Episode 1 of The Expanse: A Telltale Series is designed by and for the fans, but sci-fi aficionados will appreciate its worldbuilding and deep atmosphere. Those that like a good story will enjoy their time exploring the UNN Urshanabi.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is a charming and fun adventure into Greek mythology with Ubisoft's trademark core design elements thrown in to support the experience. It is a worthwhile adventure for those looking to scratch that Breath of the Wild itch, but one that experienced Ubisoft fans may feel is a little too familiar.

Wild Dive’s first person running action channels the kinetic energy that make Sonic’s early 3D outings so great. Although the loose controls take some getting used to, this short but sweet score chaser is well worth the time of any speed freak.

While the lack of board variations and crossovers sting, MONOPOLY’s Living Board and perfection of the fundamentals both make this digital release worthy of Mr. Monopoly himself.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title.

Formula Retro Racing is a true love letter to SEGA’s arcade racers of old, nearly nailing the landing. Though the collision detection leaves something to be desired, those who have fond memories of blue, blue skies will enjoy racing in its low-poly world.

Variety is the spice of life in Million Monster Militia, providing sheer chaos with its synergies. While it takes some getting used when it comes to what goes where, those hankering for a good roguelike deckbuilder will enjoy positively obliterating these titans.

Biomutant is a charming entry into the open world space. The anthropomorphic creatures that inhabit its world are easy to love, the excellent narration of the story fills its world with character, and the combat is fluid, fast, and deadly. If you're a fan of open world games and want to experience a new setting, it's an easy buy. Just be warned that you'll instantly recognize many of its gameplay loops, and not in a good way.

While Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows' new characters are truly great, the lack of new weapons proves to be a sticking point. Hardcore players shouldn't hesitate to download this DLC, but more casual fans best wait for a sale.

While The Campsite’s point-and-click action is short to a fault, this trio of adventurers packs plenty of heart. Those seeking out treasure best seek out this night in the woods.

Using a mouse with a shmup sounds like it wouldn’t work, but Sniper Ships: Shoot’em Up on Rails’ unorthodox control scheme manages to be its strong suit. Although the cluttered graphics prove to be a handicap, this title hits all the right notes for the genre.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R’s weighty combat is a bit of an acquired taste, but the sheer amount of fanservice on display will appeal to those who have a knack for the bizarre.

Summoners War: Chronicles is a fantastic new addition to the Summoners War franchise. While it may not appeal to all fans of the MMO space, it’s definitely going to entice more fans of mobile gaming into bigger and broader open-worlds. There’s already a lot to love about the game, but I cannot wait to see where the developers take it after launch.

The outrun aesthetic is alive and well with PalmRide. While this racer’s life system takes away from its sense of speed, its overall vibe more than makes up for it.

Super Dungeon Maker’s Fink might not have the pedigree of The Legend of Zelda’s Link, but paving the way for one’s own adventure shows promise. The suite of options is a bit limited as of this writing, but this toolbox has enough to let spelunkers have a grand ol’ time.

Fires at Midnight deftly conveys the twisted, complex nature of relationships in just a short amount of time. Though the gameplay can be rigid and the content crude, the worldbuilding achieved is worth a go for visual novel fans looking for a darker tale.

Phoenix Point is a collection of fantastic new ideas installed on the solid foundations of the X-COM franchise. While it lacks the content to offer the replay value of the more recent X-COM games, it’s still a great game that will test your strategic mettle to its very limits.

Streets of Kamurocho pays great honor to both the Streets of Rage and Yakuza series of games. Though there is not much to this package, those weaned on beat-em-ups old and new will enjoy their brief jaunt in Tokyo.

While Lunar Lander Beyond requires a delicate touch, the feeling that comes from mastering a perfect run and ship-shape crew cannot be beat. For the management fiends and skill-driven fans among us, get ready to kick the tires and light the fires during this Cosmic Event.

Flinging oneself head-first into danger in Graze Counter GM is a thrilling feeling, but the execution of this death-defying adventure could use a bit more finesse. Those who don’t mind some stacked odds and cheap hits will enjoy this adventure, but less experienced pilots will quickly come to learn what the “hell” in “bullet hell” really means.

Anyone who likes the idea of being a bounty hunter in space will enjoy their time with Rebel Galaxy Outlaw. Just don’t expect the casino to blow you away.

Vandals’ puzzle-based antics are perfect for short sessions. With a fair difficulty curve and just the right amount of elements, this is one title worth exploring.

