WWE 2K24 is a gorgeous wrestling game with hard-hitting fights that will keep players plugged in for hours on end. The series seems to be settling in to the annual release trap of small steps forward over major improvements, but hopefully next year's entry can provide the big leaps that modes like MyGM need to help the WWE 2K series reach the next level and finish the comeback story that started with WWE 2K22.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is much better than Scarlet and Violet all around, though it does fall short of the heights reached by Arceus. The new battle system is fun and filling out the Pokedex is as rewarding as always, but the lackluster presentation keeps the game from reaching its full potential. Even so, it's easy to get lost in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for hours and with the substantial Mega Dimension DLC on the way, there will be even more Pokemon to catch soon.

There’s a wonderfulness surrounding all of this that makes dealing with the cracks in the original’s formulaic foundation a lot more bearable. While the jury is still out on whether or not the competitive scene will embrace Pokken this time around, the team at Namco Bandai can rest easy knowing that they’ve grown the game and left fans much better off as a result.

Ultimately, Immortals Fenyx Rising may not take itself too seriously but it ends up offering an emotional story of family drama with some genuinely funny moments. There is a lot of familiarity both in the game's DNA and the core gameplay loops, but it is still a fun experience nonetheless. Immortals Fenyx Rising, as with all new IP, may have been a risky jump for Ubisoft, but it was a leap worth taking.

There’s little doubt that Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest delivers on every front that it promised fans, serving up an interesting narrative and tough-as-nails gameplay.

A gem of a Metroidvania title, with addictive and more-than-a-little challenging gameplay. Mix that in with a neat repetition and level up system and – best of all – the game’s absolutely incredible graphical style, and it’s fair to say that Sundered is the kind of game that will live long in the memory.

Extra bugginess aside, The Jackbox Party Pack 8 is otherwise another solid addition to the franchise and is well worth the investment for anyone looking for a new party game to play. Poll Mine, Job Job, and Wheel of Enormous Proportions are the standout games, though Drawful Animate and Weapons Drawn will likely have their fans as well.

Technical issues and the lack of content in Blitz aside, Halo Wars 2 is a fun game that is the best bet for RTS fans looking for something to play on Xbox One. The campaign is engrossing from start to finish, the multiplayer matches are consistently exciting, and thanks to its status as an Xbox Play Anywhere game, Halo Wars 2 offers fans plenty of bang for the buck. If 343 and Creative Assembly are able to patch the game’s technical issues and add more areas to Blitz mode soon, then Halo Wars 2 will be a no-brainer for fans of the real-time strategy genre and the Halo franchise in general.

It’s a refreshing take on a tried and true layout that manages to set up a solid structure within its sandbox environment. This is one of the good ones.

Fans who arrive at Odyssey expecting the Assassin’s Creed experience they grew up with may be disappointed or confused, but gamers ready for a new era for the franchise should plan to be overwhelmed with opportunity.

Between Push the Button, Joke Boat, Trivia Murder Party 2, and Role Models, The Jackbox Party Pack 6 is quite possibly the most well-rounded collection of mini-games that we've seen in a Jackbox Party Pack game.

Even though Apex Legends has some missteps here and there, it’s still one of the better battle royale games on the market and could give the giants of the genre a serious run for their money.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has elements that match right up with any of Spielberg’s movies. Its puzzles are a genuine highlight, its story fits the type of adventure that only Indy would go on, and it’s bolstered by some standout performances from its cast. Even though the combat and stealth are middle-of-the-road, the entire presentation is strong enough that fans will have a great time donning the hat and whip.

With attractive new graphics and sensible tweaks to the game’s interaction interface, Day of the Tentacle Remastered is the definitive version of a classic.

A tremendous return to form from Paradox. The title manages to mix complex strategy mechanics with a more lenient attitude towards newcomers to great success, granting a level of flexibility of play rarely seen in the genre.

Homeworld 3 feels like a great return to form for this iconic RTS franchise. Diehard fans will love experiencing what comes next in this turbulent galaxy, while newcomers can use this as the perfect way to jump into the series for the first time. And even though some of the controls can be unintuitive and the camera needs a bit of work, the battles seem to be as exciting as ever. It really feels like Blackbird Interactive understood just what makes Homeworld and the RTS genre tick here, so hopefully there are plenty more adventures in store for the future.

