It may not be the most engrossing single-player experience, but if you enjoy local co-op multiplayer, you could do a lot worse than Pac-Man 256.

Guilty Gear Xrd –Revelator- makes some amazing innovations in tutorials, lobbies, modes, and new characters that no one will notice because there simply isn’t enough here to warrant purchasing the game again at full price. It’s a shame, too, because many fighting games can learn from its exhaustive teaching tools.

Dangerous Golf is a fun game best played in short bursts and with friends.

Mighty No. 9 is a forgettable attempt at cashing in on people's nostalgia and love of Mega Man.

Trials of the Blood Dragon offers a fantastic challenge and features an outrageously funny storyline. However, the lousy platforming shooting elements and frustratingly difficult levels can seriously drag the gameplay experience down.

If you're a big fan of the first game, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. However, if you never played the original, you might want to take a test drive first to see if you want to commit to it.

Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book isn't going to win any awards for best RPG of the year, but it's still a good time and gives you a couple dozen hours of enjoyable playtime.

If it's less costly in the future and you're interested in checking out experimental VR control schemes or really love prehistoric ocean creatures then it's worth a look, but its flaws were too much to ignore even for this die-hard dinosaur fan. [Tested with HTC Vive]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan is, at the very least, a serviceable co-op brawler infused with plenty of fun nods for longtime TMNT fans. However, its high price-point, lack of couch co-op, and repetitive gameplay are hard to ignore, making it a game which is best bought at a drastically reduced price.

Overwatch could very well come to dominate the hero shooter genre. There's plenty of room for improvement around the edges, but the core is strong enough to make this another huge hit for Blizzard.

Far Harbor delivers, and if Bethesda continues to make DLC for Fallout 4 this is exactly what we want to see from them. A game with choices and emotion, built in a world that's chock-full of atmosphere and challenges, while still spinning a web of dark humor and happiness and telling a story of people struggling to survive in a world where survival is at best optional and at worst impossible.

Total War: Warhammer is a lot of fun, but keeps the complexity that can make Total War titles intimidating for new players.

A vast improvement over the first game. Fixes most of the problems with the first game and accommodates players of all skill levels.

The lack of passion Dambuster Studios clearly felt when developing Homefront: The Revolution shines through in the game’s lackluster story, bland gameplay, and misused setting. Even if you enjoyed the original Homefront, you’re better off sitting this revolution out.

You have to commend Severed for using the Vita's touchscreen heavily for its gameplay. And while that use of the system works and is mostly enjoyable, it's not always entertaining.

With Doom, it’s clear that id Software set out to make a shooter game which puts fun above all else, and in that regard, the studio hit the nail right on the head. Some old-school purists may scoff at a Doom game with progression and unlocks and other modern shooter elements, but if their refusal to let go of the past keeps them from playing Doom, they’ll only be robbing themselves of the chance to play what is hands down one of the most solid shooter experiences of 2016 so far.

Speedrunners is a fantastic party game, but remember that necessitates there be a party first.

Republique transitions from mobile to console in grand fashion, and it boldly tells a brilliant story that's rife with wonderful gameplay design and quality voice acting.

Bravely Second’s writing just doesn’t live up to its predecessor. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly solid and technically competent game that will have you tinkering with its job system for hours.

While Battleborn didn’t gel as well with my gaming sensibilities as much as I’d hoped it would, even I can’t deny that the game has a lot to offer to the right sort of gamer. If you’re itching for a new Borderlands-esque experience which is all but guaranteed to keep you occupied over the long term, Battleborn will certainly scratch that itch. If, however, you never cared for the Borderlands style of humor, and you’re more of a solo-minded gamer, you might want to look elsewhere for your next shooter fix.

I can’t say that Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is Naughty Dog’s best game (that honor goes to The Last of Us, hands down), but it is the best game in the Uncharted series with probably the best and most appropriate and comfortable ending to a series. If you own a PlayStation 4, the game is a must have. If you’re looking to buy a PlayStation 4, this should probably be the first game you get.

