Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a true successor to Fatshark’s previous Vermintide series. If you were afraid the jump from fantasy to 40K would ruin the experience, fear not, it’s even better. Darktide feels less linear than the previous takes, the story takes place between cutscenes of missions. Levels are linear, but do a great job of hiding that fact. Loadouts are a great improvement, along with a wide array of weapons to specialize and unlock. The only unfortunate part is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is still best enjoyed with a full party.

Crash Team Rumble is a fun and unique 4v4 competitive game that is able to create something new and ludicrously fun out of the existing franchise mechanics. While I've played a ton and have not tired of the game, there is only one real mode, which might impact the game's longevity. Still, the game is deceptively deep and strategic, with teams needing to think and react quickly to be successful. Regardless of how long it's around, right now Crash Team Rumble is great for a blast of gaming fun for the whole family.

Double Helix has managed to capture what made the original game so much fun, while fleshing out the story in some very wacky ways. Unfortunately, too much of the game is spent indoors and there's a little too much backtracking, but Strider is a great start to what will hopefully be an ongoing series.

Whether you are using it for exercise or to laugh at family gatherings, Just Dance 2023 simply can’t be beat. Accessible for beginners but requiring real skill if you want to top the leaderboards, Just Dance 2023 comes out swinging with a great group of new routines, delivered with a noticeable increase in production value. Though the World Dance Floor is sorely missed, the other improvements to the UI, multiplayer, and suggestion algorithms pull the franchise into the modern era.

The AWE expansion is a fantastic addition to the Control base game. Everything about it is just that shade better than the original content. It delivers a horror experience that is a step above, a new weapon that offers something really unique, and a final showdown that is bigger and badder than anything you've done in this game yet. It's a few more hours of a good game, that this time around takes a slight step forward to be even better.

Guardians of the Galaxy sets a new high bar for interactive storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals. With an unparalleled attention to detail, Guardians tells a rollicking sci-fi story rooted in true human emotion. But the gameplay sections of this narrative masterpiece sometimes bog down the proceedings with merely "okay" combat and exploration.

Voyage is a very good 2D cinematic puzzler that is a must have for anyone in love with the genre. It's even good enough to pull in some new fans as well.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons comes during a time where we wouldn't mind some good ol' fashioned beat 'em up side scrolling games. A huge roster of characters and a great new tag team feature really push the franchise forward. While it gets everything right, it baffles me that we have to wait for online co-op. Still, that shouldn't deter you. Double Dragon fans should grab this right now.

A Realm Reborn is such a substantial change from the original game that it merits a second look if you hated the first release. So much has changed for the better, and it has resulted in one of the most polished MMORPGs out there today.

Towers and Powers is an excellent example of how virtual reality can enhance certain genres. I’ve played tower defense games before, but what I didn’t know until now is that VR is the definitive way to enjoy them. Towers and Powers convinced me of that, making it an easy game to recommend on PS VR2.

You begin with nothing; what you make is up to you. Let’s build a Zoo allows players to be as creative, or not, as they want. Design a layout that feels more like a theme park, or tourist trap if you want. Be the leading zoo breeder in the world if that’s more your thing. The vast array of in-game options allows the imagination to make your zoo whatever you want it to be. The game’s controls make it a little harder to bring your vision to life. Let’s Build a Zoo does a poor job of showing you all the possibilities, but if you can get through the semi-steep learning curve, it’s easy to zone out for hours building your zoo.

Football Manager 2017 is an excellent soccer management simulation game for the bigger soccer fans, but causal fans or those who only watch a game here or there might find things a bit complex. That’s not a bad thing as the game is pretty deep in what you can do and manage at any point, but it can be a bit intimidating you don’t usually play any other soccer video games where you have to do just the basic management functions for your team.

The Taken King shows off Destiny's full potential. This is a must have.

Minimum is an entertaining online shooter that perfectly employs a texture-less and block-filled visual style. With a wide assortment of maps and various items to craft, Minimum is recommended to multiplayer shooter fans who've been looking for their next online addiction.

The Metroidvanis genre has rarely been done this well and this adventure deserves to be held up there among the greats like Symphony of the Night and the original Metroid.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma confidently advances the life sim genre while still keeping one foot comfortably in the past. With streamlined farming and town management mechanics, deeper yet-still-accessible combat, and the usual great writing and character work, Guardians delivers a consistent good time for new and old players alike. This beautifully animated game is a great way to break in that Switch 2.

It’s not everyday you see a refreshing approach on the Souls-like genre, especially one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Last Hero of Nostalgaia does just that, putting you into the pixelated boots of a bundle of sticks on a mission to restore the entire world of video games. Developer Over The Moon does a fantastic job wrapping what we all know and love about Dark Souls with a layer of satirical flare and video game history. If you can get past some frustrating design choices and janky keyboard controls, then you’re in for a nostalgic treat.

Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force offers three very different stages that take players to all corners of the original trilogy. Whether you're a Star Wars nut or not, Balance of the Force is a great starting point for anybody looking to get into Zen Studios' brand of pinball!

Starship Home is perhaps the most impressive use of mixed reality I've seen, using cutting edge tech to deliver a charming and delightful space adventure. While there is some comfortable repetition in the gameplay, the game remains entertaining thoughout, and delivers great value for the low price.

Music games kind of wore out their welcome in 2009, but DJ Max Technika Tune can certainly help make them relevant again with unique gameplay and some quality musical tracks.

Monster Hunter Wilds delivers a ton of incredible new content, buried underneath the usual UI nightmare plus a long, interminable campaign. The new features of the game are fun and exciting once the game opens up, and there are a ton of awesome new monsters to battle. The graphics, as always, are stunning. But wading through the mud of this story for 15-20 hours is downright painful, and the franchise's tradition of not explaining itself is getting extremely old. There is a fabulous Monster Hunter game here, but sooner or later this franchise is going to have to wake up to the need to wipe the slate clean and open the doors for new players. Instead, Monster Hunter Wilds feels like it is going in the other direction.

In the end, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality has a lot of fun for fans. The VR aspect really brings you into the world of the show and I really enjoyed my time playing the game. I just wish it was a bit longer for the price, but this is one of the few licensed games of a TV show or movie that captures a lot of the magic from the source material.

Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle is another successful entry in Capcom’s recent efforts to bring more retro games back into the fold. It’s a solid experience whether you’re looking to relive the glory days of the arcade, or discover the types of games that cost your gaming predecessors all their coveted quarters. With seven different arcade brawlers in the game, there’s plenty to love if you’re just looking for a relaxing night of solo games. But bring a few friends into the fold, and you’ve got the makings of a solid game night.

By making puzzle mechanics feel immediate and dangerous, Boxed In elevates the genre. While the edges feel a bit rough, the core gameplay mechanic is pure gold, giving Boxed In that much desired one-more-try factor. Highly recommended for immediate purchase.

Dreamscaper combines solid gameplay elements and narrative in an excellent and carefully crafted adventure. While there are occasional difficulty jumps that break the loop, there are mechanics to put things back together and push onward in a journey of discovery and heart. It's a good roguelike outright that also succeeds weaving in storytelling that most games are often too fearful to even try.

More great Age of Empires fun. The new Native American tribes are great, although the single-player campaign is a bit of a let-down.

While it might not be the most feature expansion pack, what it does contain will certainly excite fans of the original game who've been looking for more content.

Concord may not be worth $40 to some, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t $40 worth of game here. With PlayStation levels of production value, and exceptional gameplay, fans of hero or team-based shooters should find Concord appealing – if they give it a chance.