I was taken by surprise with War on Cybertron and how well that turned out. And, honestly, I think Activision and High Moon probably felt the same way. The gameplay was steady and the multiplayer was just really fun. This sequel carries on that favorable edge.

At first glance, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 is a typical monster hunting RPG, but its efforts to streamline some of the mundane foundational aspects of its brethren help to set it apart. Such conveniences don't come without sacrifice, however; with the shameless implementation of level grinding, a throwaway storyline, and a frequent problem with pacing, you'll have to look beyond its blemishes to if you wish to embrace its triumphs.

I have not replayed through the Warmastered Edition on Switch as I write this, but I have played it some — enough that I feel ready to report that the game is still great but that this release is quite simply a direct port to the Switch with no new features or changes that I can discern.

While certainly still needing some improvement, Project Aces is drawing closer and closer to a perfect Ace Combat game. With improved visuals, a fun dogfight mode and strong online play, there is a lot to be happy with when it comes to Ace Combat Assault Horizon.

While this collection has about every iteration of Space Invaders that was popular back in its day, and in modern times, the concept of Space Invaders has grown old. For avid collectors out there, like yours truly, this is nice to see on a modern system and all in one game. For newbies looking to try out old video games, there may not be as much joy to be had.

Overall, if you can accept the difficulty of New Super Luigi U then you probably will love the additional challenges, 80 levels and complexity of it all. Nintendo did do a lot to this DLC, far more effort than most companies would have put into their own DLC. Give them credit for delivering the goods the way you would expect Nintendo to deliver them -- except with a little bit more difficulty included.

Republique is a response to an insular system closing in around the defiant and the virtuous, avoiding the pratfalls of mobile/touch game development while detailing a fascinating Orwellian nightmare.

If you're looking for the soccer equivalent to NFL or NBA Street, this isn't it. If you want an accessible alternative to the "big brother" FIFA, check this out.

I think anyone who enjoys the older 2D RPGs from years ago will quickly fall in love with 3D Dot Game Heroes.

Even if the motion controls lack a true 1:1 golf swing experience, the Kinect adds a nice new gamplay experience to the series. And if motion controls generate little interest for you, the Country Club mode and other additions warrant your investing time with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13.

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is a far cry from revolutionary (though it hardly seeks to be), and it's too linear and shallow an adventure for a game banking on the appeal of Metroid. Nevertheless, it's a tasty hors d'oeuvre that teases with sheer beauty and some clever gameplay concepts in the later areas. Its appeal is greater than the sum of its parts, even if it does leave you wanting more.

Overall, this collection is accurate to a fault, packed with some additional goodies and reminds us how absolutely insane we all must have been when we played these games the first time around. Bravo to Digital Eclipse and Capcom for taking a chance on some classics.

A solid puzzle-platformer that is well worth the investment for those that enjoyed the original or just like the genre. It's not without some frustration, but the positives outweigh the negatives.

Invincible VS from developer Quarter Up is an impressive fighting game that plays it safe in some areas, but exceeds expectations in others. The mix of story content that launches into 3v3 battles is seamless as it is entertaining. The game isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s more impressive than it is not.

War Thunder has some issues here and there, but it’s a very competent flying and ground war game that doesn’t let its microtransaction component get in the way. There’s plenty of tanks and planes to try out and modify to your liking, and just enough visuals to enjoy along the way. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid game.

Among contemporary Ys releases and remakes—Seven, The Oath in Felghana, and Memories of Celceta—The Ark of Napishtim is more reliant on support provided by its adopted hardware. Unfortunately its tangled journey to the personal computer cost as many features as it gained, leaving The Ark of Napishtim as little more than a curious architect of the Ys games that followed.

Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is a must play for any Kingdom Hearts fan, just for KH 0.2 alone. Not only is there a wonderful remaster of an underrated 3DS game, but players get their first opportunity to go hands-on with the gameplay for Kingdom Hearts 3. While I found Kingdom Hearts X: Back Cover to be a bit of a shoo-in, it does give fans of both the mobile game and the series some extra content to enjoy. With Kingdom Hearts 3 a while off, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is the perfect appetizer.

