Some aspects of Pokemon Sword do stand out as only being possible on a home console, but the general look and feel still seems stuck in the 3DS era of the series.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is still a fantastic game today. The fact that it stands tall compared to other platformers is a testament to the original release's quality. However, this is the third re-release the game has seen in 15 years, and this one carries a $60 price tag with virtually no new content. For longtime Nintendo fans, it's a hard pill to swallow, especially if you already own past copies. Nothing here, besides HD visuals, makes Donkey Kong Country Returns HD worth buying unless you want to own it on modern hardware. However, if you missed out on the game, it is well worth the price. Returns HD is the definitive version of an incredibly 2D platformer. Those who aim to collect everything in sight will spend dozens of hours here.

While the game’s fairly high skill ceiling and emphasis on micro-transactions might be off-putting to some players, For Honor is an experience that’s truly fit for those that are warriors at heart.

FIFA 20's excellent Volta mode, engaging changes to Ultimate Team, and potentially cool features to Career Mode don't make up for subpar soccer gameplay.

Gwent became a means to an end by the finale, a necessary thing to do to unlock the next story segment, and something I would avoid when possible. Its a shame because Thronebreaker does some good work modifying the familiar Gwent rules, they just get easily overshadowed by the main storyline and the various decisions you can find along the way.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown reaffirms I am way too invested in this Strangereal universe and that arcade flight sims are capable of telling compelling stories about war.

Bravely Default may not have aged well, but there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found. Sadly, if you're already familiar with how the adventure goes, there's little to no reason to pick up the Flying Fairy HD Remaster unless you're a true, diehard fan. If you never had the chance to play Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS over a decade ago, however, it's certainly worth your time to enjoy an old-school JRPG experience. I'd argue there are better options available, such as the Octopath Traveler games or the Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, but if you're looking to see what all the hype was about back in the day, it's worth a purchase.

Total Chaos is an exciting survival-horror game that follows a man descending into madness within his own mind. The story and combat are the standouts here, as both are engaging enough to keep the player on the edge of their seats, pushing them further into the depths of the game's world to learn more about the protagonist and take down deadlier foes. Discovering the lore of Fort Oasis, the game's main location, and how its hidden meanings connect to the main character's mental state and sickness shares a strong resemblance to Silent Hill 2, and it's fascinating to uncover. The biggest negative is the game's core survival mechanics and how it often feels too punishing because of its lack of resources, to the point that some players might be forced to go back to an earlier save depending on their situation. The extreme lengths it takes to make the player feel hopeless may be too much for the casual player, so it's definitely not a game that could be recommended to everyone.

Those Be A Pro changes are great and all, but it isn’t too much of an incentive for those who already own NHL 20 to go out a grab NHL 21. While there are some new gameplay features, it doesn’t really feel like it differs much from last year’s installment. If you missed out last year, now may be a good time to check out EA’s take on hockey, but if you’re looking for something new and exciting, maybe wait for a next-gen entry.

If you haven’t picked up an NHL game in years or play mainly for the online experience, you will really like NHL 19.

Trombone Champ is exactly what you would expect if you've played the original 2D title. It's hilarious rhythm game action that doesn't take itself to seriously, but if you peel back the quirks and the ridiculousness, there is a competent rhythm game humming under the hood. Mileage may vary due to the games reliance on classical songs, not to mention a rather one-note and repetitive gameplay experience. But all in all, if you love Trombone Champ and want a more involved, laugh-a-minute experience, you can't go wrong with this one.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a remake that dares to change just enough to feel fascinating—and frustrating in equal measure. There’s genuine heart here, especially in the expanded Morning Glory content, both games' sub-stories, and Mine’s surprisingly compelling Dark Ties storyline. Yet, those highs are constantly at odds with combat changes and narrative deviations that feel less like refinement and more like overcorrection. As someone who deeply adores the original Yakuza 3, this remake constantly left me torn between appreciation and disappointment, because it’s occasionally brilliant yet so undeniably polarizing at some levels, serving as fine evidence for me that not every black sheep in a series needs to be remade.

