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.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a game for JRPG fans and Monster Hunter fans alike, perfect for those that have a thing for capturing and raising monsters.

The world of Super Totally Ultimate Dad Showdown is a mixed bag. Some of the minigames are far better than others, but all those that bring some friends along can have some fun with this free-to-play title.

SnOut’s combination of Breakout and Snake is great in theory, but the execution leaves something to be desired. There just isn’t enough real estate to move around, and the awkward layout means that runs will be over sooner rather than later.

Retro Racer does the bare minimum needed for the racing genre. The vaporwave aesthetic has been done to death, and the lack of any sort of meaningful content makes this an easy pass.

Slappyball turns the game of volleyball on its head, adding arcade-like elements and zany gameplay into the mix. Though the controls are floaty and the microtransactions gratuitous, this still proves to be a fun party game.

Scarlet Nexus boasts a story that is impossible not to recommend. Bandai Namco has created a truly intriguing world that, even after completing the game, has me yearning for more. The option of playing the second main character, which boasts a different story direction, would be the perfect remedy if not for the other areas of the game falling short. Repetitive mechanics and frustrating combat design hamper what could otherwise be an incredible adventure.

The Legend of Mana Remaster plays things a bit too safe with its combat system, but this action RPG still proves to be a worthwhile experience. Any old-school Mana fan will not be disappointed.

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.

Episode INTERmission is a fun few hours most Final Fantasy fans will enjoy. That being said, its short length and uncertain future make this DLC a hard sell at its current price point.

Roguebook has everything it needs to set the genre on fire. A gorgeous visual feast, combat as deep and challenging as any CCG, rewarding roguelike mechanics - it has it all. If you're a fan of the genre, this one is quickly setting up to be a GOTY contender.

Guilty Gear -Strive- sets a new gold standard for fighting games. Everything from the netcode to the presentation has been polished to a shiny sheen, and its incredibly high skill ceiling will keep players coming back for years to come.

There’s no better way to see the Dragon Ninja Ryu Hayabusa in action than with the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Those that can deal with the odd loading stutter can experience some of the finest hack-and-slash combat on the market today.

The three button setup of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown has stood the test of time, providing an incredible amount of depth with a strong emphasis on the fundamentals. It’s just a shame that the spotty netcode drags down the overall experience; those looking to seek out new challengers best come with a bit of patience.

Superstorm Melon Date’s dystopian world tries to be original with its bizarre premise, but this visual novel follows the standard tropes of the genre a bit too closely to make a splash.

Describing a game as abstract and surreal might make it seem like it is cutting edge, but A Long Time and its inoffensive world plays things far too safe. While it doesn’t waste the players time, it also feels like there should be more to it.

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.

Bacon May Die plays it safe, featuring combo-heavy action that has a low skill ceiling. While it can be a fun way to get out some pent up aggression, this little piggy just isn’t king of the hill.

Sometimes you need a AAA epic to get lost in, and sometimes you just need some good ol’ fashioned dumb fun. Bite at the Museum most definitely fills in the shoes of the latter, doing exactly what it says on the tin and nothing more.

Resident Evil Village shines brightly as one of this year’s early Game of the Year contenders. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a survival horror fan in general, be sure to pick it up.

Wrath of the Druids is near perfect in its execution, a flawless combination of challenge and accessibility that paves the way for a glorious adventure into the darker side of Irish mythology and legend. Everything has been carefully packaged with incredible visuals, worthwhile new endeavors, and a cast of characters just as memorable as the original game.

Nyaa-kuza!! is a solid game paired with a mediocre one. Those with a penchant for puns will love diving into its visual novel segments, but the lack of polish in its action sequences drags the whole experience down.

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.

Controlling Parallel Shift’s protagonist duo at the same time sounds like an interesting concept, but the execution ends up feeling like an awkward affair. When paired with its bog standard retrowave aesthetics, the end result feels like something players have seen before.

The electronic beats of Beat Rush make for a prime world to race in, but the simplistic controls limit its long term replayability.

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.