Destiny isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a perfect gaming experience. The girth of the planets, the endless exploration, a fun co-op element and a strong PvP structure has this series on the right track. I can’t wait to see what else the future expansions have in store for the overall body of work.

Overall, WWE 2K19 is a solid step up from last year’s title. It offers a bit more in terms of content, and a deeper MyPlayer mode. I still wish they would ease up on the control scheme complication a bit, maybe shifting back to an easier control scheme that focuses on fun, rather than trying to make the wrestling experience a challenge. Wrestling is a fun sport to watch, so controlling it should be equally as fun. Definitely a solid release overall, though, so you won’t be disappointed.

Backyard Monsters Unleashed is surprisingly addictive and fun, which bodes well for its free-to-play gameplay model. It's definitely something you should give a go to on your iOS device.

Spirittea is the farming sim with Miyazaki vibes I’ve wanted for a hot minute. It doesn’t onboard the player in the most intuitive fashion, so it’s a smidge hard to pick up to get into the groove. But, once you’ve managed to parse through the disparate tea leaves that make up its multiple activities and mechanics, it’s worth a try. I’m looking forward to seeing how Spirittea evolves in the future while I enjoy its coziness this holiday season.

High Moon Studios did a great job with Transformers, finally bringing gamers a vision of Cybertron and its popular inhabitants that we've long wanted to see. Both the campaigns and multiplayer sides offer a lot, making the total package impressive and one I happily recommend.

Ultimately, I think Codemasters has got a lot of great ideas and gameplay elements in OFDR, but it just needed more time. There are too many rough edges here to make this easy to recommend to everyone.

While the core gameplay is still very much intact (stud collecting, puzzle solving, etc.) LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 is an improvement over previous LEGO titles from Traveller's Tale Games. A bit more balance, better level design and just a more even flow makes this a better game than the previous installment of the series.

Grapple Dog is an excellent proof of concept for a 2D action platformer that requires you to swing through levels and traverse through the air as an adorable pup. While I did enjoy the gameplay despite the quirky movement, I couldn’t help but wish there was more, as Medallion Games are onto something fun, charming, groovy, and unique with Pablo. I hope to see this game optimized and updated for the Switch, as the gameplay issues I encountered slightly detracted from this short but sweet indie platforming gem. Need I remind you to pet Pablo every time you complete a level? Please give him all the pets; he deserves it.

Overall, Dragon Quest Heroes II is an upgrade over its predecessor. It’s packed with plenty of content, long action sequences and a healthy dose of role-playing elements to keep your interest firmly hooked. The balance between action and RPG helps make this more than just a Dragon Quest title with the beating heart of Dynasty Warriors. It’s a worthy sequel.

Tacoma’s facade floats between charming futurism and abrasive, old-fashioned avarice. This may seem like inhospitable space to explore the depths of benevolence, but the power of identity and humanity are alive and well supported inside of Tacoma’s twirling science fiction architecture.

It's hard not to like Gatling Gears. The pains of a worn genre and derivative mechanics are eased by a bright, inviting aesthetic and supported by an impressive attention to detail. Vanguard seemed more interested in creating their particular take on twin-stick shooter rather than doing something crazy with an established formula, and I'm strangely okay with that.

Carrion excels at creating realistic tentacle locomotion in the shape of a bloodthirsty nightmare. It falls behind when it requests precision from a monster only capable of blunt violence. As mad science grants sentience to raw brutality, articulation must be sacrificed for overwhelming power. It leaves Carrion as a mesmerizing concept overcommitted to its code.

Gundam Breaker 4 from developer Crafts & Meister has more depth in its customization than with story and entertainment. While the latter won’t grab you and keep you in the gaming experience, the former will certainly have you hooked on how far you can take your Gunpla’s design and customization. Gundam fans and mech model enthusiasts will adore this title more than gamers dying for a rich and full gaming experience based on the Gundam brand.

