There’s a lot to juggle in The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, but it’s not a bad thing since each feature adds a layer of survivalism and immersion. Though certain weapons are uncomfortable, and there’s that NPC audio issue, it’s likely due to being the first available build of the game. The lack of physical crouching is irritating, but the combat, climbing, stealth, and RPG mechanics make up for it, putting you in near-complete control of the character. Every suspenseful moment is an addiction, and it’s an incredible experience all neatly packaged for you to slowly unwrap.

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a worthy memorial to a criminally underrated title, and although it falters at times, the design, combat, scenery, and world this game molds is one that deserves preservation.

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a perfect blend of both Puyo Puyo and Tetris and gives us our first Puyo Puyo game in over ten years and while some of its modes aren’t as thrilling, the new modes offer an exciting new take on the competitive puzzle genre.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is un-brie-lievable. Somehow, the lofty ambition they presented in 2023 has been surpassed by an excellent release. This spunky noir shooter is exactly the kind of game I wanted, and it's so much fun to play I might just start it again. Don't sleep on MOUSE; this is a premium and ingenious game in an indie package.

Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns offers everything a seasoned player could want in an expansion, and more. Coupled with ArenaNet’s track record of continuous free updates, it should be an automatic purchase for anyone at or near the max level.

The clean aesthetic and beautiful sound design make it so that you never forget what world you’re in. Add in fun and addictive puzzles and you’ve got a near perfect mobile experience.

A fitting end to the saga of Erebonia. While there are tons of characters returning and plot threads from previous games, newcomers will still be able to enjoy the complicated, political tale along with a deep battle system.

Ubisoft should be commended for creating this crazy world — it’s just a shame that the gameplay doesn’t live up to its own premise.

A giant in the sports gaming world, MLB 14: The Show continues it’s namesake’s quality tradition as it transitions from the old to the new, but doesn’t offer anything new and fixes little.

Bravely Second: End Layer has a merely passable story, but the fantastic combat, new job classes, and updated mechanics make it an excellent installment to the series.

While the visual and stylistic choices may not prove to be to everyone’s tastes, there is plenty of both new and familiar to satisfy anyone willing to hop on aboard and see where Beyond Earth is able to take you.

Freedom Planet 2 suffers from many of the same problems that plagued the original game, with the additional problem of having way too much combat, but remains a delightful speed platformer at its core and is worth running through for any fans of the genre.

EA Sports Madden NFL 26 has a lot going for it this year with major updates to Madden Franchise Mode and a great new start to a refresh for NFL Superstar, all the while keeping MUT and online play steady as always. Franchise mode feels the most cinematic it’s ever felt with Rich Eisen and Scott Hanson bringing a new level of immersion into the game and adding all sorts of weekly reports and planning. The gameplay itself feels updated with the inclusion of the wear & tear system coming from College Football to Madden and multiple choices when it comes to passing mechanics. While bugs are a’plenty right now, this is a major step in the right direction for the Madden franchise that really needed a strong showing this year. If you’ve not played Madden in a while, this is where you’ll want to jump in again, especially Franchise Mode fans.

Very approachable and just the right level of challenging, Deus Ex GO extends the main product perfectly. It captures the look and feel of Mankind Divided, while boiling down the stealth and combat gameplay into approachable turn-based action. The only thing missing here is the soft gravelly tones of Alex Toufexis as Adam Jensen.

The Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Special Episode delivers consistently fun and refreshing puzzle action. Aiming higher than the base game, this DLC stretches the Captain Toad mechanics and concepts in new ways, while also offering interesting new settings to explore. That said, the Special Episode’s reliance on remixed content from the base game and truncated runtime hold it back from being truly great. Nonetheless, this DLC offers an afternoon of colorful, creative single player or co-op entertainment.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is truly a love letter from Namco Tales Studios to fans of the franchise. While the main story is a touch trite and the combat a little dull, it’s worth it to accompany this cast of interesting and nuanced characters on their journey to save the day.

I actually found myself enjoying it a lot more than other Madden games in the past.

The game is incredibly deep with a lot of different modes to keep you busy for a while with high production values.

Where so many games in the Warhammer universe feel generic and uninspired, Daemonhunters manages to give us a game with tight tactical combat, a decent story, and a careful balance that is challenging but not punishing. The Emperor demands you pick up this game!