A title described as an “invasive expression of gesture” might not sound like a good time, but Cuccchi’s blend of art and gameplay largely pays off. Those that can stand a bit of awkwardness in its navigation can enjoy a novel experience that they are sure to remember.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction. Those that don’t mind the same old song and monkey dance will have fun, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

Hamster All-Stars is pure, unadulterated goofiness. While the racing aspect is rigged, one cannot deny the allure of building the perfect racetrack for your little furry friends.

South Park Snow Day is a fun game that is a perfect fit for Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. I'd wait until it hits one of those services before checking it out.

Chivalry 2 improves upon the original release by a good margin, but it still needs to work out some bugs and kinks. For those looking for some medieval madness, it might be best to wait for some more patches before diving in.

XCOM: Chimera Squad is a brave adventure into new territory. Featuring a more interesting narrative design, some much-needed changes to combat, and a cast of interesting characters, all of these things would lead to a brilliant game if it weren’t for the myriad of bugs, crashes, and usual XCOM tiring randomness. It’s an absolute must-buy for fans of the genre, especially at its current price, but a bit more time in development wouldn’t have hurt.

Nelly Cootalot: Spoonbeaks Ahoy! HD proves that charm does not age, but some of the gameplay mechanics in this point-and-click adventure are a little long in the tooth. Those that can overcome this facet will have a great time on this swashbuckling adventure.

Combining the worlds of shmups, roguelikes, and brick breakers sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Galactic Bulwark Strike deftly handles all three with ease. Though it is a little on the short side, players will appreciate the variety each playthrough offers.

Jack B. Nimble is far from the deepest game around, but what is here is fun in short bursts. Though it may lack variety, it is still an entertaining romp for those looking to whip their way to a high score.

Total Party Kill is a short but sweet puzzle platformer with a unique concept. Though stages begin to bleed together after a while, the planning that goes into each level is worth experiencing at least once.

The single-player in Wasteland 3 runs fine, but the co-op is currently a hot mess. If you plan to play co-op, wait for a few more patches before picking it up.

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is a bit light on content, but what is here is a worthy follow-up to the side-scrolling cult classic. Those that don’t mind a short runtime will have a great time minmaxing the Battery Gauge to cause massive damage.

Though Battle Shapes lacks online multiplayer, the high amount of polish, unlockables, and variety more than make up for it. Those looking for a more competitive take on Asteroids could do far worse than this title.

While this release of Vimana is arcade-perfect, it does prove to be a bit light on content. Those looking for their next one-credit-clear will enjoy this space showdown, but more casual fans might be left in the lurch.

Photon Cube is a no frills puzzle game that will test your mind. Its aesthetics make each level run together fairly early on, but its depth will keep players coming back until each and every world is conquered.

While Atlas Fallen is a perfectly fine game, fine doesn’t quite cut it in 2023. If you’re dying to hunt down Wraiths, wait for a discount first.

Samurai Shodown's signature deliberate pace is perfectly captured in this entry, though the small roster and lack of options somewhat hinder its replayability.

Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip’s basic presentation and crude humor will appeal to a select few, but those looking for a good tale with some ghoulish creatures will enjoy hitting the road.

RoboCop: Unfinished Business is another action-filled romp through a beloved universe, although one that struggles to truly set itself apart from its predecessor.

Find the Balance strikes a balance between the world of Jenga and the world of video games. Its control scheme is not a perfect fit for the job, but those looking for a casual title that allows players to be creative can find it here.

Avani takes liberal cues from other isometric hack-and-slashers, but still manages to nail the landing. Those who don’t mind a title that primarily focuses on battles should check out this short jaunt.

Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is not for everyone. While its over-the-shoulder action and moody vibes previously established the original as a cult classic, its overly edgy style, poor optimization, and derivative gameplay make this version feel more like a dark shadow compared to the industry great.

Type Knight successfully combines typing mechanics with gripping gameplay, but its small scale prevents it from it having long term appeal.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a fantastic game that flirts with greatness but falls short of being truly incredible. Longtime fans of the franchise will relish the brutal challenge the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe is known for, while newcomers might find the bugs more horrifying than the world itself.

Feather provides a relaxing experience that captures the spirit of classics like Flower and Journey. Though it does not offer much replayability, what is here is done well.

Roller Riot’s two button setup provides just enough depth to keep the high score chasers among us enthralled. It’s not the deepest title around, but it doesn’t have to be.

Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris is a game that many will love, but many more will not. With some interest in the source material and a passion for the JRPG space, there’s probably 100 hours worth of content here for dedicated players. Unfortunately, glaringly obvious technical problems hinder what would otherwise be an amazing Sword Art Online game.