LEGO Party is a polished, fun party game that delivers exactly what its title promises. It's basically Mario Party with LEGOs, but there is nothing wrong with that. Party game fans will get a lot out of LEGO Party, and while it may not have enough to justify playing it for hours on end in single sessions, it is something that will be easy to go back to on game nights.

Bound brings a unique approach to the speedrunning platformer by putting the focus on a heartbreaking narrative and a beautiful dance mechanic to pull players through its world.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2‘s solo quests, hub world, and robust split-screen options make it a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The worst thing a strategy game fan or a Marvel fan can do is not give Marvel’s Midnight Suns a chance. Midnight Suns regularly feels like a game that shouldn’t be as entertaining as it is because it has some flaws with its presentation, technical performance, and writing. However, the combat system and team-building mechanics are so good that the game can stand tall despite its issues. Firaxis stepped out of its comfort zone and did an admirable job at making Midnight Suns its first tactics RPG game, even if its rock-solid gameplay foundations often pick up the pieces where other elements fall short.

Fallout 4’s Far Harbor DLC offers a new zone with over 15 hours of engaging content that improves on the core game’s storytelling, but introduces a new puzzle mechanic that may scare away the purists.

While the new traits and aspirations still read like a tutorial for the expansion, it’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the conception of Snowy Escape. The Sims needed to come back stronger than ever after its last controversy, and Snowy Escape did just that and more. Players’ enchantment with Mt. Komorebi is sure to stick around like the snow on the mountaintop thanks to the endless possibilities the world provides.

Tyrant's Realm is clearly a passion project made by people who were molded by both the PS1 era and FromSoftware's magnum opus. As mentioned at the start, I'm not a fan of Soulslike titles, but this one managed to win me over in record time. Affordable and stylish, it offers a fair amount of challenge without being overwhelming to newcomers, and its roguelite elements serve as carrots on a stick to make even the most discerning player prep for "just one more run."

By and large, Trials Rising doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it maintains a high level of quality with the vast majority of its content by fine-tuning the series’ strengths with a bevy of well-designed tracks, tight controls, physics-focused gameplay, and offbeat sense of humor.

On the whole, the Arcadia Bay Collection is largely the same game that was released almost eight years ago, but that isn't a bad thing in the slightest. When a great game focused almost entirely on its story, not much needs to be done for a remaster. While the Switch version is undoubtedly the worst version of the game from a visual perspective, those hiccups are more than made up for by the portability offered by Nintendo's console. That portability makes for the worst-looking yet most enjoyable version of these games to date and elevates the entire concept of the genre.

A great follow-up to The Stick of Truth, and a game that fans of the TV show are bound to appreciate. It may have been a long time coming, but The Fractured but Whole is certainly worth the wait, particularly for those who want to have a bit of light-hearted fun with their RPG gameplay.

OlliOlli World is a unique and fun skateboarding game, despite a few flaws here and there, and it holds its own against more “mainstream” skateboarding games like Skate. Even if players have never picked up an OlliOlli title before, OlliOlli World is worth its price tag.

The artwork and soundtrack are both delightfully creepy, and the puzzles are punishingly hard, making for a challenging pseudo-horror experience that all players can enjoy.

Syndicate feels very much like an Assassin’s Creed game in all the good ways and only a few of the bad.

Lost Orbit is a highly addictive, free-flowing gem that manages to toe that marginal line between challenge and frustration. The game may prove too short for some, but Lost Orbit is nonetheless a worthwhile addition to a speed-run aficionado’s game collection.

The Jackbox Party Pack 10 has three excellent party games in Hypnotorious, Time Jinx, and Dodo Re Mi, with Tee K.O. 2's only drawbacks being its familiarity and the occasional technical issue. Mileage with Fixytext will vary, but it will likely be the least-played out of the new batch of party games. This puts Jackbox Party Pack 10 on par with the other games in the series, which means it's a great party game experience that will become a fan favorite at game nights.