Melty Blood: Actress Again Current Code feels like a game that came out five years too late. It’s fun and interesting to play for a while, but French Bread has better games that you can play right now for a similar price.

The lack of great puzzles in a game that we know is capable of them is unfortunate, but once you get over what’s missing, you’ll likely enjoy what’s there.

Salt and Sanctuary is a good 2D conversion of the Souls formula, but its experimental nature invites more than a few flaws. If you don’t mind difficult-to-see graphics and sometimes cheap combat, then you’ll happily come back for more.

Hyper Light Drifter is a fantastic and unique experience that deserves to stand on its own merits, outside of Zelda’s shadow.

Stardew Valley is the best and most entertaining farming RPG to come along in years, and it's filled with such sheer charm and sincerity that it'll instantly win you over.

The Banner Saga 2 is fantastic. Yes, it has flaws, and yes, it’s not for everyone, especially if you aren’t a fan of reading walls of text. But for strategy fans and especially fans of games with narrative, this will be one of this year’s shining releases.

Star Fox Zero tries and fails to blend the nostalgic feel of StarFox 64 with new controls. While the game can be enjoyable and comes with some exciting moments, it is muddled down by unwieldy controls and bland level design.

Enter the Gungeon is an incredibly addicting indie game that will keep you coming back for more. It goes to great lengths to improve on the rogue-like genre, fixing flaws and tightening balance, all with a tongue-in-cheek presentation that can’t help but make you smile… if you like shooting things, that is.

I wanted to enjoy Dead Star. After all, it's a twin stick shooter that you play with others — on paper, that's pretty dope. Sadly, any potential the game may have had is lost in its execution.

Hover Junkers proves Roomscale VR systems like the Vive aren't gimmicks but the future of gaming. Hover Junkers just made every non-VR shooter obsolete.

I commend Remedy for taking a chance on a different way of storytelling in Quantum Break. Although I didn’t enjoy every aspect of the way it was done, I still had an gratifying experience and would look forward to the next installment.

Ratchet & Clank is a must-play for PS4-owning action game fans, and long-time fans of the franchise will fall in love with it all over again.

Water Bears VR is a charming puzzler that's perfect for younger VR gamers or those looking for a solid $10 experience on their new HTC Vive.

Dark Souls 3 was clearly tailored to draw dedicated fans back in for one final adventure, though it’s nice to see From Software also put some effort into making the signature combat more accessible to casual players. Still, if you’re thinking of picking the game up on launch day, I’d advise you to wait and see if the infamously bad framerate issues have been addressed.

Job Simulator is a little on the expensive side for a game that doesn't offer a great deal of long-term challenge, but it's a great purchase for those new to VR or who want a fun and funny game to use to introduce VR to their friends or family.

Pokken Tournament is a solid game for Poké-fanatics and a decent enough game for casual fighting game fans. I’d recommend it if you need a Poké-fix before Pokémon Sun and Moon come out, but if you are looking for a new fighting game, stick to Street Fighter V.

Heavy Rain is a game best left to your memory. It makes a good case study for seeing how cinematic adventure games have evolved over time, but it just doesn’t have the quality of newer games in the genre.

All in all Automatron is a good bite of DLC, not a huge sandwich like we're used to seeing from Bethesda and not out of the norm for the current DLC market. But like a lot of good bites, it leaves us wanting more.

While we're still itching for Shadow Complex 2 to be confirmed, Remastered will swimmingly make proper use of your time. Its action is still addictive and well structured, the visuals look great, and the extra Master Challenges and Achievements will take some time to clean up. More could've easily been added, but this is still Chair at its best – and that's well worth partaking.

If you are a fan of Fire Emblem or tactical games in general, Fire Emblem Fates will not disappoint.

There are still some small improvements to be made when it comes to getting on the level of Undisputed, but EA Sports UFC 2 is a significant improvement over the first game, and proof that the team is more than ready to step into the Octagon. Whenever it rolls around, EA Sports UFC 3 will have a hell of a game on its hands. But, for now, part two is well worth trying, especially if you're a fan of the sport.

