Fossil Corner takes an extremely simple scientific concept and turns it into an utterly addictive puzzle mechanic. Sure, it gets repetitive and maybe doesn’t offer much in terms of fossil diversity, but I dare you to tell me that you can just play one round (newsflash, you can’t). If you’re looking for a puzzle game that you can zone out to after a stressful day, Fossil Corner is your game. Just… keep an eye on the clock if you intend to go to bed at a decent hour.

I suppose it's fitting that Zed should be the protagonist of Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny because, much like a zombie itself, this game feels lost and incomplete. I know I've been harsh, but none of this has been fun for me. I wanted Disgaea 6 to be the best Disgaea yet. But it isn't. What makes this even more ironic is that Disgaea 6, by normal SRPG standards, is fine. It's really not bad at all. But Disgaea games have never been "normal SRPGs." They're Disgaea games. And, as far as that's concerned, Disgaea 6 can't so much as hold a candle to its predecessors. That's not something that I can overlook so easily, especially after a six-year wait.

If you have friends to play with regularly, I think this Tokyo 2020 is a great option for you, despite inconsistent event quality. There are enough good ones to have a great time, and you can make your own playlists to avoid the bad. For others, though, this is a more difficult recommendation. The single-player modes can be plenty fun, but there’s a lot of sitting around to get to those bursts of enjoyment, and its simplistic nature likely won’t hold your attention for long. I wish I could be confident the online modes will provide a way to keep the fun going, but early signs aren’t favorable. This is the sort of game I once called a great rental. Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 may not win the gold, but at the right price, it could squeak out a bronze.

The game itself is an incredible homage to classic horror games with just the right amount of modern-day infusion to allow things to run smoothly (when they are running, that is). Bug-free, Song of Horror is scary for all of the right reasons and is absolutely worth checking out. However, in its current state, I’m not so sure that it’s scaring players in the way that it intends to. At least the PC version supposedly works just fine!

No doubt about it, Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid wasn’t ready for prime time when it was released in 2019. However, developer nWay’s focus on pumping fresh content into the game has mostly paid off over the past two years. While it isn’t likely to replace your fighter du jour like Guilty Gear -Strive- or Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown anytime soon, those of you who left your hearts in Angel Grove will find the Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid – Super Edition to be a slightly above average brawler packed with more fan service than you can shake a Dragon Dagger at.

Honestly, I have very little criticism for Roguebook. You can feel the inspiration from earlier deck-builders, but it’s very much its own thing. Unique combat mechanics, gorgeous visuals, and addicting exploration make for a roguelike deck-builder that’s polished and keeps you going back for more.

So, should you add Mushihimesama to your Switch library? If you’re a fan of the shoot ’em up genre, I’d say it’s a no-brainer. It’s an exhilarating ride that will put your skills to the test. But you don’t have to be a shooter veteran to enjoy what the game has to offer. The Novice Mode dials back the challenge considerably and serves as a great tool for dipping your toe into what the Bullet Hell genre is all about. If you’re curious about Cave’s shoot ’em ups or are a veteran flyboy looking for a robust addition to your Switch library, don’t hesitate. Mushihimesama is a must-buy.

Operation: Tango is a solid addition to the PS5 library that offers an experience unlike anything else on the platform. With clever puzzles, charming visuals, and novel gameplay mechanics, it’s a great way to spend a couple of afternoons with a friend. Sadly, once you complete each stage as both the Hacker and the Agent, there’s no real reason to come back to it. Nevertheless, if you don’t mind the game’s relatively short runtime and lack of replayability, you’ll find a unique and exciting game that’s worth diving into. Just keep in mind that this is a strictly two-player mission. Solo spies need not apply.

Honestly, there’s very little I can complain about. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played. Sure, it’s challenging, but also well balanced and fair. When you add stunning artwork, captivating music and a touching story, you have a winner.

No matter how you play it, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a stunning success. While it doesn’t take as much advantage of the PS5 as I’d have liked, this is still the best version of this excellent remake. I’m a huge fan of the bold new direction they’re taking this version of Final Fantasy VII in, one which has even a veteran of the original game on the edge of his seat waiting for part two. Whether you played Final Fantasy VII in 1997, 2020, anywhere in between, or even if you never played the original, you owe it to yourself to check out our favorite game of 2020.

It can leave your heart racing, and it can leave you stunned at the scenery, and, sometimes, it’ll leave you bewildered at how brutal the game can be, but ultimately, I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a diamond in the rough here. It’s gonna feel unpolished and early-access-ish with paltry menus, no saving, and only one map and two heroes to play as. Still, there’s a lot of potential here. But until a few content issues, save system complaints, and AI fine-tuning gets addressed, I can’t quite give Until We Die too much of a recommendation unless you find it on sale.

Episode INTERmission is a consistently fun ride while it lasts, even if much of it doesn’t feel essential. For those who are buying Intergrade on PS5, there’s no reason not to check it out as it’s included. For those playing a PS5 upgrade of the PS4 version, who will have to purchase this episode, things get a bit trickier. I’d recommend it but do keep in mind what you’re getting. Even a completionist will likely blow through this in a few days. As long as you understand what you’re getting, though, I have a hard time imagining anyone who enjoyed Final Fantasy VII Remake not having a great time getting to know Yuffie.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart doesn’t try to teach an old Lombax too many new tricks. The core of the series still works and is a ton of fun to play. The PS5 provides just enough to make it feel fresh while new friends provide new possibilities. I’m glad to say that the team at Insomniac has this iconic duo back on track. There’s no better game to show off the power of the PS5.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale spoke to me deeply. I think most people who have pursued any creative outlet will find something to latch onto in its story. If that were the only strength here, you’d have a game worth your time. When you combine that with a beautiful art style, fantastic music, entertaining exploration, thought-provoking puzzles, and unique boss battles, you have a masterpiece. Coming out during the lead-up to E3, the same week that several other heavy hitters release, it would be easy for Chicory to get lost in the shuffle. Don’t let them happen. Few games releasing in 2021 will be more worthy of your time.

