Quotation forthcoming.

In the end, Doom VFR leverages extant resources to construct an intimate sensation of murdering hell demons in virtual reality. Dealing with Satan entails a short list of sacrifices which Doom VFR obliges through its compressed experience, inadequate control options, and risk averse experimentation. Safe and sensible, however, are sufficient labels for Doom VFR’s pledge of menacing intensity.

The Nintendo Switch version of L.A. Noire maintains everything good about the original release, while adding a few new tricks to the mix to make the game a little bit more interesting, including ‘touch’. Beyond the Switch tricks, L.A. Noire is still a game I enjoy playing, especially in a portable form. It’s like a violent Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego mixed with the open world structure of a Grand Theft Auto, both intelligent and dumb fun.

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 feels lackluster and dull in so many categories. Besides the entirely too short story that adds very little substance to the Star Wars universe, the progression system is so infuriatingly bad that I found it hard to continue. Yes, the game is gorgeous, and the actual gameplay is passably fun when it works; especially Starfighter Assault. But that can’t overcome the fact that the rest of the game is pretty boring/forgettable to play.

While MSH2 does not innovate, it does, other than some glitching and sketchy design decisions, provide another fun LEGO romp that’s best enjoyed in local co-op.

Skyrim VR leverages reputation and novelty against repetition and cynicism. Retrofitting a six-year-old game inside of imperfect hardware would be imprudent if it weren't one of the most expansive, popular, and beloved products in its medium. Skyrim VR happens to fit this extremely unique set of qualifications.

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.

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.

Need for Speed: Payback features the same fun arcadey racing from 2015’s entry, minus all of the heart and soul that game had. With a by-the-books story, and a downright frustrating system to upgrade your car, it’s hard to recommend Need for Speed: Payback.

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.

Frozen Wilds fits perfectly within the original content from Horizon Zero Dawn. The new weapons make for a better, more motivating experience. On top of this, the story expands upon the mythology that the original HZD built, making it a bigger world with more worthwhile content to live within. It’s quite remarkable how well Guerrilla built this game and how perfectly the DLC fits within it. I’m still at awe at the girth and life Horizon Zero Dawn brings with it during every storyline and every quest. This is still very much my GOTY, especially with the Frozen Wilds now a firm reminder of how great this gameplay experience can be and is from beginning to end.

Overall, Destiny 2 on the PC is visually and control-wise a far superior version of the game when compared to the console version. The same content exists for both, but the visual flexibility/beauty and control comfort completely goes to the PC. If you have the means to dig into it on the PC, then you should go that route. If you don’t, the console version works just as well.

Call of Duty: WW2 is the best Call of Duty in years. Bombastic story, killer grounded multiplayer, and a dark and scary Zombies make up one of the most complete and enjoyable Call of Duty experiences in years.

As gameplay goes, Knowledge is Power is, for the most part, fun. I think the game moves just a little slow in between rounds, as I found myself trying to skip dialogue and get us into the next question quickly, but the animation and the way you can really screw with opponents is clever, as are the variety of questions given. The price tag isn’t bad either, as the game comes in at $19.99, certainly a price worth paying for some good trivia. I would play this game at home with the kids/wife, and I intend to do so during the holiday break, so it does have some longevity to it. All in all, though, and at least in my opinion, this game does a good job of bringing back memories of 3DO’s Twisted, which I consider the best trivia game to date. I know people want to crown You Don’t Know Jack, but Twisted for me.

Is this game worth it on the Switch? If you have a child that is too young for Mario (that is a possibility) or other Switch titles, then this one is actually not a bad way to get them going in gaming. The price is right ($29.99) and since it’s multiplayer you can experience it with them. The difficulty might be a sticking point here and there, but maybe it will make them a better gamer. Regardless, it’s a good title and worth having on the Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Odyssey is essential gaming. It’s a sanguine throwback, a jewel of gaming fundamentals distilled to its core, constructed with the building materials of fun and surprise. Predictability and reason have no place on this journey—but the kid in all of us will surely take the helm, a smile on his face.

