It has some of the most incredible graphics in a PC game thus far.

All the Simpsons references in the world would be a waste if the game play were trash. Just ask "Simpsons Skateboarding" on that one. Thankfully the game play is very tight, responsive, and easy to maneuver for rookies or vets.

It's pretty good. I'm just waiting for EA to revamp all their games and give sports fans something new. Until then, you guys might want to change your catch phrase to... "EA sports, it's still the same."

Less arcadey than EA's Triple Play series, while not as much of a sim as 3DO's High Heat Baseball, MLB 2003 fits comfortably in its own niche as a solid effort all its own.

A startlingly good handheld conversion.

Probably the biggest problem with Pokemon Stadium 2 is its longevity. The entire game is based around battles. There is no adventure or quest to go on like in the Game Boy games.

The challenge is pretty high, but the sense of accomplishment you get from finally figuring out a level is great.

It's damn fun once you get into the combat, and realize how to properly dodge, and when to follow up with attacks.

It’s what you expected from Call of Duty. Nothing more, nothing less, and the world’s going to be fine with that.

Shakedown: Hawaii is a more robust title when compared to Retro City Rampage. However for all the features that it packs in, it doesn’t really do much with them. Things like blowing up deliver trucks, delivering coffee, and burglaries are introduced during the story mode, but once introduced these activities can be ignored with no detriment to your playthrough. The game does have a cover mechanic, but just like those extracurricular activities mentioned, ignoring it will not hinder your progress. The game is still an enjoyable romp and I do look forward to when Vblank will take this series to next phase…3D.

I’ve found this episode to be so enjoyable that I have a tough time believing Telltale can even top it with the finale.

All in all, I think Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is exactly what the series needed, which is a step back in right direction after the dismal release of Unity.

In short, Rock Band Blitz is a musical bargain.

Does this make for a faithful representation of John Wick? As I said, I have no idea. I’d feel much more confident in saying it’s not the best Mike Bithell game possible, but I imagine that’s a much less meaningful statement for most people, judging by box office totals compared to the broader cultural impact of Thomas Was Alone. As such, I’ll split the difference, and say that John Wick Hex is a solid strategic action game that’s great if you’re in the mood for skulking around in stylish shadows and killing lots and lots of bad guys.

One of the more expansive expansions and easily one worth your time and money.

Everything looks blurry and unfocused, and the game makes use of the old “shroud everything in fog to hide shortcomings” trick that horror games used a few generations ago. Even worse, you can practically see the world falling apart, whether you’re looking from a distance (and you see gaps where buildings need to pop in) or up close (where the game’s assets don’t fully materialize). It’s bad, and there’s no way around that unfortunate fact. And it really is unfortunate, because, as I said, there are quite a few good elements to be found here. I’d even go so far as to say that if you can overlook how hideous it is, then Lost in Random is incredibly rewarding. But at the same time, there are some very real performance issues here, and if you don’t want to spend dozens of hours straining your eyes at ugly graphics, I certainly wouldn’t blame you.

This year's iteration seems a little less polished than last year's, and the basic formula is beginning to feel repetitive, but it still holds up as one of the more enjoyable family friendly gaming experiences available this year.

There are elements to Charlie Murder that are certainly less unique than others, but as a whole this is one of the better RPG/brawler hybrids that I’ve ever played.

Even though the game is quite proficient, Mercury Meltdown doesn’t completely reinvent the "controlling-a-round-object-by-tilting-the-world" field. What Mercury Meltdown does, however, is refine an already sound experience.

Andro Dunos 2 is a perfect example of how to make a true sequel to a classic game. It looks and plays the original, all the while showing off something new. It gave me that classic Neo Geo / Arcade feeling from start to finish and never felt too boring. The minor issues with controls and the lack of custom options do hurt a little, but don’t let them stop you from checking this out. If you are a fan of the original, or a fan of horizontal shooters in general, then you will enjoy what you find!

If only they would hear my plea and allow me to turn down the master track.

All of which is to say: buy Thomas Was Alone. Buy it for yourself. Buy it for your friends. Buy it for random strangers on the street. It's seriously that good.

I definitely think Rune Factory 4 is worth a look, whether you’re a fan of the series or not, as it offers up a pretty unique experience on the 3DS.