For all the hype that floated around the original Scribblenauts, it ended up delivering a lot less than promised. Super Scribblenauts delivers the goods in a way that the original couldn't.

Skyward Sword HD is definitely the best version of the game with vastly improved visuals and new control options, but I can’t help but feel it's lacking as a Zelda rerelease. There’s no new content, and I doubt the changes are enough to win over those who have problems with the game’s overall design. It certainly didn’t need to be a good game in its own right, but the lack of accessibility options and only somewhat reduced dialogue makes it difficult to justify the price.

features a staggering amount of replayability, Live play, hours of unlockables, multiple gameplay modes, and far more than any other fighter since "Soul Calibur." To say that I enjoyed the game would be an understatement.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure isn’t at its best on PC, with consistent stuttering and not many graphical options, but it’s still a fun experience you can play with just about anyone.

Awaited for well over a decade by now-ancient gamers, Wasteland 2 manages to live up to the spirit of the original while going beyond it in terms of depth and detail. While there are bugs to be fixed and the difficulty may be too challenging for some, any lover of turn-based RPGs should add this one to their Steam library as soon as they can.

Muramasa is a good game with a few small flaws.

Madden NFL 13 makes huge strides this year, but also makes a few rookie mistakes. Seasoned football fanatics and casual onlookers should be satisfied with the end result. As seen in my previous Madden reviews, you know that I have had my fair share of issues with the game. If you have been skeptical of Madden before, this year's edition is worth a look. If only they could do something about the number of interceptions.

Once you get spoiled by the leisurely pace of the game, absence of micromanagement, and the emphasis on actual strategy, you may never want to go back!

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a great and charming RPG with a similar, addicting gameplay loop as the main series. While the game drags a little in the middle, it’s worth seeing through to the end and beyond.

GalCiv3 is a brilliant game that delivers seamless graphics with a tremendous engine that delivers as small or as large an empire-experience as you could possibly hope for. While some were nervous after Stardock stumbled with the poorly-received Elemental, they have used the time to take a running start and put themselves back in the pack, though one wishes that they included a bit more hand-holding.

Keeper is a fascinating tale full of moments that will make you think — not just about the game, but life and our place in the world. The visuals are intriguing, and the on-screen action is supported by a solid soundtrack. The mechanics are simple and can become a little monotonous at times, but there’s always something new around the next bend. While Keeper may not be a game that appeals to everyone, the nature of the story ensures that it’s certainly a game that’s for everyone.

Moonlighter is a beautiful game that combines simplified versions of two game types into one. It’s a novel attempt that plays it too safe on both fronts, and is held back from being something truly fantastic because of its lack of variety.

Ultros sows some fascinating seeds into a familiar framework. Although those seeds bloomed into a visually striking game, some poor soil hinders its ability to fully develop.

While the game does take advantage of the PSP’s networking abilities, some of the limitations really show up here, such as the lack of a second analog nub. Still, the controls aren’t too bad once you get used to them.

Hand of Fate 2 has stellar writing, fun deck building, and interesting stories. What it doesn’t have, however, is good combat. While I have grown to find the combat manageable, it should be fun and exciting. It stands as an odd blemish that has been carried over from the original while everything else as been prettied up. Still, I recommend giving Hand of Fate 2 a chance, especially if you never played the original. Even with the lackluster combat there is plenty to enjoy here.

Planet Zoo is the culmination of the best parts of Frontier’s previous efforts, but is far more than the sum of its parts. Hundreds of creatures, both cute and deadly, need homes, and it’s up to you to help them thrive and survive. While a few bugs hamper the overall experience, this is another simulation game that’ll keep me building sprawling and ever evolving parks for hundreds of hours to come.

With new gameplay mechanics, overhauled progression systems, a strong narrative, and the Guns/Friends for Hire system, Far Cry 5 is the overhaul that the series desperately needed. It is easily the best of the series, and represents a positive step in a new direction. Come for the storyline, stay for the co-op chaos.

Despite the few framerate dips and noticeable visual downgrade, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Prince's Edition is still a solid port of a great game that provides Switch owners a chance to experience the title to the fullest extent.

Easily the scariest game (or movie for that matter) available on the market.

The easiest hockey game for your normal gameplayer to pick up and have fun with, even those who know nothing about hockey.

It may need some more polish in its modes to race with the big leagues, but Fast RMX is a great title with challenging difficulty and beautiful locales that are matched with its nose-bleeding sense of speed and arcade-inspired mechanics.