In sum, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is exactly what I was expecting given what we saw in the previous Wolfenstein titles by Machine Games. It’s a AAA quality guns-blazing romp to be sure, but with a very quality story and characters that not only invites players to get invested, but gives them ample reason to.

The adventure to take down the gang showed off how the game itself worked. It actually provided room for mistakes and was easily forgiving at the start. Players new to this genre, and this game, will certainly appreciate it. As the game progressed, though, it became steadily more demanding. That’s not a bad thing, in fact it’s an impressive way to do things, as you always want to challenge players. A steady arc of difficulty is how you want an RPG to be built and Empyre: Lords of the Sea didn’t disappoint in that aspect.

Fire Emblem Warriors is the scheduled consequence of Hyrule Warriors; a sword-friendly Nintendo treasure paired with Omega Force's quantitatively indisputable knack for mowing down thousands of bad guys in the pursuit of an even worse guy. Somehow, in spite of the presumed absence of inspiration, Fire Emblem Warriors remains engaging. It will always be fun to destroy perpetuating hoards with only a modest commitment from your mind.

Assassin’s Creed Origins sets a new bar for the series. It brings a taste of tomb raider mixed in with the girth of a Horizon Zero Dawn and wrapped in a traditional Assassin’s Creed structure. It will exceed gamer expectations and set a new standard for a series that needed life breathed into it.

Detention featured cool, dark artwork, very creepy animation, and a spooky, well thought out soundtrack. For an independent game, I was quite impressed with the gameplay and the depth of the story. This game will make you jump a few times and could definitely lead to some nightmares. If you want to have some fun and get scared this fall season, definitely check out Detention.

Megaton Rainfall checks the immense power of a god with the civil responsibility of an altruist. It's a strong pairing, and one that only fails through the volatile application of its singularity. Playing god can be exhausting when you're only capable of indistinct destruction.

The delicate and skilled operation of a high performance vehicle projects Gran Turismo Sport's utopian vision. Its factitious structure and inattentive principles remind the player that it operates in an unstable reality. Gran Turismo Sport lives in a world of sportsmanship and prestige and doesn't much care if would-be residents find its narrow paradise aloof and inhospitable.

ECHO was a very pleasant surprise. It will most certainly test intelligence and patience of gamers with its puzzle of enemies in tightly built rooms, while testing the amount of anxiety one can take with jump scares and pressure to get to the next checkpoint. That’s the charm of the game. Ultra Ultra did a fantastic job with ECHO and it shouldn’t be missed.

If you’re looking for a nostalgic way to get your Rogue Trooper Redux fix, then you might be better off looking at the PlayStation 4/Xbox One releases. The Nintendo Switch keeps up with them in terms of visuals and gameplay mechanics, but falls behind in controls and aiming. The controls simply don’t make the gameplay experience comfortable enough to enjoy the game.

WWE 2K18 not only offers very good gameplay, but has an insane amount of depth. Depth that I just don’t reasonably see being improved upon this time next year. The Yuke’s/Visual Concepts team has done a valiant job in coalescing the current state of professional wrestling with an illustrious past. That could very well sustain as the lasting contribution for this particular WWE 2K 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).

South Park: The Fractured But Whole 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 personalty and it all works beautifully within its humorous South Park wrapper.

Loot boxes and a sexy Shelob aside Shadow of War is an impressive game in a franchise that whilst takes liberties with lore of the land produces a fascinating world full of captivating experiences.

A Hat in Time is more interested in looking around than staring backward. This is a challenging exercise for a 3D platformer, and yet A Hat in Time keeps its perspective balanced between careful devotion and sensible progression. Being responsive to your environment, as it turns out, makes it easier to see where you should be going.

WRC 7 is an unexpected delight when it comes to Rally games. It may not have the amount of depth and control as other Rally series, but it makes up for it in entertainment and fun. There’s enough modes, enough beautiful landscapes to race on and enough concentration on keeping gamer attention squarely on the road.

