few new fun additions. The mission design is a little underwhelming, but it's a lot of bombastic fun. Eden's Gate and Joseph Seed are the best villains in the series to date.

Despite a lacking story, the Nemesis System is still the coolest gameplay mechanic I have ever seen in a game. Fans of Shadow of Mordor will find lots to love about Shadow of War, and new fans will surely enjoy the addictive and impressive gameplay. Just don’t go in expecting a canon Tolkien story.

In sum, if you’re like me and like the Souls games for their lore and gameplay, but don’t want to spend hours in frustration with asinine difficulty, give Mortal Shell a sincere chance. Like any game in this genre, it can take several hours to get really comfortable with and in the groove, but when you do, it will hold on tight and you won’t want to put it down.

Hauntii is absolutely one of a kind, despite the familiarity players may latch on to. Moonloop Games creates a title focused on exploration that is visually riveting and packed with attention to detail. Incorporating puzzles both obtuse and clever, frustration and satisfaction may go hand in hand. But enough narrative heft and creative depth mean Hauntii is no mere specter that will fade into memory.

Moons of Darsalon is devoted to not only its retro aesthetics but its expression of a latent genre. Players nowadays are almost trained to despise the possibility of escorting anything and anyone across a playable space, stripping them of the freedom any prior mechanics granted. But Moons of Darsalon is a puzzle game first and foremost, leading players along a zany path of success, terraforming levels and avoiding Darsanaut manslaughter through abject carelessness. It is simplistic in its message but wonderful in execution.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a well-planned and executed game from Binary Haze Interactive. It has some repetitive shortcomings, but the fun boss fights and massive levels will help you get through the grind.

Battlefield 6 has an expert grasp on what makes the series’ beloved multiplayer so treasured by players. Those scarce few who come to this title for the campaign alone will be left deserted in the wake of a quick, passable single-player experience that is meant to be digested before the full course. The all-out-war across fantastic maps and an emphasis on class play where players turn the battlefield into rubble is instantly memorable, providing a worthy follow-up to players’ best memories of Battlefield.

Hypnospace Outlaw presents a precise simulation of the apex of 90’s internet culture. Separating anarchic innocence from hubristic malice is the objective while soaking in the garish spectacle of a lost time is its gratuity. Twenty years removed, Hypnospace Outlaw exposes the dividing line between the internet as a digital frontier and its current status as a corporate hellscape.

There’s no reason not to complete Episode Aigis with how much ATLUS has made this post-game episode easier to complete than ever before. Getting to the end of Episode Aigis and seeing Persona 3 Reload’s characters’ ending in a somber, yet bittersweet, fashion is a perfect way to step away from the glory that is Persona 3 Reload that has made 2024 a fantastic year for Persona fans. It bears repeating: Episode Aigis is a JRPG post-game done right; it’s so right that it’s worth returning to Persona 3 Reload if only to see the ending.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition is a shining star in the Street Fighter family. Everything about it feels refined, smooth, and it harkens back to a more concentrated fighting time where the bells and whistles of the fighting experience purely relied on characters and moves. It’s good, folks, especially on the PC.

Regalia is just a great game that is worth a shot if you enjoy comedy, great characters and a lighthearted story. Also, if you’re a fan of classic JRPG isometric gameplay, look no further Regalia: of Men and Monarchs.

I think most players know what to expect when going into Borderlands 3. Gearbox is devoted to this franchise and has a certain reverence for not changing it up too much. What are you looking for in this game? With three other friends and a laid back attitude, Borderlands 3 rewards on so many levels. Laughs, rewarding but loose gunplay, and constant loot are a specific pleasure. But this game is not going back to the drawing board. It’s hard to say this is a tired formula because Borderlands has been so quiet for such a long time. Yes I wish the story was better and the jokes didn’t work as hard. Despite all that, it is such a fun game especially when you pass the hurdles. And for that, I can’t help but recommend Borderlands 3.

Fall time on planet Xbox brings with it the promise of virtual horsepower; and 2017 doesn't disappoint. Microsoft Studios contingency Turn 10 is back with the seventh installment in the "primary" franchise flavor, upping the stakes with a ludicrous car count and a new collector focused experience.

Final Fantasy X remains a genre-defining legend while Final Fantasy X-2 still dances through its saccharine and exploitative expectations. Neither feel especially ravaged by time. As either an academic interest in turn-of-the-century gaming or a hopeful re-acquaintance with a bygone phenomenon, the collection makes it easy to invest another lifetime across Spira.