Those that can turn a blind eye to Mortal Kombat 11’s grind will have a good time turning their opponent into meaty bits. The core fighting engine powering this title isn’t drastically different compared to previous entries, but there’s no point in fixing what isn’t broken.

While it might not appeal to everyone, Vacuum Pilot gives speed freaks their new addiction. The mouse-based control scheme and momentum mechanics take some getting used to, but there is most certainly genius in its simplicity.

Though INVAXION’s gameplay does not shake up the rhythm game genre, the amount of options available is second to none. Those willing to cut their teeth will find a challenging title that pays tribute to the greats.

WWE 2K26 still represents the best wrestling game on the market today, but it does very little to distinguish itself from last year's release. Combined with egregious monetization and the needlessly mundane grind across nearly every single game mode, and this year simply feels like a step back.

Dying Light 2 is so close to being great, but it is held back by a myriad of technical issues. It's fine with friends, but wait for some patches if you intend to fly solo.

While Maneater has its problems, it can also be fun once you get used to the combat. However, those on the fence should wait for a patch or two before investing.

BALLYGON’s tribute to SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball might border on plagiarism, but it has got the physics and overall action down to a science. Those that don’t mind a package lacking an aesthetic charm will enjoy its roly-poly action.

While Shou can be a bit difficult to handle, Slave Zero X promises plenty of action for those willing to fight for their bloodlust. Its endless hordes can be a bit of a grind, but those willing to sharpen their swords and cut their teeth will enjoy executing this cannon fodder in style.

Borderlands 3 does very little to reinvent itself. It plays it safe, sticking to the tried and tested formula that made the original games such a success. A must-play for fans of the genre and past Borderlands games, but much of the same for anyone else.

Despite its claims, There is No Game is a solid enough game that does a fine job breaking the fourth wall. Its short length hinders the possibility of multiple playthroughs, but those who have a passion for cheeky humor will dig its vibe.

Star Wars: Squadrons is a solid Star Wars game, but it will only have legs for a specific kind of player. If you are okay with more sim-based fliers instead of arcade ones, be sure to check this one out.

The PC-98 stylings, along with its strong character development, help The Great Voyage stand out. Though it is far too brief, this tale of life at sea is worth exploring.

Give It Up! Plus is brutal, unforgiving, and addictive. Levels start to blend together after a while, but those wrapped up in the beat will be too enthused to care.

Shudder’s score-based gameplay is easy to learn, yet hard to master. Though this package is somewhat barebones, its reliance on defense as well as offense help to give it an alluring quality that encourages replayability.

ERI might look like a simple platformer, but its genius lies in its simplicity. Finding the perfect trajectory is more fun than you’d expect it to be, and even though it’s a short title, it is still worth a go for fans of the genre.

There’s not much to Hike Trip, but there doesn’t need to be. For those who enjoy relaxing during a real life hike, Hike Trip manages to hit that same vein. It might be difficult to ask a gamer to enjoy the journey more than the destination, but those with an open mind that are willing to tune out for a respite will have a good time here.

The core elements of fishy are sound, but this visual novel is far too short for its own good. Finding one’s confidence makes for a great tale, but players just don’t have enough time to connect in this aquatic world.

Doraemon Story of Seasons is a solid farm sim that isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in the worlds of Doraemon or Story of Seasons, be sure to check out some trailers first.

The soldiers of Contra: Operation Galuga have the right moves for this mission, but the steep cost, short length, and awkward perspectives lead to a less-than-perfect execution.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands might as well be an expansion for Borderlands 3. Only fans of Borderlands who can tolerate Tiny Tina should consider this game.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a solid, but flawed, pen-and-paper RPG in video game form. If you are a fan of isometric RPGs or Pathfinder, you will find a lot to like here.

Battlefield 2042 has the potential to be a fantastic Battlefield game, but its server problems really put a damper on it. At this point, wait for a couple more patches before checking it out.

Those who have already had their hearts taken by Persona 5 will enjoy their time with Dancing in Starlight, but those less familiar with the Phantom Thieves may be disappointed at its small song count and lack of extra content.

Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight might not have the largest tracklist in the genre, but the remixed tunes and challenging gameplay ring true. Those that don’t mind a package that is a little on the light side will enjoy mastering its unique playlist.

Combining rhythm and puzzle games together is a strange combination, but Agent Klutz pulls off its mission with relative ease. The short length and repeating levels take away from its longevity, but it is still worth an initial playthrough for all would-be secret agents.