While Gunbrella might struggle with providing a challenge, it more than makes up for it by providing a dark, gritty world where your choices have very real consequences. Not all is doom and gloom, as the comedy flows like polluted water down a city’s gutters on a rainy night, and you can bet it’s accompanied by some killer jazz.

A game worthy of the name Sam & Max. Even better is the fact that we'll be getting more every month for the next six months! I'll say it again, Sam & Max: Culture Shock is a must-buy.

Age of Empires helped define an entire genre, and under the steady hand of RTS masters Relic Entertainment, it may once again wear that crown -- Age of Empires IV is that good.

If you like an environmental puzzle game with some combat mixed in and like a little of betrayal on top, Mirror's Edge is the game for you. If you are looking for a game that will keep you hooked for days on end, this game is definitely something you can skip over.

It’s about time Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin made its way onto PlayStation. I’m a bit sad that there isn’t a native PlayStation 5 port, but the current PS4 one is solid through and through. The smooth and high frame rates are a treat but the long load times leave more to be desired. If you’re looking for a party turn-based JRPG as your next game on your PlayStation, then Wings of Ruin is definitely worth checking out.

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection changes how we view game collections by making the match making experience streamlined instead of having us go to each game individually. The museum has an incredible amount of care put into it with even the concept art of the first game available to look through. Digital Eclipse has outdone themselves with an incredibly humbling anniversary collection.

Goodbye Despair may fall into some ridiculous scenarios and dialogue that clash with the game’s otherwise dark atmosphere, but when Danganronpa 2 is at its best, there’s little else that hits harder.

Persona 5 Strikers is a fantastic sequel to one of the best JRPGs of all time. It’s less of a Warriors game and more of an action RPG with fun, fluid combat, great characters, and an excellent story and soundtrack.

Were THQ holding a bazooka next to your head demanding that you play Worms: Open Warfare 2 or they just might pull the trigger, then it might be worth turning on.

With better focus on what players want, including four (useful!) costumes per character, a plethora of villians and heroes from Marvel lore, better visuals, tighter RPG elements, less of the Chatty-Cathy moments, and FAR more tough boss and mini-boss battles, Marvel Ultimate Alliance could be the geekfest that keeps players wrapped onto whatever platform they chose like a pair of tight blue spandex with a big 4 on the chest.

Glossed up slightly, but with very little to no changes since the last re-release, Phantom Brave PC is the least impressive of all. That said, the game itself is still wonderfully great, and new players will be rewarded with the cool breeze of phantoms coming in the air tonight.

Motorsport Manager is a very fun and unique racing game that allows you to focus on so much more than steering and acceleration. A much more realistic racing game than one where you just drive, this game gives you the experience to see how good your driving decisions really are, and with great graphics and a easy to learn set of controls, this game is a fun addition to any gaming library.

Fans can only dream and hope that Bandai Namco will one day create a brand new game in the Katamari franchise, but for now, modern remasters and ports of the original games will do. We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie remains one of the most inventive and quirky games that I have ever played, with its meta-narrative premise, wildly addicting gameplay loop, and incredibly wacky soundtrack.

Yes, the core gameplay of building rides, adjusting prices, etc is all Roller Coaster Tycoon is. But I think this is a game you can get dozens of hours of enjoyment from if you enjoy something that rewards experimentation and trying new things. There are a few issues like the pathfinding for staff can be somewhat finicky, the game does chug quite a bit when you zoom out, the controls could definitely use some work, but I think Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic is a great game that I hope leads to something more in the future.

Death of the Reprobate is a delightfully devilish narrative experience that has you gasping with laughter at every interaction. The game forgoes challenge in order to provide the player with a seamless experience which is to its merit, but could do with a little less hand holding. Despite this, you really do want to stop and smell the roses when you play this game as its artstyle is a wonder to behold, and a bit yucky in other places. Its quirky characters and its use of the renaissance is unique and accessible to any player that doesn't have a degree in art as it prizes itself in how fun of a time you’ll have with it.

After spending quite a while with the game, I’m blown away that there’s still so much to discover. With dozens of collectibles to find in the single player campaign, a seemingly-unlimited number of weekly challenges, and the Tides of War looming large on the horizon, Battlefield V is the best this series has ever been, and easily the best FPS of the season.

The game also provides many good reasons to return to it, aside from its core fighting game mechanic, but those reasons support the core mechanic rather than overshadow it.