HOWL from developer Mi’pu’mi Games GmbH is a narrative-driven puzzle-strategy game that brings a simple concept but a complicated gameplay design. The inclusion of a deep goal system that plays into how a player can progress in the game makes for a fun experience, while the offensive and defensive nature of its card system pleasantly complicates and compliments the gameplay. While not everything is perfect, it’s still better than expected.

Crash Team Rumble from Toys For Bob is quite fun. It features a balanced system of gameplay, some fun characters with unique gameplay styles, and a nice set of maps that complement strategy and quick gameplay. The leveling system may work its way to max quickly, but it doesn’t detour how much entertainment you’re going to get from this title. The biggest concern with this game is longevity and variety. It’s nice that Toys For Bob laid out a roadmap to tame some of this worry, something most companies don’t do well nowadays, but only the future seasons will tell the dedication to the title.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die from developer Stormteller Games is a wonderful game on the Nintendo Switch 2, if you can get used to the Switch 2’s controls that come with it. Beyond that minor hiccup, the game still brings the same addictive gameplay experience and presentation as the bigger consoles. Having the game on the go is a huge plus as well.

The Berlin Apartment–even with its brief runtime and lack of meaningful gameplay–offers poignant narrative vignettes across its minimalist approach. Taking place entirely in the confines of a singular space, players will experience decades of tumultuous Germany history, reflecting on humanity and the strength of the individual even when entrenched in oppression. It’s in these types of games where an emotional gut punch is one of the deepest mechanics a developer can provide to its audience, leaving them speechless at the mercy of a narrative.

Hi-Fi Rush lives up to the hype it has received. It’s a fun experience with a musical backbone that works perfectly with its action platformer roots. Definitely a huge plus for the Xbox family.

Sonic Origins Plus is inching toward being a definitive Sonic the Hedgehog anthology of classic games, some of which are remastered. The inclusion of Amy and the Game Gear titles are arguably two steps forward, but the quality of those emulated titles in comparison to their remastered counterparts and lack of Genesis and Master System titles are two steps back. Either way, for Sonic fans who do not yet own Sonic Origins on their PS5, Sonic Origins Plus should be a very easy recommendation.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark from developer FuzzyBot is a cornucopia of different types of gameplay experiences rolled into one title and balanced in ways that work well together. The story is good, the action is easy and fun, and the crafting/building helps to bring a juxtaposition to the game’s action component. While not all of it works, the game still brings what it needs to create a big, unique, and entertaining experience.

If I was to call MainFrames a proof of concept, I would be grossly overlooking its stellar presentation of byte-sized platforming as a little floppy disk. Yes, it’s difficult at times, but just about anyone can reach its end credits within a few hours. Developer Assoupi has nailed the platforming formula to a T; I can’t wait for more!

The Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection from Atlus is so much better than expected, but not without its flaws. The dungeon-crawling and exploration experiences are primo, as is the need to build a map out and put it on the player to keep track of their surroundings. While the beginning of the game may force some players to question if they’re up for the task of traversing the Etrian Odyssey worlds, as well as some of the gameplay design decisions that can be archaic and restrictive, the collection’s payoff seems much greater by the end than the amount of effort it took to get there.

Dead in Antares, from developer Ishtar Games and publisher Nacon, is an impressive game that is led by survival management, player choice, and paying attention to crew members’ attributes and stats. The gameplay lies within its details and depends on players making a logical decision on how best to keep the crashed crew alive in the game. It can be overwhelming for those uninitiated to the series, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Wildgate from developer Moonshot Games and publisher Dreamhaven is a fun PvP multiplayer shooter that may seem a bit vanilla now, but it has room to grow. As it stands, you’ll get a lot more PvP co-op gaming out of this than anything else.

The Last Faith is a grueling metroidvania, leaning into pinnacle souls-like gameplay elements that reward exploration, precision, and patience. Its combat may be simple and fun, but the challenge of mastering its traversal may be too much to handle. Its gorgeous visuals might not be distinct enough to separate itself from the pack of its predecessors, but it’s a great start for those wanting to test the waters of the souls genre.

