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.

When the Past Was Around – Prologue might be a demo of things to come, but its obtuse story and busywork gameplay fail to establish a foundation for the full game.

Climb With Wheelbarrow has an interesting premise, but the controls and camera are simply not up to the task. Expect a healthy dose of frustration should you want to make the climb.

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.

As a fan of the previous games, I enjoyed some of my time with Shenmue III. However, as a modern game that was aiming to encourage new players to get into the franchise, I cannot urge caution more strongly. For hardcore fans of Shenmue, this is an easy choice. It’s the continuation of a story nearly 20 years in the making, with the beloved characters, mechanics, and design that made the original games so popular within that niche. Unfortunately, for everyone else, Shenmue III is archaic in design, limited in content, and flawed throughout.

Treading new ground in the visual novel genre, Arcadia’s fusion of technology and jazz provides an incredibly fresh experience that leaves a lasting impression.

All those hoping to get a taste of Timmy’s Cooking Show will leave with a bad taste in their mouth. The food is bad, the pacing is poor, and the gameplay is nonexistent.

Much like what Arkham Asylum did for Batman games, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order sets the new standard for Star Wars titles. Not only is it a great Star Wars game, it is also the best game of the year.

Need for Speed Heat’s driving is a step in the right direction for a franchise that’s stuck at the back of the pack. However, its poor story, severe balance problems, and complete lack of an online presence stop it from ever reaching top speed.

Death Stranding’s core gameplay mechanics will not appeal to everyone. What I found to be dull and monotonous at times, others will find relaxing and rewarding. It’s rare for a game with such a big push, such a huge marketing presence, to be so niche in its design. However, if you have the patience to trudge through this long journey, you won’t be disappointed.

From Head to Toe does a fair job at setting up an intimate atmosphere, but the lack of context in its script and unpolished design somewhat take away from the title.

While it’s about as scary as a Disney Halloween movie, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is still a joy to play. First-timers and veterans alike will find their time well spent here.

Gorytale might not be a polished affair, but it does offer mindless shooting entertainment. Those that don’t mind turning their brain off can enjoy a shooter than trades aesthetics for sheer mayhem.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is another fantastic shooter from Infinity Ward, but it’s still just a Call of Duty game. If you’re a fan of the heights of the franchise, you’re sure to have a great time. However, for those hoping for a more daring and innovative leap, there’s not much new to see here.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD has a novel concept, but the incredibly fidgety camera puts a ghastly stain on the overall package.

Accel’s flight mechanics hit all the right notes for an arcade title, but it proves to be far too short for the long term. Those looking for a brief respite between longer titles can have fun here, but don’t be surprised if you’re done sooner rather than later.

The Outer Worlds has quickly cemented its place as one of the best RPGs of the current generation. Excellent combat, exploration that never gets stale, characters that never grow old, stories and events that hide endless secrets...The Outer Worlds is simply fantastic.

Though it aims to provide a casual ice skating experience, Pirouette fails to captivate all those who attempt it. A distinct lack of effort went into this title, and the awkward controls will turn players off long before players see everything this game has to offer.

Stranded Sails: Explorers of the Cursed Islands is a solid entry into the farming and exploration space, and a perfect entry level title for younger gamers or those new to the genre. Its simplicity helps it stand out in the crowd, but not always for the best reasons.

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.

Gunkid 99 is a fast, frantic arena shooter with an interesting hook. Putting the focus on the weapons rather than the enemies is an interesting proposition, and its tight platforming mechanics seal the deal.

Those looking for a challenging rhythm game in Pride Run best keep on marching, but RTS fans may get a kick out of its unique management mechanics. Those that can deal with some frustration can experience what is quite possibly the most unique game of the year.

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.

Frostpunk is not for the faint of heart. However, if you think you can handle the stressful job of being a leader, you can easily lose a couple of nights to the game.

Concrete Genie can be summed up in just one word: charming. It may not be game of the year material, but it does provide an experience that players will look back at fondly.

The Grandmaster is overly simplistic by design, but this clicker proves to be too repetitive for its own good. It serves as a serviceable time waster, but it lacks the staying power to keep people coming back.

Skyrift’s defensive style of play provides fast-paced arcade action, albeit with a few quirks. It’s not the deepest game around, but those looking for a different kind of bullet hell could do far worse than this title.

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.

The idea of dating the figurehead of KFC is a novel one, but I Love You, Colonel Sanders! is a joke with no punchline. Dipping into the absurd is fine, but the lack of follow-through makes this visual novel drier than the fast food chain’s biscuits.

Code Vein is an exciting, rewarding, and tenebrous venture into the Souls-like space with a fantastic class system, explosive combat, and dark narrative - hindered only by its lack of visual prowess and odd UI design.

