A little less hand holding when it comes to map exploration would have made the experience a tad more interesting for me, and while I can't deny that the visuals look nice, the effect being used is certainly starting to get a little tired the more I see it pop up in digital releases.

It has some pretty visuals and solid voice acting, but at the end of the day, there’s really not much more here than trying to give historical import to snapping that perfect Instagram moment.

Sometimes a rerelease collection can be a necessary evil and this is one of those circumstances. The Disney Afternoon Collection is an example of a retro collection done right, and one that more publishers should see as an example to follow. The games play exactly like you would expect, add with that; the rewind ability, save states, pixel perfect visuals, a few added on modes, and more, make this a must buy for fans of these classics or Disney fans that haven’t had the chance to check them out years ago. I’m hopeful this set is just the start of the Capcom/Disney relationship again.

Another solid year of football gaming with enough lasting appeal to get you by ‘til next season’s opener.

I would absolutely recommend Bravely Default II to any RPG fan out there that’s in the market for something new, regardless of whether you have any prior experience with the series or not. It’s a really solid, charming RPG that will provide you with hours and hours of entertainment. The job system is remarkably diverse, and the battle system is just unique enough to keep it from feeling like a chore even after countless encounters. Definitely check out Bravely Default II when you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.

If you haven't bought a Worms game yet this generation and don't mind dropping $15, Worms 2: Armaggedon won't disappoint.

Overall Crysis 3 is just what you would expect at the end of a generation cycle. A FPS that is deep not only in its level design and scope, but tells a deep story, with deep game play mechanics. You will not find many games that do it all in one fell swoop.

Obviously, New Super Lucky’s Tale isn’t about to displace Mario when it comes to being the best 3D platformer the Switch has to offer — but with no word of exaggeration, I wouldn’t put this one too far behind it, either.

The addition of the new play styles, attitude, and story mode only enhance this great title. This is easily the best of the Blitz titles, and Midway has given fans a truly fun and entertaining football game that is not hindered by rules and penalties.

What D4 does incredibly well is provide gamers who loved Deadly Premonition with another tale of weird and wonder while at the same time giving day one Xbox One owners a reason to use their Kinect rather than controlling their cable TV.

The realism may turn off some run and gun gamers, but even those fans will have a hard time not appreciating what Sniper Elite brings to the table in terms of great and entertaining game play.

The Enemy Within really begins to delve into the mind of Bruce Wayne and finds him fighting both against outside forces and his own guilt as he struggles to remain the force for good that he intended to be. I think The Riddler is the perfect villain to help get to the bottom of who Bruce is and what he is capable of doing in the name of justice as Batman. Episode One really set the bar for the rest of the season and I cannot wait to see what Telltale has in store for us next.

What makes KH 2.8HD enjoyable more than most would expect is how it properly comes full circle with the story. Playing 1.5 and 2.5 leaves many questions that don't get answered until KH3D. This may come as a bit of a shock considering KH3D was a 3DS exclusive prior. Because of that, some fans haven't fully experienced what's out there for Sora and Riku's journey leading up to KH3. As a fan, this was a great way to start the New Year. As a gamer, watching a series like Kingdom Hearts evolve into what's included in this release is what we could hope for in other franchises.

So yes, Destiny falls short of second-coming status, but it’s still worth checking out.

If you skipped 2K18 based on my review last year, you can feel safe in knowing this year’s game is worth playing and 2K made the best title they’ve made in years (but is that really saying a lot?).

Nonetheless, the art is impressive enough that even a somewhat pale reflection of greatness is still worth seeing. Combine that with an average fighting game and…well, to be honest, I'm not sure if it's enough to make Skullgirls worth a recommendation, unless you're either really into fighting games, or really into seeing an aesthetic that doesn't get nearly enough representation in games.

Overall the game feels a little half baked to me, and not something I'd suggest to anyone outside of the hardcore Transformer fan base.

While it took me a while, I eventually warmed up to this game. The game play is spot on and everything seems to fit appropriately into this military sim. While the FPS crowd may not get what they are expecting, if they stay around they will find what I found, a gratifying experience.

If you’re a fan of charming RPGs with unique systems, great music, and a fantastic use of pixel art, you really owe it to yourself to pick up Demonschool.

