Inside's quiet confidence is a maneuver invented to not only disarm the player, but also destabilize assumptions that seem inseparable from an entire class of games. Plenty of games have pulled the curtain away to thunderous applause. Only Inside has room for shock, panic, and the inconceivable notion that the nightmare isn't yet over.

Trials of the Blood Dragon is a bit hit and miss, some of the gimmicks work while other frustrate and fall entirely flat. Whilst die-hard Trials fans will have preferred to have had a more pure experience one can only hope this is just a way of keep the series in gamers consciousness.

As it stands, Umbrella Corps is a hard sell even at $29.99. The content just seems void of enjoyment and entertainment because of the broken feel of the overall gameplay design. I will give Capcom and its developers props for trying something different in the RE series. The idea seems to be built on good intentions.

Creating a candid simulation of a correctional facility is Prison Architect's purpose. Its power is allowing the player to decide if moral indifference—their own or Prison Architect's—is either a strength or weakness. Prison Architect's trip to the PlayStation 4 undermines its capability with an unnecessary layer of obstruction, but the interference it creates isn't impossible to overcome.

Like a bike without brakes or a toy with too many moving parts, Trials of the Blood Dragon is prone to self-destruction, but its cocksure embrace of 80's action cinema and good-enough mechanics don't quite violate its contract.

Ultimately what you get with One Piece: Burning Blood is just a variety of different ways to fight against other characters in different fighting modes - nothing more, nothing less.

Overall, I think the intensity and value added in terms of power-ups, how the design of the game works (moving Pac-Man quickly, while making tough strategic decisions on the fly) makes Pac-Man 256 a fantastic experience, as well as a replayable one. Drop the dough on this one, folks. It’s worth the price of admission and then some.

Edge of Nowhere is one of the more robust and better built-for-VR experiences available today. It has a few shortcomings, but the sum of these is still not enough to keep me from recommending this to anyone with an Oculus Rift that is looking for a comfortable yet still compelling game. [Tested with Rift]

If you enjoy puzzle games, especially ones with a nice story and multiple endings, Rooms is an obvious choice for Rift owners. It offers a lot of value for the price and it's comfortable enough to play for hours. [Tested with Rift]

Atelier Sophie offers a fresh start for the franchise on the PS4 and for a new trilogy. Some design changes from previous entries made this one more enjoyable for me, so if you were on the fence before, give this entry a closer look.

If you played Hard Reset before, there may not be quite enough here to make a return, but if you're otherwise down for a good FPS experience, this is a pretty solid choice.

An excellent fighting game no matter how you slice it complete with superbly detailed yet very accessible and inviting training modes that can take you from total newcomer to master if you put the time into it. Fighting fans can't miss this one.

In VR, ADR1FT is a compelling and amazing experience that I'm happy to recommend. [Tested with Rift]

It's got an impressive amount of quality content, online multiplayer, and it's a treat to play because it runs great, looks really good, and is super comfortable. If you have any interest in a RTS or MOBA on your shiny new OR, AirMech Command deserves your attention. [Tested with Rift]

The Climb is a cool and fun VR experience that takes an obvious VR concept and runs with it. The result is more positive than not and worth checking out if you have an interest in rock climbing. [Tested with Rift]

OXENFREE is an amazing story that doesn’t ask a lot of extra attention from its players other than listening and occasionally playing out some puzzles/problems/actions onscreen.

Total War: Warhammer is not only a great Total War game, but one of the greatest strategy games of all time.

When allowed composure, Mirror's Edge Catalyst becomes the colossal free running daydream that never seemed tenable. When pushed into conflict, either with its own systems or the demand of "content" in 2016, Mirror's Edge feels anxious and frenzied. Separating wondrous substance from obliged distractions isn't a distinction the game is capable of making, leaving gratification to the will of the player.

Skylanders Battlecast is probably one of the more entertaining turn-based card games that I’ve played. It's quick, addictive and strategic fun.

Darknet is one of the early VR games that should be on anyone's short-list of great titles. [Tested with Rift]

Hitman GO is a great game that is a perfectly comfortable and enjoyable VR experience. At $10, it's an excellent value, especially if you haven't played the game before.

A case of projection clashing against reality, almost a meta-level statement on Dead Island's inability to step up and perform on key. Unfortunately the only rendition that sticks is one of deteriorating enthusiasm. 2011 was charitable to Dead Island. 2016 almost holds it in contempt.

A well-executed mashup of two genres that's worth checking out if you're a fan of either.

Dreadhalls is worth checking out. It's a quick and clear example of how VR can take what would be a pretty uninteresting concept and make it much more immersive and effective. [Tested with Rift]

FATED: The Silent Oath is short and I didn't get invested in the story or characters, but I found it enjoyable and hope to see Frima expand upon it. [Tested with Rift]

DOOM is a masterful reboot of one of the most important and legendary franchises in the history of games; bravo to id and Bethesda.

Infinite Monkeys has done a fantastic job with this small title. They have wrapped up the complicated and well thought through gameplay with humor and simplicity. They have certainly made a unique flower in the typically weed-driven world of puzzle games.

Distorted textures and hulking polygons may not feel as chic or romantic as pixel art, but Back in 1995's paean to the 32-bit era extends beyond aesthetic cognizance. It's a vehicle for the sentiment and devotion of its author, and approach may be limited to a shared fondness of that time and place.