The Surge 2 combines a rewarding combat system with a fantastic game world to craft one of the best games of 2019. Fans of Soulsborne games shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

A very select few might appreciate the back to basics platforming found in Speedrun Squad, but most people will be turned off by its simplicity and lack of effort put in its design.

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.

Lyser takes a simple concept and adds a refreshing level of complexity to it. Though it takes a while for things to get going, this puzzle game is an entertaining, if short, way to tax your mind.

Coffee addicts might dig Cafe Crush’s setting, but most visual novel fans will be turned off by its poor voice acting and uninspired dialog.

Monster Hunter World Iceborne is the expansion that MHW fans are looking for. You can expect to lose hours of your life to this game, and enjoy every moment of it.

Kid’s Safety With George Blessure had the bare minimum of effort put into its design. Its incredibly short runtime is already far too long for what it sets out to do.

Much like its iconic Lancer Assault Rifle, Gears 5 functions as perfectly as it was designed. The developers threw on a chainsaw of character, narrative, and content to make an over-the-top, thrilling experience from start to finish. Gears 5 is a badass game, and you'll come away feeling more badass than the legendary Marcus himself.

River City Girls gives the beat-em-up genre a new lease on life with its solid combat, stellar spritework, and sprawling world. Those that can stomach some backtracking will find an adventure worthy of biffing a few baddies over.

Platinum delivers another winner with Astral Chain. Fans of fast-paced action games shouldn’t hesitate to pick this one up.

Children of Morta is the best roguelike I've played in 2019. A strong story, exciting combat, and great characters make it a must-play for any roguelike fan.

Blair Witch is a great entry into the genre. Fans of horror games, with a heavy focus on narrative and walking, will find plenty of scares and edge-of-your-seat moments. However, those looking to dive deeper into the narrative of Blair Witch may come away a little disappointed.

Though Who Are You, Mr. Cooper? channels the spirit of the choose-your-own-adventure books from long ago, the end result is less than stellar. Its heavy reliance on luck and rote repetition lead to a somewhat rough execution.

While Man of Medan has a decent horror story, a number of technical problems and inconsistencies derail the experience. It's best to wait for a patch or two before purchasing.

Control is a treasure trove of storytelling that is supported by great dialogue, intriguing characters, and stellar voice acting. When paired with its badass combat, it proves to be the complete package.

Despite looking the part, Run Roll Rumble commits a number of cardinal sins that DQ it from making any sort of impact in the platform fighter space.

Oninaki is a fairly traditional action RPG with intriguing characters. The price is a bit steep, but if you liked the studio's previous works, you won't be disappointed.

Brilliantly crafted boss encounters, challenging enemies, immersive environments – Remnant: From the Ashes has everything you could want from a Souls-inspired game and more.

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.

Where’s Baby and its tug-of-war concept has merit, but this battle proves to be a little too one-sided. It just isn’t fun cleaning up the mess of the critters, and the lack of balance ultimately takes away from the game.

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.

BATTLLOON has got a great premise and even greater aesthetics, but its paltry list of options prevent it from really standing out.

GUIDE conveys the feeling of anxiety quite well, but it does so at the expense of gameplay. Those looking for a new take on this feeling may appreciate this title, but note that it comes with a dose of frustration as well.

Though Himno prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere, its lack of direction paired with its procedurally generated worlds fail to leave a lasting impression. As a result, it is only worth it for the most diehard of platforming fans.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic entry in the series, and has quickly become one of my favorite RPGs of the modern era.

Foreign Frugglers is a barebones package that just can’t dethrone Space Invaders. The gameplay is inoffensive, but what is present here is nothing too out of the ordinary.

Tetris Effect is an absolute beauty, but the gameplay powering this audiovisual phenomenon is still the same old Tetris. Players won’t be starved for options, but those hoping for something game-changing like Tetris 99 or Tetris: The Grand Master will feel somewhat empty.

Unsubscribed: The Game completely and utterly fails at everything it sets out to do. It fails at horror, it fails at gameplay, and it fails at entertaining the player in any sort of way.

D.H. Zombie Zone lacks the creative touches that have made more popular zombie shooters stand out. Fighting against the endless waves of the undead quickly proves to be a mindless affair, something that resembles its zombie horde.

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.

Attack on Titan 2 Final Battle is a tough title to recommend to anyone. It runs poorly, the new targeting system doesn’t work as it should, and the new modes simply aren’t worth the investment. If you still want to give it a shot despite all of this, do yourself a favor and avoid the Switch version.

Between its short length, poor platforming, and frustrating combat mechanics, Marvin the Hatter is a hard pass for even the most diehard of platforming fans.

Lethal League Blaze improves upon the original release in almost every way, offering up challenging gameplay that is both accessible and deep. The single player offerings might be a bit light, but those that bring a friend along will enjoy throwing down.