They have done an amazing job of re-creating the intense thrill of being out in the ocean in large surf. I know from experience. The very first time I started a session with the game I got butterflies in my stomach.

More than starting out on the right foot, I think NBA Inside Drive runs away with rookie of the year and is among the top console basketball games available.

What is the most disappointing in 20-04 is the lack of real additions. Sure a fun HR derby was added, as well as a custom replay option, but what else? Oh yeah, a create-a-team! If that's what you want to call it.

I’m very, very impressed with what KOEI Tecmo and Square Enix have managed to do with this sequel. I think it builds upon the first game in a really solid fashion, and does so while still feeling fresh and enjoyable to play. The A.I. can be really spotty, but overall that’s a fairly minor complaint for a game that honestly doesn’t have many issues to speak of. It runs well, looks and sounds great, and for Dragon Quest fans, you’ll be getting the appropriate amount of fan service here.

As a single-player game, it’s solid enough, but add in some friends and multiplayer, and you’ve got the makings of a party classic.

I usually grow tired of Metroidvanias pretty quickly, but Carrion had me hooked. There’s something to be said for putting players in the metaphorical shoes of a literal bloodthirsty monster — and that something is: it’s super fun.

If you want to turn your brain off and shoot some dudes in the junk for justice this absolutely is a title for you and the fact that it is a budget title ($29.99) it will certainly move some units.

Tiny Thor is an excellent love letter to retro games not just because it looks and plays like a game from decades ago, but because it’s still highly playable in the here and now.

All in all, I’m super impressed with Persona 4: Dancing All Night. It essentially hits every high mark when it comes to the rhythm genre, while at the same time delivering a great story with a cast of characters that I certainly love.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage continues that run of solid games, without question. It doesn’t break new ground – by design, I would argue – but it shows that around twenty games in (counting spin-offs), there’s still plenty of story for the series to delve into. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is an Assassin’s Creed game, for all the good and bad (mostly good) that entails.

NCAA Football 13 isn't going to be forever remembered as the year EA shook up virtual college football by any means, but it may be the year that gamers look back to in the future when they realize that EA got everything right.

I was quite disappointed when I realized that this is "Spec Ops" game in name only. From a gameplay perspective it's basically a throw-away of everything the franchise was about, instead opting to amalgamate it with the rest of the homogeneous military-action titles currently out there.

Overall, for the cheap digital price, you have a quaint little puzzler in The Bridge that will keep you entertained for a decent amount of time.

If the platforming were better, then Journey of the Broken Circle might just have challenged Thomas Was Alone for that “best platformer starring inanimate objects” crown. As it stands, it’ll simply have to settle for being a very, very good game.

It's a shame that the GameCube doesn't offer any type of multiplayer which in turn just makes it an even shorter game with little reason to come back.

Why Konami chose against releasing expansion discs for the first game still puzzles me, as in Japan there are over 20 right now. My only fear, being a fan of the game, is that I have to wait another year for a so-called sequel, to get more songs.

At the end of the day, video games are about personal preference. I do not have the time I used to for mastering individual games, and Black Ops Cold War doesn’t demand it of me. I have already reached first prestige in the week it has been out, and that is in addition to playing the campaign AND tackling launch titles on the PS5. Cold War would seem perfectly positioned for the casual Call of Duty player if it weren’t for Warzone. Warzone is entirely free, and offers an experience that has been built upon for over a year, and will continue to be built upon and supported long after Cold War is not the “current” Call of Duty. For the more hardcore players, I think after a few weeks in Cold War, they will be returning to Modern Warfare (2019) to wait for the next installation.

I love Dokuro enough that I've stuck with it even after countless deaths, and I'll continue to stick with it long after this review gets published (because honestly, I'm nowhere close to the end, even though I've already sunk countless hours into it). It's a joy to play, and if you have a Vita, it's a must-own game.

EA Sports PGA Tour is meant for people who want a golf game that’s true to the sport. It’s not often you see a sports game that embraces the “get good” mentality to the extent this one does, but if you’re after the real thing, you’ll find it here.

Even long time fans of the series will find plenty of new and exciting things to do to last you another full year.

While the control isn't quite to the lofty heights of "Victorious Boxers," it holds up well in comparison.