If you love "shmup" shooters, or the "bullet hell" variety of game, then Deathsmiles should be right up your alley. What it lacks in stages and offering of modes, it makes up for with intense, wildly satisfying shooting action. Plus, the visuals look great and the soundtrack is one-of-a-kind.

I'm still not entirely sold on the way Hitman is being sold, in an episodic package that will open up over the next few months. Regardless, the game is off to a great start thus far, despite minor glitches and drab conversations. Agent 47 continues to be a master of his killing skills, and the first stage of the game, along with the escalation mode and Contracts, really give you a better idea of what's ahead. This is one assassination you'll want to see through to the end.

Blood Alloy: Reborn could have been something special, but it's a clear victim of limited funding and hurried development.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say The Division is the online shooter experience that will usher the genre into a new golden age, but it is a worthy alternative for those who are looking for a more methodical and immersive experience than what games like Destiny can offer. There are still no guarantees about The Division’s long-term sustainability, but the strong out-of-the-gate showing it has already made is certainly a good start.

While the new Hitman should get greater attention (deservedly so), GO! isn't a bad option for people looking for something more on the strategic side. What it lacks in bloodshed and insightful killing, it makes up for with strong level design and creative challenges to overcome. It's certainly something you could, ahem, kill time with.

It's great to see developers continue to pour their best effort into twin-stick shooters, even if the concept seems dated compared to other genres. Assault Android Cactus is a quality entry in the genre, filled with personality, excitement and creativity. The amount of characters available is impressive; the co-op factor is insane but fun; and the gameplay doesn't stop when it comes to challenging your high-scoring skills.

The Flame in the Flood is a challenging game, but the kind that will likely have you trying again, rather than throwing things across the room.

While I still kind of prefer Evolution in terms of its broader scope and better loyalty to Tron's world, Run/r is a game that works far better on its runner principle on console than I would've expected. Even with certain limitations (and an unnecessarily high price tag), it's a good time, especially if you're a fan of the franchise.

Sure, Mega Man Legacy Collection could've added more games, or had an option to expand the screen to full size (and what's with the full price tag?). That said, it's still a rich package filled with gaming history, between the six original games, the museum, the music player and the NES Remix mode. If you're even slightly devoted to the Blue Bomber, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

Toki Tori 2+ is a great-looking puzzle platformer that doesn't quite reach the high standards of its predecessor.

Superhot is an absolute joy to play, and it includes some great extra modes, neat story twists, and outstanding art. It's a complete package, and even though it's all over rather quickly, it's worth revisiting again and again.

One of the worst games to come down the PC pike in some time, Bombshell isn't a return to form for 3D Realms, but a reminder why the publisher was in so much trouble to begin with. A great idea is wasted off of horrible game design, bad graphic errors and a worthless audio experience. Where's Duke Nukem to kick ass when you need him?

Not content with simply letting you try to play it, Calendula is very much a game that plays you. It's a thrilling commentary on the relationship between player and game.

While this is a different direction for the Far Cry series, Far Cry Primal is an excellent entry into the franchise. While it might not be the best introduction to the franchise, it’s certainly one the fans of Far Cry should definitely check out and those interested in the series will find something incredibly unique, action-packed, and a lot of fun.

Michonne travels the apocalyptic world, never staying in the same place long and never letting false promises of security get in her way. She never gives in to threats and faces adversity head on, which makes for a promising adventure.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 offers good combination of multiplayer third-person shooter gameplay and platformer collect-a-thons of days past.

World's Dawn doesn't reinvent the wheel for farming simulators, but it really doesn't have to. It's a fun, relaxing game for people seeking exactly that.

A difficult game that is best played in short, frustrating, happy bursts.

If you haven't discovered this gem yet, you won't find a better time.

Solid gameplay and core but light on content. It will be exciting to see what's coming in the future, but I can’t help but be somewhat disappointed with the initial set of modes.

Like so many other titles created using RPG Maker, Apocalypse Hotel is held down by the tools used to develop it. It's kind of fun, but only in short sessions.

