Senran Kagura as a series is something of a guilty pleasure for me, faults and confusion and all.

With the Island being a disappointment and a humor style that gets stale partway through a playthrough, there's no real reason to go back and play through again.

The return of super powers and introduction of flight makes it a mostly enjoyable three hours, but as a standalone experience it falls just short of typical Saints Row success.

Many people first caught glimpse of I Am Alive four years ago and I can't say four years was worth the wait. It's not that this is a bad game-that's hardly the case, as it's worth buying simply if you like the post-apocalyptic genre. The survival and intimidation/combat tactics are both the best and worst elements of the game, a love/hate relationship that can sway either way depending on the type of player you are. Running gameplay is short, but as a downloadable content only, this game at 15 bucks doesn't hurt.

As a two-in-one package, Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzles & Dragons Super Mario Bros. has the addictive gameplay and lasting value to be a worthy purchase for a puzzle fan on the go.

If you're a huge fan, you probably didn't wait for this review; just know you're getting nothing more than a facelift in this package.

Although Earth Defense Force 2025 is caught in a tangled web of technical flaws, its corny simplicity and sensible multiplayer makes for a title with surprisingly high replay value. In fact, numerous EDF fans would consider the framerate drops and shaky presentation to be part of its charm.

Little Nightmare appears to have a double meaning. On one hand, the gameplay is a nightmare, regularly testing your patience and will to push forward. On the other, the atmosphere and audio design prove terrifying in a way that horror fiends will admire. There's an equal amount of qualities to like and dislike, but when it comes down to it Little Nightmares succeeds at delivering on its promise of being an interesting horror game unlike anything else.

So for a budget-price game you definitely do get your money’s worth.

It's a game that dares to be bold, even when it leans on the side of weird a bit too often.

While the fights from the show transfer well to the game’s arena, there’s just not much depth. If you’re looking for an entry point into the My Hero phenomena, steer clear of this game. It does no favors for newcomers since it requires some initial knowledge.

The Medium is a step in the right direction for Bloober Team and I hope that it’s a sign that the studio is moving out of its comfort zone. It’s definitely the most dynamic title from the devs so far. At its best times, The Medium channels Silent Hill, but the rough pacing and limited gameplay outside of puzzle-solving hold it back. Additionally, the unsatisfactory ending leaves a sour note that detracts from the overall experience.

Investigating an alien planet with a delightfully stupid sense of humor is a unique joy that’s on brand for Journey to the Savage Planet, despite lacking the new gadgets and some of the player-driven stories that the core experience had. Hot Garbage is still more than enough of an excuse to kick a few pufferbirds around even if they don’t reach as high of an altitude.

With that being said, Affordable Space Adventures still is a fine puzzle game. If general puzzles aren't your thing, this may be the type of puzzle game you're looking for

Story-driven VR titles are uncommon in the current realm of VR, and that needs to change sooner rather than later. The Mage's Tale has stepped in to offer a taste of what's to come with reasonable success.

Still, Datura should be celebrated for exploring the immersive, psychological boundaries of video games. Even though it doesn't have a high production value and it's short even for a $9.99 game, its core message is that this is an artform that has the power to have players experience something that other artforms can only dream of.

I’m hoping for a better shake-up of action and exposition for the remaining two episodes because leaving a huge chunk of the latter to fill the middle feels contrary to the game’s origins. It’s a weird time to be had.

A bare-bones port of a nevertheless spectacular game.

Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, World of Warplanes is lacking the features to keep players coming back for more. With only one game mode, early adopters of the game will have to wait for a little while until Wargaming begins supporting it with more content. That said, it’s an inevitability that this will happen, and at its core WoWP is a very fun, addictive game,that is destined to carve itself out an ardent fanbase.

Ultimately I consider What Remains of Edith Finch less essential than The Unfinished Swan, but certainly not less worthwhile. This is a moody, thoughtful, and often harrowing account of Edith and her tragedy-ridden kin, and if you’re the sort who finds tragic or adverse accounts to be of the highest profundity, you’ll likely adore what’s displayed throughout this exploration of mansion, mind, and psyche.

As it stands now, A Realm Reborn vastly improves on its predecessor and delivers a wonderful fantasy world to spend countless hours in. It has its fair share of flaws, especially in regard to the quest structure, but I imagine fans of the genre will enjoy their time with the game regardless.

Some of its production values have become stale during its lengthy production cycle, particularly the tinny sound effects and mundane plot devices, but the swiftness of the action and its firmly embedded cooperative design rescue the title from further degradation.

