Like a Dragon: Ishin! is the most fun I’ve had playing a Yakuza game since Yakuza 0. Any fan of the series or fans of samurai games, in general, should check it out.

For those who don’t mind a short runtime and a somewhat steep price tag, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined’s old-school cool is a retro revival that evokes nostalgia while still being new. For those that appreciate a challenge, its insistence on muscle memory and pattern recognition will be just what the shrine maiden ordered.

Ultimately, WWE 2K23 has something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual wrestling fan looking to jump into the squared circle for a quick match, or a die hard WWE fan looking to create and brand your own WWE Universe, each game mode brings something new and exciting to the table – even if the depth is somewhat lacking. The gameplay and combat is the best the franchise has seen for over a decade, the customization suite offers near endless possibilities, and the community content portal is incredible. All this, but I still can’t help but feel the game was so close to something more.

Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is arguably the best to date, featuring serious glow-ups to fan favorites. The inclusion of the new Yoshi’s Island track would have been more than enough to steal the show, but the rest of its roster this go-around most certainly strives for greatness.

In The Rural Village Of Nagoro has plenty of character, but sadly does not have the substance to match. This walking sim ends up telling players the plot, rather than actively showing it through gameplay. It’s a fascinating vignette, but be ready to do some digging if you’re looking to learn more.

Metal Black S-Tribute is a bland port of what amounts to a bland shoot-em-up. Its leveling system is novel, but everything from its action to its feature play things far too safe to consider over greater entries in the genre.

While Monster Hunter still reigns supreme, Wild Hearts still holds its own in the hunting arena. Those on Xbox Game Pass shouldn’t hesitate to give it a go.

I have absolutely no doubt that 18-24 months from now Blood Bowl 3 is going to be the game the community has dreamed of for so long. However, as it stands today, it’s the game we all hoped it wouldn’t be.

Puzzle Bobble2X/BUST-A-MOVE 2 Arcade Edition & Puzzle Bobble 3/BUST-A-MOVE 3 S-Tribute are barebones ports that deserve so much more. Those looking to play as Bub or Bob should look elsewhere.

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.

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.

I ultimately think SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is going to be a turbulent release. As a fan of turn-based combat, I loved every minute. Exploring the world, finding new and powerful allies to add to my armies, discovering new Necromancer recipes to summon deadly hordes of the undead, fighting off the constant attacks from The Circle - it's a game I will return to time and time again. However, long-time fans of the franchise may struggle with the stark differences between turn-based and real-time strategy in a franchise they've grown to love for the latter.

Hi-Fi Rush is a stone-cold stunner, one with gameplay in lockstep with the beat. While finding one’s groove takes some getting used to, those with a keen ear will be in tune in no time flat.

My time with Forspoken was a strange one. Elements of the game are fantastic, with an engrossing story and a gorgeous world. However, it all just feels segmented, like nothing really wants to work together. Forspoken is a good game and one I would recommend to most open-world fans, but it just feels so close to greatness that I can’t help but walk away disappointed.

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.

Impasto has a great premise, but that’s the only thing this walking simulator-stealth hybrid has going for it. A glorified fetch quest at its core, this title is downright insulting to players.

It’s Kooky’s object finding shenanigans are certainly silly, but it is far too simplistic for its own good. Those looking for a challenge best stick with Waldo’s adventures.

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.

Devil Devour Alive DX works better as an art piece than a video game – and even that is a bit of a stretch. This title has the depth of a puddle, and while the graphics are true to the 90s, it also captures the worst elements of the time.

Trapped with Jester is a proof of concept and nothing more. The voice work is at the top of its class, but it serves as more of a portfolio than a real game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.

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.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is, without question, my Game of the Year and has quickly become one of my favorite games of all time.

GOODBYE WORLD provides a great tale, albeit one without too much room to grow. Those who don’t mind a brief story will enjoy this tale of game development, but it needed more time to really flesh out this pair of fledgling designers.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a worthy successor to Vermintide. Fans of good first-person melee combat shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

While I don’t think Evil West will be anyone’s game of the year, it’s rare to get such a pure action game these days. For those looking for pure vampire punching, this is your game.

NeverSynth is a rhythm game without rhythm, with procedurally generated courses that don’t quite match up. While it is great to rock out to your own tunes, those looking for near infinite fun best stick with the Audiosurf series.

While not all the tables designed for Slot Shots Pinball Collection are winners, the physics for pinball wizardry are on point. Pinball FX3 is still the 800-pound gorilla of the space, but this collection is still worth a go for diehard fans – albeit with a healthy amount of caution.