Not for those who crave instant gratification or casual gameplay; rather, it is geared towards those that can sit for hours and immerse themselves in the world of the game.

The visuals aren't as flashy as some more recently released titles for the console, but the cool storyline and gameplay more than make up for it.

What is the most disappointing in 20-04 is the lack of real additions. Sure a fun HR derby was added, as well as a custom replay option, but what else? Oh yeah, a create-a-team! If that's what you want to call it.

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.

I mean all the usual suspects of match types are available along with the always incredible create a wrestler(and other “create” options). I really think this year is a step in the right direction for the franchise and is a buy for loyal WWE fans, possibly even for fans that have since moved on, with the large roster of legends available. Is it the best wrestling game of all time? Not even close, but it’s certainly progress and a really enjoyable time that has something for everyone, casual and hardcore marks alike. Now acknowledge me!… and get into the ring!

I grew fond of the concentrated characters, and after applying the alternate retro visuals had a much easier time navigating the game world, along with it being easier on the eyes.

It should go without saying that the sights and sounds of Battlefront are top notch. The presentation, from menus to gameplay, is perfectly tailored to the identity of Star Wars.

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is probably a must-play if you were obsessed with it 25 years ago, but probably missable if you didn’t play it the first time around. It’s got some interesting ideas and it delivers on some of them, but overall, you’ll probably need nostalgia goggles to get the most out of it.

SingStar Legends brings nothing new to the table, except new and fantastic tunes. The same great modes exist, the same use for the eyetoy exists, and the same fading grainy quality of the PS2 DVD versions of the videos exists.

Though I'm not particularly thrilled with the accomplishment-based method of unlocking songs, it's more of a minor annoyance than something that breaks the game.

For an expansion pack, there is plenty to do and see and it adds a completely new level of variety to your Sims' already busy life.

No complications, no menus or convoluted control schemes between a digital playground and platforming to my heart's content. This is exactly the place in my heart that Plain Sight immediately appeals to.

Veterans can complete this in one sitting of 4-8 hours if so inclined. Even with all the monotonous backtracking and escort missions, the game is far too short. The downside is comparable to seeing a great horror flick that is only 80 minutes long.

In some ways, de Blob 2 even improves upon its predecessor. It has a much improved camera, more frequent save points, and cutscenes that don’t show their age, all of which count as plusses in my book. Further, it allows a second player to join in the fun, which is a welcome addition for a game like this one. None of these changes represent massive steps forward, to be sure. But they all contribute towards making de Blob 2 every bit as enjoyable as the original de Blob.

However you want to describe it, though, there’s no denying Hob is great. It’s an action-adventure game that has an abundance of both of those things, and if you want some Zelda-adjacent action on your Switch, you’ll find plenty to love here.

You definitely need to be a puzzle game fan to enjoy Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 and if these styles of games do not interest you then this one will probably not turn you. Since both franchises are played differently it’s difficult to merge the two into one experience, but how they did it here works great and it’s easy to jump into and play. There is enough offered in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 that even if you are a fan of just one type of puzzler you will probably still find something to like. If you are a puzzle fan and missed the first one then this is a perfect pick up… and if you have experienced the original there’s enough new content to be found in the sequel to keep you entertained.

NEOGEO Pocket Selection is a good collection for those who were fans of the System and those who are curious about the system. While the selection is a bit lacking, all of the games play well and offer great fun and challenge. It’s lack of extras and bare bones presentation may put off some, but many should be able to look past that and enjoy the games they have included. Some games like Dark Arms and Crush Roller are a miss, but others will keep pulling you back even after you beat them. Even with its shortcomings, I can recommend this collection to anyone looking for some nostalgic challenge.

All of this adds up to a pretty good sequel – or, at least, it would if the game was in a finished state. Eventually, presumably, the developer will get around to fixing its game-breaking bug, and once that happens, then the game will deserve a much higher grade. For now, however, in its broken state, tht makes it impossible to recommend Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords.

The game is sound on the technical side, and if you were still a big fan of the stuff, then I'd say Band Hero would be right up your alley once again. However, if you're feeling more than a little burned out at this point, and hoping for something particularly awesome from this release, prepare to be disappointed.