Syberia - The World Before is a captivating story of turmoil in the face of fashism. With compelling characters and fascinating logic puzzles, newcomers and returning players alike will have a blast with this adventure.

While PD0 may not be a revolutionary game, it can be considered a huge evolutionary step in the right direction.

In the end, Skylanders knows exactly what it trying to be – a family friendly affair featuring cool creatures.

I struggled to find negative things to say about this game. From start to finish, South Park: The Fractured But Whole had me in stitches. It’s the perfect of blend of smart and silly. It is magnificent and absurdly ridiculous in a way that only South Park can pull off. It’s the best possible excuse to laugh about everything and everyone you know you’re not supposed to.

I would be remiss if I did not take the time to properly talk about how glorious the soundtrack is. Every song is amazing; from the melancholy Confluence, the main theme, to my personal favorite track, the upbeat, slightly suspenseful Nostalgia Trip, which I have found myself humming daily since I first got my hands on this game. I don’t often get excited about video game music, but I’ve found myself listening to these tracks on loop while working on other projects; the music, much like the Terminal’s coffee, is to die for.

There are plenty of ways to play the game, as well as a storyline that does take a few interesting twists and turns.

The stealth aspect of the game is completely addicting.

Even two years after its original release, Mortal Kombat remains one of the best fighting games ever made.

Shadowrun Returns: Dragonfall offers 12+ hours of fresh adventure in a new city, a sizable helping of new weapons and enemies, and a hub quest system which gives this expansion a leg up over its core campaign.

Developer Moonshine Studios has built something fantastic for Stadia’s first platform exclusive. Cooperative chaos combined with a delightfully goofy storyline of a salt company gone rogue makes for many laugh out loud moments. While there are some technical hitches to iron out, Get Packed is a must have for anyone on Stadia.

As furry visual novels go, Winds of Change is in the upper echelon. Leaps and bounds from its predecessor, this follow-up boasts a charming cast of characters, wonderful character models, and some great storytelling. If you want a fantasy tail… erm, tale to sink your teeth into, this is one you should check out.

With fresh factions, two campaigns, significantly more options, and a refreshed skirmish mode, Company of Heroes 3 exceeds the impossibly-high bar set by its predecessor by a shockingly wide margin. It’s a masterpiece.

The scale of the online component is hard to believe, and the Conquest mode could play itself out as the best Xbox Live title-ever. While the single-player game is painfully unimaginative, it is undeniably fun.

Like A Dragon: Ishin! is a great game, but doesn’t do much to stand out against other games in the series. The story and setting are novel and interesting, however, the combat lacks any sort of balance. Even so, the excellent melodrama is worth seeing through to the end.

Atelier Ryza 2 is a good looking and highly entertaining game once you get past its snail paced narrative and complicated mechanics.

Despite not vibing too well with the demo, we were utterly in love with Stellar Blade by the time the credits rolled. Shift Up has done a tremendous job with their first triple A project and sets a high bar for modern action role playing games. There are some pacing issues, and the narrative's delivery stumbles, but the game as a whole is near perfect: the themes, the visuals, the music, the combat, the exploration, the world, and the technical performance. A modern masterpiece.

With a magnificent storyline replete with devious puzzles and gorgeous vistas, A Plague Tale: Innocence is as beautiful as it is disturbing. A survival stealth title at its heart, Asobo Studio’s approach to the story of the bubonic plague is completely unique, and one I can’t recommend highly enough.

It's another great WiiWare game that will give you about 5-7 hours of playtime, and as long as you're a fan of Punch-Out or even like it in passing, you'll enjoy Rage of the Gladiator.

Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a creative infusion of card-based combat with a traditional RPG. It plays entirely unlike any other card combat game, and it’s worth a look even for those who don’t generally like the genre. While it’s light on story, less replayable than other card games, and could use some refinement when it comes to building decks and equipping characters, it’s still a fun twist on a familiar concept that’s easy to recommend.

If you're looking for a new co-op players-versus-AI-horde game, Dungeon Defenders is arguably the best option available right now. Great graphics, lovely music, tense gameplay – all with enough content to keep you coming back again and again, and avenues for both official and player-made content.

How would I describe it in a single word? Fantastic! If this is the kind of work a three-year development cycle can give a AAA game, then I don’t want to see Black Ops 4 until 2018, and counting down the days to it’s release.