Fans of the original will certainly adore the upgrades in controls, visuals and the addition of Bowser’s Minions, which adds some more gameplay to the package (though, honestly not as fulfilling as the main adventure). They will certainly want it and endure the shortfalls of the gameplay. If you’re new to the game, though, and a young gamer, the controls might be too frustrating to enjoy. I had a helluva time with the controls and could not really get on track with the gameplay because of it. And I’m a seasoned gamer. Anyway, for young gamers there are probably better options out there to start your 3DS adventures on before you hit a challenging game like this.

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.

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.

Pokken Tournament DX is a wonderful game and maintains that goodness with the Nintendo Switch upgrade. It adds some more to the package, with characters and modes, but essentially delivers the same experience that you would find on the Wii U. New players will like it, but there may not be enough new content to warrant a Switch version in the household for some Wii U owners.

All in all, Bloody Zombies was a very good game at its price point. The game has everything you look for in a beat-‘em-up. You open the game and can begin fighting zombies quickly. The game provides a fun, casual gaming experience for someone who wants to play for an hour, but offers enough features to keep you invested in the game if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience. I would recommend this game to all zombie slayers and anyone who likes a fun, simple, arcade-style fighting game.

There was nothing outright “wrong” with last year’s product, but there was room for improvement. It seems EA Canada was receptive to what could alter things for the better, as many beneficial changes proliferate 18. Gameplay feels much more natural and welcoming, equating to more accessibility. The ways to play are well thought out and varied, adding to replay value. And the garnish of presentation scores big, leading to a pleasant sensory experience. If you like soccer and video games, give this serious consideration.

By all accounts, Thimbleweed Park on the Switch looks and plays very much like its PC counterpart that I played several months ago. Just as was the case then, this is a must-have for point and click adventure gamers who either don’t have it on PC or prefer to play on Switch.

As a whole, the entire package of Dishonored – Death of the Outsider is solid. You’re basically getting all the bells and whistles you would find in previous games in the series with more freedom and less restrictions to go take every living thing in your path out without prejudice. It’s one helluva last, if it is that, adventure to the series that is basically saying, Go have some fun, before waving goodbye on its lavish retirement plan. There’s certainly not a lot to dislike about this release, as it pretty much has everything you want. I guess the only knock I could find about the gameplay is that it is drawn back just a bit in comparison to Dishonored 2. I honestly wouldn’t expect it to be on the same level and scope as the second game in the series, but that’s the only knock I could give this game.

NBA Live 18 is a real positive step forward for the series. The extra time EA gave Tiburon to make things better paid off. You get a solid experience with a good amount of modes that will keep you glued. The skills tree alone will keep you going in the game. The controls of the game are the only downer of the release, and it’s not all the controls, as they need some tightening and tweaking. Controls aside, NBA Live 18 is better than expected and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Project Cars 2 final offers a real alternative to console racing fans and brings to the table a fantastic roster of cars and tracks. Combined with an excellent simulation of track and weather conditions Project Cars 2 is pretty much the pinnacle of racing on console.

I saw this experience as Monster Hunter meets Pokemon (which are two of my favorite series.) and if you consider yourself a fan of either of these, then you will probably find joy in giving this title a try no matter what age you are.

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.

Ultimate Tekken Bowl comes to Tekken 7 with a suite of new costumes that do not work inside of Ultimate Tekken Bowl. This transparent dissonance ironically harmonizes with Tekken 7's initial release. In the absence of content—Tekken Bowl, while dependable, has hardly changed in seventeen years—just stuff the box with costumes and get it out the door. Whether it's part of Tekken 7's $25 season pass or a standalone $14 product, Ultimate Tekken Bowl feels cheap and empty.

NHL 18 continues to build on the success of last year’s title by making subtle but impactful refinements throughout the game. The new skill stick options give you a wealth of ways to slice through defenders, fake out goalies and light the lamp. And the improved AI make pretty much every on-ice engagement a smoother, more enjoyable ride. The real surprise of this release, though, is the NHL Threes mode. Far from the cheap schtick it appeared to be, Threes actually offers roster management, unlockables and a lengthy tour of opponents spanning multiple regions and leagues requiring a significant investment of time.