Despite being a great game and a worthwhile remake, NieR Replicant ver.1.22 is not for everyone. Some of the dated design elements are frustrating and needlessly time consuming. The story, while incredible, is locked away behind multiple playthroughs and endings, with its true value being entirely subjective depending on how much time you're willing to invest. However, none of this is news to fans of NieR: Automata. Put simply, if you've been waiting for a deeper, darker dive into the world of NieR, ver.1.22 will not disappoint.

Endro is a game without purpose. The poor, minimalistic presentation and gameplay devoid of strategy makes this title feel like a waste of time.

SaGa Frontier Remastered is a good slice of JRPG nostalgia that will please fans of the original classic.

While Disco Elysium: The Final Cut won’t appeal to everyone, those that do enjoy it will sing its praises for a long time to come. Just be prepared for a few bugs if you play on console.

SKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIID’s minimalistic nature is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. Boiling the racing genre down to its most basic elements means that there’s absolutely no fluff, but this ultimately kills any replayability it may have had.

Tadpole Tales may be a simple shmup at its core, but its stellar audiovisual presentation and tight controls make it worth a playthrough for fans of the genre.

You will struggle to find another third-person shooter that has innovated as much on the formula as Outriders, not since Gears of War took the genre to new heights. The combat is absolutely incredible, the classes ooze with potential and development, the world is gritty and engaging, and the ability to enjoy all of this alongside good friends just heightens the entire experience.

Monster Hunter Rise is not only an excellent Switch game, but also an early game of the year contender. If you don’t mind a bit of grinding, you won’t be disappointed.

Miska’s Cave is a simple game at its core, but its checklist of challenges and wealth of unlockables will keep players running along.

Super Raft Boat’s action-crafting hybrid is a bit awkward, but is still unique nonetheless. Those that can deal with a bit of frustration will be treated to a unique take on the shooter formula.

For better or worse, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is exactly what you'd expect from the series. If you're a fan of farming games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley, be sure to check this one out.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time carries the torch for the series, providing a worthy follow-up to Crash and Coco’s adventures. The trial and error gameplay isn’t for everyone, but those eager for a challenge will enjoy doing so with the next-gen prowess of the PlayStation 5.

Aurora: A Child’s Journey has a strong message on the dangers of pollution, but the gameplay is far too ordinary to make it worth your while.

The Imagined Leviathan tries something new with its monochromatic world and poetic prose, but the disjointed nature of its storytelling and its hollow gameplay prevent it from achieving the artistic vision the developers sought out to achieve.

Rekt: Crash Test will appeal to score chasers, but the lack of content in this teaser means that it’s over before it even begins. It could use a kick of speed, but what is present now is serviceable enough for those looking for arcade-like thrills.

Loop Hero does what it sets out to do, making for a fun and compelling roguelike that deck builder fans will love.

Despite clocking in at around 10 minutes, 10mg: Sealed Estate feels far too drawn out. A walking simulator without focus, its haunted halls are simply far too awkward to navigate.

The world of Polandball was outdated more than 10 years ago, and RollerBaller doesn’t do anything to make it relevant again. The poor control scheme and rudimentary gameplay are an absolute chore to contend with, and the humor is far too one note for its own good.

Siren Head: Awakening might feature a new urban legend, but the gameplay is something horror junkies have seen countless times before. It simply doesn’t do justice to the horrific creature.

Though there is a bit of a learning curve, Glyph’s physics-based platforming will appeal to speedrunners and collectathon aficionados alike. Its difficulty may be a turn off for some, but those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy bouncing their way around its world.

Tiny Toy Tanks is overly simple at its core, which proves to be its greatest weakness. The formula simply isn’t taken far enough, and this rudimentary approach makes its many missions feel tedious before too long.

Though it has a bit of a learning curve, StarPrey proves to be a solid arcade-like title that successfully combines speed with physics to create something grand.

Little Nightmares 2 improves upon the original with more terror, better puzzles, and a fantastic atmosphere. Fans of horror or puzzle games shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.

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.