MLB The Show 24 is one of the strongest entries SDS has put out in this console generation. Storylines and Road To The Show's updates rejuvenate the franchise's single-player offerings, giving players a reason to come back each day and get a few swings in. Diamond Dynasty's changes are also a step in the right direction, though it will take time to see if SDS' new format works in the long run. While The Show is well overdue for a more substantial facelift, its rewarding gameplay makes that shortcoming an afterthought. When all's said and done, MLB The Show 24 is undoubtedly one of the series' best, and a great sign for the future.

Dragon Quest Builders demonstrates that a JRPG can think outside of the box and successfully incorporate elements out of games like Minecraft, although the experience needs a little refinement before it becomes perfect.

Assessed in a vacuum, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is an undeniable improvement over the original game with better graphics and it makes great use of the PS5's unique features. It doesn't do enough new for those that have already played through Horizon Zero Dawn to make a return trip, but it's the perfect jumping on point for newcomers and is a worthwhile upgrade for those that have yet to finish their playthroughs.

For all its minor shortcomings, like limited build diversity and underwhelming gear customization, AI Limit is still a game that knows what it wants to be and largely succeeds in being exactly that. It offers just enough challenge to satisfy Soulslike veterans while remaining accessible enough to bring new players into the fray. Most importantly, it carves out its own voice in a genre that is chock-full of imitators, and that's no small feat. For anyone looking for a Soulslike experience that balances narrative depth with mechanical experimentation, AI Limit is absolutely worth the journey.

Gamers who love stealth gameplay and freedom of choice should definitely give the new-and-improved Agent 47 a chance.

What makes The Fall of Avalon worth playing isn't just its reverence for classic RPGs, but how it reinterprets their ideas through a much darker lens. Questline's take on Arthurian myth is an intense and mature narrative, pulling players through a crumbling world where every choice feels like it might be the wrong one. There are lessons here, but more than anything, there's a story that feels like it was made for players who still crave consequence, immersion, and discovery in their RPGs. And while it might stumble in execution at times, it rarely loses sight of what it's trying to be.

It feels a little content deficient at launch, but Rocket Arena is a solid multiplayer shooter that is almost something great, and hopefully, the developers get the chance to help the game reach its full potential. In the meantime, those looking for a fun new multiplayer game can't go wrong with Rocket Arena.

Despite a bit of clunky translation and its rather brief runtime, Your House feels like it could be the beginning of something great. Whereas many puzzle-heavy games are quick to give extra clues when it’s clear that the player is struggling, this title asks more. It makes you slow down, and each time something finally clicks, the dopamine rush is more than worth the effort. If the team at Patrones & Escondites end up creating more incredibly satisfying mystery games in this same style, it would be hard not to buy them on launch day.

There are nits to pick with Toxic Commando​​​​​, but how egregious they are will ultimately come down to player preference. Some may find its accessibility a win for the multiplayer experience, while some may find it too easy. Some will appreciate its lack of bloat, while others will want deeper skill trees and more customization. All in all, though, fans of cheesy horror and zombie co-op shooters will find plenty to love in it. John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is not a game-changer, but it doesn't pretend to be, and it's all the better for it.

Knockout City is a genre-defying take on the team-based multiplayer game, where players are not just teammates, but also tools and assets for one another. And although Knockout City struggles to find an identity, the game's ability to excel in accessibility while holding a high skill-ceiling makes it easy to pick up and even easier to keep playing.

It’s hard to find fault with what Codemasters has done with F1 2016. The game is a fabulous return to form for the series, delivering thrills that had been missing for some time, and the title could no doubt find a place among many racing fans’ libraries.

The Dark Pictures: The Devil in Me packages an enigmatic killer, stories of true crime, the spectacle of horror movies, and a group of shy misfits and powerful personalities into a plot that feels deserving of its own big-budget film. It'll leave players questioning everything they know about the killer and each other, and yearning to dive in once again to see other endings, discover more secrets, and try to save everyone.

The level layouts are excellent, the sugary aesthetic is unique, and the protagonists are easily liked. While the lack of co-op and additional Poochy Dash levels are noticeable, Nintendo has still put together a wonderful handheld edition of one of its best side-scrollers in recent years. It’s accessible, expertly crafted, and simply enjoyable – all of which is an incredibly hard line to tow.