Destiny 2 is the game everyone expected when the first Destiny came out. It’s huge, engulfing and rich with gameplay. It has a bit of everything for everyone and does everything right, including provide an engrossing campaign to start things off. It is certainly a contender for game of the year in my opinion and one game you don’t want to miss.

Simply put, Metroid: Samus Returns is an excellent game. It honors the past and adds a lot of great new gameplay elements. The Metroid series strives in 2D, and Samus Returns is another clear demonstration of exactly that.

In truth, the good outweighs the bad by a good margin. Time Recoil is an astutely put together effort that’s functional as a game in every respect. Sure, some out-of-step functions here and there are highlighted by the general flow of repeated failure. But as a cool application of the rules refreshed by Hotline Miami, it works very well.

The voice acting is superb, as is the dialogue. This is a well-written game about a group of heroes trying to fend off archaic robots built by goblin elders. It’s all voiced and performed well, which is important when you’re trying to hook gamers into buying the adventure you are selling. The start of the story is a bit slow moving, but by the second act you’ll find a good story waiting for you.

All that aside, PoE is an experience I am still working through at the time of this article. It’s tough and long, but absolutely rewarding, and it makes it very clear why games in the lineage of the genre — Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and so on — are still held in such high regard today. Someday I hope to tackle those, but until then, PoE will keep me very busy.

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.

You may not find the real life 2017 Formula 1 season engaging and exciting but in the gaming sense it’s the best its ever been. The addition of historic cars is wonderful and weaving them into the career as special events a masterstroke. Codemasters have paid careful attention to where they needed to improve and left well alone the areas that they didn’t. This was mostly in the career mode and the cars themselves as really very little had to be done in regards to time-trials and multiplayer racing. It’s paid off in spades and I’m even more excited to see how much better things will look post-XBox One X release given that F1 2017 is one of the games that will be enhanced for Microsoft’s new console. Gaming F1 fans like myself have been waiting for Codemasters to realise the potential of their past titles since they took up the license in 2010. They’ve taken their time and had a few missteps along the way but my word have they got it right.

For $29.99, it’s worth the experience, especially if you’re a fan of the original series back in the heyday of Yakuza. Sega did a fantastic job of pulling this older title up into current console expectations. They could have sold this puppy for $49.99 and it still would be worth it. If this is your cup of tea, then you need to get it immediately.

About the last thing I would say about Sonic Mania is to simply go and play it — it’s awesome, masterfully blending the old with the new and reminding us all what a true Sonic game is about. If you got burned on some of the 3D Sonic titles (although Sonic 3D Blast was great in my opinion) from the last decade, set those expectations aside and get into the Mania — you’re not likely to be disappointed at all.

I have played a few local battles, but have not put much time or had much luck finding any games online. There is also a My Room area where you can review your stats for the game as far as number of times having played each mode, number of panels flipped (gets into the thousands fairly quickly), and how often you have visited the three arenas. Flip Wars is very basic title no matter how you slice it. From the ho-hum presentation to the lack of any real depth in any of the modes, this is a borderline textbook casual mobile game. It doesn’t do much for me, but if you’re into this kind of game, you could spend $10 in less enjoyable ways.

Observer is a rather well done indie title with tons of style and appeal. Think Blade Runner‘s dystopian motif with Orwellian sensibilities and shades of Snatcher. Sign me up!

Nidhogg 2 is the madhouse on top of Nidhogg's foundation. Formidable swords and a low-fi aesthetic are swapped for a gleeful array of sharp objects and a ridiculous style that embraces the 90's grossest toys. Nidhogg's singular focus isn't lost or diluted, it's amplified with a jubilant response to skill and spontaneity.

EA Tiburon continues to find new ways to improve their Madden series and so far, at least in the last few years, they’re doing a good job of bringing worthwhile experiences to gamers.