Everything is Crab combines Roguelike gameplay with Spore-like evolutions to create something that feels wholly unique. That doesn't stop the game from falling into the trap of having a bit too much RNG. It's visually interesting with a fun art style that showcases those evolutions well, but gets weighed down by some of the more pressing issues. All in all, Everything is Crab is a good game that is hopefully well on the way to becoming a great game.

The Golf Club 2019 is a comprehensive simulation, and will undoubtedly please those who are looking for one.

Steelrising is a good if challenging time. If you’re thirsting for your next Souls-like after milking Elden Ring dry, then the combat here will feel oddly familiar and you’re sure to find something to enjoy, but it isn’t without its faults. Overall Steelrising hits way more than it misses, but a forgettable story and a few repetitive boss battles hold it back from achieving true greatness.

Lapis x Labyrinth shields its repetitive nature with a flashy presentation and interesting RPG mechanics.

In single, isolated moments, Sniper Elite 4 is a great game. However, mediocre AI, a throw away story, and a lack of polish in some key places, prevent it, as an entire package, from being a great game.

Ultimately, Dungeon Defenders: Awakened is a very unique experience that will only improve with time if Chromatic listens to their players and updates regularly. The early game can be boring, especially when played alone. However, co-op is exciting at any time, and the late game is an absolute blast. In nightmare mode, stages begin to reach the perfect level of balance between challenge and fun. It isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve been craving some tower-defense, or loved previous Dungeon Defenders games, you’re sure to enjoy Awakened.

Kunio-Kun diehards will probably love this game. It’s an excellent matchup of beautiful aesthetics, great music, and satisfying combat. So go find the Misako to your Kyoko, hit your local dojo, and get ready to save your boyfriends.

Raiden V: Director’s Cut offers a wide variety of weapons and difficulties that are sure to keep players busy for some time.

For all its superficial swagger, it'd be remiss to call Evil West a case of style over substance, because there's a deceptive amount of substance to its combat system and the vibrant world its set in–just the amount you'd want in such a game. It's a good game for a good while, before its relentless pace runs of steam in the final third when repetitive, tiresome battles highlight the limitations of a mostly solid combat system. With the ability to play the entirety of the campaign in co-op however (with appropriately scaled enemies), I wonder whether spreading the relentless heat between two players could actually be the best way to play the game, and I plan on finding out soon.

From a creative standpoint, Agents of Mayhem is great. Its world stands on its own, looks good, and is hilariously written well… for the most part. Playing around with the agents’ special abilities can even be fun, but many missions felt repetitive and dull.

Once the mechanics click, the game is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. All of this is packaged with a simple aesthetic and decent soundtrack that are both stylish and fit its sci-fi theme. If you’re a fan of city builders, Haemimont Games’ latest is worth playing.

Despite its gameplay shortcomings and optimization issues, South of Midnight is an evocative love letter to the Deep South and Cajun folklore. With a touching and inspiring story revolving around Hazel Flood and her journey to rescue her mother, it tackles the darker aspects of Southern culture with well-deserved nuance and respect. While it is a good game with an enjoyable story and a lovable cast, it stops just short of greatness due to its barebones combat and lack of replayable content. Still, South of Midnight is worth the cost of entry and 12-hour runtime. While some spaces in the world felt empty at times, I had a blast playing through it and loved the creativity and passion behind its interpretation of Cajun folklore. I really would love to see more games that showcase the down-to-earth culture of the American South that is very much misunderstood by many.

While it doesn’t do anything that’s new gameplay-wise, I found the narrative to be intriguing throughout and worth sitting through to the end.

The gameplay is still smooth and quick, the music will make you want to dance, and the racetracks look better than ever.

Bartlow's Dread Machine is a solid bullet-hell shooter with an excellent look that's held back by a few curious design decisions.

The game is gorgeous and that compliment goes for the guardians, the creatures, the maps, and especially the characters.