Ultimately, Tales of Berseria fits into the franchise quite, well fittingly. It weaves an interesting, often touching and sometimes cringe-worthy story, although this time the premise of the story (revenge, initially) is much darker than you might have expected. A familiar yet even more freeform battle system is a plus, while layered battle mechanics throughout provide for both accessibility and depth. Well animated and generally very good-looking visuals match a solid voice-acting effort and musical score. Like most any JRPG, there is repetition, but the story and battle system and general charm of the game, even in spite of a not-so-likeable protagonist, give way to a good JRPG experience.

Kemono Heroes from developer Mad Gear Games and publisher JanduSoft is a fun action beat ‘em up that keeps the gameplay simple, delivers creative enemies and levels, and throws some good boss fights into the experience. While the upgrades are a bit restrictive with their progression, the game offers far more fun than not.

TAMASHIKA is borderline experimental. Therefore, it won’t be for everyone. A pure first-person shooter that holds no ambitions of plot or extended play. Developer quicktequila asks little of the player outside of growth. Whether that growth comes from patience or hardened reaction forge from repetition, the result is the same. Its kaleidoscope of feedback, colors, sounds, and stuff smother the player, gnaw at them. Like a chant, it summons you. Stay a bit, leave, come back. Things will be different but the thrill will be the same.

Immortals Fenyx Rising: The Lost Gods is a great piece of DLC because it’s entirely unexpected. Who would have thought an open world game of this nature could be distilled into an isometric platformer with great combat? As far as experiments go, this is one of Ubisoft’s stranger ones. And I really hope its a sign of things to come. Personally, I probably won’t ever reach a point of fatigue with open world games. They are easy to get lost in or put down for a long period of time and come right back to. The Lost Gods isn’t short by any means but it’s also unique enough that it may act as proof that new genres and new IPs can amount to something special for the publisher. I truly believe Fenyx will be back in all her godly might.

Donut County is a little short and peaks prematurely and I don’t care. I’ve never played a game where I control a hungry hole, think like a trash raccoon, or talk to friendly animals at the bottom of a cave.

Strange Brigade gets much more right than it does wrong, and it proves the power of co-op yet again. Played alone, this game isn’t worth the time or effort due to the tedium. However, add in a friend or three, or at least some decent randos, and suddenly the game takes on a whole new feel and it instantly becomes a treat. It’s certainly not the first game to prove this phenomenon, but nevertheless, if you have some buddies to play with, keep Strange Brigade on your radar.

Keys of Fury from developer Elecorn is a short typing gameplay experience that brings a good variety of different modes, some short branching narrative moments, and tries to breathe new life into the typing game scene.

Minds Beneath Us relies on confusion – a hell of a lot of good confusion – to get the player invested in its dystopian reality. Illusion of meaningful choices aside, it tells a compelling sci-fi tale of corporations gone awry and hits the sweet spot of good sci-fi philosophy that fans may be wanting in 2024. It’s gorgeous, too.

The game is a spectacular experience. It is masterfully crafted with the right amount of South Park driving it. It certainly has a few minor faults here and there, but it is built to entertain and it doesn’t falter in that area. It’s a big game with a properly built turn-based personality and it all works beautifully within its humorous South Park wrapper.

Constance wields an emotional story, layered action, and incredible style to become more than just another derivative Metroidvania in a sea of heavy-hitters. Genre stalwarts aren’t going to find anything drastically different in its quest for explorative abilities but Constance has heart and a deft gameplay, making it a title that shouldn’t be brushed aside.

A tiny mouse is an unassuming heroine, dioramas are inconspicuous puzzle boxes, and virtual reality often prefers exhilaration to gratification. Moss erases these assumptions and projects its bold ambition across a gorgeous procession of puzzles and platforming. In a medium consumed by flash and artificiality, Moss presents a mature and genuine alternative.

Heroes of Hammerwatch: Ultimate Edition is a game that works best with friends, and does a great job with how it balances gameplay and grind. This indie game is something you should add to your list of ‘must-haves’.

Rehydrated is as close to a perfect 1:1 recreation of the original 2003 fan-favorite. While the gameplay certainly feels outdated to modern platforming standards, there’s a lot here that fans of Spongebob will find enjoyable. Much of the writing and humor from the original doesn’t hold up in 2020, but there’s something to be said about wanting to preserve all of the original content. Rehydrated is a fun little romp through Bikini Bottom, and it makes me hopeful for future games with everyone’s favorite sea-sponge.