Sine Mora’s doctrine of sincerity, authority, and respect aligns neatly with shoot ’em up’s interest in unconscious obliteration and strategic composure. EX brings welcomed extensions to Sine Mora, but a clean transfer to modern hardware is a prudent enough motive to justify a re-release. The oldest genre in gaming always has something new to learn.

Anyway, there is enough separation here with the usual blueprint for this genre to make 99Vidas worth a go. As gameplay goes, it’s easy to pick up and play, as well as stupid fun from beginning to end. 99Vidas makes me want to break open my old Streets of Rage game and have another go with it. It shows that games like that still have legs and can be exciting to play.

Demetrios is a solid point and click title from Cowcat. It is point and click and dialogue-driven, even to a fault at some points, but the difficulty will be enough to offer up a challenge to those who love the genre. Demetrios certainly isn’t perfect, much like its main character, but it is intriguing enough to warrant a go.

With just four included games, it arguably may not be quite the value that the original MMLC was, and it’s a bit disappointing we won’t be seeing these games on the portable consoles (3DS and Switch) considering how well they’d translate to those platforms... but regardless, Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 is the most sensible way to enjoy these four games that exists today.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel was a surprising favorite of mine when it released on the Vita back in 2013. It was a pleasant surprise seeing it on PC, especially with all of the new voice acting they have added in. If you’re looking for a JRPG on the PC, this one is certainly an option, but it would not be my first.

Overall, Bandai Namco Entertainment’s Namco Museum for the Nintendo Switch is a well thought through collection that touches the older gamers’ heartstrings and those 90s/2000s gamers who believe they grew up in the best video game times. In other words, it’s got a bit of everything, nearly all good, for every type of gamer out there. It’s a welcomed addition to the Nintendo Switch.

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles has an earnest heart and an anxious mind. Brilliant landscapes and gorgeous vistas create a waking daydream while economic riddles and perfunctory direction recall the drag of reality. Yonder's strides, despite an admirable form, don't seem to take it anywhere.

As free-to-play games come, Orcs Must Die! Unchained is quite good. The game is crafted meticulously to serve you humor and playfulness, as well as complicated strategy-led gameplay that will have you hooked after an hour or so. While the term microtransactions will be the dirty word with this game, they’re not necessary to have some real fun. Anyway, definitely check it out.

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.

At $16, Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy is fairly priced and offers a lot of quality content for the puzzler in you. Personally, while I am enjoying my time with the game, I will be looking forward to the 3DS release instead, primarily out of personal preference more than anything. However, if you do not have a 3DS, this latest Layton adventure is a top quality app that shouldn’t disappoint.

As my first Pikmin experience, I really enjoyed Hey! Pikmin for a variety of reasons and found little wrong with it. Whether you have played a Pikmin game before or not, or are just looking for a fun game that’s not too easy and certainly not too hard, give this one a go. I believe a demo is still available from the eShop at the time of this writing as well.

Overall, I really did enjoy Miitopia more than I thought I would. It has some good entertaining value to it, but it’s definitely, at least in my opinion, geared towards a younger crowd. Is that a bad thing? Nope, especially if your’e picking up a Nintendo 2DS XL for a first-time gamer. It might be a good way to start their budding video game careers.

Overall, Black Desert Online is a typical MMO in every single way. While I disagree with their claim that it’s the “next generation” of MMOs, I did find the character creation to be the most robust of any MMO out there. Unfortunately, the character customization is the game’s biggest highlight, and many of the other elements of Black Desert Online can be found in many other MMOs.

Superhot VR is a license to perform inside of a bullet ballet without any of the implicit horror of gun violence. Its hook—time only moves when you do—makes room for strategy and action in equal measure, and its stationary operation neatly accommodates and conceals the limitations of virtual reality. All that’s left is to imagine is the caliber of Superhot VR’s performance outside of Sony’s finicky hardware.

At the end of the day, should you add this game to your Nintendo Switch? Uh, yeah. It’s a fun game that has some depth right out of the gate. In addition, and this is the perspective of a parent, if your kids have never played online battles before, then this is a game to start them on. The innocence of the game is there, as is the Nintendo assurance that your kids aren’t going to rage quit. That’s always a good thing to avoid, especially when your console is basically a high-end tablet (I mean that with respect, Nintendo fans). Anyway, drop the dough and grab this game. It’s quality.