Packing retro aesthetics and just the right amount of challenge, Blazing Chrome is the best run-and-gun in years. Though it is a bit on the short side, it perfectly encapsulates the pure kinetic energy that put the genre on the map.

Muse Dash has solid rhythm mechanics buried beneath a serious grind. Those that don’t mind a bit of repetition will enjoy their time, but get ready to pay your dues if you’re looking to see everything.

Though it cribs notes from the mobile classic Snake, Peku the Space Dragon proves to be a frustrating affair. A clear lack of effort went into its design, completely ruining what many consider to be a simple formula.

Shadow Fencer Theatre is a quirky title, in more ways than one. Its aesthetics are truly charming, but the gameplay proves to be a bit too awkward for its own good.

Those invested in the Cthulhu mythos might be interested in the tale found in The Sinking City, but most others should wait until the game is patched.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’s sheer amount of content and modes make it the best kart racer value on the market today. Packing both skill and charm, this is one title worth its weight in Wumpa Fruits.

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

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a thrilling and rewarding adventure into the MetroidVania genre. It is a fantastic entry level title for those yet to familiarize themselves with the genre, and a brilliant entry of quality and character for veterans.

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.

Indecision. is one of those titles that is unique for the sake of being unique. Players may not have seen what it has to offer before in other titles, but its cryptic gameplay ultimately takes away from the title when all is said and done.

If you are a Zelda fan, then Cadence of Hyrule should be a no-brainer. For anyone who likes great music, fun gameplay, and action RPGs, this one is for you.

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.

Journey’s journey to the PC is a successful one, barring some minor technical issues. Between its incredible atmosphere and unique mechanics, this is one title worth exploring.

Fans of the original Trails of Cold Steel will want to pick up this second entry, but newcomers might want to get up to speed before diving in.

Rogue Reaper’s bland aesthetics and short length squander any of its potential. Though this is a free title, it could have used more time in development.

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.

Pathologic 2 is a game that will appeal to a very particular type of player, and be despised by everyone else. Those on the fence should scope out the game on either YouTube or Twitch to know what you are getting into.

Conan Unconquered is an often fun and always brutal experience that will keep you returning for beatings time after time, if you can excuse the already questionable paywall content, economic issues, and lack of game mode variety.

Real Life Battle Royal is an obnoxious affair full of in-jokes to amuse the developers and make a quick buck.

Featuring an original mechanic and a fair amount of polish, Risk System leads the shoot-em-up pack. Those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy a title carefully crafted by experts of the genre.

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.

Team Sonic Racing is an absolute blast as a local multiplayer game. The team based mechanics offer an injection of fresh and exciting ideas into an otherwise stagnating genre, making it a must-play for fans of the series. The online races can be a little chaotic at times, but with a bit of patience and a lot of luck, there's plenty of fun to be had here.

Alice in Stardom is a lighthearted visual novel that will appear for those looking for something a bit more sugary. Don’t expect a big budget or a tome of text – rather, come in with an open mind and you’ll come out satisfied.

Rage 2 is a chaotic, fun, and rewarding adventure that combines a light but interesting narrative with explosive combat and a well-structured open world. It won't blow you off your feet, but you'll have plenty of fun blowing everyone else off theirs.

Although Fantom Feast follows in the same footsteps as the Katamari Damacy series, the roughshod execution makes it a hard pass for even the most diehard of fans.

Gyro Boss DX was designed to be as frustrating as possible to all those who attempt it. What could have been a decent arcade-like title ends up being a less-than-stellar time waster that’s far too cheap.

VA-11 Hall-A’s fresh take on the visual novel genre makes the jump to consoles with relative ease. Those that don’t mind the occasional bit of salty language will find a cyberpunk adventure that will captivate you to the very end.

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.

Your Future Self’s approach to storytelling is unique, but it manages to be a bit too cryptic for its own good. Those who go with the flow will appreciate its avant garde nature, but those looking for something a bit more coherent might be left out in the cold.

Despite its lack of difficulty, our time with Forager was enjoyable to the very end. For those seeking out a new chill crafting game, Forager is worth your while.

SteamWorld Quest is a solid RPG that contains a number of interesting ideas and packs the charm of the other SteamWorld titles. Fans of RPGs or SteamWorld games should give it a go.

Shipped’s slippery controls take some getting used to, but those that can stomach its unorthodox approach to play will find a party title that is perfect for short bursts.

Comet Crasher is a simple game with a solid enough pick-up-and-play mechanic. Repetition can quickly set in, but this is one title that knows exactly what it is, for better or worse.

World War Z has some moments that are an utter blast – the special zombie types and impending doom of a zombie tower bring pure excitement. However, these moments are few and far between, leaving a shell of game with very little content, a lack of creativity, a near non-existent story, and a disappointingly shallow progression system.

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.