Sifu delivers on its promises of being one of the best Kung-Fu games ever made. With incredible animation work, flowing combat, a beautiful art style, and great music; this indie beat-em-up, roguelite game deserves more than the cult following it will probably receive.

There’s a lot to see and experience in Lost Ark, and the asking price to try it is just your time. It’s very clear that this game is a juggernaut, and even friends of mine who aren’t into the genre have had their interest piqued enough to give it a go. Here’s to hoping Smilegate, Amazon, and Tripod Studios can capitalize on an incredibly strong start and fulfill the promise buried under all these screens.

Inadequate controls and chaotic 4 player co-op mode keep it from being a great game, but fans of the comics and movies should have plenty to be happy about.

Delivers exactly what it says: a prettier version of the same game you played five years ago. Those looking for the same experience will find it, and those looking for something new or a fresh take on the series won’t get much out of this remaster.

Game Science’s adaptation not only pays homage to the beloved Journey to the West but also introduces innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre. Black Myth: Wukong is by all means an ambitious title for a studio’s first project, and for the most part, it succeeds in aiming high. Its strengths in gameplay, visuals, and music are undeniable, but it is held back by technical problems and design choices that may not appeal to everyone.

PQ2 retains much of the same addictive nature from it's predecessor and will likely please most fans of the series, as long as they can tolerate the lackluster visuals and some unique (and occasionally frustrating) new gameplay mechanics.

A solid, if flawed game. That, combined with the prohibitive price (in comparison to its competitors) makes it a somewhat poor choice for this year.

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! takes the puzzler series to new heights with the first Switch BoxBoy! entry. With an innovative spin in the form of fresh new mechanics and the playable inclusion of another loveable boxy character, this eShop title will brighten up any puzzle fan’s day.

Affordable Space Adventures is a great example of a game that takes advantage of everything Wii U has to offer. There are a few drawbacks but this is the best use of the GamePad to date.

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is a solid JRPG remake with more than enough plot and gameplay to keep RPG fans happy. The turn based battle system is light on grind, filled with Dragon Quest’s trademark cast of colorful monsters, and offers a mostly hands-off feature for fights. With an engaging story, a huge world to explore, and plenty of side quests and additional content, there are many of reasons to get lost in the past.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a stunning and immersive storytelling experience that really puts the player into the mind of its titular character. It’s even more narratively-focused than the first game (not to its detriment), with a bigger emphasis on how Senua sees and interacts with the world around her. The whole experience from start to finish has been beyond memorable.

This game oozes replay value. From the Xbox Live! to the improved interface, this game has legs.

This game is beautiful to control, I just wish I could have a more broad story mode so I can play as the rappers or the other wrestlers instead of just 4 made up ones.

I’m not sure how Ember Lab did it, but I walked away from Kena: Bridge of Spirits with my expectations surpassed to a much further extent than I could have imagined. The visuals are breathtaking, the gameplay evolves in meaningful ways, and the heart the story contains has no bounds. You’ll find it hard to come across a more wholesome and beautiful game in 2021 than Kena: Bridge of Spirits, it’s everything I wanted it to be and more.

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is the perfect way to revisit this classic or experience it for the first time. Its themes are more relevant than ever, and its battle system, while flawed in some aspects, is weird, fun, and encourages creativity.

Gears Tactics is a stellar tactics game that still manages to feel like the Gears you know and love. With a solid story, addictive RPG systems, and dozens of hours of gameplay, this is a must-play for any fans of turn-based strategy games or the Gears franchise in general.

A direct sequel in a time where that is exceedingly rare, and a very welcome one at that. The original Trails of Cold Steel was a great game that was under appreciated, and this sequel brings all of the same charm and quality from the first and does more preserving than improving. With some slight improvements and great source material, Trails of Cold Steel II is a no-brainer to add to any JRPG collection.

What Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes loses in the social aspects, it more than makes up for in fun combat and three engaging stories. Seeing the Three Houses characters in a different scenario is incredibly interesting, especially with Byleth now playing the villain. This is a rock solid action game that perfectly compliments its sister title.

With a huge amount of questions available, as well as a half dozen entertaining game modes to compete in, there is a ton of fun to be had with Buzz! Quiz World.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is addicting, charming, and packed with more content than you can shake a husk of corn at. If you didn’t play the first Garden Warfare, now is the time to give it a go.