Pyre understands the primal thrill behind executing a dangerous slam dunk and the dueling probabilities of luck and dexterity necessary to make it happen. With Pyre, Supergiant Games' passion for systems-driven trials of skill and fondness for vibrant, wistful fantasy converge in the Mutant League NBA Jam daydream role-playing game I never knew I always wanted.

The Zodiac Age eases Final Fantasy XII’s progressive engine into a modern chassis. Some of Final Fantasy XII’s problems were addressed some never will be, and that’s OK. It’s a one-of-a-kind model with tasteful upgrades and efficient tuning, and it leaves little doubt that The Zodiac Age is the best Final Fantasy XII has ever performed.

It has a lot of genres in its melting gameplay pot that work for the most part, though fall short in flavor in other sections of the game. The fact that a developer took a big enough chance to try something that isn’t too common these days with big titles, that says a lot for their dedication to the game. Give it a look.

Ultimately, there’s a whole lot to like about this release and very little to gripe about. My increasingly busy self would have loved some kind of realtime save or a rewind feature (Prince of Persia style) just to help getting through these games less painful, but even without that crutch these games are a lot of fun and provide a good challenge, the first game especially. Taking a step back from the games themselves, the job that Vicarious Visions and Activision have done here is really commendable; from top to bottom, they did a textbook job of reviving these classics for a whole new generation.

Plenty of new content, new leveling throughout new zones with new jobs and new things to do. There is definitely something for everyone in this expansion, be it gathering, crafting, or adventuring. The story is strong, the classes feel more balanced, and there is still plenty of content to go through their frequent updates and patches. With Stormblood easily being their strongest expansion yet, and with at least two more expansions to go, there is seemingly nowhere for the already immensely popular MMO to go but up from here! Free trials can be found rather easily online, so if you have never played FFXIV or if you haven’t played it in quite some time, now is definitely the time to return!

Arizona Sunshine’s appearance on PlayStation VR splits its time between posturing as an inarticulate calamity and performing as capable virtual reality shooting gallery. Simple luck appears to be the dividing line, leaving the player to decide if a lengthy campaign, vivid environments, and zealous gunplay are worth putting up with fussy controls, hostile conduct, and anemic hardware.

Played on the Vita or the PS4, Damascus Gear offers simple, enjoyable mech combat with a good story and lots of customization at a great price.

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.

Overall, Cars 3: Driven to Win is a surprising treat. It has beautiful visuals mixed in with impressive gameplay design underneath the hood. It’s not going to replace your Mario Karts of the world, but it certainly will keep you entertained, especially if you have young gamers in the household.

I can still say without a doubt that I have enjoyed Morrowind better than the initial release of ESO. The world seems a bit more alive and explorable. There also seems to be more polished adventure/quests going on in the initial release of Morrowind, which tells me that ZeniMax has learned a few things from past ESO lessons. Despite my disdain for some of the boss fights that are incredibly difficult when going solo in the game, the overall package of Morrowind really does provide an upgrade to the ESO family in several areas. If you haven’t played ESO, but have enjoyed The Elder Scrolls series, then this might be the right time to jump in to see what it is about.

Perception's attractive thesis—a blind woman should be capable of investigating the menacing house from her nightmares—creates space for an original protagonist inside of an extraordinary circumstance. A premise isn't a promise, however, as Perception quickly abandons novelty in favor of rote objectives, aimless antagonism, and a narrative set adrift in a sea of platitudes.

Wipeout persists as a utopian phantom consumed with aesthetic elegance and driven to exhibit a vivid sensation of speed. The nature of this package’s identity—Wipeout Omega Collection is three different but very similar experiences—may nudge against a wall of homogeneity, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re going too fast to focus on anything in the periphery.