If you’re a Nintendo fan, you’re going to want to get Super Mario 3D All-Stars. However, just because the games are good doesn’t mean that these ports are great. They’re adequate, which has to be enough, I guess.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III is a decent RTS that adheres to many classical conventions. This bodes well for genre fans, a group that has long been forgotten by other developers who have since shifted focus to MOBA. Though, it brings with it an incredibly beautiful presentation that reminds us how much potential the Warhammer 40,000 universe really has. If only the story hit on this potential. Some of the game's flaws are significant, including the frustrating meta-game UI and problematic Skulls system. Thankfully, the highly functional gameplay goes a long way toward leading to a positive experience. So, I declare Dawn of War III cleared of all charges of sedition and heresy, but sentence it to a punishment of several lashings for wasting this Inquisitor’s time at key points during the interrogation.

If multiplayer shooters aren't your thing, you simply won't enjoy Hybrid. There's nothing to the game outside of multiplayer. I guess that rules out any Silver-tier Xbox Live members as well. What Hybrid does to separate itself from other games is commendable, but it might not appeal to everyone. At its best, players will find themselves caught up in Hybrid's universe. At its worst, players will... not be able to find a match.

Under the right circumstances, Messhof has established a new and shocking blood sport that’ll captivate audiences and players alike.

It’s far from the must-own that it could have been with some further refinement. The middling story mode wastes a really solid concept, and the best events lack the structure that could make them appealing to play for hours rather than just a few minutes. It’s a fun party game to whip out at social gatherings, which is what it was designed to be after all, but it could have been so much more.

If you loved the original Joe Danger, you'll get more of what you loved here.

Anyway, SASRT can be dug if you're charmed by the casual racer subgenre, and if you're a Sega fan especially. Ah, and I've forgotten to address the last word of this game's damn long title. Your rig can change into a boat or a plane once you go through the right rings. I'm only addressing this because I have to. It's done well and adds a nice layer of complexity (especially since you can seek out these rings early on for an advantage). Does it really transform the game? Sure. More importantly, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed could have stood alone without it and still be a fun $40 ride.

Although Blade & Soul is rough around the corners with its outdated quests and PvE envrionment, its strength in action-based combat and PvP shines through.

Sanctum 2 is a unique game experience that is quite successful in bringing two of today's hottest genres together in an engaging way. Sure, there are plenty of tower defense games out there that do it better, and sure, the shooting mechanics aren't up to snuff with the best of the bunch, but Coffee Stain Studios' is more than the sum of its parts.

While the total sum of the additions doesn't quite match the $39.99 asking price at the moment, Island Paradise comes with a gorgeous environment, plenty of areas to explore, and lucrative resort management. Wait for it to drop in price a bit, and it's an expansion worth getting your feet wet.

In the case of the good, the bad, and the ugly, NHL 13 has it all. It's not award-winning but it's still plenty of fun to go around. Just don't trade in those NHL 12 copies just yet. If complete roster updates and fancy new game modes don't have you jumping for joy, you're plenty fine sticking with '12.

I have faith that with such a large following (and cash flow) the PUBG team will eventually get things squared away, but for now, this game still feels like it's in early access. However, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is an absolute blast to play and has a broad appeal that few other games can match. As long as you temper your expectations (and make sure you have a decent PC), then this is one of the top games of 2017 to check out.

WWE Immortals is an imaginative recycling of ideas and an easy recommendation for casual WWE fans, particularly those who are currently engrossed in WWE Supercard. Of course, it's a deal-breaker if the game constantly breaks on your phone or tablet, though the approachable combat system and the fact that it's free helped push me through the opening loading screens (at least thirty times).

Starhawk is a solid multiplayer experience, though the vehicles and design are derivative, and fans of Warhawk will no doubt appreciate the build-your-own defense gameplay innovations. However, its workman-like tutorial "campaign" was short and bland and the multiplayer didn't "hook" me.

However, Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition doesn't offer much to attract anyone who has played the game before. For anyone who hasn't played the game, there's no better time than the present.

More likely to be enjoyed by those who stumble upon it or pick it up on a whim rather than hotly anticipate it, the game packs more depth than you’re likely expecting if you can bring yourself to stick with it long enough and endure humor that some will no-doubt find intolerable. Admittedly the best games rarely suffer from this issue, but here the creator has been there and done that; Drawn to Death is what is, nothing more and nothing less, and those who can bear it are in for something crass, vulgar, and utterly enjoyable. Oh, and a word to the wise - the nightmares induced by the game’s cast subside after just a few days. If you do abandon Drawn to Death, don’t let that be the reason.