Souldiers is a kind of comfort food. There are players who will actively seek out a game like this, one that is inspired by the best kinds of interactive nostalgia. While developer Retro Forge is keen on piquing the interest of classic key genres, Souldiers stands surprisingly well on its own qualities. This is a beautiful game that can be absurdly difficult but it’s more than a large, interconnected map and a twist on punishing combat. The name might be a little too clever for its own good but keep in mind that Souldiers is unique in its own right.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage from developer Ubisoft Bordeaux is a scaled-back version of the last three games. It puts more focus on story delivery than it does on gameplay options and complete execution of them. It’s a good game with a wonderful lead character, but at the end of the day, you’re probably going to leave the experience wanting more.

The Bridge is an easy game to recommend given its compelling and satisfying gameplay and low price.

Ballionaire from developer newobject and publisher Raw Fury is a masterpiece of fast and fun entertainment. It hits all the intriguing and addictive notes with its scoring and strategy while keeping it light and funny to tone down any potential frustration.

Samurai Shodown (2019) still feels like the game it was when it was released on the console last year. The gameplay is sharp and the essence of the classic series is still very much intact, including its unforgiving brutal nature. The big upgrade with this release is the visuals, which look much sharper on PC than on consoles.

Reignbreaker from developer Studio Fizbin and publisher Thunderful Publishing is a solid rogue-lite experience that brings a good story, wonderful gameplay progression, and motivating rewards to the table. While it stumbles with common enemy and level design, it has far more positives than negatives with what it delivers in its gameplay.

R.U.S.E. is a good game that has some flaws. The one thing that Ubisoft and the devs were counting on to entertain (the R.U.S.E. option) pays off really well in the end. The rest of the gameplay elements aren't overly different from what we've seen before in an RTS, which makes R.U.S.E. simply good and not great.

PGA Tour 2K21 is a good game that delivers a spot-on golfing experience. It brings a variety of courses, great mechanics, and plenty of reasons to keep playing. If the presentation could have been improved it would have been the perfect golfing package. As it stands, if you’re looking for a good golfing experience than you got it.

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.

Although Endless Ocean: Blue World undeniably deviates from the typical definition of a “game”, that doesn’t mean that gamers cannot enjoy it. The massive assortment of collectible treasures and shockingly expansive game environments will appeal to any chronic completionist, and the storyline is actually quite captivating.

WRC 10 is a solid entry into the franchise. While there are usually updates, pretty landscapes, and nods to the parts and history of the sport that’s about all that’s new. It feels like last year’s edition, but just with some more polish and finesse. That’s fine, but I’m just not sure if it’s worth taking your keys and trading them in for the newer model. It is a fine ride and time, but overall nothing special to take for a spin.

Six new tracks by Daniel Deluxe, new Trophies and collectibles, and a refreshed progression system round out the major differences between Hel and its base game. For the most part then, Project_Hel is quite a lot like Ghostrunner, which makes sense. Ghostrunner is pretty unique though, so if you didn’t like it, you probably won’t like Project_Hel, either. However, those who did enjoy it should find enough differences, and similarities, with Project_Hel to make the most of it, and enjoy the additional context to the base story along the way. In conclusion, Project_Hel is a must have for fans of the base game, but safe to skip if you aren’t already a fan.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU accomplishes the difficult role of translating a deeply personal concept into the medium of gaming. With a lack of intricate backtracking and complex combat, Surgent Studios’ platformer is relatively simple. But the extraordinary narrative, paired with equally powerful visuals and audio provide an experience that is engaging enough to not commit the sin of forgetting it must also be fun and resonant.

That should tell you all you need to know about how Volition This is a good game with solid principles, tight control functions, and awesome presentation. It just might be a little too insane for it's own good. Saints fans shouldn't hesitate picking this one up. For those that haven't liked the series to this point, I don't think there is any aspect to IV that would make them jump on the crazy train now.

HOB: The Definitive Edition made a good jump to the Nintendo Switch, a system that needs more than first-party titles to make it a legitimate contender late in this generation. HOB is a cornucopia of genres in one title that focuses heavily on action-RPG than puzzles, which means you will be moving and shaking more often than stopping and thinking. It is entertaining, engaging, motivating with its intentions, while slightly flawed in its design. It’s definitely worth looking into, though, if you’re looking for something to fall into without a huge commitment needed.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a fun game that offers up more gameplay options than narrative depth. The competitive mode is the highlight of the release and gives you plenty of reasons to keep playing this sequel.