Although Sword of the Necromancer has some exciting ideas, they never fully pay off. Be sure to check out some gameplay footage first to get a feel of what this roguelike has to offer.

Cosmic Zephyr DX is unplayable. Between the nonexistent AI, the unpredictable mechanics, and the lack of polish, nothing works as it should.

With Olija, what you see is what you get. It is well-executed for the most part and is an absolute joy to play. If this is your type of game, don't hesitate to pick this one up.

Bloober Team has long established itself as a purveyor of innovative and frightening horror experiences, but it will be tough to outdo this one. The Medium is a terrifying and disturbing look into the darkest recesses of human behavior, wrapped in an immersive, atmospheric, and beautiful looking game world.

While Atelier Ryza 2 won't set your world on fire, it does serve as comfort food for JRPG fans looking for a fix. However, those who aren't fans of the genre should stay far, far away.

Tadpole Treble Encore will be the most charming game you play this year. Despite its corny vocals, hardcore rhythm game fans will enjoy the sheer amount of replayability Baton’s grand adventure brings to the table.

Barring its numerous bugs and shoddy netcode, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition captures the spirit of the IP quite well. The leveling system makes the title a bit of a cakewalk, but the presentation makes up for its shortcomings.

Even the most devout survival horror fan will have trouble enjoying Red Colony. The overly basic puzzles, broken combat, and cliché plot all come together to make this a low point of the genre.

Everspace 2 is still in its infancy. The lack of roguelike elements many have come to love from the original may be a step in the wrong direction for many fans. However, in their absence is a bigger, more exciting universe, a passionate story, and a thrilling adventure. I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for Everspace 2.

Those looking for an arcade-like score chaser will certainly find what they’re looking for with WRITHE, but the lack of balance will be a deal-breaker for some. Hardened FPS vets looking to fight against the odds should take up arms, while the more green among us should approach with caution.

Teenage Blob: Paperson is a diet version of Paperboy, but the unique audiovisual presentation leaves a lasting impression. This is one title you play for the experience, rather than the gameplay – it is up to you if that’s what you look for in a title.

Circle of Sumo: Online Rumble! could have been a great party game if it wasn’t nickel-and-diming you at every turn. As a result, it provides a cheapened experience that is more interested in your hard-earned cash than a fun experience.

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.

Arc Apellago’s emphasis on speed makes this platformer stand out just enough to make it worth a go. Its short length and nondescript presentation doesn’t leave a lasting impression, but the core foundation is solid enough.

Double Turn might pay tribute to the wild and wonderful world of wrestling, but the end result is something not worth tuning into. Those hoping for the next WrestleMania will be sorely disappointed in this one.

Rhythm Race makes an attempt to combine the racing and rhythm genres, but the end result is a disjointed mess. The control scheme is far too awkward and overdeveloped for its own good, and the whole package feels broken at a fundamental level.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a great game, but it could have been an incredible game that defined a generation. Instead, it falls victim to its own ambition and the industry’s constant desire to push, push, push it out. In its current state, it’s not for the faint of heart, and even hardcore Cyberpunk fans may struggle to stay interested amidst all the crashes and issues. If you have yet to pick it up, wait a few months and you could very well be treated to the experience we were all hoping for at launch.

Near DEADLine’s twitch-based action is an acquired taste, but those that can get used to its loose controls can find a short-but-sweet time waster that puts the pressure on.

The bite-sized action of skelets is good for a brief visit, but the lack of variety kills its chances for any sort of long term appeal. Skeletons with shotguns is the stuff dreams are made of, but the end product is far less interesting.

The combination of shotguns and witches should make for a grand ol’ time, but the arena-based action of Shotgun Witch fails to impress with its lack of variety and short length.

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.

Observer: System Redux combines a psychological thriller narrative with psychedelic visuals, terrifying chase scenes, and next-generation graphics to provide one of the most impressive remaster packages I’ve played in ages.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon has a couple of weak spots, but it overall proves to be a fantastic reinvention of the series. Yakuza fans and RPG fans alike shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

Move over, Eminem: The Whiteboyz Wit Attitude are here to steal the show. The gameplay might be overly basic, but their sheer style and humor gives these two some serious clout.

