A beautifully animated walking simulator. I recommend that you give it a play, because it really is quite a different experience from most mainstream, fast driven, AAA games. It reminded me of a form of meditation because it was simply that immersive.

Combined, these four games carry over 400 hours of some of the most well written RPG storylines I’ve ever played. The Enhanced Editions provide a wealth of quality of life improvements that make them bearable for new platforms. While there is bafflingly no touchscreen support for Switch, and the multiplayer is AWOL, there is simply no better way to take these wonderful RPGs on the road than the Nintendo Switch.

The Surge: A Walk in the Park is an over-the-top, hilarious expansion to a great game that sadly ends far too quickly.

GORN 2, at its core, is pure bloody gladiator fun. Outrageous doesn’t begin to describe the experience of its humor, gore, and cartoonish brutality. This is absolutely one that VR owners need to check out.

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.

Haunted Dungeons: Hyakki Castle is a clever twist on the traditional dungeon crawler, with a focus on the split-team function. Learning to work with separate teams can be tough at first, but it's well worth the effort. The combat is otherwise simplistic and easy to pick up, making it easy to jump in for hours at a time.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker is an attempt to make the stars of the base game actual characters, and while it fails at that the effort is appreciated. Still, the game itself is a ton of fun, with great combat, gorgeous visuals, fantastic music, and fun puzzles.

Road to Ballhalla is an insanely difficult rhythmic puzzler. It’s enjoyable and agonizing in equal measure, tossing a variety of trials at you then teasing you when you don’t overcome them on the first try. For those who can fight their way through and remain cool-headed, dozens of neat features and hours of playtime await.

Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded is a great VR shooter with precise shooting, good enemy variety, a nice cel-shaded art style, and near infinite replayability. While the base campaign is short, the multiple goals, B-side levels, upgrades, and leaderboards help to flesh out the game and provide a compelling reason to continue jumping back into the chaos long after you first complete the levels.

Gundam Breaker 4 is the video game I never knew that I needed. Building my perfect Gunpla is the most relaxing gaming experience I have had so far in 2024. If you're a fan of Gundam you have to try this game.

A nuanced and excellent sword fighting game with far more depth than you might see on the surface, Broken Edge delivers martial arts combat, albeit with an almost exclusive online focus.

Luigi’s Mansion was great when it first arrived, and this remake is even more polished and complete than the first. There are a lot of problems with the controls in the game, but the creative and diverse gameplay combined with a beautiful bevy of graphics make the experience worth the frustration.

Puzzles, strategy, multiplayer, a haunting atmosphere, and a fantastic soundtrack — Super Motherload packs a wealth of material into a small, though somewhat repetitive, package.

While there isn’t a terribly large amount of new content, Ninja Theory’s gritty Universe is excellent enough to warrant a second playthrough.

While occasionally frustrating and repetitive, Serial Cleaner is a violently fun puzzle game that provides hours of blood-filled entertainment and new challenges.

My biggest gripe is there is not more, and I wish this was a full-fledged expansion because I enjoyed it so much. The new abilities tree is a fantastic addition to the SIms and I loved playing as a vampire, making this my favorite game pack The Sims 4 has put out to date.

Hexologic is a charming number puzzle game that gets some influence from games like Sudoku. It's not very long or challenging, but it offers a casually relaxing sort of difficulty. The sights and sounds are clearly meant to invoke tranquility, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere and gameplay.

Naked Sun is a good, albeit short, way to ease new VR gamers into the medium.

Interrogation: You will be deceived is a game that some will play straight through for the narrative experience and some will for the experience of being a detective. Both offer an amazing experience that is elevated by the characters and strong narrative. I just wish that during the times of stress, the game made the player feel a sense of angst.

The Banner Saga 2 is a stunningly animated game that sets a new standard for both presentation and narrative outside of the AAA sphere. The game does stumble with a poorly designed combat UI, and a claustrophobic battle system that doesn’t offer much breathing room for different strategies. While monotonous, combat is serviceable, and doesn’t greatly detract from what is otherwise a defining narrative tale.

The game was a joy to watch my children play. I enjoyed the 1-player experience for a while, but quickly tired of some of the tedium.