All in all, this initial DLC pack is worth picking up, especially if you’re still toying around with Breath of the Wild. Granted, the next story focused pack is probably the more hotly anticipated of the two, but the gameplay features, additional difficulty, and the Trial of the Sword challenge are nothing to scoff at here. Definitely pick this up, it’s well worth the asking price.

All in all, though, the two games are highly enjoyable. I don’t know if KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is going to be the game that finally gives Klonoa the audience it deserves. But if there’s any justice in the world, it will be.

Nevertheless Grid 2 is still a worthy sequel that offers a good and deep racing experience that should please any diehard fan, even if it doesn't give you that OMG face at any time during your experience.

If you want my advice, keep the idea, change the time line, okay?

Atelier Shallie Plus is not all that different from any other Atelier game. There's a brief moment at the beginning of the game, when your characters are adrift at sea, when it doesn't seem like things will be proceeding as normal…and then you hit dry land, and it reverts to the same broad formula. If you've been desperate for the game to switch things up, the simple fact that you can make things move more quickly probably won't win you over now. But if you just want another Atelier game that delivers on the series' usual level of quality, you're in luck. Atelier Shallie Plus lives up to the standard set by its predecessors — for better and for worse.

Tropico 6 is fantastically addictive, and worth checking out regardless of whether you’re into the minute details of urban planning, or if you’re more a big picture kind of person. Whichever it is, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Unfortunately for Dog Witch, the gameplay does very little to differentiate itself or to set the game apart. The game claims to have 150+ items that can be mixed and matched in different ways, but all in all, it mostly feels like you’re playing the same actions over and over again. While it certainly takes a little longer to master than your average Slay the Spire clone – in part, I think, because every run feels so short – the gameplay feels a little lacking in the sort of inspiration that will keep you coming back again and again.

Rebelstar: Tactical Command's shortcomings are vastly outweighed by the ingenius design and fun gameplay.

As much fun as I had with Rain On Your Parade, however, I still keep going back to how the game’s desperate desire to be liked was somewhat off-putting. It’s unfortunate the developers didn’t have more confidence in their abilities to make a fun game without all the viral bells and whistles, because even without them, there’s something here that’s well worth playing.

The combination of pretty new graphics, the same old music and the same old control is something of a spade.

Personally, I don't have any place for a game like this on my shelf when I already have the whole Tony Hawk dynasty. Would I recommend it to my friends that have kids? Surely.

If RPG gaming were a diet, Dragon Warrior 7 would be several truckloads of raw meat. It ain't pretty, but there is a lot of it and it sure does satisfy. It'll also give you a heart attack in large doses.

But when ATV Offroad Fury 2 is every bit as good – even graphically, and extremely inexpensive because of its age, there's very little reason to get this version.

As far as ports go, Overclocked is a little light on content, and as good as the voice acting addition is, I don't think it's a big enough change to warrant a second buy.

But just because a game is fuelled by good intentions doesn't mean that you have to play it — and personally, considering how readily available these traumatic stories are in real life, I'd much rather play games that act as a safe space away from it all.

It's not quite flawless, and it would be great to see a current gen Ace Combat that would run at 60fps, but Namco's attempt at revitalizing the series is actually pretty solid.

There are plenty of environmental puzzles to be solved, but they pretty much all involve picking the right words in order to progress — whether it’s stepping on the right highlighted word, or picking a word like “repair” in order to fix the path ahead. There are only a couple of places where you’ll need to pause and think about what you’re doing. But, I mean, that’s kind of the point of any good fiction, right? If you’re actively taken out of a story by thinking about the mechanics of it all, then the story hasn’t done a great job of hooking you in. Lost Words may not be the greatest fiction you’ll ever read, but it will keep you hooked from the first to last page, and in this case, that’s enough.

Trials games have always been all about that feeling of “just one more try…”, and Trials Rising is no different. This is the best game of its type on the Switch, and one that’s sure to get its hooks into you and keep them there.

I won't deny that it has a great art style, but the rest of the game could have certainly used the same attention to detail.

A fantastic game, and definitely what I was hoping for when I first saw those initial screenshots a while back. The capturing mechanic is fun and interesting, while at the same time being tied into familiar third person controls for shooter fans, so there's nothing here that takes a lot of time to get used to.