Sniper Elite: Resistance doesn't break new ground for the Sniper Elite franchise, nor does it break new ground for the stealth-action genre. But those weren't its intentions. What Sniper Elite: Resistance did intend to do was provide another fun, complete Sniper Elite experience that stays true to the aspects of the series fans have come to love, and it achieves exactly that.

At launch, MultiVersus is a little more bare bones than some might have hoped, but the game has an incredibly bright future. Season 1 alone is set to add at least four new characters to the roster, and leaks have revealed more new MultiVersus characters that are likely on the way. Fans finally have a viable alternative to Super Smash Bros., and it will be exciting to see how it evolves from here.

Gravity Rush Remastered brings one of the PS Vita’s most significant exclusives to the TV screen, and it is by far the best way to experience the game.

I can see myself returning to Fear the Spotlight in the future. It's a great game to get into the Halloween spirit, with an effectively creepy atmosphere that doesn't feel overbearing. Hardcore survival-horror fans will likely find it all a little too easy, but it's a great way to introduce newcomers to the genre and is consistently entertaining from start to finish. Fear the Spotlight ensures that Blumhouse's new video game initiative gets off on the right foot and gives horror fans a game that will likely become a Halloween favorite in the years to come.

The Banner Saga 2 is a must-have for fans of Stoic’s acclaimed original RPG, continuing the series with an equally strong narrative, beautiful visuals, and addictive combat.

While Episode 2 is an improvement, it comes with a big caveat as fans wait to see how Telltale handles the remainder of The Walking Dead: The Final Season. It would be a shame for the ending of episode two to simply be it, as the coming war promises players a legitimate, if cruel and heart-breaking, end for the beloved Clementine.

The Flame in the Flood offers up a sometimes overly-difficult survival adventure, but the fantastic visuals and tense gameplay provide plenty of reasons to keep going.

Despite only a handful of maps, no story, and no ranking system upon release, Overwatch more than makes up for all of that with its masterful focus on teamwork. The game is clearly designed with teamwork at its heart, which is a major strength, but can also lead to frustrations for any lone wolf gamers.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a fantastic homage to the classic TMNT games that players loved thirty years ago. It doesn’t do anything new with the beat 'em genre and could use an extra game more or two, but that’s ok; the game's core is still incredibly entertaining and is sure to satisfy fans of the Ninja Turtles. Shredder’s Revenge offers deep, fast-paced combat while being widely approachable to new players, and it's all packaged inside a loving tribute to the 1987 cartoon, teeming with personality and admiration for everyone’s favorite heroes in a half-shell.

Combat may become a little tedious after long stretches of play, the load times are a little lengthy, multiplayer is a smudge unbalanced, and SnapMap is a so-so addition, but the adrenaline-fueled gameplay and the ample replayability featured within the campaign makes this a standout entry in the FPS genre – let alone a worthwhile resurrection of DOOM.

Hue easily sets itself apart from its indie platformer peers, with a well-crafted world, pitch perfect art and sound design, and taxing gameplay with an excellent learning curve.

The Nintendo Switch edition is a great choice for anyone who is feeling nostalgic or hasn’t picked up the game before. The Switch’s visuals are on-par with the other remastered releases of Final Fantasy X/X-2, but with the added plus of custom controller binds and the Quick Recovery system.

The replayability of Go Mecha Ball comes purely from how much fun it is. A handful of ending scenes are available after multiple completions, but these cartoon-y, still images won't rank among the best games with multiple endings, and the first completion on max difficulty unlocks a unique upgrade. But these rewards don't amount to much. Nevertheless, players will likely pick up the game again and again because it just feels that good. Though imperfect,there's simply nothing quite like Go Mecha Ball out there, and it deserves to be experienced.

Splatoon 2 builds on what its successor did so well, with a much larger base of assets that has allowed Nintendo to provide more to consumers right off the bat.

More of the same from Spike-Chunsoft, which is not a bad thing at all. The games are still engaging, fun, and in the case of Virtue’s Last Reward, have some of the most challenging puzzles in the visual novel genre. Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is an above-average compilation that offers just enough changes to make it a good purchase for both newcomers to the series and franchise veterans, although, as always with this genre, those looking for action had best look elsewhere.