Knights of the Old Republic is a remake of a classic done right. Despite some issues with clunky gameplay and visuals, the story is entertaining, and the gameplay is engaging. The missions encourage the players to explore every inch of the mining station. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience with an immersive story.

Call it refined nostalgia. Call it a love letter to Metroid Fusion and other Game Boy Advance metroidvanias. Call it what you want. 9 Years of Shadows is a good, short, yet approachable metroidvania. While it doesn’t quite hit the depth of combat complexity and story beats of its GBA predecessors, it overdelivers via gorgeous pixel art and an orchestrated soundtrack. Its Nintendo Switch port is not the best in its current state, but it’s worth playing if you’re wanting a metroidvania to play on a lazy Sunday.

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.

After all, stripped of all its unique elements, this is basically Microsoft Paint. Yet, those unique elements – none more important than the step-by-step tutorials and terrific infusion of the Pokemon brand – make Pokemon Art Academy so much more than a mere Office application.

Green Day: Rock Band, not unlike The Beatles version released last year, is exactly what it sounds like: Rock Band for Green Day fans. If you like Rock Band and Green Day, then obviously this is worth checking out, but if you are on the fence about either, a rental will likely suffice.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on the PC from developer Insomniac Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment is solid, thanks to multiple patches, on the PC. While it didn’t launch in the best state, it has since reached a point comparable to the PS5 version. It maintains a great story, fun gameplay, and graphical gorgeousness that is somewhat better than its PlayStation counterpart.

Creative Assembly has yet again produced another engaging and time-eating RTS that joyfully lets you create some of the earliest civilizations in a matter of days. The new features should allow many first-time RTS gamers to jump right in and find hours of enjoyment while the expert strategist of Total War will find a new challenge in building their empire in the more specific choices of construction, character abilities, and conquest.

As to be expected, this is the top DOA to date.

We’re not quite into PES vs FIFA territory yet but if WRC 8 is anything to go by KT Racing are on the right track. WRC 8 isn’t perfect and there’s a few, unfortunate failings that hold it back from perhaps being the overall winner. However, if multiplayer competition doesn’t swing things for you then WRC 8’s single-player components are compelling. Those disillusioned by Codemaster’s recent outing may find the challenge and the subsequent thrill of success in WRC 8 a more compelling package.

10 Second Ninja X is a wonderful test of strategy, emotions and patience. The game will last as long as your anger skills, so prepare yourself if you ninja your way into this.

Scooby and Shaggy's newest adventure isn't a bad one. Give this one a look if you're looking for a family friendly game for a younger gamer.

Playing the game is a blast, as the whole "desperado" feeling comes through in spades. Story is a fun play through, and could be done in one sitting. But the Duel and Arcade modes offer a good amount of re-playability.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Demon’s Mirror. Whether you’re a hardcore deck-builder fan, or just a casual gamer looking for a fun experience, this game will not disappoint. The combat mechanics are immensely diverse and one could easily sink hours upon hours replaying runs. The game also comes with masterful art direction that is just clean and beautiful all around. Demon’s Mirror is a bit short, but it never overextends itself, which ultimately leaves the player wanting more. Be-Rad Entertainment has done a great job with this game and has certainly set itself up to expand upon it.

Beyond its nostalgic surface, though, is a game that’s freaky fun and well-suited for pick-up-and-play gamers as much as it is for hardcore enthusiasts looking to set world records.

Clustertruck posits a world in which a mysterious force must fashionably break the will of a congregation of sentient eighteen-wheelers whom do not care if they live or die. This is exactly as fun as you think it is. A detectable absence of precision and available control may disappoint those hoping for a more air-tight platformer, but also this game is called "Clustertruck." It performs as advertised.

Overall, Madden NFL 20 updates and adds some interesting attributes to its football structure. It polishes up the story mode and gives it focus while maintaining the entertainment value of the series steadily. It needed a bit more with regard to content, but what it has is still good.

Pokken Tournament is a well crafted, yet simplistic fighting game. It won’t compete against the Tekkens or Street Fighters of the fighting world, but it does enough to cater to the Pokémon crowd. If there was a bit more balance and a lot more characters, then this game would have been phenomenal. As it stands, it’s still a good fighting game with lots of potential for growth.

