There’s little doubt that LA Noire was the perfect game for Rockstar to try VR with. But is it the killer app the ecosystem needs to get most gamers to invest? I’d say no. But for those looking for a game that’s worth playing on their Vive (and Rift with some trouble), LA Noire: The VR Case Files is right up there with A Mage’s Tale and Robo Recall as one of the best.

Overall Not For Broadcast has a satirical story that is well written, dark and has some great acting in it. The core game of being the News Producer and editing everything on the fly is a really well-done sim that can at times be stressful as more things get introduced every level. I really enjoyed my time playing Not For Broadcast and was sad that is was over so soon, but I am excited to see how this all ends. [Early Access Provisional Score = 95]

A must for classic gaming fans.

With Eve Echoes, developer CCP set out to bring the success of their epic space MMO, Eve Online, to mobile devices. Their recreation of New Eden required a few tweaks and changes to accommodate casual gameplay of the mobile masses but it stays true enough to its original DNA to attract the hardcore MMOer as well. With a cash shop that doesn't ruin the game for free to play gamers or destroy the competitive player-driven economy, it shouldn't be too long before we start hearing about gigantic PVP battles like the ones Eve Online has brought us in the past.

As a result, we have a very highly detailed game where the story and gameplay are equally worthy of attention. Tales of Arise features a bright living world, peculiar charming heroes, dynamic battles that will keep you interested 50 hours in, interesting boss fights and exciting quests.

World of Warships: Legends has the same fun, fast-paced gameplay we are accustomed to getting from the 'World of' franchise. Instead of just porting over an exact copy of the PC version, Wargaming has built a new version just for consoles. They have streamlined many of the game systems and have reduced the overall number of ships available compared to other platforms, but they have created a good base for consoles, and I would expect Wargaming to expand the game as time goes on. As expected for a Wargaming product, the cash shop is heavy-handed, but a player is still able to access top tier ships with a little effort.

A very high-quality remake.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 shows that SEGA does listen to the fans and that the series has plenty of life left in it.

It is admittedly simple but still keeps catching me with a delightful tirade of destruction that draws inspiration from classic side-scrollers. It provides a sense of accomplishment through its progression system and is so constantly engaging I may have missed my train stop while reviewing this. If you are interested in losing yourself in the depths of a destructive rage, Octogeddon is out now.

A wonderful homage to classic RPG gaming that takes classic concepts and polishes them up with a level of care that is rare to find.

A Plague Tale: Requiem impressed with the time I was able to spend with her. It's clear that Asobo is working on fixing the biggest flaws in 2019's A Plague Tale: Innocence. This improved the quality of movement and resource management, expanded Amicia and Hugo's skill sets, and expanded the levels to encourage more creative interaction with your surroundings.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla refined the new RPG formula started in Origins and improved in Odyssey. However, in an attempt to fix Odyssey’s shortcomings, the developers went too far to the opposite extreme in terms of progression. Despite it, the game remains a treat both for the old fans and the newcomers to the series, bringing along a great protagonist, fantastic - if sometimes incoherent - story, living open world and refined gameplay.

Cult of the Lamb is a charming but disturbing project that provides an interesting take on the roguelike genre that combines dungeon delving with city managing in a single title, generously flavored with humor.

From the gorgeous pixel-art to the fun side-events, the gameplay of Children of Morta was rarely repetitive or boring.

A thrilling final chapter.

Despite an obvious need to mix things up and curate a more vibrant online audience, Sword and Soldiers 2: Shwarmageddon has plenty that is good about it.

If you haven’t played Terraria, but are looking for an entry point that marries some mobile conveniences with the console experience, Terraria on the Nintendo Switch is a great place for you to begin your journey.

Sky: Children of Light is an indie open world social game that has some stunning visuals. Flying in Sky is one of the most chill experiences I've had this year.

Blake: the visual novel is a great game with a compelling story, great art, and music. Well worth the time invested.

A fantastic game with rich yet accessible combat and a great story. It's also mired in grind and randomness in the post-game and causes concerns about real money transactions.