If you go into this expecting a light hearted, breezy romp through the Mushroom Kingdom, you'll definitely have some fun with it. But the more hardcore player out there might find themselves a bit put-off by the overall ease and lack of challenge, so here's to hoping that New Super Mario Bros. Wii U can strike a better balance between fun and difficulty than NSMB 2 managed to do.

No, it feels, as I said, like Oxenfree’s writers had written themselves into a corner, and figured a mostly unexplained offscreen resolution was the only way to get out of it. If you’re able to overlook that and focus on the first 95% or so that’s highly satisfying, you should still go for it, since the journey up to that point is extremely well-done, but if you want any sort of closure, be aware before you go into it that this game’s ending is going to drive you nuts.

Game play in the first NFL Street hampered on the difficulty on playing defense. This has all been fixed in NFL Street 2 as there are a larger amount of both offence and defensive plays that not only give you a chance of catching a player off guard for the easy score, but for that quick sack as well.

Banishers is definitely better than Don’t Nod’s previous action efforts, and if they decide to revisit this world again, they’ll be starting from a very solid base.

I can’t recommend Grand Slam Tennis enough for Wii owners, and am excited to see what changes are made when this title hits Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year.

Oh, and if you're intent on trying ibb & obb as a single-player game, you can do so…but be forewarned that it ups the difficulty from "slightly difficult, and occasionally very challenging" to "insanely, brutally hard".

All in all, I recommend Alien: Rogue Incursion, but… not if you’re a newbie to VR or are prone to motion sickness. Play a few other games first to get worked up to this one, and then you can enjoy it with the rest of us. You won’t regret picking the game up if you’re an Alien fan.

Sure Dead Space 3 is familiar, but fans wouldn't have it any other way. If you have been in love since the first entry, then you already probably own this game and don’t need my opinion. On the other hand, if you have played the previous two and weren't sold, there’s nothing that is going to change your mind here to make you a convert, unless of course there’s a marker nearby…

Pepper Grinder is an innovative platformer that should be on your backlog of games to play and is the perfect snack-sized experience to hold you over until your next big title. The fluid gameplay, stunning pixel art visuals and slapping soundtrack will make you hungry for more.

The stop-and-go gameplay is an acquired taste but is worth it if you have patience.

It is a fantastic ride, to be sure, but a shallow, all-too-brief and ultimately unfulfilling one.

One of the best playing baseball games I’ve played in recent memory... This game is for purists.

A very, very good game. The only real issue I have with the game overall is that it feels too much like last year’s title. For some that may be a good thing. I just don’t believe the term; if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

It wasn't the visuals that impressed me the most; it was the design of the audio. On paper, the audio might scare someone away as it only has one basic tune through the entire game. Yet that one tune never becomes tiresome.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead has a great conclusion, and I’m happy the team responsible for it was able to see this through to the end. It’s a shame that their original parent company marred the overall experience significantly, but their ability to bounce back under another publisher and deliver to this degree is exceptional. I’m both sad and happy that this is the conclusion of Clementine’s tale, but the character arc is so well delivered, you won’t be disappointed.

While the title has the necessary great graphics and unreal drifting mechanics, the new option of improving and customizing your machine sets Ridge Racer 7 apart from all the others that came before it.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a really, really good remaster of a iconic ’90s game series that’s due for a revival. And with three games in the bundle, a remastered cut level from the original game (of which GameShark let you play, back in the day), and a brand-new level with level design and art that make it feel like that revival’s probably in the right hands… I think N. Sane Trilogy, past its inherent issues from the source material, is a great set that’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for some platforming action.

No matter how hard it tries, Abzû just isn't Journey.

As long as you go in expecting an audio-visual feast that's good for killing some time, and not a deep shooter, you won't leave disappointed.

I don’t often find myself interested in seeing where these games are going, but I’ll admit that this one got me hooked. Give it a chance (provided, obviously, you already have an interest in visual novels), and you’ll probably find yourself hooked too.

If nothing else you're getting a lengthy, brand new campaign out of it, and there's just enough refinement to make it an obvious improvement over the previous title. Also, the game has an incredible amount of charm built into its setting.