MLB The Show 26 from developer San Diego Studio and publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment is a solid improvement from last year’s game, with more data inclusion, smoother career decision-making, and better backend gameplay refinements. While not a huge leap from the previous year, it’s still a good release with enough reason to consider it, especially if you’re a new player who doesn’t have last year’s game.

The Capcom Fighting Collection brings some unique titles that most U.S. gamers haven’t laid eyes on before. While not all the games in the collection are worthy to be in it, the Darkstalkers-centric theme makes it worth a look.

Curse of the Dead Gods is by no means an easy roguelike. It is often brutal, punishing, and hopeless. The game flings curses at the player meant to transform how they adjust to established mechanics by throwing in new gameplay wrenches that can potentially drown the unprepared in obstacles. It’s up to the player to decide how to adapt and persevere. A wealth of tools makes combat difficult, yet exciting and varied. Using light as a boon to further test your mettle allows an outpouring of creativity in how a potentially terrifying or simplistic room can be turned on its head. Curse of the Dead Gods is a stylish, confident dungeon crawler that incorporates the right amount of reward into its teeth. Rarely did I feel absolutely overwhelmed, punished by the gods who tested me. Eventually, with a firm grasp on my torch, I burned them all down with ease.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite looks the part and plays the part, to wonderful effect. Aliens is an action movie at heart, and it’s evident that Cold Iron Studios made a strong effort to capture that ‘80s action movie feel. While the campaign is lackluster and mission variety is sparse, it’s hard to deny that tearing through hordes of Xenomorphs with your friends isn’t fun. While I don’t know if the game has a long-term impact in the way of future content that Cold Iron Studios is going to be putting out in Seasons, there’s enough content here to enjoy for a weekend or two with friends. I know I’ll be going bug hunting again, real soon.

While it may have kicked my ass to kingdom come, Anger Foot is a creative approach to a chaotically simple FPS that’s light on the shooting and heavy on the kicking. Despite the simplicity of its controls, it is a refreshing take on an FPS that encourages players to do something other than mindlessly shoot enemies. I cannot wait to see what else Free Lives and Devolver cook up.

This game has sparked an interest in anime that I didn’t know I had. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed the PS2 game, as well as anyone who wants to check out a series that has withstood the test of time.

Hungry Horrors, from developer Clumsy Bear Studio, is a card-based joy to play. It’s engaging, wonderfully circular in its design, and an easy game to revisit regularly. The difficulty might turn some gamers away, but once that hill is climbed, it’s a brilliantly built game that will be tough to put down.

It’s pretty clear to me that 30XX is gameplay-forward over anything else. This isn’t a bad thing, but setting your expectations as such will prevent you from thinking that you’ll become invested in 30XX’s protagonists, antagonists, and everyone in between. Instead, you should expect a casual yet fun roguelite platformer that can be picked up and returned to at any time without needing to remember your progress, any side missions, and/or any other progression-based mechanics. I’ve quite enjoyed seeing 30XX progress through Early Access; I’ve enjoyed its official release on the Switch, too. I’m quite excited to take 30XX with me when traveling and returning to it when I need a good platforming roguelite fix if I need to wind down after a long day at work. I just hope that someday the Switch version will get the map maker in some capacity.

Before Your Eyes is a devastating journey in VR that you won’t soon forget. While the journey itself doesn’t last that long, the story is long enough to leave an imprint on the gamer for years to come. It has a very Grave of the Fireflies vibe to it, so bring the tissues.

DOOM is a great game, no matter what platform you play it on, including Switch. On the Switch, you lose SnapMap and will have a significantly reduced graphical presentation, but the experience remains fun and addictive, and now also portable thanks to the nature of the Switch. For some, the trade-off may not make sense, but for others, it’s more than fair.

Trackmania's thrilling speed and simplistic style make it an easily accessible racer that will thrive on a dedicated, creative community who have the patience to navigate its subscription model and basic menus.

Back 4 Blood is the ultimate cooperative experience, without a doubt. It may unwisely punish solo players and lack deeper launch content to attract and immerse casual players, potentially impacting the game’s community and longevity. But its core mode of pitting four players against an unyielding mob of monstrous death brings a constantly evolving, sometimes overwhelming challenge. If it weren’t for the extensively unique and clever card system and the overly satisfying gunplay, Back 4 Blood would stumble and shamble out of the gate. Yet its core mechanics provide such a fulfilling reward, that I can’t imagine not wanting to dive back in day after day and fend off the Ridden.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a fun if not brief, epilogue to Horizon Forbidden West. Those looking for massive reveals may be a bit disappointed, but there’s enough fleshed out in Burning Shores to make it a worthwhile play. Seyka jumps straight to the top of Aloy’s best companions, and the Bilegut & Waterwing are awesome machine additions. All in all, Burning Shores is a must-play for Horizon fans; especially those curious as to what the future may hold for Aloy.