Dark Souls 3 offers a unique experience that blends subtle storytelling, dark settings, and painfully difficult encounters to stand out from the crowd of other action games. The challenge is well worth the countless deaths and hours of practice for players who have the patience, but is likely one that should be skipped by gamers who prefer to get things right on the first try.

Overall, Jurassic World Evolution a game that players will not enjoy if they don't like management sims and the plate-spinning and detailed fine-tuning that comes with the genre. It's a niche genre of games, but it's one that Jurassic World Evolution exemplifies well. The graphics are very good for being on a Switch port, the voice-acting is fun and adds another layer to the game, and the mechanics are largely intuitive and don't take much getting used to. Jurassic World Evolution was a well-built game when it came out in 2018, and the DLC additions and Switch port have only further proved that this is a game that fans of the franchise and management sim lovers will enjoy.

Fire Emblem Warriors may not convince gamers still unsold on the Warriors formula, but it’s sure to come pretty close after expertly implementing trademark mechanics of the renown Nintendo series. Add in local co-op multiplayer, nods to the source material’s permadeath option via Classic Mode, and even a History Mode that allows fans to replay key battles from the franchise’s past and it’s clear that developers Team Ninja and Omega Force were able to deliver some impeccable fan service to Fire Emblem fans.

Hell Clock has some blemishes but its core gameplay and narrative experience are compelling. The story of the Canudos people is heartbreaking and galvanizing, constantly encouraging the player to rain righteous vengeance upon their enemies. Thanks to the game's flexible combat sandbox, this process is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally invigorating, and will have players itching for one more run. For a roguelike, it's hard to offer higher praise than that.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero isn't a perfect sequel to Budokai Tenkaichi 3, but it has successfully recaptured its spirit. Effort is visible even in the areas where Sparking Zero falls short, and concentrating on the core gameplay, presentation, and progression has paid dividends. Custom Battle and a decent online suite help this game find its own voice, both compared to its PS2 forebears and its more focused modern Dragon Ball peers. Ultimately, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero does the late Akira Toriyama and his collaborators’ work justice, and that should help it find its audience.

Atlus' Persona 5 Tactica drops the Phantom Thieves in a Medieval Europe-style world as they are dragged into an ongoing revolution by a mysterious figure. Rather than a traditional turn-based JRPG, the Persona 5 spin-off falls within the tactics genre.

Have a Nice Death is a gorgeous, weapon-filled adventure that could slice and dice its way to the top of the roguelike genre. Its almost ‘cutesy’ nature plays well against the sometimes dark themes it contains, but the vast array of weapon and spell combinations will be what draws and then keeps players within the walls of Death Inc. It has the rare ability to be enjoyable for both the high-difficulty, build-crafting RNG fans and the more casual crowd. Players will delight with its sublime art, memorable fights, and its well-crafted, lore-filled world. If someone has to be Death, Have a Nice Death is going to make it enjoyable.

Overall, [REDACTED] is a strong addition to the roguelike genre. The mechanics are fun, the game's unique features help spruce things up considerably, and the core gameplay loop is extremely satisfying. However, it does lack some variety, and the actual setting lacks a unique flair. While that does not ruin the experience, it may hold it back for some. But if players are looking for another title to spend hours on, this game may be for them.

Spearhead Games’ Stories: The Path of Destinies is a fascinating jaunt through a more mature fairy tale setting that blends serviceable gameplay with remarkable wit.

The Surge 2's improved exploration and performance go a long way in making it better than its predecessor, though it's held back somewhat from the unreliable lock-on and bugs. Anyone that liked the first game will have a blast with the sequel, and while there are Souls-like games out there that feel less derivative of its inspiration (like the co-op focused Remnant: From the Ashes, for instance) The Surge 2 is sure to please anyone looking for more Dark Souls-style action.

At the same time, however, there is no big reason not to get Metro on Switch. It holds up fine, looks good enough even when being displayed on a TV, and is perfectly playable on a controller. If the Switch is someone's main console, Metro Redux is a phenomenal bundle that suffers negligible drawbacks from its port.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin doesn't shake the genre up or do anything incredibly unique, but it's a massive JRPG with lots to do. It's a solid entry for the sub-series and is recommended for those looking for a charming title on the Switch that doesn't require much thinking or undivided attention. It's a casual game for the most part, but the back half does provide some epic story moments that are satisfying and worth watching.