If you’re willing to put in the time, you’ll find a complex experience that’s satisfyingly tough to get a grasp on and equally hard to put down.

This simulation arcade game is mostly for those who have had a liking for the game in past years, or maybe have become bored with FIFA and want something different. If the price went down a bit, I'd say it's worth buying outright. If not, save your time and dimes for the glitz and glamor of FIFA.

It boils down to this: Either you're so hardcore into "Mahhval, baby!" that you simply must 'take it for a ride' everywhere you go, or you've dabbled in either prior console version of the game and want something deep with online play to give that shiny new Vita something to do. If you don't fall into either of these camps, then Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 on the Vita is probably not going to be worth your time, because you either prefer the console experience, have been worn out by the game already, or simply never cared for it to begin with.

It provides just enough to encourage previously disheartened players to return and see how the world has changed, but not quite enough to win over the soul of the average MMO player.

For those that have never tried this fourth Ace Attorney game, there is no reason not to pick up Apollo Justice. The riveting story is much more serious and emotional, the cases will shock and surprise you, and the soundtrack and cast of characters new and old are absolutely unforgettable.

It controls well (the Pale Wing being so mobile, it’s a good thing), and while it can be hard sometimes to use a gun to hit the broadside of a barn, watching buildings and alien baddies disappear in a fiery cloud is always good fun.

Left Behind barely scratches the itch I’ve been hoping to claw at since I put the controller down last summer. It's a bite-sized extension of the characters and lives fans connected with so deeply.

It's also certainly worth a buy if you're into Dr. Mario multiplayer, where it can be played locally or online with a ranking system.

I know it’s designed for kids, hence the lack of difficulty, but it does come across better this time than it previously had.

Appropriately priced at $9.99, Black Knight Sword isn't a big threat to your wallet, but it's also not the easiest game to push on your friends. Regardless, this is another capable outing from two great studios that just happen to think alike.

When scoring Starfield, I considered that many of my issues with the game were totally subjective. However, the game does have technical and design issues that can’t be ignored. Ironically, it has many of the same problems people relentlessly criticized Cyberpunk 2077 for, like lifeless crowds, a hollow wanted system, and glitchy animations, but it’s largely getting a pass. Bethesda deserves kudos for pioneering the modern Western RPG format, and I don’t think every game needs to be some innovative revolution. Despite this, Starfield is backed by Microsoft and produced by one of the biggest game companies in the world. There’s no reason it should feel and play like Fallout 4 in space.

Moving Out is mostly a seamless move, even considering these bumps in the road, because of its cooperative gameplay. Filling up a moving truck full of junk and the occasional farm animal is simple and silly enough to work, despite its inability to continually refresh itself. There might be a ding on your dresser because of the cramped doorways, but it’s an endearing new place that’s worth the lease and best enjoyed with a few other people.

Despite several issues with the Doctor and Detective careers, Get to Work makes the case that The Sims 4 is now ready for a full purchase.

Despite having some awkward control quirks while playing with a mouse and keyboard, the PC version of Heavy Rain is just as solid as the PlayStation 4 re-release. Both versions look superior to the PS3 original, but still have a few issues that make none of them the definitive way to play David Cage’s best title. The important distinction here is that this is now playable outside of the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time ever, so it’s being introduced to a new audience. For them, it’s a totally serviceable way to track down the Origami, Origammy, and Origarmy Killer.

Fall Guys is a fun party game that wonderfully replicates TV’s silliest game shows, but replaces the boring humans with lovely bumbling egg monsters. The speed with which it catapults you through rounds means that you’ll see much of what it has to offer early on, but I always felt compelled to keep playing regardless. Hopefully, Mediatonic is able to regularly update it and keep the party going long after its launch.

While it doesn’t quite compete with some of the compelling tabletop games I have played over the past couple of years—and it’s marred by some confusing design choices that stand to stifle some of its more unique features—if you and a group of friends enjoy tabletop games but struggle to find the time to meet up and play them, then you’ll likely find Armello worthy of your time.

It’s truly an impressive circus act, both playing and developing Skylines, and Snowfall is yet another example of Colossal Order flexing its muscles.

If Ori burned you before (as it had me), don’t expect an apology here. It’s still pretty, fun, and occasionally frustrating, and it still might burn your parent’s house down.

Telltale is great with character choices and delivering a striking painterly color palate, but all of that can grind to a halt since the hacking and slashing gameplay feels repetitive, especially compared to last year’s adventure breakout Life Is Strange.

