It's a bit thin on content for a full episode, but some of the set design and kills in 'Hitman's 'Summer Bonus Episode' are some of the best yet in the serial. It's not the kind of golden goose episode that people should be falling all over themselves to play, but it is a solid few hours of fun in previously visited locales.

'Human Fall Flat' is a brilliant, remarkably funny twist on classic platforming and puzzle solving. Its problems are minor: the controls and audio are a bit rough around the edges, and a few of the puzzles are too simple for their own good. Whatever it lacks is easily replaced by simple elegance in both level design and personality.

While '10 Second Ninja X' suffers from a lack of difficulty scaling, it's still an enjoyable skill based title that is as much a puzzle game as a platformer.

While it's complexities edge a tad too close to convolution at times, 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII' was a great time once I wrapped my head around it all. The steps towards accessibility, while far from perfect, definitely make this the most user-friendly entry in the series, and the amount of options available to players is hugely appreciated.

'Zombie Night Terror' makes for a delightful challenge, one that is worth revisiting in the future even after conquering all of the levels. Many of the human characters in the game are in need of grisly end, and zombies are certainly primed for that. The game falls short of excellence, but it's still an easy recommendation for anyone who might enjoy an action-puzzler with zombie b-movie humor.

A lovely little low-key JRPG that feels like the work of a small, passionate indie developer that just wants to pay homage to the classics it looks up to. 'I Am Setsuna' isn't a revolutionary game or a rebirth of the genre, as the marketing seems to imply. What 'I Am Setsuna' ultimately ends up being is a remarkably well-made, charming game that's endlessly endearing and entirely devoid of cynicism.

Fans of 'Target Earth' will find a lot to like in 'Assault Suit Leynos.' It's just as rewarding as the Genesis original, and the game has never looked better. Those without a sense of nostalgia won't find as much here to appreciate though, as even on easy difficulty its extremely difficult.

Despite stumbles in its gameplay, I am a sucker for sappy stories, and that is what 'Song of the Deep' should be played for. There are many other games that provide engrossing, replayable platforming and puzzles, but with less warmth or none at all. I enjoyed my time with Merryn and her submarine but we sure did bicker a lot.

Vile Monarch’s Grzegorz and Kacper have done some awesome stuff in their career - 'This War of Mine' is a personal favorite. With 'Crush Your Enemies' I don’t know what happened. They tried to subvert the genre of mobile gaming and satirize the clickfest, and yet they just created what they were trying to parody.

An absolutely terrific love letter to 'JoJo' that’s marred by being an extremely mediocre game. For fans of the franchise, there's enough love and care poured into this that it at least warrants a look, but for everyone else, the basic gameplay just isn't enough to make this a worthwhile package.

'The Force Awakens' is one of the better 'Lego Star Wars' in recent memory. TT is paying attention to players and throwing in more variety. Even if we’ve seen all of this variety before, it’s very welcome in the 'Lego' world. If you haven’t been a huge fan of the series to date, this might not change your mind, but the returning fans will find a lot of 'Star Wars' to do.

'The Technomancer' is not without its merits, but can’t quite find a place for itself in the RPG/action field. It is clear what Spiders was trying to do and I don’t fault them for it - their creation has the potential to be something special. In this current form that’s all it is though, just potential.

A throwback to simpler times, when gaming was just a few coins, a lot of sweaty palms and fun. All this, and more, and all the better for it. Breezy, enjoyable, cute. My favorite game of 2016 so far.

'Prison Architect' has grown from a wonky but promising idea into an awesome strategy experience. Except for some persistent pathfinding bugs, the AI and building elements are spot on, and I highly recommend this game even to people who may not normally enjoy the tycoon genre.

Playdead could have simply made yet another 'Limbo' and it would've been great. Instead, they kept the core gameplay and went into a bold yet familiar direction with it. 'Inside' hasn't left my thoughts since I completed it, and I doubt it will any time soon. It's a fantastic game that proves what the medium can do when used correctly, and provides an experience that can't be replicated by film or literature.

Very possibly the best action game of this generation thus far, this is a rare example of every facet of a game's design working perfectly to create an amazing whole. This is an outstanding effort from a studio I’m going to follow wholeheartedly from here on out.

Perhaps season passes have jaded me after all these years, but this is exactly the kind of filler DLC that pads out most season passes. It doesn’t change much, doesn’t add much, doesn’t take any risks. There is a familiar fun in the arcade sensibilities of the Directives, but the novelty doesn’t last very long. 'The Underground' is worth trying out if you’ve committed to a pass, but certainly not worth buying on its own.

I am struggling to understand why people would choose this over some of the really excellent survival games out there. Maybe on PC it’s really great. On the Xbox One it is not.

'Full Mojo Rampage' is a forgettable twin stick shooter that offers up very little when compared to the genre's best.

There really aren't many simulation motocross games being made anymore, but thankfully Milestone has made a good one. 'MXGP 2' lacks polish in its visuals and multiplayer, but I still ended up having plenty of fun once I got past the learning curve. While there is still plenty of room for the series to grow, fans of motorbike racing won't find anything better on the current generation of consoles right now.

'Goliath' comes up short on almost all fronts, unfortunately.

The general lack of polish and content makes 'Umbrella Corps' highly disappointing. There are rare moments where the round-based gameplay really shines, but it just doesn't happen often enough to make up for the title's many other shortcomings.

Two ho-hum games that are aging quickly despite their youth, and a new retro title that adds very little to the equation.

If you're looking for a role-playing game that is trying to do something different, and innovative with online play, then this is certainly worth checking out.

