The bugs in the title really frustrated me (and many others), and while there are workarounds, the players really shouldn't have to work around bugs and lapses in development, especially since some of the bugs were carried over from "MLB 06."

One of those gimmicky games that actually innovates rather than rely on it's gimmick alone.

Tropical Freeze offers up a ton of challenge (though perhaps a bit too much at times) and secrets to those craving a little break from the popular plumber. But I played this game already, back when it was called Donkey Kong Country Returns.

The graphics, sounds, and controls are almost spot-on perfect replicas of their console counterpart. This is the best portable version of any Tony Hawk game to date.

The depth overwhelmed me for a bit, especially trying to remember all of the alchemy recipes, and some of the boss fights were extremely tough, but the game overall shines and is definitely one of the best, and quirkiest, games on the PS2 out this year.

Whether you enjoy the humor aspect, the run and gun gameplay, or the fast and furious multiplayer, Glitch has a little something for everyone. The small details in the title and some of the innovations will keep you coming back for more, even if some of the gameplay is mindless repetition.

Synth Rider’s 80’s neon wave aesthetics and incredible soundtrack combine with simple but challenging mechanics to create one of the most entertaining and engaging VR games I’ve played in quite a while. Come for the fresh beats, stay for the great workout.

The Wizards - Dark Times is great. It’s absolutely a must-have if you’re interested in VR spellcasting using only hand movements, and generally want to feel like a wizard. While there are some minor grievances with the gameplay, they pale in comparison to the level of fun and enjoyment you’ll get out of this one.

DOOMBLADE offers fantastic combat, lore, and art direction which propel it to greatness. Despite progressing and backtracking being confusing and tedious at times, and a few lackluster boss fights, the occasional dullness was alleviated by great music and worldbuilding that spurs intrigue. The devs created a world that I was continuously getting lost in, both literally and figuratively.

Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a great time exploring, mining, drinking, singing, and more with friends on multiplayer than is steady with crossplay while also providing a solo mode for those wanting to handle things on their own and explore the mysteries of the Mines of Moria on their terms. With moments from John Rhys-Davies as Gimli, to lore drops in-game from characters such as Gandalf; Return to Moria will be a game any Lord of the Rings fan should have a fun time putting hours into.

Threshold takes a simple premise and runs with it, mixing a curious blood-soaked mystery with thin altitude air. The mystery of the ceaseless train atop the mountain peak is interesting to uncover, even if some of the gameplay systems try to get in the way at times. The train must run, just don’t look inside.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened is one of the funniest VR experiences I’ve ever had, and I don’t think my wife has ever enjoyed watching me play a game as much as she enjoyed me performing with a screeching cat as a trombone. This is the perfect game to hop into with a group of friends and take turns trying to earn the most toots, or just laugh at each other as you put on ridiculous performances. If you’re a fan of rhythm games, definitely do yourself a favor and pick up Unflattened.

Overall, OFF is definitely worth the purchase just for the experience you have whilst playing it. It’s wholly unique and has you contemplating your actions and its world throughout and way after the credits roll. Whilst it may just have a basic battle system and puzzles, OFF is a masterclass in feeling and atmosphere, and this new remaster makes it even more accessible to a modern audience.

You might be better to wait for a price drop or pick up the original Pure if you can find it, as both games are too similar to each other to give Pulse a recommendation.

Rebuilt in every way, and unlocking the entire Gears franchise for a value-conscious price, this truly is the Ultimate Edition of Gears of War.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a wonderful game, but this PS5 upgrade doesn’t do much to justify its existence. You get the DLC and an obtuse 120 fps mode, sure, but you’re basically still getting the exact same experience as if you played the PS4 version on a PS5 or Pro. The game itself is highly recommended, but console upgrades should have more features and this feels like less than the bare minimum.

Don't let the shortness of the game dissuade you from the experience, it's worth just about every second of it.

A vast improvement over its predecessor, just by adding online play and improving the character management system.

The wait was definitely worth it for this one! Overall, Ghostwire: Tokyo impresses me with fun and satisfying gameplay, an intriguing story, and beautiful visuals. I never had any issues with performance or pop-in, everything ran as smooth as a hot sake. The new mode, The Spider’s Thread, presents a fun challenge for those craving more Thread Weaving action that doesn’t get stale, even after multiple rounds (or deaths).

There’s a lot to love in this remaster. Eclipsing the 2012’s “Ultimate” edition, this version may not contain all of the sequels, but damn if it doesn’t make the originals truly fantastic. It might be too much to hope for a complete remaster of all of the sequels, but Command & Conquer Remastered is pure fan service. Welcome back, Commander.

While Helldivers 2 may look like a tropey action game on the surface, what lies underneath is one of the most fun co-op shooters I’ve played in recent memory. Endless explosions and unyielding foes makes for heart-pounding gameplay as you spread democracy across the galaxy one dead bug and bot at a time.

It’s a shame, since the Ys series deserves more attention than it gets. A little more polish could have really brought it out to the forefront.

It Takes Two is a fantastic co-op game, and feels right at home on Switch. Sadly the visuals take a big hit, but in return you get a few more options on how to play. It still remains difficult to get a co-op partner for the full game let alone enough controllers, however if you can manage you’re in for a great time.

This is exactly what Street Fighter players have wanted. A game where all of their favorite characters and skins are available, and not having to wait for Capcom to release them when they see fit. The fighting is engaging and rewarding. Each fighter feels unique and offers a wide array of offensive attacks that land as intended. But with most modes locked behind the PS Plus service, it’s a hard buy, even if you are looking to upgrade from the base Street Fighter V game.

Sayonara is an experience first and game second, so it is not one that should be played if you are only interested in the high scores, but if you take the game as a whole, then it can be deeply rewarding.

While the first game is missing some content from the PS3 version, No More Heroes 1 and 2 on Switch are easily the best versions of these fantastic games. While it’s disappointing they didn’t take the time to fix any of the games issues like the tedious minigames, both are still well worth playing.

Journeying through the Necrom Chapter on my new Arcanist was loads of fun. The new Arcanist class is very powerful, feels amazing to heal on, and has some of the most satisfying visual and sound effects I have ever seen in a class. The Apocrypha zone is a visual masterpiece, and Telvanni Peninsula makes you feel right at home in Morrowind. The main story was very engaging with a huge plot twist, and I can’t wait to see how it all ends. This Chapter is a must-have for Elder Scrolls fans.

Watch Dogs 2 is Ubisoft open world at its finest. Full to bursting with fun and interesting content, Watch Dogs 2 carefully balances hacker culture, serious moments, and engaging storylines to create a game that has something to say. With far more personality in its protagonist, it’s very easy to recommend Watch Dogs 2.