Tales of Graces f Remastered is the same enjoyable experience from over a decade ago brought back in a clean package that runs well with some decent quality of life additions like the markers and toggles. Bandai Namco and the developers nailed it this time, no strings attached with this remaster. As for Tales of Graces itself, it stands out in the series with its sillier cast, striking art style, fast paced combat, and easy-to-understand and fun to master Title system. While I think this is the Tales Of game that benefits from co-op the most, you’re getting a fun RPG with a lot of “power of friendship” speeches so if that appeals to you, you’re in for a great time.

Simultaneously using its charm and creepiness to great effect, Toree 3D is an adorable little game with an amazing soundtrack and wonderful art style. It has just enough content to keep you hooked, and at 99 cents is an instant recommendation for anyone looking for a quick platforming fix.

The Sojourn is a peaceful yet thought-provoking puzzle game with beautiful visuals. The only bits of story are told through dioramas, so it isn't spelled out for you. With a sense of wonder and interesting puzzle mechanics, you'll have a great time seeing how clever you truly are.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage finishes the job that its prior iterations left unfinished. While its new single-player content is modest and some choices are frustrating, the game’s real strength remains its fast, intuitive, and endlessly deep human-to-human combat. For anyone willing to keep striving, this is the most convenient way to experience Virtua Fighter today.

WrestleQuest is a fantastic wrestling RPG adventure with fun and satisfying exploration, combat, and character development. The game does have a few wrinkles to iron out, however, whether you’re a life-long wrestling fan or just a casual fan like me, WrestleQuest is a must-have. ¡Oh Si!

Despite some translation woes, Digimon Survive’s narrative still shines brightly. As cruel and dark as its narrative can be, neither you or the characters should ever give up completely. That’s the key to survival, and that message is apparent in the character relationships, the battles, and the developments of the story as a whole. Digimon Survive expresses the power that can come from your bonds with others, and how supporting each other can keep hope alive. That’s a message worth sharing, and Digimon Survive is a messenger worth experiencing.

Overall Paradox Soul delivers on what it intends on being, a competent Metroidvania with an interesting atmosphere and a bit of intrigue. I do wish the game was a bit more expansive in scope, but all the other pieces are there from the artwork down to the music. If you’ve got a few hours to kill I’d suggest picking it up.

While the story isn’t especially long, it’s absorbing and gives you a lot to think about.

Some minor hitches aside, this is a great beat ‘em up, and hopefully the start of many Neptunia brawlers to come.

Table Manners is a dating game with intentionally wonky controls that tests your ability to impress dates with only one hand. It may seem like a butler simulator, but the reasoning behind your actions doesn't ruin the fun. Some people may get annoyed with the game's controls and design, but fans of Surgeon Simulator are sure to love it.

The Anniversary DLC for Crazy Machines 2 adds a lot of content for the CM2 faithful, and bolsters an already great offering of inventive engineering fun. It isn’t for all gamers, but if you dream of Rube Goldberg machines, you can’t pass on this plethora of great content.

Sometimes you just need to slow down, and Simpler Times is a great game for that. It’s a vibe, a “stop and smell the roses experience”. Some may be disappointed in a lack of gameplay depth, but those who want a game resembling a break will be pleasantly surprised.

The game looks and plays well on most every level, but you still feel like you're playing a game that was made four years ago.

Minecraft Legends combines light Minecraft elements with action-strategy gameplay. The game feels more geared towards a younger audience, which is reflected in its simplified mechanics and overall atmosphere. However, there is plenty to enjoy here for players of all ages, especially for those who are looking for a little more Minecraft love.

Sine Mora EX is a tough-as-nails but engrossing shoot ‘em up that has some innovative mechanics and a pretty interesting story. While it may not be for everyone, those who are interested in the genre will find something to love with the new improvements that the EX version provides.

Last Stop was unlike any narrative driven game I’ve played. The stories were all unique, with fully fleshed out characters, great dialogue and voice acting, and a highly entertaining, if ultimately a bit of a letdown, story that finds satisfying ways to intertwine all three characters. Fans of Telltale’s game series will find a lot to love in this mature narrative centering on life, love, loss, betrayal, and redemption.

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.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival has a massive song list with multiple modes and addicting yet simple gameplay. The DLC and subscription service adds an incredible amount to that list, but does make me worry for the future of the game. Even so, this is a great choice if you want to jam out alone or with friends.

Death Standing: Director’s Cut is the definitive version of the game. It’s gorgeous and runs at 60 frames per second, while including everything from the PC version. The new missions are a bit too light on content, but they round out the experience nicely.