While the power of a PC environment can never be trumped by a console, and that’s where console games are born, so it should be the apex technology leader in gaming, the console version of New World: Aeternum works very well. The controller layout is easy to use, the graphics are premium, though some enemies are very blah when it comes to detailed character modeling, and everything you would expect from the PC version is here. Having the ability to easily communicate due to PSN and easily grouping with friends will be a treat on console...The game works solidly on the PlayStation and it’s a game I will revisit multiple times before I’m done with it or before a new expansion is released.

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is another feather in the cap for Square Enix’s efforts to preserve its massive catalog of RPGs in that delightful era of the PlayStation 1. And for a game so unique as this, it’s hard to imagine the undertaking of a complete remake could preserve the original’s imaginative spark. Instead, SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered serves as the ideal update to a game that shouldn’t be relegated to a time capsule, trapped on older hardware where a fresh audience has less of a chance to fall in love.

Mineko’s Night Market from developer Meowza Games is an adorable, relatable, and fun crafting adventure that pushes everything along with a story that runs perfectly parallel to the gameplay. While its main audience might be younger gamers, there might be enough here for older gamers to enjoy.

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is a game that is sure to make faithful fans of the series happy and bring in new fans too. It’s a unique 2D platforming puzzle adventure that the community needed a good reminder that it exists. Although the controls can get a little out of hand even after playing for a while, the story and gameplay give the game a unique charm that I haven’t seen in most platforming games for a long time. Abe and the Mudokons are some wacky characters that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon and hope to see more remakes and new installments from Oddworld Inhabitants soon! But for now, Oddworld: Abe’s Odysee really is New ‘n’ Tasty!

Basketball Classics from developer Namo Gamo and publisher Acclaim, Inc., is a fun 8-bit basketball experience that is simple in its design and execution. While not perfect, it still maintains the essence of some of the best and earliest times of video game basketball gameplay experiences.

While San Diego Studio doesn’t take a huge leap with MLB The Show 23 compared to last year’s game, it’s still entertaining and the best baseball game on the planet. The addition of The Negro Leagues mode makes for a deeper and more enriching experience.

Super Meat Boy 3D is a thrillingly apt interpretation of the original Super Meat Boy. Those who loved Meat Boy’s squelching, sticky jumps in 2D would be hard-pressed not to fall in love with the same brutal execution in 3D. While some precision and legibility gets lost in translation to varying degrees of success, the wealth of content and homage is retained. Team Meat’s reverence for the genre is unmatched and I can’t wait to keep exploding in a hail of meat for years to come.

Candleman: The Complete Journey is a very nicely developed 3D platformer that has a great hook or gimmick that it introduces immediately and utilizes throughout. For $15, it presents a good value for anyone that is seeking a clever, charming, accessible, and fun platformer.

F1 Manager 2023 from Frontier Developments is a detailed F1 experience for the F1 fan that needs a bit more than what F1 2023 can deliver. It has every aspect of running an F1 team, designing success on the racetrack, and juggling the business side of the sport. What it doesn’t have is up-to-par visuals for this generation, but that takes a backseat to the F1 managing the game successfully delivers.

Black Mermaid’s Moonscars is a tough game that has a thick amount of creativity in both story and presence. Not all its pieces work perfectly, but enough work to warrant a hard look at this title.

In sum, another year and another solid NHL release; it might not have enough to stir series veterans, although the inclusion of the World of CHEL and the Legends is certainly cool. Furthermore, the investment EA Canada has made to those who have long sat out on the series or always wanted to give it a shot is quite strong, so if you’re in that boat, NHL 19 may be what you’ve been waiting for.