While Assassin's Creed Chronicles Russia isn't quite up there with the best adventures in the series, it's still the best release in the trilogy, thanks to its moody settings, its acceptable range of gameplay and its fun storytelling.

While it isn’t perfect, The Following openly embraces everything that made Dying Light a standout hit of 2015 and also injects enough fresh content to warrant a return visit from even the most hardcore of Harran’s explorers.

The Greens tell a brave story with That Dragon, Cancer. Joel Green's life may have been short, but it was an important, beautiful life that's now being shared with the world.

When it comes to my Dynasty Warriors style kicks, I still prefer the much more stylish Dragon Quest Heroes and Hyrule Warriors. However, Arslan is a decent choice in its own right, despite its technical flaws and slightly repetitive gameplay.

Perhaps if Whiskey Jack Games can add more quests and clean up the performance issues, Crudelis might be a solid title. As it stands right after launch, however, it's hard to recommend.

Had the team at GameCoder shied away from formula and tried to do something more unique with Attractio, I think we could've ended up with a far better game. As it stands, it feels too "me too"-ish, without any sort of validated story or voice acting, and that makes the $20 purchase one that isn't so, erm, attractive.

This is an ideal way to become introduced in the series, and it'll get you excited for the sequel to come.

Night School Studio has delivered a shining example of narrative excellence with Oxenfree. The story, the characters, the look, and the sound all come together to create an unforgettable series of wonderful moments.

The Witness is one of the most elegant puzzlers around. It'll make you think, it'll make you laugh, and it'll make you yell. Above all else, though, it'll take you on one memorable journey that will stay with you for a long time.

Leave it to TT Games to save the day once more with the Marvel license. Lego Marvel's Avengers lives up to the same level of appeal as Super Heroes did years ago, but expands upon it with some fundamental new combat ideas and an overload of content to unlock. Sure, the voice acting may not always fit, and there may be a few visual hiccups here and there, but this crew still saves the day in the end – and that's what counts.

XCOM 2 is a big success that delivers in just about every way you could ask for. Fans of the franchise or the strategy genre in general will love it.

Due to the fact that Pony Island only asks a minor investment in terms of both time and price point ($5), but even more so because it's just so much fun, it falls under "must-play" territory and provides a vastly different experience from other modern-day indies.

With a few tweaks and maybe a more casual-friendly difficulty level, Tharsis could be a fun strategy alternative for those who don’t enjoy building large kingdoms or waging wars that take hours to complete. In its current state however, Tharsis is little more than a sadistically cruel game of digital roulette.

Even though the visuals are a bit softer and there are a few elements you may have run into before, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam continues the winning streak for the team at Alphadream. It's done remarkable work mixing the Paper Mario universe into the mix, and the hilarious script, backed by a strong combat system, will keep RPG fans of all ages pleased. This is one adventure that certainly doesn't wear thin.

Despite a tendency to force the player to work through a number of repetitive activities Dragon's Dogma delivers innovative, action-packed boss fights and the occasional twist in the story to keep things interesting. Graphically Dragon's Dogma isn't doing anything special, but for a game originally developed on the previous generation of consoles it delivers a satisfying gameplay experience on the PC.

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India looks authentic, but has lackluster audio; the story just doesn't compare to previous Creed games; the gameplay has its moments but not enough of them; and, well, China was just more of a bad-ass example, and didn't make you pace yourself through tedious segments. It leaves me wondering just where the final chapter of the Chronicles saga, Russia, will end up when it debuts in a few weeks.

You'll have fun playing Psychocat: The Answer until you realize that it's a mobile game on the PC, then you'll wish you had it on your iOS or Android device instead.

While The Deadly Tower of Monsters would've been better with optional camera control, a New Game + mode and more gameplay combos, it's still a fitting tribute to the long-lost era of 50's sci-fi.

One of the harder-to-obtain Resident Evil titles is finally widely available. If you like Resident Evil it's worth playing, but don't expect something on par with the series' other older titles.

While Trine 3 would've benefited from a much greater length, less frustrating puzzles and online co-op, what's here will more than suit fans of the series. The new 3D direction takes getting used to, but really incorporates into the developer's vision remarkably; and the visuals are quite stunning at times. If you're a fan of the series, this is a must. If not, maybe this could make you become one, despite the shortcomings.