Having all the updated content only further adds to the value of an already valuable package. If you’re willing to wade in these salty waters, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Ultimate Edition is worth its weight in gold.

SPRAWL from developer MAETH is a well-made, intricately designed first-person wall-running game that hits all the right notes with mechanics, gunplay, and level design. It does come with a mechanic learning curve that might frustrate some gamers but the reward of learning the mechanics is far greater than the frustration produced by them.

SaGa Emerald Beyond all comes together in a strange swirl of complex mechanics that justify progressing through a weird story that is by no means approachable. It truly is a shame that the game feels so dated and limited by its visuals and presentation. By no means is this a mainstream RPG. Will it make you curious about other SaGa entries? Perhaps. But those looking for a satisfying turn-based system unlike its peers will have enough to chew on.

Whether it's Diesel City's impromptu rooftop scrambles, Metro Square's ice rink, or Sunspring's movie theater, every single level, even with paired down to smaller maps, is loaded with detail.

NBA 2K22 is seemingly a step in the right direction for the franchise. While I felt the same with last year’s NBA 2K21, I feel NBA 2K22 is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Its gameplay systems feel solid enough and fun enough to play for hours on end, however, the game’s heavy reliance on a player’s time to progress through any chunk of content is still prevalent. I would have liked to have seen more openness and choice to MyTeam’s new Draft mode, as it’s the best mode the game has added in years. Of course, I fully expect refinements to continue throughout 2K22s lifespan, so we’ll see where the game ends up in several months. But upon the first two weeks of release, there’s enough here to be excited for what’s to come.

Windjammers is a solid game that is dumb arcade fun from the 90s. While it certainly has some arcade charm to it through its intense gameplay, it isn’t meant for long periods of play, which might be a turn-off for some gamers.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a very accessible, captivating, and fun game that mixes up a few genres very nicely to provide a robust and enjoyable experience.

It's not Raven's best game, but it does very well for itself. I have no problem recommending this to any FPS gamer out there.

A robust, entirely worthwhile release that gives you plenty of bang for the buck and expands upon one of last year's best games in a purposeful way.

Shoot 'em ups are burdened with the weight of the hardcore and while PixelJunk SideScroller obeys that command, its art, music, and basic gameplay are attractive enough to lure in anyone who might remember walking into an arcade. Simply put, SideScroller carries the sentiment of its genre predecessors without the standard prescription for rose tinted glasses.

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.

MAG is an impressive technical feat wrapped around a solid multiplayer FPS title.

While not incredibly complex on the surface, Minutes offers up a challenging style of gameplay that requires you to constantly think on the fly, while having a blast. It might be closer to a causal gaming experience than a console experience, but it’s nonetheless fun at the end of the day.

Plants vs Zombies Replanted, from developer PopCap and publisher Electronic Arts, is still fun as hell to run through, and doubly so with co-op, mini-games, puzzles, and a new game+ built into it. It’s the complete package. My biggest issue is price point, as the main game from 2009 is a hard sell for me at $20.

Wild Bastards’ bite-sized first-person shooter showdowns were a treat, especially when I was able to put together pairs of characters who complemented each other and made for something more than a simple shootout. A traditional shooter it is not, but its original gameplay loop and striking visuals make it a helluva good time.

Whether in combat or solving puzzles, as well as in management of your oasis, Ever Oasis does a nice job of being accessible yet avoids being shallow. This is not a tough game to learn the mechanics nor is it hard to make steady progress, hour after hour, and that’s a good thing. It provides a charming atmosphere and a pleasant presentation that’s fun to get into and hard to leave. If you’re in the market for that, GREEZO’s Ever Oasis makes a strong case for itself.

EA's second stint with UFC's license shows some positive growth.

The 7th Guest VR is a homage to a classic game from 1993. Developer Vertigo Games delivers a unique and remade vision of the original title and still includes the ambiance and puzzles that made the first game so memorable. The additional retelling of the narrative and how that narrative is presented in VR format makes this one of the best virtual reality experiences to date.