If you can get past the stealth sections of Spider-Man, there is plenty to enjoy.

Even the biggest fan of the band, I would still caution buyer beware and wait to find this on the cheap, if only to have the ability to bring the songs to your current Rock Band 2 collection and the upcoming Rock Band 3.

It’s undeniably a great game when it works, and everything that made it our GOTY a few years ago still stands. I’m sure the PC version will get there eventually, and when that happens it’ll be a must-play for anyone who loves big, open-world superhero games…but for now, you’re better off holding off, and giving the game a little more time to iron out the kinks.

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 you have any love for the original title, there’s enough new content here with the three additional characters that playing through it again will feel like a fresh experience.

I’d certainly recommend checking this out if you’re curious to see the series roots, but I’d also say this isn’t the best entry in the Atelier games available on the Switch or other platforms. It certainly has some charm to it, and the gameplay loop is easy yet satisfying, but don’t expect an RPG on par with more recent Atelier releases. Still, I enjoyed my time playing Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, and I bet you will too.

For the low retail price, you can’t really go wrong with this title. It’s not going to blow you out of the water, and its not quite innovative, but it is incredibly charming and fun to play through.

LEGO Builder’s Journey wants to remind you of what it was like to play with LEGO as a kid, and it never lets you forget that. In fact, coupled with the tinkly piano soundtrack, at times it all starts to feel calculated and treacly, as they try their hardest to pull on your heartstrings. While I get why they’d want to do that, in its own way it feels as calculated as any of those licensed games. But I’m probably being far too cynical about LEGO Builder’s Journey. In fact, I’d say this: if you want a LEGO game that’s actually about LEGO, rather than about using LEGO to see something else, then LEGO Builder’s Journey is exactly the kind of game you need to play.

That phrase “kind of works” really applies to all of Demon Turf. It’s got some interesting ideas and interesting visuals, and you can see where the developers were going with it all – but the more you play, the more it all seems like it all only sort of hits the mark. Just about the only way that it’s fully on-target is in how well it feels like a 3D collectathon from the late ‘90s, but given there are plenty of games out there from that era – not to mention the past 20+ years – that you can choose from just as easily, Demon Turf feels like it’ll get lost in the crowd.

Overall, I wouldn’t say Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a challenging game. It’s a nice puzzle and platformer that urges you to want to collect all the collectables in each stage for that gold star marking your completion. I would say it’s a good introduction to some puzzle games for younger audiences, or if you just want something to relax with and play, Nintendo has you covered with this release. It’s not the deepest game you’ll play, and it’s not super complex, but I find that it is a very nice game to sit down and just bang out a few levels. If you’re looking for something nice and simple, but yet something you can still have an enjoyable time with, definitely look in the direction of this new Mario vs. Donkey Kong game.

Overall, Dead or Alive 5 is an great fighter, and it's really nice to have another Tecmo fighter land on consoles this gen. It's fresh enough that it easily trumps Dead or Alive 4 in both style and gameplay, but at the same time faces some stiff competition from recently released titles like Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown.

It took a while, but MLB 2K10 has fixed enough, and added enough, to be an excellent way to play a baseball game on your TV. The multiplayer issues need to be fixed as soon as possible, but we're looking forward to the series using this year as a foundation for the future.

It may try to cover it up with cute animals taken out of the original Sonic and an aesthetic that's pleasantly cute, but deep down, this is a game that wants to make you cry — and one that, more often than not, will succeed in doing that.

I’d say that this episode is a pretty great start to the finale of the series for Telltale. It’s been a long, and occasionally bumpy road, but this seems to be shaping up extremely well early on. The cliffhanger for this episode has me anxious to see what happens next, and the new cast of characters are more appealing than most of the hardened jerks that populated The New Frontier. It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here, but again, I’m not holding my breath for a happy ending.

I couldn’t stop playing it, frustrating flaws notwithstanding. I don’t know whether that says more about me or about Guild of Dungeoneering’s design, but I can definitely say that it makes for a very addictive experience – albeit one you may hate and love in equal parts.

Severed Steel doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It exists in a world where Neon White (to say nothing of Max Payne and Superhot) not only also exist, but are much, much better options if you want this kind of gameplay. With competition like that, Severed Steel doesn’t quite match up.