If you were a fan of the original but sacrificed it for a more current platform, or just want a chance to own a title that snuck past you the last console generation, this a great chance to bolster your collection and indulge in a truly unique experience.

Overall, I find that this game is enjoyable for what it is, and it’s fair to say that it doesn’t try to be anything else than what it is: essentially only a multiplayer game. It’s a fun one at that, so I do indeed recommend you play it if you’re into this type of gaming.

A fast-paced, snappily-written story mixed with some sleek visual design makes Subsurface Circular a great title to think about for the two hour runtime it takes to tell its tale. This game is a wonderful addition to the Switch library, and I hope that more Bithell Shorts will be on the way.

Titanfall 360 may not be as pretty as the Xbox One edition, but it’s just as functional. Online-only games place most of their burden in places you’ll never see, giving them plenty of time to isolate complaints and patch up the holes.

Fire Emblem Warriors is a very fun game marred by a only few issues, some of which were probably unavoidable. The basic hack-and-slash gameplay is as solid and polished as any Warriors game, and the new innovations based on the Fire Emblem series add a lot. The game honestly feels like Fire Emblem almost as much as it feels like a Warriors game. If you’re a classic Fire Emblem fan like me, don’t let the roster keep you from buying the game. If you like Dynasty Warriors but don’t know Fire Emblem, there’s still plenty to enjoy here.

Fight through that frustration of wondering where to go when you start The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Once you learn the rules of the game, you’ll find a deeply satisfying, if short, story within.

Those looking for a good turn based strategy RPG with a lengthy campaign will find a lot to like with Heroes VI

WRC 9 is a beautiful game that will speak to the enthusiast. There are a plethora of modes, and the career offering is packed with plenty of ways to customize your experience. The only issue I have is I don’t see myself returning to it often because of its esoteric nature. I’m not the target audience, and while that’s okay, new players may feel a bit excluded.

A genuinely hilarious spoof of a genre long overdue for it.

The Second Chance Strip Club is an odd yet surprisingly charming rhythm game about stripping. The gameplay is simple yet challenging, with a musical focus. The quirky characters and catchy beats are a treat, but don't expect much animation for the actual dancing.

While the story is unremarkable and the gameplay doesn't provide any innovations to the aged formula, I still very much enjoyed my time with OneeChanbara Origin as it still left me with a satisfying feeling even with the short time I spent with it.

Pokkén Tournament retains the spirit and charm of Pokémon, while still a fun fighter that excellently caters to all skill levels.

Witching Tower is a decent puzzle adventure title with good level design and plenty of secrets to find. The hit detection and melee combat can be a bit wonky and the bow isn’t entirely accurate, but it makes up for this with its puzzles and immersive atmosphere.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the definitive edition to own if you don’t already own the game and post-launch content. However, running off a PS5, the improved load times and graphical enhancements are amazing and necessary. It’s a highly optimized game that feels like it was made for the new generation of consoles. The ability to launch within seconds from the main menu into a match is a technical marvel of itself. It’s definitely the Mortal Kombat 11 version to purchase if you want to own all the post-launch content from the get-go.

Ultimately, Shadowrun Returns is a great game that does an excellent job of not only drawing players into the Shadowrun world, but doing so while delivering an option-laden classic RPG experience.

Pizza Titan Ultra is not delivery, but it’s delectably delicious. With its humorous premise and fun, entertaining gameplay, this little game will definitely put a smile on your face as you put evildoers to cheesy justice.

Another place that the game really worked was the social system that was put in place. It's not terribly deep, but each town had its own life and people in it. The world changed depending on the quests that you did. The game had a level of detail in it that made me feel like I was doing something.

While the stories may not set the world on fire, the compelling gameplay is very accessible but tough to master.

With a fresh coat of paint, higher resolution, and sharper textures, Ghostbusters: The Game Remastered brings the unofficial Ghostbusters 3 script to life for a whole new audience. While the multiplayer mode is still AWOL, Saber Interactive promises we’ll see that pop out of a ghost trap in the near future. In the meantime, there’s a fantastic swan song for the original Ghostbusters team.

Leap of Fate mixes dynamic, level-based action with a unique cyberpunk/Shadowrun-esque setting, resulting in a solid title that stands out in both gameplay and environment.

Smooth gameplay, a variety of animations, and interesting game modes take the sting off of the lack of licensed teams. FIFA may wear the crown, but PES is a worthy rival.