The Consequence isn't as balanced a DLC package as one would hope for, but it serves its role as a piece that ties loosely-wound narrative pieces together. Armed with a few great gameplay sections, it is a welcome, even if not remarkable, addition to The Evil Within's offerings.

I see the appeal in Monster Energy Supercross 2. For all the limits concerning presentation and graphical fidelity, you can feel how precise the gameplay can be with all the cranks turned to 11. If you’re looking for an accurate simulation of Supercross, this is going to satisfy. Even though this is a sequel, it feels like a foundation that can be built upon in future games, and I hope that Milestone expands the feature set the next time out.

It’s a fun and fascinating game even if it isn’t especially memorable. Bugs notwithstanding, it’s a tough game not to be at least swooned by. It managed to get a number of laughs and awws out of me more often than the groans.

The last few minutes of episode two work terrifically, putting all the pieces in place. Without giving too much away, a showdown is on the horizon.

Detroit: Become Human is inarguably Quantic Dream’s finest release yet, but it’s not really fair to say that it’s any better on PC. It still looks great, and players with powerful computers will appreciate the extra bump to resolution and overall framerate. But the heart of the experience—the story with such obvious overtones that it borders on satire—remains unchanged, for better or for worse.

Big on feature, major in community activity, and strong in replay ability, this year’s Show certainly has done well. For Sony, like EA’s Madden series, there are few to no challengers to the genre so success lies within their own hands. So the question is, if it ain’t broke, will they still try to fix it, or if it is broke, do they still care to fix it?

For only a $5 upgrade fee, they get all of those warm fuzzy feelings but with two great new characters and a small handful of remixed content that doesn’t quite break the bank nor provide a ton of value. However, the early 1990s infrastructure that the game prides itself on hasn’t aged quite as gracefully and, while it still has plenty of charm, it doesn’t fit in as elegantly with the current 2018 era that it’s being released in.

Catalyst would be an easier recommend even with the clunky controls if it had been sold cheaper, perhaps as episodic content. As it stands, this is mostly for fans, and even then, I caution the inevitable frustration that will surely come from running through a city literally made of glass.

For a full retail title, it's just not fully fleshed and much better suited for a rental. Modern gaming has already evolved years ago-it's about time Prototype 2 caught up.

Though Guitar Hero Live is rough around the corners and may not convince casual Guitar Hero players to return to their guitar-shredding ways, it sets a new standard in technology for peripherals, presentation, and online connectivity.

If you were rooting for the shark in Jaws, Maneater is the game for you. Tripwire Interactive delivers a game that makes you feel like an unstoppable underwater menace, to the point where you remain absurdly overpowered throughout its duration. It’s simple, fun, and effective, succeeding in what it set out to do despite not offering much more aside from that. This isn’t a summer blockbuster, but it’s a bloody enjoyable popcorn flick.

Resident Evil Revelations Collection brings two survival horror games to Switch with a host of problems, including some absolutely terrifying loading times. It's a shame because both games work so well in handheld mode. Whether it's running for your life on a desolated cruise ship or island, this Collection offers some of the best moments from the entire Resident Evil series if you're willing to sacrifice the technical quality.

Right now, it’s bigger than life, feels good while you're enjoying it, but is somewhat disappointingly hollow.

In the end, Wreckateer has all the hassle of the Kinect, all the smoke-up-your-ass style of Peggle, all the gameplay of Angry Birds, and a little Shrek-style humor for good measure.

Tales of Xillia 2 both succeeds and fails by playing it safe.

While Untitled Goose Game is a short experience, this also means that it doesn’t outstay its welcome. Additional objectives after you’ve completed the main game increase replayability, even if these objectives could stand to be more challenging. And while its stealth is basic, if you’re content with running around as an arrogant goose and scaring people with your loud honks, then it delivers that in spades.

Even if the story isn’t as entertaining or believable, even if the villains feel like B-team bottom-of-the-barrel fodder for Batman’s continuing crusade against darkness, Arkham Origins still succeeds in empowering players and making them feel like the greatest detective in the world.

The Outer Worlds on Switch is too heavily compromised in the visuals department for me to recommend it above any other version of the game. However, for owners of the Nintendo Switch and no other supported system, then there is still plenty to love here, provided you can stomach the full price at launch.

This won’t satiate the hunger for the next full incarnation of the series, just provide an added distraction while watching old episodes of the animé.

While neither game has stood the test of time without any blemishes, Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King is a solid collection full of behind-the-scenes tales from development as well as nearly every edition of both games available.

