The Surge is the most badass game I’ve played all year, and a must-play title for any masochistic gamer who enjoys getting their ass handed to them regularly. Although the presentation and enemy variety are somewhat lacking, and technical issues occur occasionally, none of these issues come even close to putting a hamper on this thoroughly enjoyable experience. Play. This. Game.

Castlevania Advance Collection sets the standard for how older games should be preserved and presented to a modern audience. There are many quality of life features to make the games more accessible while keeping everything that made them special in the first place.

While the emphasis on the Batmobile late in the game can be incredibly tiring, the characters and world around you never stop propelling you forward. Combine that with the numerous upgrades for your weapons and plethora of side content available, and you have one hell of a Batman video game.

Verdict - Two Point Museum hasn’t even been out for a full year yet, and still the game offers fans a feast of content with a near-perfect base game and now two DLC packs that only serve to elevate the experience. Zooseum is much bigger and better than Fantasy Finds, providing players with a full museum experience akin to its base game counterparts, not just an addition slapped on top. It also stands as a unique experience with revamped gameplay mechanics and a unique roster of animals to inhabit your museum with. This may mean we won’t get Two Point Zoo in the future, but this is damn close to the dream I envisioned.

While Gylt has some tragic elements in its story, it’s even more tragic that it was tied to the sinking ship that was Google Staida. Luckily, with its re-release, adults and children alike will be able to get lost in the Lovecraftian lore, unnerving enemy design, and clean aesthetics. Overall, Gylt packs intrigue into every aspect of its gameplay and story without telling you the answers outright, leading to great moments of discovery.

Streets of Rage 4 proves to be a heavy hitter, paying homage to the beloved series while not being held back by what came before. The new art style shines, the soundtrack is as good as ever and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s a game I’ll be revisiting for a long time to come. Day one purchase worthy game.

Shadow Complex is yet another example of how fun, creative gameplay does not have to be limited to the bigger budget AAA titles.

Whispering Willows is a cool little indie horror game that focuses on exploration and puzzle solving. The game isn't necessarily scary, but the parallel story and atmosphere are definitely eerie. The ghost form mechanic is fun, and the game allows you to collect some items early, which is nice as well.

Saints Row: IV Re-elected on the Switch is a much-welcomed game as it runs amazing in handheld and docked mode, brings a beloved franchise to millions of gamers, and almost feels a bit naughty to have next to my Mario games. With its smooth gunplay, game mechanics that mesh well with the control scheme of the Switch, and ability to cram all of its explosive, expansive, and destructive gameplay into your hand, you cannot pass this game up.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE manages to live up to its mystery adventure predecessor and establish a name of its own in the process. Removing the shroud of mystery around each case was intriguing, and made for some of the best twists that I couldn’t have seen coming. The wonderfully eccentric cast balances out the dark and gritty narrative in a way that manages to create a stellar adventure of investigation and seeking the truth at any cost.

I can’t overstate the power of the game engine behind The Movies. The possibilities are almost endless given that this game is mod friendly. Once fans get their hands on this game, we will get to see some incredible movies.

This is concentrated, unfiltered, Super-Nintendo-excellence given the modern treatment, and a landmark indie title.

Much like Katamari Damacy, the simple goals and controls pulled me in, and the high production values kept me playing.

As challenging as it is fun, Anarcute requires tactical thinking and quick reflexes. Anarchy has never been this adorable.

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a uniquely thrilling horror experience. Armed with only a camera and your wits, the tension is palpable and oozes out of every nook and cranny of Mt. Hikami and the surrounding areas. The camera serves to be as trusty of a weapon as a gun and adds a distinct tension to the action that few games could replicate. The atmosphere, level design, and story all work in tandem to create a surprisingly tense and beautiful experience, despite relying a bit too much on backtracking and having a rather thin story.

I went into my review for Guitar Hero Smash Hits expecting a retread, but instead saw all of these great tracks get new life. The improvements from Metallica fused with a less niche soundtrack, is simply plastic-instrument-band heaven.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a delightfully fun package that is a charming way to get anyone into traditional tabletop experiences. With a wide array of fun diversions and a beautifully made overall package, this is one title you should definitely pick up and play with friends.

Innovations with the combo meter and multiple versions of fighters only add intrigue and depth to a solid effort.

With an eye towards fan service and a nod to incredible storytelling of old, King’s Quest resurrects the genre with style. The first chapter is expertly written, and the hand-crafted nature makes it feel unique in the genre.

From finding all the unique items to helping a boy stuck between the worlds to rescuing all the maidens to finding out who is behind everything, the game has tons of adventure to spare. This is simply one of the must-haves for the GBA.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin improves upon Dark Souls 2 in nearly every category, and is the Souls game that current-gen console owners deserve.

So far, I have put about six hours total into the game between both sessions. I am very excited to learn how to wield a weapon to kill predators, and to explore more into the jungle. This has been a really unique and challenging experience, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

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.

This is a breakthrough in what interactivity can accomplish with little aid from more traditional storytelling mechanics – its resulting importance to this medium is no exaggeration.

Kaze and the Wild Masks is a near-perfect platformer with a lot of charm and entertaining gameplay. It’s just a rush of amazing platforming action chock-full of collectibles and challenge that will have you grinning ear-to-ear like you did in the 90s.

Sonic Superstars represents some of the best 2D platforming has to offer. It has constant surprises while still offering a ton of room for mastery. The game is a delight from start to finish and beyond.

If you have been curious about Ascension but weren't ready to pay the price for the actual board game or don't have any local friends to play it with, the iOS version is a great option to play it. Because it plays so quickly, you can get a game in at a fraction of the time.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a brilliant testament to what a small team of dedicated individuals can accomplish, with River End Games releasing one of the best narrative-driven stealth adventures in a long while. Eriksholm features a moving, tragic, and ultimately hopeful story, mixed with fun stealth gameplay, and increasingly difficult scenarios to navigate. From its humble beginnings to its epic end, Eriksholm delivers in spades.