Rhythm Fighter is a wacky musical time for roguelike fans. With an amazing EDM-infused soundtrack and innovative gameplay, you should definitely download this delightful game.

Banishers: Ghost of New Eden is a grim and gripping tale of two lovers coming to terms with love and sacrifice. Don’t Nod have built another beautiful world to enjoy.

Stride on Quest has three fun game modes and it's exciting to experience parkour action in virtual reality. Movement mechanics don't come naturally and require more time to master than some people might be willing to invest. Overall, Stride still needs some work, but it's a fun immersive parkour game that will hopefully see continued development.

Evil West doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't have to. It's fun and a great time, which is all it needs to be. It reminds me of a wonderful B-movie; I watch it because I like to turn my brain off and just enjoy myself. Evil West is just a blast, and worth sinking your teeth into.

A faster, more frantic, and fresh take on the old Pac-Man series, and this sequel does a great job of furthering what the original Championship Edition presented. The game is fun, and Pac-Man fans will enjoy the game while also getting a new set of challenges to face. In the end, the game is fairly simple and something you’ve seen before many times, but if you are craving a return to Pac World, this is a great place to look.

Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition is the perfect way to play a classic game in all its forms. While the PlayStation version has seen the most love and is the ideal way to play, it's great to have so many different releases represented. There's a good amount of bells and whistles to round out the collection too, and to take a break with when you get frustrated by the overwhelming difficulty.

There are some framerate hitches to go along with the graphical and lighting overhaul, and there isn’t a whole lot new here, but if you missed out the first time, don’t let this one pass you by.

The framerate, bugs, and dopey AI put a damp cloth on the whole affair, but the graphics, outstanding storyline, and voice work all but make up for it.

Gravity Circuit (grapple) hooked me after I threw caution to the wind. First playthroughs inherently emphasize caution, which means that truly appreciating the game will take some time. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll find a game that twists old ideas in a fresh and fun direction.

8 Bit Hordes is a nice addition to the 8 Bit series, especially with the fantasy centered theme. The gameplay is essentially the same, which is great for fans of the previous game. For RTS fans, you'll appreciate the ability to control three different groups while managing your resources.

Deathloop is a great game, if kind of a mixed bag in ways. On one hand, the gameplay is some of the most refined Arkane has done, and they give you almost an “easy mode roguelite” to play, along with a little opposition via co-op for spice. On the other however, the story can stumble, and the grind can be a bit too monotonous. Deathloop walks a bit of a fine line, but overall has enough fun ideas to keep things mostly fresh and fun for Colt and Julianna players alike.

In the post-apocalyptic world of Miasma Chronicles, players embark on a gripping journey with Elvis, a young man possessing a unique glove that can control the devastating Miasma. Developed by The Bearded Ladies, known for Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, this turn-based tactical game offers a captivating story and memorable characters, though it follows a mostly linear narrative. While the exploration aspect may feel repetitive, the game truly shines in its intense combat, featuring Elvis's glove and strategic elements inspired by games like X-COM. With customization options, evolving characters, and no need for grinding, Miasma Chronicles delivers an accessible and engaging experience for players seeking a balance of gameplay and narrative.

Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon offers a fun glimpse into the Pokemon world from the monsters’ perspective, all while providing a unique, turn-based tactical gameplay with light roguelike features. Featuring over 700 pokemon to encounter, fight and team up with, it’s a must-have for any dedicated fans of the series, and provides just enough tactical thinking to entertain a budding CRPG player.

Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds is a short, but substantial expansion for an already great game. It doesn’t reinvent the game in any major way, but offers a few excellent hours in a world that players have come to love.

The plethora of vehicles available combined with the multitude of different types of races, this game will keep you busy.

Mythology fans that like a good challenge, including discovering everything through trial and error, will love this game.

Timberman VS is a surprisingly solid party game that will keep you and your friends entertained for short bursts of time. Crank out the Joy-Con and get to chopping, because the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Basically, if Forza Horizon 4 and American Truck Simulator got drunk and hooked up one night then SnowRunner is what I imagine the result would be. A slower paced game that challenges throughout and stays fresh with a good range of vehicles, upgrades and locations to explore and a great deal of customization.

Octodad: Dadliest Catch may be a one-joke game, but the team at Young Horses has taken that joke and squeezed as much hilarity out of it as possible. Don’t ask questions about the man in the suit — just buy the game.