WWE 2K26 gameplay is top notch and matches play out better than they ever have from entrances, commentary, presentation and the matches themselves are all improved. It’s a shame that the Ringside Pass brings down the overall product and locks too much behind it. Despite the items being on the free tier it takes way too much grinding to unlock wrestlers that were available from the beginning in last year’s entry. Even purchasing the more expensive deluxe versions does not give you any instant unlocks to the Ringside Pass, it all just screams money grab. Unfortunately, I have to recommend sticking with WWE 2K25 at this point until more updates are provided by 2K unless you’re a die-hard CM Punk fan. In closing, Larry Forever!

The campaign is really good, the competitive multiplayer is pretty boring, and the Zombies in Spaceland mode is lighthearted fun. As a whole, the package is a little disappointing, especially if you put a lot of weight onto the MP side of COD. But if you're down for another solid, entertaining shooter campaign, then I think Infinite Warfare is definitely worth a look.

Overall, I think “Atlas Mugged” is a better episode than the first, and has enough story related hooks to keep me intrigued for whatever might happen in episode 3. The story-to-action ratio is a bit more balanced here, the jokes are certainly improved, and the inclusion of a number of recognizable Borderlands characters provide ample reasons to revisit Telltale’s interpretation of Pandora.

After the Fall plays great on the PS5, I have no complaints about the performance or visuals at all. It is thoroughly engaging, addicting, and a blast to play from start to finish. And “finish” isn’t even the right word, as the horde mode and additional difficulties available make this a game you could potentially stick with forever. With an incredibly strong line-up of launch titles on the PS VR2, After the Fall earns itself a spot in your library.

If you consider yourself a series NASCAR fan, you must own NASCAR 06. This is the game you have been waiting for and offers more game play options than you can handle. Casual racing fans may be confused by the concept and might want to consider this a rental at best.

Overall, it’s safe to say that Pokémon Legends Z-A is a good game, albeit with some shortcomings. It’s fun, it’s enjoyable, and brings the return of the best battle mechanic in the series’ history. Both versions of the game (Switch 1 and Switch 2) run well on their respective platforms, with the Switch 2 getting a 60fps version of the game. Legends Z-A does also have its DLC expansion planned for release later on, bringing new story content and Mega Evolutions. It’ll also (presumably) bring in more Pokémon that aren’t already in the game, so there should be some fun surprises for all of us when we get to see the new Mega forms. Pokémon Legends Z-A marks an enjoyable breath of fresh air, but it could still do with some growth to catch up with the times.

It's important to realize that Everybody's Gone To The Rapture isn't exactly a game. Considering that its developers also made the equally non-game-like Dear Esther, this should come as no surprise. Rather, it's essential you think of it as a story that you just happen to be experiencing on your PS4. Otherwise, it will just seem like a walking simulator in a nicely-rendered English country village, and then you're just missing the point — and the beauty — of it all.

Horizon Chase Turbo may occasionally be infuriating, but it’s a whole lot of fun much more frequently. If you’ve ever yearned for an arcade racer that genuinely feels like it comes from the early days of home consoles, you should most definitely check this one out.

Eyetoy Groove made you look like an idiot but in a fun way. Eyetoy Play 2 does the former, but not so much the latter—the compilation is entirely hit and miss, with a handful of failed concepts dragging down the rest.

Overall, while the game is still a great Mega Man title, it doesn't nearly live up to the fun of its predecessor.

WTS 2003 plays like a dream. Tight and responsive controls help you perform all the headers, passes, and goal kicks with ease.

Even in the wake of ESPN’s fierce competition and 20-dollar price tag, like Madden, March Madness is just a hint better than Sega’s College Hoops title.

Top Spin 3 looks great and offers a deep game for anyone willing to dig into it and learn it. But the incredibly steep expectations at the beginning of the learning experience won't be worth it to those looking for a quick game of video tennis. This is not a pick-up-and-play game.

While it doesn't really have enough single player content to satisfy most fans of the genre, PB3 definitely is much more fun with multiple players.

I've played nearly every version of THPS 2 out there and none can hold a candle to 2x...[but it's] not better than the 3rd game in the series, nor would I suggest picking up this game over that.

There isn't enough variety to keep players enthralled - it's essentially the same game over and over. But what is there works beautifully and is a great example of a game that’s accessible to anybody without sacrificing fun for all.