The franchise's matchmaking elements return and let players get down to business with all kinds of folk. Before anyone asks if the player can take someone to the barn house, Rune Factory 4 is rated E10+ which means players of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the game so long as they like animé-styled art and big talking dragons.

When you get down to it, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus is the same game that was released a few years back, and if you need that on the go, this is the best way to fill the need. Or, if you need something pretty that can beat you up (like a hot MMA fighter), this will do the trick.

For its price, Strider has great value, especially if you can switch gears towards being more exploratory at the end. Otherwise, it’s frustrating as heck to have the difficulty curve go from playing tag with some school chums, to enemies darting for your throat with the gnashing of werewolf-like fangs for your body's fleshy sustenance. Ninjas are lean meat, after all.

It’s not a phenomenal killer app that will keep you playing for hours, but it will certainly make a bus ride feel a little bit shorter as you kick people in the face to the dulcet tones of Papa Roach.

When it comes to Borderlands DLC I would have to say that the Claptastic Voyage is a runner-up for the best one. While it’s not as expansive as Assault on Dragon’s Keep, it has a lot of charm and has a solid story about a character many players love.

Hohokum gives you everything you need to enter a colorful and freeform world with little restraint toward the kind of art exploration that turns anyone into a finger-paint prodigy. That doesn’t make for the greatest video game, even if its charm lasts far longer than you’d think.

I feel like this Call of Duty could evolve to become one of the best ever, as there is certainly a solid foundation to build upon. With a number of balancing patches, some new (or classic!) maps, and constant communication with the community, I think Modern Warfare will get better. For now, though, you can find me in Gunfight, which separates the brilliant from the BS.

For any fans of those old RPGs, this should be a fun throwback for you. For kids, it’ll be a fun introduction to the genre. For everybody else… what the hell, it’s still a fun way to waste some time.

So here we are then: yet another sequel with a case of the "could've beens." It's still amusing, but let's just be honest, the amount of interest in Scribblenauts is getting a bit smaller every time, no matter how much we might enjoy it.

Best of all, Out of Time really sticks the landing. The finale is extremely emotional. I just hope for a more fleshed-out story in the remaining three episodes.

The trouble with Shank 2 is that this co-op multiplayer only lasts for a little while. Eventually your couch co-op partner has to go home, or you stop finding people to play with online. Then it's back to single player... stab... go right... stab some more... go right... jump over the flames... stab... latter, rinse, repeat.

Trek to Yomi is a fun enough five hours for the money. I wasn’t expecting Ghost of Tsushima for $19.99, so I wasn’t disappointed with what I got. However, I’m a big weeb, love Kurosawa, and think katanas are cool. I’m not sure if those unfamiliar with the design principle behind the game will understand where it’s coming from. It might serve as a gateway drug to Japanese cinema for some, but I think many people will just be wondering why it’s in black and white instead of color. Overall, it’s like a samurai with a dull sword: flashy, but lacking the razor edge needed to cut its way through the shadow of its contemporaries.

While it's not the next CoD, it's still a fun way to pass the time in between playing infantry-based shooters.

It’s not to say that Port Royale 4 is a bad game. It’s just unambitious. It fails to distinguish itself in any way. It’s a good distraction for a few hours, but not a title many will find themselves returning to in the long run.

Kena: Bridge of Spirit’s exceptional visuals clash with its unexceptional gameplay to create a gorgeous experience that would be forgettable if not for its technical prowess. Its combat, puzzles, and platforming are enjoyable but fail to set the world alight, though the adventure is elevated by the beauty of its open world and its highly animated characters.

Before that though, What We Deserve is a solid finale as a standalone Walking Dead adventure. I loved getting to spend more time with Michonne and the supporting cast left an impression too. The art style and gameplay mechanics fit nicely into the Telltale world.

It spends a great deal of its energy trying to impress the audience with unparalleled scope. The result is an experience that succeeds in its mission of being a grand experience, but commonly missteps when it comes to fundamentals such as combat, leveling systems, and user interface design.

Lost Lords carries the torch from Iron from Ice—no more, no less.

Morningstar doesn’t only appreciate your time, but it’s easy on the senses too. There are only a few cut-scenes, but all animations and scenes are nicely done, even though clean, abandoned environments have been done to death.

If you’re down with tough puzzlers and the retro vibe, give it a shot. Be warned, you’ll be using your keyboard here the whole time.

Despite the improvements in graphical fidelity and presentation, which are sure to be even more amazing on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, FIFA 14 is essentially the same game from last year.