DiRT Rally was the entry point, the entrée if you will, ahead of the main course of DiRT 4. While sim die-hards may still prefer the former it’s hard for me to go back given everything on offer here. The simulation underpinnings are still there and the cars will still spit you off if you go over the edge but everything is much more pliable and far friendlier to those of us driving on a gamepad. There’s more to see, more to do and more importantly, it’s much more fun!

While the difficulty may seem like a bad thing to have, it is as much a reason not to play these types of games as it is a reason to play these games. If you seek a challenge with a simple story, rather fun combos and some tough bosses, The Surge should be your next stop! Maybe wait for a price drop, though.

ARMS offers a very colorful and well animated fighting adventure with more strategy and depth then it might first appear. The initial offering feels just a little bit thin though in that despite the customization options in-game, you cannot customize or remap the controls and the single player modes are kind of thin — challenging, but not particularly captivating or appealing especially when the going gets tough. Online play is, like any other game, largely based on what you make of it and how the community does. Technically, my limited experience with it worked well, but time will tell if this game will have the legs to continue into something larger and sustained. For a new IP though, Nintendo has done another impressive job overall, but I would not consider this a must-have title for all Switch owners.

Overall, Oh…Sir!! The Insult Simulator is a dumb-fun experience for the cost of nearly nothing. Its wittiness and sizable options for insulting, as well as its online/offline modes, will keep you entertained for a while, but in short stints.

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.

Tekken 7 is institutional progress and austere form cloaked in spectacle and absent of risk. Its periphery can’t keep pace with 2017 and its core feels like it’s running the same race Tekken already won almost a decade ago. This doesn’t stop Tekken 7 from being the best 3D fighter on current platforms, but it’s easy to stand atop a podium unchallenged by legitimate competitors.

Ultra Street Fighter II - The Final Challengers packs the punch of the 1991 original arcade release, and the inclusion of two new modes and all the SFII characters helps make the experience unique, but the price doesn’t justify the package. There’s just not enough here worth the asking price for the release.

Overall, while I don’t feel at all qualified to really place this game above or below others in the series, I feel confident that it’s an interesting title for series veterans who never got to play Gaiden and newcomers alike. With a blend of old school and also lacking many of the modern nuances of today’s games, it gives players a straight-forward, yet stout challenge.

Seasons After Falls tries so very hard but falls short of being truly excellent. The repetitive puzzles hinder things enough that, if you're like me, you'll end up playing in small doses.

The presentation won’t wow you, but it gets the job done, especially given that it’s made by an indie developer who’s never done a sports game and it’s priced at $20. The price is worth pointing out because this isn’t a AAA game, but it does fill a niche that has been needing some attention since NBA Jam a few years ago. 2K has clearly dominated and done an amazing job with NBA simulation, but if you’re like me, when it comes to sports and racing games, you always want a go-to arcade type to enjoy in addition or instead of the sims. NBA Playgrounds does alright for itself coming off the bench, hopefully we see Saber continue to refine this and perhaps we’ll see some kind of semi-annualized franchise here that gets progressively better.

Overall, the good folks at NetherRealm Studios made this fighting game much more than it should have been. They have essentially created an enjoyable balance between story, multiplayer and online experiences. The story mode is incredibly immersive, the multiplayer is teeming with a richer gameplay experience, including multiverse, which mixes familiar comic storylines with the fighting gameplay core, and the online modes are just as good as you want them to be. Nothing seems like a filler. If they could get rid of the microtransaction for Darkseid, then it will be a complete circle of near perfection. Until then, it’s a great game.

Ultimately, the Switch Edition provides players with the most complete and best portable version of this addictive and popular game. The new content alone isn’t worth the asking price, but if you want to get your ‘craft on while on the move, consider the Switch Edition.

Beyond gameplay design, and control complaint, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely gorgeous Battle Bay’s presentation is for a mobile title. Colorful, big bays that are full of huge rolling waves and detailed ships is what you get with BB. Visually everything about the game is a step up from what you generally get with a mobile title. I played this on an iPhone 7, so it handled all the visuals, including a solid FPS, beautifully. Anyway, Battle Bay is a pretty game, so it won’t fail you in that department.