I really want to like Castlevania, but I can’t. Konami made a truly complete quest by throwing in a very long section leading up to the Castle, but ultimately it becomes boring. Once you actually get into some of the architecture, the bad camera angles and less than perfect collision detection makes the game an exercise in frustration most of the time.

Marvel vs. Capcom Origins brings the fun with 2 classic fighters. If you are a 2D fighting fan, like myself, you will find something to like here.

Overall, this is easily one of the best forms of expanded content for a game in years.

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward has the light touch that one would hope for in a lifestyle simulator. Even more fascinating is that it's not targeted at a 20-something like myself, but the game's attitude makes it feel accessible for all audiences. It's coherent, well-composed, and actually interested in fashion. Although it's not my typical venue, it's easy to imagine that those looking to relax and find their style will be able to dig very deep in Fashion Forward.

It's really difficult to hate on much of anything in Everybody's Golf for the PS4. It's an addictive, enjoyable golfing experience "for everyone" with plenty of replay factor and the added hook of daily challenges which should funnel players into the online modes. We're certain that veteran Hot Shots Golf players know what they are getting into with Everybody's Golf and hopefully potential newcomers will be enticed by the very reasonable $39.99 price tag.

It may not look like much, but it bets big on its ability to draw you in to a horrifying story — and, by the end of its short running time, it’s succeeded at doing that beyond any shadow of a doubt.

Wingspan on the Switch is probably great if you’ve played it before — or, at least, if you can use any of the many handy guides you can find online as a how-to guide — but if you’re a newcomer looking for a fun board game to pick up and play, this one may not be it.

Obviously, it ultimately comes down to how much you want a game that gives you insane levels of power but that also puts checks on it. You’re the creative type who appreciates that balance, there’s plenty to like in Teardown. If you just want to go smashy-smashy, you can do that here, too, but the end result may be more frustrating than you’re expecting.

All in all, Pinball M is off to a solid start, and while not every table in this collection utilizes a theme that I’m super into, the ones that do end up doing really well here. I’m super interested to see what other properties Zen attempts to tackle with this mature branded series of pinball, and I think Pinball M does just enough to differentiate itself from Pinball FX to make it worth checking out.

It’s every bit as shallow as the dating shows that inspired it, so if that’s the kind of game you’re after – and the continued popularity of the genre shows some people are – then this may be right up your alley.

I can't give it as good a grade as I'd like to because of the installation issues, and it's not an original concept but it still manages to be a fun little game.

Aside from my mixed feelings on A.I., which was never one of the series' strengths to begin with, and the length, the game has a lot of great action, well done atmosphere, and multiplayer to keep you coming back for more.

It's no Advance Wars, but with a little more time in the oven it could have at least been more than a decent recommendation for a console launch.

Outside of the server issues, I’ve certainly enjoyed my time spent with Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. It’s a solid follow-up to a unique shooter series that I don’t think gets enough attention, and if you haven’t given this series a shot yet, this would certainly be a good jumping on point. It’s a nice alternative to the more serious multiplayer shooters out there and even serves up a solid alternative to more like-minded games like Overwatch. You may want to give it a little time to iron out some flaws here and there, but definitely check it out when you get a chance.

Excitebots is intense and wacky racing rolled into one. The game throws conventional wisdom out the window and just focuses on the player having a good time. It’s easily of the best racing games I’ve played and it’s sure to put a smile on anyone who’s fortunate enough to pick it up.

For gamers who just want to shoot, slam, and take it to guys in the paint, this game will more than meet your expectations. If you are looking for a game filled with strategy and intense pressure, you may want to get your hoops action elsewhere.

The Mega Man titles for both the NES and the Game Boy have already been featured on the Nintendo eShop, so if you already own any of those I can’t recommend the Legacy Collection. If you don’t own any of the Mega Man titles on your 3DS and really want to take down some robot masters (I’m coming for you Dust Man) on the go, then the Legacy collection is a good buy.

There is a ton to do in Starfield, from building outposts, to designing your own ship, to crafting and cooking. Overall, I think Starfield is just okay, and while it does have some shiny spots, it still has a lot of rust on it too. I like the game’s story, and it grabbed my attention and held on tightly enough where I just wanted to do the main quest, as everything else was just noise to me. I was not a fan of the non-space combat but both flying, and ship-to-ship combat was quite fun. Overall Starfield just didn’t hold my interest like past Bethesda games did.