Divination’s cyberpunk stylings create a captivating world of depression and grief, but the grammatical errors and short length hinder its long term appeal.

National Park Girls successfully manages to combine slice of life antics with a truly unique concept. Though it skews on the side of cute, what is here is a solid (if brief) visual novel that will appeal to fans of the genre.

NBA 2K19’s on-court disappointments are somewhat remedied by the hugely entertaining off-the-court shenanigans, but a steep learning curve may leave less experienced players a little overwhelmed.

Windbound’s visual appeal is sure to lure in players expecting an entirely different experience. That said, I grew to love a game that I initially couldn’t stand. It’s beautiful, charming, captivating, and completely brutal without apology. One of my favorite games of the year so far.

At this point, you are most likely either in or out when it comes to the series. Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate is a fun Warriors game, but won’t change your mind on the genre.

Immortals of Aveum is a worthwhile and interesting spin on a genre that is renowned for its lack of drive and innovation. It features an engaging and rewarding combat system backed up by an excellent narrative in a fleshed out and immersive fantasy setting that wouldn't feel at all out of place in a Netflix show.

MochiMochi’s one button setup and sugary sweet presentation hides some serious challenge. Those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy a physics-based platformer that can “hang” with the greats.

Cris Tales isn’t going to set your world on fire, but it proves to be good turn-based RPG comfort food. If you don’t mind titles that drag a bit, this one is for you.

Resynth offers up a relaxing experience that features the best elements of both rhythm and puzzle games. Though it can sometimes get obtuse, the lack of pressure makes it a solid title to unwind with.

Gravity Chase cribs F-Zero’s style wholesale with varying degrees of success. Squirrelly controls and questionable design choices somewhat take away from the game, but there’s a healthy variety of options for those who just can’t get enough Captain Falcon.

Lost Judgment is another great entry in the Yakuza franchise, but one shadowed by better entries. The combat is incredible, the world still exciting and full of character, and the story is a worthwhile telling - but please, please don't make me tail anyone anymore.

Neo Cab is a delightful experience that sometimes trips over itself due to certain design choices. Make sure to check out the demo before purchasing.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse Earthblood is an old-school action game launching in a very modern arena. Its simplicity in design may not appeal to everyone, but for those looking for a basic stealth and combat action-adventure, there's a lot to love about the latest dive into the World of Darkness.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is a fine port, but there is plenty for room for improvement. Fans of the Ys series should enjoy it; all others should check out some videos beforehand.

Fur the Game’s accurate physics engine and cute creatures make for a solid foundation, but these Furs make a quick exit. It serves as a great proof of concept, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more.

Ravva and the Cyclops Curse is a throwback that successfully captures both the aesthetics and the difficulty of titles from the era. Those weaned on the more challenging titles of old will appreciate what this platformer brings to the table.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content. Those who live and breathe the Big N will enjoy this new take on the classics, but there’s not enough for more casual fans to enter the competition.

HYPER METEOR’s momentum-based gameplay channels the finer points of Asteroids in what amounts to a unique take on the formula. It’s a bit simple at its core, but it has the underpinnings of being a cult arcade classic.

The quirky humor and text-based gameplay of Space Bear won’t appeal to everyone, but those looking for something out of the ordinary will have a bear-y good time with this one.

Death Fungeon channels the spirit of Super Meat Boy, throwing in a little stealth for good measure. This combo makes for an interesting, albeit short, experience that is a must for those looking for their next platforming quest.

Wormster Dash prides itself on its trial-and-error gameplay, which is both its greatest strength and biggest weakness. Those that can stomach some of its more frustrating elements will find a world full of charm and character.

Indivisible is a great game, but it could have been amazing. The lack of weapons, armor, or other collectible items to make exploration worthwhile really makes a lot of the adventure a bit dull, and the repetitive nature of its level design definitely leaves a sour taste. Many of these issues will be off-putting enough for potential players, but if you can look past its seemingly basic design mistakes, Indivisible’s level of charm, passion, and character are rarely seen in the genre.

Dead or Alive 6 retains the stellar action the series is known for, but it doesn’t do enough to warrant an immediate upgrade from previous entries. With only a handful of new fighters at launch, more casual fans might want to wait a bit.

Judgment is a must-play for fans of the Yakuza franchise and a fantastic entry level title for those a little put off by the time required to catch up with the Yakuza series. It offers a fun and challenging dive into a wonderfully crafted game world, whose only disappointment is the result of the quality of past works.