Little Nightmares II is more of what fans enjoyed in the first installment. It's a terrific blend of evenly spaced platforming combined with environmental object manipulation puzzles. If that wasn't enough there's even a dose of co-ed puzzle solving. The game especially shines during the tense, atmospheric real-time platforming sequences. With its forgiving checkpoint auto-saves even a tired, old gamer can succeed through the platforming sequences.

Everything looks, feels, and sounds as if it could have come out this year as a brand new game.

Remnant II: The Awakened King offers a significant amount of new content and improvements to the base game, and new areas, items and NPCs provide players with a fresh and exciting experience, but unfortunately does not fix existing problems. The increased trait cap and new archetype add reasonable depth to character development and offer new playstyles to explore that can be enjoyed for dozens of hours, but doesn't have a huge story aspect to it. What about monsters? They added a few elites and that’s quite enough. But they added just... one of the usual monsters. If you play for the world and bosses then this addition you will like it, but if for the sake of the plot then you may be a little disappointed.

Once you're adventuring on the island, fishing, crafting, learning new skills, finding new secrets, and meeting new survivors, Ys VIII becomes a very memorable experience. It makes me hope we don't wait so long for a Ys IX, and that it's given the care and attention it deserves.

If you're a fan of action RPGs, especially retro ones, then Ys Origin is worth your time to invest in. The action gameplay flows well and is quite rewarding. While the game is challenging it's not overly difficult. Your hero does seem powerful and that's a nice feeling. There's also plenty of environmental puzzles and platform jumping to break-up any monotony of button mashing. This one also plays extremely well in undocked mode and hist the mark of a great action RPG all around!

Metro Exodus is an aspirational game. It reaches high and dares to try big, bold ideas.

Pillars of Eternity's port to the Switch is a great port indeed. It brings the modern classic to the handheld scene for on the go awesomeness.

Nikoderiko: Director's Cut offers players a unique experience that combines a gripping narrative, engaging storyline, vibrant graphics, and addictive, intuitive gameplay. Moderate difficulty allows you to enjoy the platformer with children or a partner who has no experience with such games.

For the fans of the admittedly niche genre of turn-based RPGs, Wargroove is quite a find considering its price and the amount of content it offers. If you have ever wanted to bask in nostalgia and step back into the waters of classic turn-based titles, Wargroove can offer you a trip back in time and a couple of dozen happy hours.

While the comparisons to Diablo III will obviously be made, Victor Vran adds different mechanics to shake up the tried-and-true ARPG format and does a great job doing so.

A marvellous co-op action RPG wrapped into a wonderful and fun monster hunting game.

A charming adventure.

Asobo Studio brings together a culmination of stunningly beautiful art, hauntingly lovely music, and a wonderfully crafted, heart-wrenching story of a young girl and her brother as they live through the eradication of their family and become targets of the Inquisition during a plague-ridden time period. A Plague Tale: Innocense is not a game you will soon forget or want to pass by.

It is an exciting game and worth your time regardless if you are Final Fantasy fan or not. If you like JRPGs this is a great one.

World of Warcraft: Classic is a great game. It always has been. But I definitely think Blizzard might have missed the mark when it comes to securing the interest of their player base in the future.

It has almost everything a Star Wars fan such as myself would want for long gaming sessions with a headset on. For $24.99 it is worth the money to play tables from the original trilogy and some of the other better television shows and movies as well. I highly recommend this title for any VR enthusiast or Star Wars fan.

Grime is, much like its central character, an odd amalgamation of ideas, from Souls based RPGs, to platforming punch em ups, all oddly twisted into something that looks like a little nightmare all its own. If you’re looking for something different but utterly beautiful, then Grime is worth your time.

A marvelous new frontier for Guild Wars 2. End of Dragons crashes into Cantha and expands Tyria with more than jsut a new sandbox. It delivers an astounding new adventure on a stupendous scale. It isn't perfect but if this is where he end comes then it's a fitting epitaph for Guild Wars 2.

Just last week, Oxenfree was launched on the Nintendo Switch, bringing it to a whole new audience. As one of those new people, I am thrilled to have been given a chance to experience Night School Studio’s debut work. A tale of choice, friendship, communication, and what we do if we’re given a chance to alter events… Oxenfree is a narrative masterpiece.