Alekon is an easy sell — if you like Pokemon Snap but want more freedom to roam around and take pictures without a care in the world, this is your game. With over 50 mini-games and literally hundreds of pictures to snap, Alekon took an immensely enjoyable mechanic and added a uniquely fun flair to the mix. If N64 games were your bread and butter growing up and you want a taste of that retro goodness with all the fixings of updated UI and smooth controls, you’re pretty much obligated to add Alekon to your plate.

I may have already played through one of these two games before, but that didn’t stop Saviors of Sapphire Wings / Stranger of Sword City Revisited from being an absolute blast. While the punishing difficulty curve of SoSCR might be enough to put off those who don’t want to invest too much time into their dungeoneering experiences, SoSW is much more approachable and acts as a happier, easier version of its grittier counterpart. You’d best pick this two-for-one treat up if you’re even remotely a DRPG fan. You’re totally missing out, otherwise!

Overall, I honestly loved Winds of Change. Stellar writing, great voice acting, branching choices, and gorgeous artwork make for an impressive visual novel. I definitely encourage you to look past what you think you know about certain online communities and not judge this book by its cover. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this one.

I really enjoyed my time with this game. Older-timey without being stale, challenging without being a headache, and with a solid story, The Corruption Within has a lot to recommend it. There’s some replay value, too – there are several optional items to find in the game that will present you with a moral choice you make, which will, in turn, affect the ending of the game. Honestly, my only criticism is that the game is a little short, as I beat it easily in a single sitting. But, like usual, that’s probably just me being greedy and wanting more of a good thing.

Necromunda: Hired Gun had the potential to be a great little romp into the delightfully dreary world of Warhammer 40k, but it missed the mark on getting there. If you really, really like Warhammer and want to scoop up every little piece of lore that you can, then there are worse things that you can buy than this. Unfortunately, unless the developers decide to dedicate some time to get things running properly, Hired Gun isn’t going anywhere good any time soon.

The Magnificent Trufflepigs asks players to stop frantically trying to achieve arbitrary goals and instead reflect on why we’ve undertaken them in the first place. It employs an interesting and underutilized mechanic, only to completely change it up once the main character achieves some desperately needed personal growth. It may require a second playthrough to totally understand not only the big reveal but overarching message; luckily, it’s a three hour excursion (at most) across bucolic English countryside, so that extra time is time well spent. If you find yourself exhausted by constantly trying to check things off life’s list, you deserve a breather — grab a metal detector and take a walk with The Magnificent Trufflepigs.

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a nice little walk down memory lane for any returning fans of the franchise and a challenging yet fun experience for newer ones. It takes everything that made the original editions of the games enjoyable, polishes them to perfection, and wraps them up in one nicely affordable package. Although the main stories may be a bit on the short side, the collection still offers plenty to keep you occupied with all the extra play modes at your disposal. I can't stress how good all three games look. So with that said, if this timeless, high-speed, ninja action series is one you enjoy, be sure to pick up the standard or deluxe edition.

While not the definitive way to play Umurangi Generation, this is still a stunning game. With a unique vision of the future, informed in part by current times, it has a strong message, delivered with fascinating gameplay and unique style. If you have the option to play on PC, I would recommend doing so. If not, however, Umurangi Generation is well worth your time on any platform. This is a deeply felt game tailor-made for our times.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers took a big risk giving a whole new look and feel to the EDF series, but it’s a gamble that pays off well. The more cutesy stylings and arcadey gameplay will turn off some, but many others will find it to be a fresh twist on the EDF formula. With a gigantic cast of international characters to play as, there’s plenty of chaotic joy to be had.

Pecaminosa – A Pixel Noir Game hits all the right notes in both the pixel-art style and noir genre. It has fun fights, challenging bosses, interesting art, and even some entertaining mini-games to break the routine. It’s easy to recommend but difficult to master; expect more action and less mystery with this police action RPG. If you want something that feels new yet simultaneously possesses retro vibes, take a deep, long draft of Pecaminosa – A Pixel Noir Game.

With style to spare and refined gameplay, Knockout City knows exactly what game it is. That happens to be an excellent, highly addictive, online slugfest.

Edge of Eternity has not only met, but surpassed my expectations in every way imaginable. It goes beyond simply being a "love letter to the classics" and has the potential to eventually become one itself someday, given that it gets a little bit of polish here and there (which I've already heard that it will be receiving, at least in part). In a gaming landscape that seems to have largely given up on many of the more traditional JRPGs, it's nice to see that there are others out there who insist on keeping it alive—and it's encouraging to see that they have the means to see things through.

If you’re new to the Guilty Gear series, there isn’t a better place to start than -Strive-. If you’re a returning veteran, enough has changed to keep things feeling fresh, but I have a feeling you’ll be up to speed in no time. While definitely complex and at times a bit intimidating, it does a fantastic job of initiating players. Guilty Gear -Strive- never holds back. If you remotely enjoy fighting games, this is a stunner you shouldn’t miss.

As the first DLC of The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos, The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: Ruins Of Limis had a lot of expectations placed on the shoulders of the six remaining adventurers. And while the DLC did not add anything new in terms of mechanics, it gave players exactly what they loved about the first game — great story, funny dialogue, and deeply involved tactical battles that would make any DM proud. If you loved the base game and want to spend a little more time with this ragtag group of adventurers, The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: Ruins Of Limis is worth diving back into this dungeon for.