Beyond: Two Souls would've fared a lot better if it had even more visual detail, other control options and extra content to make it more like a director's cut. As it stands, though, it's a great conversion of a pretty good Quantic Dream development, mind its storytelling issues and quick-time event gameplay. Plus, it won't kill your wallet being priced for only $30. That's something even invisible deities can appreciate.

Obviously there are better Turok games that could see the light of day on the PC market, but the original Dinosaur Hunter is what will hopefully be a good start for stronger ports to come. It's certainly worth enjoying all over again, especially if you're feeling nostalgic for the "good ol' days" of gaming. It's priced about right, too – for $20, you too can be Turok.

Easily one of Devolver Digital's best releases from last year, Downwell is an old-school delight that won't let you down in the least. It's difficult at times, but still utterly rewarding when it comes to exciting gameplay, plenty of unlockables and a right-at-home presentation for NES fans. Now we just need a console release to seal the deal.

A lacking port across the board, and a terrible multiplayer experience for all involved. Any decent content it possesses is buried under a pile of rubbish-based visuals, poor hit detection and missing content. If you must get medieval, be patient and wait for Ubisoft's For Honor. You'll have a far better time – and get a better quality game to boot.

It's nice to see that Harmonix can still keep the beat going, even after the commercial success of Rock Band 4. Amplitude may not be as big a game as that is, but it's still a terrific experience, whether you go it alone or bring some friends into the fray. The soundtrack, while more "indie"-based, is a blast, and the gameplay delivers all the goodness we've come to expect from the brand.

Rubble Without a Cause is both a solid entry in this new game series and a unique gameplay experience in its own right.

The game does require you to work to earn your keep and master your racing skills, but it does so with fluid controls and an outstanding presentation that keeps you on your toes at every turn. Eventually, it does offer an enriched experience that surpasses most of its other racers – including the classic Dirt games we love so much. This series has truly grown up, but in a very good way.

Baseball Riot could've done more with its gameplay to stretch its wings and not try to be another Angry Birds. Instead, it just doesn't do enough, and only hardcore baseball fans – or those seeking out an interesting but flawed puzzle game – will want to invest. Everyone else can easily look elsewhere to take their batting practice.

Earth Defense Force 2 isn't a great game, it's merely a serviceable third-person shooter where the goal is to kill giant insects. If that sounds at all appealing to you, then you're probably the right audience for this game.

The main thing that holds Dariusburst Chronicles Saviors back from utter greatness is its price of admission. $60 for a "shmup" may be a bit much for some gamers to ask. However, those who do invest will find Chronicles to their liking, with the number of modes available, the local co-op support, the awesome presentation and the devotion to the series' history. Fans of the genre will definitely get something for their buck.

Zotrix could've been a spectacular homage to old-school shooters had the developers focused on tighter controls and a simpler menu interface. As it stands, though, it's deeply flawed, though some players will find mileage out of it due to its vast offerings and spectacular soundtrack. Give it a try before you buy if you can, just to see if the test drive is worth it.

Episode 4 makes Story Mode as a whole easy to recommend, and it will leave you itching to find out what the writers have planned for the final chapter.

The Force Awakens playset recreates the action and excitement of the new movie in a fun, cartoony way that will delight children as well as any Star Wars fan who's still in touch with their inner child.

While Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends won't replace Smash Bros. in terms of addiction and fun, it's a solid alternative for those that don't have a Nintendo console on hand. It has its issues, but it also packs a punch with its four-player match-ups, and makes for a good time for family and friends alike. Dibs on Po!

Earth Defense Force 4.1 isn't out to change the action genre, or win any technical awards for that matter. It simply provides a fun, over-the-top experience where you lay waste to aliens – and the city, oops. It's built pretty solidly, though, and is a sheer joy to play, whether alone or with friends. And when you hop into the helm of a mech, your heroic meter will definitely jump up a notch. Here's to you, EDF!