The level of detail in The Sims 4 - Seasons is also truly phenomenal.

Jam packed with new features that offer hours of continuous fun - if you can find them.

All in all Metalhead Software Inc. hit another one out of the park with Super Mega Baseball 2.

Paradise Killer takes place in one of the most bizarre universes one may ever partake in. There are certain elements of the game that lend itself to a retro feeling detective game replete with a tasteful, customizable soundtrack. While the universe and its semantics might throw you a curveball once in a while you'll easily get lost in the large and beautiful open-world. Couple that with a rewarding exploration and puzzle system and you might just forget that you have a murder to solve!

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order captured the magic of growing as a Jedi, overcoming insurmountable odds through fellowship, and the power of hope in the midst of despair. If Respawn’s delivery of Jedi: Fallen Order is the future of the Star Wars franchise out of EA, the franchise is in incredible hands. The Force is strong with these ones.

Irony Curtain is a fun game with a lot of heart. You can instantly tell just how much care and attention went into its creation. This ultimately results in a game that’s well-written, well-designed, and confidently wears its satirical tilt on its red sleeves. For me, the brilliant writing was just enough to stave off the tedium of some puzzles. If you are nostalgic for point and click games of old, Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love is worth a look.

A delightful sequel to The Haunted Island, a Frog Detective Game.

Aviary Attorney is a must-have game for players who love narrative adventures, police procedurals, and courtroom drama. With its amazing soundtrack, gorgeous artwork, and hilarious dialog, it's definitely a must-have for Switch owners!

Stygian is an excellent game to both kick back and enjoy the story but to also test out your strategic thinking abilities.

If you’re looking for a new TCG to scratch that itch, but burnt out over the constant round and repetition of player versus player or player versus AI battles, it’s most definitely worth the purchase price.

Borderlands 4! Still crazy. Still cool. This successful sequel learns from the mistakes of the past. It builds on the strengths of the series, such as loot hunting, responsive shooting and memorable character interactions. Despite some flaws, it offers a fun and exciting co-op experience.

While we would have loved more lore and a more consistent set of boss experiences, these are small pickings for a game that delivers a Cyberpunk dystopia that we loved tearing down.

There is nothing remarkable about Everspace 2, but it IS a high-quality, fun and exciting experience overall. It expands on the ideas of the first game in all directions, but to say about Everspace 2 " is a next-level type of game is stretching things a bit. You can sit for an hour or two after work, get stuck, and still get a lot of pleasure from the process. I would even say that Everspace 2 is the best arcade space looter shooter at the moment.

A really lovely twist on sandbox RPGs that draws inspiration from choose your own adventure novels right through to Slay the Spire. Definitely for those itching to get off the dice and make your own luck.

R-Type Dimensions EX brings you back to a golden era of games without loot boxes or DLC. You were able to enjoy a game in the fullest and know that you got your money’s worth on a full game.

One of the more unique entries in the fighting game genre in recent years. It’s flashy, stylish and unique, and it drives home the importance of fighting game fundamentals that will help create the next great FGC legends in the coming years. It’s beautiful story mode and bevy of versus challenges will keep anyone occupied for quite some times, though it’s disappointing tutorial modes can do with a bit of patching in additional lessons in the future.

Reigns: Her Majesty has some really fun, quirky and dark writing and you’re sure to find yourself giggling unexpectedly at times. It’s the perfect game for travel to and from work or when you’re sitting on your own personal throne if you get my drift.

There are plenty of Japanese Role-Playing games available on the market and, none of them can quite measure up to Trails of Cold Steel 2.

The Nintendo Switch version of Torchlight II is excellent.

I'm diving back in to play it again as soon as I am done writing this to make different decisions and experience the outcome.

Catherine: Full Body is truly a remaster done right. With multiple puzzles, a brand new storyline, and new options that include an auto-play feature for story-lovers, if there are gamers out there that were on the fence about picking up Catherine, this version is a definite must. While more veteran Catherine players and action oriented puzzle fans may get tired of the long story scenes, ATLUS has also included online modes, the remixed story path, and non-story oriented puzzles which are also available to keep players invested.