For a VR experience, I have to say Sniper Elite VR is one of the better titles I have played. Part of that is surely from both the familiarity of the FPS genre and even more specifically the series itself. However, the variety of options lends itself well to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The Aim Controller worked great, and though sure there are some camera/position glitches and some graphical issues from time to time as most any VR experience has, none of these were so off-putting as to keep me from playing. The narrative was interesting and well-told, too. Mission design is balanced well for a VR experience, meaning that it’s much more than ‘tech demo’ or entirely on rains, but, it’s not as wide in scope or sandboxy as a non-VR title either. In sum, for anyone looking for a good sniping experience in VR, this is an easy one to recommend.

Super Bomberman Collection from developer Red Art Games and publisher Konami is a good collection that maintains the wonderfulness of some classic Bomberman titles, reignites the fun competitiveness included in them, and lays the groundwork for more classic Konami titles to come back to life in a modern gaming world. The collection may not have every great Bomberman title in it, but what you do get is darn good.

For right now, Marvel’s Avengers is constantly fun to play with its easily accessible combat and a story that should not be missed. Yes, some assembly may be required but like every great superhero story, you need a great origin.

We Happy Few is a great game that has the potential to be an excellent game with a few tweaks here and there. Perhaps wait a little while for an update to fix the problems if you really want to maximize the enjoyment you get out of it, though. I could easily imagine rating this a point higher after the glitches are patched.

Diablo 2 remains a seminal ARPG and a defining gaming experience. For many Diablo 2: Resurrected is just another excuse to play a favorite. Other players may see it as an ancient relic, barely approachable with its stagnant, unevolved gameplay. For me, it was a harrowing hill to climb, a portal through time, but one I ultimately could not help but regret that I had not gotten to it sooner.

People of Note proves that turn-based RPGs can offer synergistic fun as long as care is given to both the combat and the content. By centering the game around its musical core, Iridium Studios pays off their efforts in dividends. Not only is the narrative heartfelt and the combat engaging, the creativity used in incorporating song constantly surprises, making People of Note just as catchy as its catalog of earworms.

Calico from developer Peachy Keen Games is a cute experience that features some good gameplay design geared toward a younger audience. The amount of customization, collecting, crafting, and questing that goes on should lock a Roblox-type audience into its gameplay. There is a lot to do and explore, and that just bodes well for the game’s longevity. There are some hiccups to the gameplay design with the HUD and clipping issues, but nothing that brings down the entertainment Calico dishes out.

As it stands, Episode 2: Brave New World is far and away the best of the two episodes so far and has already made this game something special. Deck Nine did an absolutely fantastic job of creating a beautiful story and wonderfully tragic characters to make this type of dialogue-driven game a force to be reckoned with, especially when compared to the first game. It will certainly leave you hanging at the edge of your seat without apologizing for the drama and stress it creates.

Loot River‘s strange, seemingly disparate elements fuse in a surprisingly elegant, razor-sharp roguelike. The unforgiving progression may deter a few but excellent combat creates its own tangible reward. While being able to literally shift the world around like a game of Tetris may be Loot River‘s defining, identifiable quality, its individuals pieces fall into place so seamlessly you won’t be thinking of any other game.

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a spectacular follow-up to its predecessor. It is packed full of different arcade experiences covering a variety of genres and years, while also introducing some new features that help bring a bit more fun to the journey. As with any journey, it’s not always smooth sailing, but for the most part, it’s good.

Overall, The Eternal Cylinder is a fun romp through a weird and wonderful world and I would consider it to be a must-play indie game for 2021. While its survival mechanics are typical of the genre, the transformative abilities of the Trebhum allow the player to get creative with their choices on how to survive and outrun the colossal cylinder bearing down on them.

Concord is an incredibly distinct PvP shooter in an incredibly busy space. Tight, polished gameplay drives its diverse cast along a number of memorable maps. Distinctly old-school in its execution, it is multiplayer game stripped of annoyance and packed with fun.

Beyond the challenge and gameplay depth, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered continues to shine in its atmosphere and world-building. The sound design and music create an immersive experience, heightening tension, especially when playing with headphones—footsteps echo through tombs, distant growls send chills down your spine, and enemies often catch me off guard, making me jump in my seat more than once. Each level is expertly crafted, filled with hidden secrets and environmental storytelling that make exploration feel rewarding.

Astral Chain is the latest and most accomplished model of PlatinumGames' ability to combine stylish action with player agency and accessibility. Exhausted storytelling and haphazard platforming also continue to underline their limitations. If Nier: Automata sought balance between power and ambience, Astral Chain finds power in power. It's a pure, grandiose spectacle.