Dead Rising’s Deluxe Remaster makes changes big and small to an all-time classic. Some changes work, some don’t, and ultimately none of them feel essential. Dead Rising remains a great game with or without this particular reconditioning. This Deluxe Remaster works best as an interesting thought experiment: what if Dead Rising released in 2024? It would be shinier, have autosaves, and noticeably fear its potential audience.

Trombone Champ may suffer from the joy-con curse, but it’s still a laugh out loud good time with a surprising amount of secrets to find. You’re not supposed to be good at Trombone Champ, but playing with friends will make you feel like a master tromboner.

Worms 2: Armageddon is an excellent multiplayer game, but a so-so singleplayer game.

Cyber Sleuth evokes nostalgia while also pivoting in tone and setting for fans who have grown older. The disorienting lack of story direction in the first half is made up for when its mysteries finally come to light, and it makes Cyber Sleuth’s world a great one to spend hours training Digimon in.

The story centered on John Doe and Bruce Wayne (the Joker and Batman) is why you should play Batman: The Enemy Within. The rest of the characters and narrative are mediocre, but this interpretation of the clown prince of crime is so strong that it makes it all worth it.

My Beautiful Paper Smile Chapters 1 and 2 drop you into a world where children are forced to be happy, and punished for feeling anything else. It may unnerve some people, so keep that in mind. The gameplay is simple, but some sections can be annoying and feel unfair. You're left on a cliffhanger, but the final chapters will be released later on.

This is an excellent and well-made title which does a lot more right than it does wrong. Strategy enthusiasts looking for something new and fun away from a battlefield will find little to complain about in this game.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion packs all the punch you’d expect from a comic book splash page. It’s clearly made with the kind of love for the source material that I’m looking for, and it improves on Shredder’s Revenge in every way that matters to me.

While this episode is short in length, it certainly isn’t lacking in excellent narrative execution. The final confrontation between Europa’s Bane and the Artemis culminates into an intense altercation with death being a constant threat throughout the episode. A fitting conclusion to Drummer’s struggle to survive, even if gone too quickly.

As a game, The Last of Us: Part 1 still deserves a high score after all these years, but I give that score hesitantly, as I am acutely aware that previous releases offer more content and that this release was not created for those who have already played through and enjoyed the game in the past, but rather to welcome in new players or for those who wish to harness the full power of their PS5. While this is the most technically impressive version of The Last of Us that we will likely ever get, it is anchored down by its previous releases, while simultaneously missing important components those versions had, namely the superb multiplayer. Despite some interesting bonus features, new cosmetic items, vastly improved AI, and a few quality-of-life changes, there may not be enough here to justify the purchase for anybody except newcomers. That said, the impressively robust suite of accessibility options is a welcome addition worthy of praise and will hopefully provide an opportunity for a new generation of fans to experience this story.

1-2 Switch defied my expectations, providing an entertainment experience above and beyond that of what I thought was its closest counterpart, Wii Sports. It has a huge variety of games, some better than others, which appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike. Although artificial restrictions placed on some games and game modes keep it from being as much fun as it could be, this is an excellent party game, and it’s just as much fun to watch as it is to play.

Pathologic 2: The Marble Nest isn’t as engaging gameplay wise as the base game, but it’s still a very interesting microcosm of the game’s themes and a fascinating glimpse into what the Bachelor’s full campaign might look like.

Repetitive, a little frustrating but well done and fairly well polished.

While Camina Drummer may not have been the captain of the ship at the start of the mission, she absolutely takes the reins by the end. Telltale has stepped it up in terms of both visual quality and game play, with a solid yet short intro to their take on a gripping sci-fi narrative. The true depth of which however remains to be truly tested going into further episodes as the narrative progresses.

The game gets a great deal right and brings collectable card games to the casual player, but there are a few things that really hurt it, like the short USB cable and a finicky eye that relies heavily on overhead lighting.

No right turns, a heavy focus on tweaking your car's specifications, and brutal difficulty. This is not a pick up and play title for the casual driving fan. However, if you prefer Gran Turismo to Mario Kart, this might be worth at least a rental.

A fun adventure with two of the best characters from Far Cry 5, Lost on Mars is a quick jaunt to the Red Planet with more hits than misses.

There isn't a whole lot of replay value once you've finished the game, but the adventure is long enough to keep a player entertained for quite a bit of time.