The sheer amount of content Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 brings to the table is impressive, even if some of it doesn't live up to expectations. The co-op campaign is a mixed bag, Endgame is a bust, and the game is largely derivative of what came before, but it's a comprehensive, feature-rich package that will keep fans busy until the 2026 Call of Duty game. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a no-brainer for longtime Call of Duty fans, though it won't win over any haters.

If nothing else, the studio’s excellent work on Spyro: Reignited Trilogy shows the franchise in good hands, and a new game could address some of the poorly-aged elements and other fan complaints, like the the Reignited Trilogy‘s lack of subtitles.

The lack of worthwhile unlockable content is one of the biggest downsides in Mario Party Superstars, but those who are only interested in using it as a party game likely won't be all that disappointed. Mario Party Superstars has fun online multiplayer functionality and makes a number of important quality of life improvements when compared to its predecessor, and so it's still a big step in the right direction for the franchise, despite some of its shortcomings.

Darkwood‘s story is twisted and full of weird characters and unnerving moments. The ultra-tough gameplay is likely to turn quite a few people off and it can be tedious, but those that stick with Darkwood will be rewarded with a memorable survival-horror game that will linger with them long after they’ve conquered its nightmares.

Fans of the series will likely enjoy the first episode, as it builds off years’ worth of investment. However, those that expected something that tied into A New Frontier may be somewhat disappointed, as this first episode offers many more questions with very little in the way of answers.

Afterlove EP lacks meaningful gameplay, and its bugs can range from inconvenient to apocalyptic, so it says a lot that it's still worth recommending it to anyone who likes smaller, story-driven games. Make no mistake, the aforementioned issues do drag down the overall experience, but at the end of the day, Afterlove EP is more than the sum of its parts. Its music, charming characters, nuanced portrayal of grief, and beautiful manga-inspired art design are all worth the price of admission. If developer Pikselnesia can hammer out its more troubling bugs, then Afterlove EP has a chance to become an all-timer in the visual novel genre.

Although the game boils down to a walking sim with a puzzle component, the unique setting and mechanics make it worth a playthrough.

Those wanting to roll the dice on Concord will find an excellent FPS full of exciting abilities, intense battles, and eye-popping visuals. The game's character designs, premium price point, and general lack of interest from the public may make it so Concord never really gets a chance, and so potential consumers need to weigh the risks of investing $40 on a game that may be dead before too long. Personally, I am glad to have played Concord and I will continue playing it as much as possible, and will be sad if the day comes when its player count dwindles to the point where it no longer makes sense to support it. Hopefully, Concord defies the odds and becomes one of Sony's long-lasting live service experiments.

Dead Rising 4 is certainly good, but it’s still not as good as it could have been.

Gamers who’ve never experienced the old-school variety of first person shooters may also still enjoy Turok – though it’s a bit more punishing than modern first person shooters, the availability of cheat codes and a wide arsenal of weapons and enemies should still make an entertaining adventure for gamers who don’t mind older, jagged-looking graphics.

On its own, Astro’s Playroom would be a fun platforming distraction fit for younger gamers or families. Its world is vibrant and wonderfully detailed, and it looks exceptional on the PS5. But in all honesty, this isn’t so much a game as it is a showpiece for what the DualSense controller can do. And as a result, this isn’t so much a review, as it is an opportunity to highlight how well the features on the PS5 controller work.

Crisol isn't a perfect survival-horror game, but that's not to say that it's not a solid time overall. I really enjoyed Crisol's combat and though the levels are a little bloated, the game still delivers a fairly solid rendition of the classic survival-horror gameplay loop. Genre fans should definitely make sure to give it a look.

This game is a worthy successor to the Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance titles. Though the combat can become a bit repetitive, it's fast-paced and engaging for the most part. While playing solo, it's fun and challenging, and it's easy to see how it would flourish with a full group of players. It isn't perfect, but the over-the-top voice acting and character models, respect for Dungeons and Dragons lore, and intuitive combat make for a charming package. It's casual enough for anyone to pick up and play while retaining enough Dungeons and Dragons standards to keep experienced players of the tabletop game content. Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Alliance is a fun action RPG, that has an opportunity to open up Dungeons and Dragons to a wider audience.