Borderlands 3 is a digital party itching to get out of control at every possible opportunity.

A platforming masterclass from developer Double Stallion. Accessible for League fans and newcomers alike that nails it on every level. Put some time on your clock for this adventure.

A Sublime mix of movement and combat that somehow manages unrelenting action with skillful play, all while looking effortlessly brilliant. You need to get your skates on and try your luck in Rollerdrome.

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is a very beautiful Metroidvania with some backtracking that won’t interfere with your exploration of the game’s story. The plot is able to easily grab and hold players’ attention without being boring. The game also features some interesting decisions when it comes to classic Metroidvania mechanics.

Purging Heresy in Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate — Daemonhunters is a long and thoughtful process, requiring tactical thinking and attention to details.

Not just another City Builder. It's a great addition to the genre and the series. With new mechanics, great graphics design, and a fantastic soundtrack, there's not much to dislike about the game.

Littlewood is a picturesque escape into a magical world that doesn’t expect anything more than your own enjoyment. If you’re sick of the pressures of daily life, then quit being a hero and take some time in Littlewood.

Signalis has been in development for 8 years! And it is clear that all 8 years they put their soul into it. From the plot to the sound effects, everything looks very concise. He hides the secrets of this world. If you love classic Resident Evil and Silent Hill, you must play this game as it takes the best from its predecessors. And always listen and remember the numbers!

The Outer Worlds 2 may not be the most innovative RPG, but what it does, it generally does very well. A step above the original game, TOW2 is worth the price of admission if you prefer story over run and gun action.

Hand of Fate 2 was an excellent spin on the ARPG when it came out in late 2017. It's even better now that it's on the Switch.

Planet Zoo is an incredible educational tool that also supports conservation which is worth cheering on 100%. The amount of thought given to every detail is astounding but user-interface wise Planet Zoo seems more enjoyable to watch than play especially in Career mode.

Far Cry 5 is an artistic lesson in juxtaposition. On one hand you have a group of devoted followers of a “message of peace" that live in violence. You have a calm and charismatic leader who insights calamity. There are communities united in anarchy. Far Cry 5 provokes its audience to think and wrestle with the uncomfortable answers to our own “what-ifs” about faith, family, and the power of community.

Battlefield V brings a lot to the table. Between the great gameplay, superb story from singleplayer, and customization of your character, there's something for everyone.

A uniquely oddball mix of physics platforming and murder.

If you want to choose your own adventure or replay this short interlude between life and death then you are probably out of luck. If you expect something even as interactive as the excellent VA-11 HALL-A, then find another bar. However, despite this Necrobarista is one of the best visual novels I have ever played and this dark and silky smooth blend of Otaku influenced story telling is worth a few hours of your time.

Get packed excels as a fun frolic through a town full of destructive multiplayer madness. It embodies the same sort of character and carnage that Overcooked excels at and I had a ton of fun chasing that last big job with my right-hand mover. The silly aesthetic, variety of scenarios, and surprisingly deep gameplay make get Packed a party game that will crack you up. Handled with care and played locally, this is the sort of game that can make a party, you remember what a party is right?

It lightens up on the story consequences from your actions and allows a much more liberated approach to your gameplay in which I found myself gleefully slaughtering guards more than creeping around corners.

SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a very good, if short, game. Every fight will be different depending on your party composition, equipment, and deck setup, with each fight having multiple ways you could overcome them. With a combination of luck, skill, and planning, each fight was both a chance to gain exp before the next boss, and an opportunity to try out combos before the big fight, fulfilling a card game player’s dream.

Trine 4 could’ve been one of the best puzzler-platformer titles of the year if Frozenbyte had spent more time on designing combats and injecting new mechanics and characters to the veins of the series. The new Trine approximately feels the same as previous games, so it’s a fun-to-play game, but doesn’t offer anything new.

Death's Gambit is a game that can be rough and frustrating at times in one place or another. The game takes some getting used to the style of the character as well as the graphics. Destroying enemies after a long struggle, finding a winning strategy, and finding weak points in the game is also a pleasure. It didn't hurt that the game's story was convincingly simple, with some touching moments and a touch of humor. The game took a lot from the Souls series, good or bad, but it's up to you.