Neo Cab’s malevolent tech-noir is a vehicle for exploring, and ultimately surviving, the tenacity of its passengers and the ambivalence of its driver. As a narrative adventure Neo Cab is full of conflicted, enigmatic, and sophisticated characters all vying for validation in a tortured world. As an opaque lens on social responsibility and morality, it’s as distressing as it is compulsive. Neo Cab’s tech-addled dystopia functions a travelogue to the pain and purpose of being human.

TopSpin 2K25 from Hangar 13 and 2K is a superb tennis game that looks and feels like you would expect tennis to feel, even down to the frustration and learning curve. It certainly is made for hardcore tennis fans but has enough space for those looking to dip into the series for the first time.

Darkest Dungeon II is a thrilling knock at the door of death. Who will answer? Red Hook Studios offers little solace for hopeful players wishing for vacancy. This is an unquestionably difficult game, often a selling point for this generation of players. While Darkest Dungeon II may constantly test the mettle of players and unceremoniously send them packing with little effort, it is that singular vision constantly escalating players’ interest. In such a dreary world there is light to be found, whether it be victory or that itch to try again, in spite of the odds.

While the original Puyo Puyo’s festive brand of falling-block puzzle-action is a known quantity, M2’s tireless determination to blend accuracy with accessibility persists as the best way to enjoy a classic game in 2019. The SEGA AGES line continues to be the Switch’s secret-best asset.

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.

Kitsune Tails is a charming 2D-platformer that I just adored playing. While it may have been more difficult than I had initially envisioned, completing the game to the end was worth it, if only to see Yuzu and her friends’ stories come to a close in a heartfelt way. Kitsune Games and MidBoss have given players a wealth of tools to create some cool levels and minigames, and I cannot wait to see what players create!

Reus 2, from developer Abbey Games and publisher Firesquid Games, is a fun god simulator that is easy to pick up and easier to enjoy. The controls might fight back a bit, as well as the information architecture the game features, but in the end, it’s quite fun and smartly designed.

Compared to recent Far Cry games, Primal is neither a relief nor a disappointment. It's really good at being violent open-world base-conquering simulator and it has a smattering of neat toys. Far Cry Primal is another One Of Those with a few wild tangents stretching and searching for new limitations. It's a predictable, albeit competently constructed, status quo machine humming along through another entry.

TEW2 is a great game, tempered a bit by combat woes but nonetheless a game I gladly recommend to fans of the first or newcomers to the series (or genre, for that matter).

Alan Wake's American Nightmare is Alan Wake with the benefit of proper editing and revision.

While still shy of greatness, it's definitely worth a look for Spidey fans or anyone who enjoys third person action.

Rise of the Ronin is not merely an amalgamation of open-world tropes with punishing combat. While its side activities may be unremarkable and its serene world more barren than alive, each system feeds into itself. This is done in service to further expand upon Team NINJA’s character-driven combat fantasy, one supplemented by a narrative housed in cultural and political intrigue during one of Japan’s most turbulent periods. Whether looking for a casual, open-world jaunt or a ferocious action-adventure, Rise of the Ronin is steeped in choice.

Unless you fall squarely within the niche targeted by Band Hero’s formula, you’ll likely find that, primarily thanks to the musical selections, the experience is lacking the same sense of authenticity and grandeur typical of its pedigree.

Gearbox's release of Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition brings the missing piece of the franchise to current generation consoles. Mechanical and visual improvements solidify Borderlands has always been a fun, beautiful game that was quite forward-thinking despite some things not aging well.

Hindsight is effective with its emotional intentions, powerful in its storytelling, and light in its interactivity options. You may not play this more than once, but the impact of the game’s purpose will resonate for a while.

The Director’s Cut of Wasteland 2 is no doubt an excellent game at the top of its genre, but the Switch version has some technical issues that keep it from being a clear cut recommendation. Still, priced at $30, and given the quality of the game outside of some technical gripes, it’s well worth your consideration.

Planets vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is a skeleton made of borrowed ideas, but its bones are wrapped in a body of earnest tomfoolery and relentless positivity. It functions best as a sanctuary for disenfranchised shooter players, the equivalent of a safe place where it's OK to be weird and goofy amidst the tension of a competitive game. The most interesting thing about Garden Warfare is there may be enough of an affected crowd to actually make it all work.