Sniper Elite 4 may lack the bells and whistles of other World War 2-based shooters, but its top tier shooting mechanics and open maps make it a fun experience for the creative sniper.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 won't be a game for everyone. If you're looking for the depth and variety of content offered by other leading AAA RPGs, The Chinese Room's relatively modest take on Seattle-at-night might leave you feeling a little underwhelmed. But if you want a story that you can sink your teeth into and gameplay that, while not always given the proper room to breathe, often gets the job done, then you'll likely settle into this relaxed-fit action-adventure quite nicely. In a way, Bloodlines 2 is a fitting continuation of its predecessor's legacy: it's deeply flawed, but masterfully written.

Hopefully, this is just THQ Nordic's first step with the new IP, and that could perhaps be the biggest selling point for the game. Back in the day, there were big plans for an MMO set in Kingdoms of Amalur's world, while potential sequels were brought up in fan discussions from time to time. While it may not be perfect, Re-Reckoning would be a great way to finally lead that charge and realize the grand vision that 38 Studios once held.

Ultimately, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage proves to be an uneven experience where the characters are more interesting than the plot. With a final twist that doesn't feel earned and fails to illuminate the game's greater mystery, it's hard to imagine players eagerly awaiting the second half of the story when it arrives on April 15. However, it's still possible that the remainder of the title could continue building its wonderful characters and make the juice worth the squeeze.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 offers a genuinely fun multiplayer experience, so it's a shame that its single-player features are so weak. We were unable to test the game's online functionality, but if the online multiplayer is reliable and as fun as its local offerings, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will be a solid option for Smash fans who are hungry for something fresh. The game isn't going to blow anyone away, but it mostly accomplishes what it has set out to do and delivers a platform fighting game experience that outdoes the original.

Gotham Knights is a lot of fun, and for someone looking to mindlessly beat criminals as a superhero, it's an easy recommendation. Yet, anyone interested in anything more than that is going to face a lot of disappointment with its story beats, gameplay elements, individual features, and many other elements.

It feels strange to put gameplay at the bottom of the list for any video game, but Fort Solis clearly made performance and visuals a priority. With a cast consisting of two video game A-listers, the game showcases what a difference hiring talented people can have on the impact of a story. Disappointing conclusion aside, the visuals, tone, and the acting are strong enough to satisfy some people. However, the gameplay is rarely fun and occasionally frustrating, even if the mood is tense and the desire to see more is compelling. Fort Solis is a hard game to recommend for a mass audience, but there is a specific subset of gamers who this game will really resonate with.

Its no holds barred approach to the familiar side scrolling shooter combat helps it stand out from the pack, and keep players engaged from beginning to end.

Satellite Reign offers a great real time strategy experience in a cyberpunk world, but doesn’t keep the experience as fresh as it could have been.

Superliminal is still a really solid puzzle game. Its innovative main mechanic is worth the price of admission alone, with Pillow Castle taking the time to evolve and experiment with the mechanic so no two levels are ever exactly the same. What it lacks in challenge, story, and length it makes up for with its commitment to its perspective-based premise, carving a genuinely fun puzzler that's sure to leave aficionados of the genre satisfied.

Redfall is ultimately a fun experience thanks to the world, the enemies, and the gunplay itself, but as a whole, it's an incredibly shallow one too. Because of this, some may question whether it's worth the price tag, but it's noteworthy that Redfall is launching on Xbox Game Pass. It feels like the game is designed for the service, with an experience that is easily digestible, is full of simple mindless fun, and is easy to move on from.

Even though Zombies in Spaceland and multiplayer are just more of the same, as a whole, it’s hard to find an FPS on the market as fully-featured as Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. The campaign is the surprise highlight, with heart-pounding action, jaw-dropping graphics, and fresh ideas for the series, making it worth checking out even for those disappointed by its sci-fi themes.

Dead Island 2 offers plenty of over-the-top zombie-killing fun, especially in co-op, but it's dragged down by serious technical problems.

The music and sound effects in Sun Blast are pretty sweet, and some of the music I’d even call spectacular and worthy of being included in a glorious 80’s sci-fi movie soundtrack.