Sifu turned out to be exactly the game I've been waiting for since the first gameplay demos. The developers have made a rather complex combat system, which is revealed in all its splendor only when the player is thoroughly familiar with it. The game allows you to deal with most opponents very quickly, doing it in style, but for this you will have to work hard in training.

If you're a fan of Age of Wonders, or 4X in general, you're going to love Planetfall. While it has a steep learning curve, once you learn the ropes it becomes very fun, very fast. Planetfall combines systems like Civilization with XCOM in a way that blends the two genres together for a wonderful mashup of fun.

Horace is a tricky one to recommend. It’s certainly a good game. It’s got challenge, it’s got style, and it’s got heart. The story takes you through a rollercoaster of a robot’s life and while there’s no narrative decisions to be made, becoming invested isn’t hard at all. However, the mad difficulty spikes will put casual platformers off. But if they stick with it, there’s a corker of a game here.

A well-crafted and highly polished ARPG that is certain to fare better than Amazon's previous outings. If you want plenty of lore, a deep narrative tale, and combat that gets straight to the point then Lost Ark is worth your time.

Statistically Black Myth: Wukon is a phenomenon of 2024. The game breaks online records and demonstrates the power of Chinese game development. The main thing is not to expect something brilliant from it and forgive the flaws - then you will have a great time.

Battle Chef Brigade is as glorious a concoction as its characters make to become part of the titular task force. Part Action RPG, part puzzle game, all charm, Trinket Studios’ release is a special blend of monster guts and magic that will make you smile from start to finish. This is our Battle Chef Brigade review, for the Nintendo Switch.

When it comes to getting your bike around the track, Milestone has done an excellent job of creating a believable simulation of MotoGP racing. Since you aren’t able to physically feel the forces acting upon your body and bike, it is paramount to recreate those feelings through audio and visual cues in-game, and MotoGP 20 does this to great effect, especially when you play in one of the first-person views. My time on the track was very rewarding and gave a completely different experience than the four-wheeled sims on the market. I wish that same feeling carried over into the off-track activities.

Elsweyr isn’t going to shatter your perception of Elder Scrolls Online. If you like the game already, you’ll love this expansion.

I can’t shake the feeling that if Nintendo’s online infrastructure was more robust, the loading minimized, and the coins were able to be earned when offline, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled would be an instant masterpiece and torch-bearer for remakes of beloved games. Sadly, it falls just short of such a title.

Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked captures the chaos, strategy, and fun of a tabletop session with friends. The turn-based combat, memorable characters, and unpredictable moments make every playthrough feel alive. While limited customization and the studio apartment setting can pull you out of immersion, the co-op experience and shared storytelling more than make up for it. A must-play for anyone who loves tabletop games or wants a fun, chaotic digital adventure.

At $24.99 USD, its gorgeous landscape and mind-bending puzzle will keep you busy for hours as you make your way across a gravitationally-challenged Paris.

Abzu is a brilliant experience .

With beautiful graphics and a complex branching story line, be prepared to make tough choices as you live the life of three androids as they shape the events of the days prior to the android uprising.

This story of a tiny hero is charming and disarming… figuratively and, occasionally, literally. While he is small in stature, Skul proves that sometimes even the smallest among us may achieve the greatest things. Against all odds, Skul may just be the key to fulfilling the dreams of Carleon's First Hero AND the machinations of the Demon King.

Soulcalibur VI also brings back its character creator, which plays a key role in the Libra of Souls mode.

A wonderful exploration of a world that is recognizable yet foreign. Fantastical ideas mix with the ordinary in a beautiful backdrop. This melancholy act of remembrance might not play to action fans but it's a truly evocative exploration of loss and change.

SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest is an excellent RTS with RPG elements that smoothed out many rough edges of its predecessor. The developers put a great deal of effort into the expansion in order to improve the game in every aspect.

Tempest Rising brings a great deal of joy both in its mechanics and in the tactical component. However, it feels like the developers were too unsure to step away from the classic gameplay canvas when it comes to innovations.