Lost Potato is simple by design, but that also proves to be one of its greatest strengths. This bite-sized roguelike might not make waves in the space, but it has the fundamentals down and is perfect for small play sessions.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is another solid entry in the Call of Duty franchise. Fantastic shooting, great visuals, a strong story – fans of the series will find a lot to love in the latest entry. Unfortunately, for anyone else, it’s just another Call of Duty game that relies entirely on the same old multiplayer and zombies to carry it through.

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.

Watch Dogs: Legion is more of the same, albeit with more technical problems. Even the most diehard of Watch Dogs fans should wait for a patch or two before jumping in.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the best tale the franchise has ever told, featuring the most varied and rewarding gameplay the series has seen in years. Valhalla will forever dine in Odin's Hall as one of the greatest RPGs of this generation.

Ball at Work completely misses the ball by messing up its physics engine. As a result, it can be hard to do the most basic of tasks, making it broken at a fundamental level and an easy pass.

FOOTSIES Rollback Edition might not look the part, but the simplistic presentation hides some serious depth. Those looking to master the basics or need a refresher on the fundamentals will enjoy throwing down in this FGC-approved title.

Interstate Drifter 1999 might not have a lot of content, but it does have a lot of heart. Drifting along in its retro world takes some getting used to, but mastering its slippery controls leads to an experience rarely seen in this day and age.

Virtual Cottage has got the lo-fi beats and the atmosphere, but the song selection and number of options is somewhat lacking. Those that don’t mind tunes on repeat will dig its tracks, but it just doesn’t have the same impact as the infamous YouTube live stream.

Isles of Limbo is over before it even begins, offering a basic experience that doesn’t do anything to stand out.

Those who know even the most basic of anime tropes will be well acquainted with all the major beats of Tyrania. This visual novel is as basic as they come, and the lack of polish makes it an easy pass.

Worst-case scenario, Genshin Impact will cost you a few hours of your life. Best-case scenario, it will be your surprise hit of the year. There are zero reasons not to at least try this title if you are a fan of action RPGs.

The narrative of The Night Fisherman sets the stage for something great, but the short length and illusion of choice lacks the follow-through to really make an impact.

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.

Tank Battle pays tribute to Namco’s 80s classic Battle City, but it simply doesn’t have the underpinnings that made that title such a classic long ago.

Analog Party Sim fails to be the life of the party, feeling more like a chore than a blowout bash. The short length of each playthrough and the constant attention guests require proves to be an annoyance, rather than a jolly get together.

Random humor has its place in media, but A Wild Time Travelling Clone Dancing fails to captivate its audience by shotgunning the bizarre and seeing what sticks.

Tinker Racers pint-sized racers put the pressure on with its elimination-based gameplay. Though this title favors crazy drifting over tight controls, those who can get a grip on its mechanics will have fun trouncing the competition.

The stylish outrun aesthetics simply aren’t enough to hide the lack of polish in Cybershock: Future Parkour. The mechanics of this title have been done better elsewhere, and those who have played titles like Mirror’s Edge will be disappointed with its overall rigidity.

Much like a fine meal, The Supper leaves players craving more when all is said and done. Though it feels more like an appetizer than a full course, what is present here hits all the right notes for the point-and-click genre.

Demolition derbies with weapons should be a raucous affair, but the lack of personality and poor physics make KillSteel feel more like a pretender than a contender in the space.

Fans of The Outer Worlds will be happy with Peril on Gorgon. However, for anyone else, fifteen dollars is far too steep of an asking price.

Die-hard Warhammer fans and those looking for a Necromunda fix are sure to enjoy some of what Necromunda: Underhive Wars has on offer. However, for anyone else looking for an exciting turn-based strategy experience, it may feel somewhat underwhelming.

While Iron Harvest is a fun game, it still has some kinks to work out. For those on the fence, wait for a few patches before checking it out.