The BIGS 2 comes through huge. It's still the game that it was meant to be, it's got a season mode and it's still baseball as opposed to a sideshow. The new version is deeper and a little more polished, and that's more than can be said about most sports games.

There really isn't much more to say than if you are a fan of the classic side scrolling shooter series and you own a PSP, then this really should be in your collection if you have a soul.

It's definitely worth picking up for not only shooter fans, but those that enjoy a little bit of strategy with their action. You won't get away with run and gun tactics on this title, and it's easily one of the better representations of squad based combat I've seen in a game since the original Brothers In Arms.

All in all I found myself really impressed by what Call of Juarez: Gunslinger brought to the table. It took a series name fouled by a recent entry and essentially turned it into a respectable property once again, without completely abandoning the setting or tone found in earlier titles.

Regardless of which is true — whether it's a legitimately awesome game, or simply one that looks like it because it's miles better than the execrable Full Frontal Assault — I can say this with certainty: if you're a fan of the Ratchet & Clank series (or even if you just want a good 3D platformer) you owe it to yourself to check it out.

The battles should be more fluid and dungeons could be more unique, but ultimately the story and its characters carry .hack a notch above the standard RPG.

I personally like "Psi Ops" better as it was faster paced, had a more realistic look, and easier to control. Some gamers may like Second Sight for its open ended-ness and better-written dialog.

While the graphics took a small hit in the PS2 version, they have managed to tweak the control to near perfection.

Only pick this up if your are crazy for the O2 series of video games or are new to the genre.

Absolutely nothing we haven’t seen before.

Being a fan of Batman, and the Animated Series especially, there's a lot to love with what Traveller’s Tales has done with the license.

It may look like all the others that have come before it, but play it for any length of time and you'll quickly find that it's anything but.

It might not be the next Pushmo, but it's certainly a title that shouldn't be overlooked.

Elemental Gearbolt sadly fails to satisfy in the gameplay stakes, which is really the most important aspect of the game. Certainly go for it if you like the presentation and so on, but the so-called innovation stops at the presentation and nothing is done to enhance the gameplay.

Even without the extras we are accustomed to seeing in the series, the updated visuals, new mechanics and enjoyable adventure are worth the price of admission.

The only thing I didn't like was the chainsaw melee engine. On one mission, you're forced to use the chainsaw in a revenge situation and the control is just difficult to get used to. The range is very short as it should be, but you can't move quickly while sawing so if you accidentally start sawing too far away you really get messed up.

It manages to pack in everything the original had, and the online side of things works extremely well, with no issues in finding games or lag that I could find in the many games I played.

I definitely feel like Uprising is a piece of DLC that’s worth your money, if for no other reason than the Mob of the Dead mode.

Madden NFL 20 takes a step in the right direction and I really enjoyed the X-Factor additions to the series. While I still think some form of competition would force EA to make more drastic changes, I’m not optimistic with any developers taking a spin with the football genre (maybe the XFL?). If you haven’t caught the pigskin for a few seasons, Madden NFL 20 is the right route to run for this year. With the new consoles coming (most likely) next holiday, I’m looking forward to seeing what EA builds upon from Madden NFL 20 and brings over to next gen. For now I’ll enjoy taking the Broncos to the Super Bowl, while beating up the cover pretty boy, Mahomes (not bitter at all).

Burnout Dominator may not revolutionize the series or even offer a significant upgrade over Revenge, but it still delivers the goods when it comes to hardcore, fast paced, killer crashing, racing action. What else could a virtual masochist want out of this series?

Still, the game is just too similar to the original for me, and while the gameplay is just as addictive as it was before, if you weren't exactly blown away by the original PQ, I can't see this one winning you over either. Personally, I really enjoyed the first one, and I'm still enjoying Galactrix, I just wish a bit more had been done with it.

It may not be what you are expecting if you are a hardcore Pokémon fan, or a hardcore fighting game fan … but Pokkén Tournament is a fun and unique experience that almost anyone can enjoy.

It's definitely worth picking up for not only shooter fans, but those that enjoy a little bit of strategy with their action. You won't get away with run and gun tactics on this title, and it's easily one of the better representations of squad based combat I've seen in a game since the original Brothers In Arms.