The first Mirror’s Edge was a surprising risk with interesting gameplay that developed a niche audience, and its follow-up tries, mostly successfully, to recapture that same effect. There are stumbles with its open world, combat, and narrative, but Faith's freerunning world persists. Chasing after every red zipline, railing, and air duct is still fun eight years on.

An excellent game for scratching that obsessive roguelike itch. It’s minimalist and tough as nails with a peculiar interface, but as it turns out, successfully crushing all infestations on a ship with a novella of keystrokes provides a special kind of satisfaction.

Story Mode has been Telltale’s most consistently unpredictable series in recent memory in terms of its quality. The stronger episodes, full of great jokes, interesting locales, and the occasional heartwarming moment, have been undermined by duds like 'Assembly Required' and now this streamer tribute. It’s best to wash our hands of it and hope for greater adventures the next time the New Order of the Stone meets.

Burning Blood is pure fan service through and through, and there’s nothing wrong with that. People who don’t watch/read the source material are going to remain thoroughly confused, but there’s still some enjoyment to be had in its wacky fighting and over-the-top style. If you’re not a manga fan and are looking for a fighter with tight mechanics, accurate hitboxes and a deep bench of combos, best keep looking.

'Marrakesh' is a step back from the successes of previous episodes, but not dramatically so. IO seems to be experimenting with different playstyles that leave less room for debate, but the classic DNA of 'Hitman' permeates everything and I will have no problem coming back for the next round.

This is a very short and very weak rendition of the Turtles. With the exception of perhaps the youngest and most devoted fans of the pizza-loving reptilian brothers, it can be easily skipped.

If you like a more-than-decent shooter and lots of blood splatters on your television screen, DOOM remains a force to be reckoned with. I just wish the game was a little more fun to play.

Despite Blizzard’s untested pedigree in the realm of shooters, they have managed to craft one of the best entries in this generation. As a critic a big part of my work is to find flaws, and I had a tough job with this game. Overwatch is loud, it’s fast, it’s audacious, and it is a welcome shot in the arm in a flagging genre.

In terms of design, art, and just plain content, 'Far Harbor' is some of the best DLC in Bethesda’s stable. The island and its marine inhabitants gobbled up many hours, and even now I still have much left to explore.

It has an adequate but not quite good campaign, easily skippable co-op, and some serious engine problems. It’s your thoroughly average shooter, in a nutshell.

'Afterbirth' is an expensive addition when compared to its base game, but it is truly an expansion. To the right player it will provide far more entertainment than a AAA season pass typically would, and at a fraction of the price.

On the surface Battleborn is a lot like other competitive shooters we have seen in this generation: solid mechanics that provide a sweet honeymoon period, but are only held up by a stringy framework that brings down their replay value. I can see myself playing it a month from now, but six months, or a year? Anyone’s guess.

'Shadow Complex Remastered' looks better than ever, but doesn't add much in terms of content. That's fine, though, as the core game holds up as one of the best Metroidvania adventures ever made, and doesn't feel dated at all.

We've had a few years with the PS4 now, and while I've cherished games like 'Until Dawn' and 'Bloodborne,' there has been a void when it came to the question of a must-own exclusive. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is that game. It's not ahead of its time like its series' forebears, but the elements of story, gameplay, and visuals come together like a masterwork. For me, the final product beats the impressive previews. It's not a revolution, but it is Naughty Dog at the top of their game.

It’s not every day that a video game surprises me, and that is exactly what’s happened here. Kathy Rain is engrossing for nearly all of its admittedly modest running time, even when it takes quirky trips into left field. It may wear its inspirations on its sleeve, but that makes it no less likeable or entertaining.

Once Upon a Climb didn’t quite tickle my fancy as much as 'A Knight to Remember', but it’s pretty close. The storytelling gets better with age, even if the puzzles don’t keep up as well. Still, this is an adventure game with a story to tell, and the gameplay is always going to be on the back burner. As usual, 'King’s Quest' is a good time, with jokes appropriate for almost all audiences.

This is a reboot done right.

Even better than the terrific first episode, the Sapienza mission might be a series high point. While there are still some technical issues, and the lengthy load times hamper things in a game where reloading to give things another shot is such a big part of it, the overall experience has been incredible so far. I can't wait to see what comes next.

'Don't Starve Together' is hands-down the best way to play 'Don’t Starve'.

Artifex Mundi has some decent puzzle work in their portfolio, but 'Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek' was more of a chore than an engaging adventure experience.

This has been a worthwhile deviation while we wait for season three of the main series.

Fans of 'Aliens,' myself included, should be pleased when they see Ripley and co in action in a pinball setting. It certainly makes me think of the heyday of licensed pinball tables.

A highly enjoyable platformer that doesn't take any risks. It's almost like comfort food in a way. You know what to expect, and it scratches that particular itch, but it's ultimately empty calories. Hopefully WayForward Technologies will take more chances and innovate with the next entry in the series, 'Shantae: Half-Genie Hero.'

The kind of game that didn’t cry out for a remaster so soon (or at all), not because it was flawed but because it was so amazing. At only $5 for previous 'Ori' owners, it is difficult not to recommend to any Xbox One owner, especially because the new difficulty levels make its strenuous challenges more attainable. It still remains a specific kind of platformer and therefore something somewhat niche, but I am not ashamed to say that it is my favorite Xbox exclusive of this generation to date.

The two year plus wait for The Banner Saga 2 was well worth it. Stoic has managed to improve on its formula, adding new wrinkles to the admittedly limited gameplay and telling an even more absorbing story in the process. The saga is better than ever and I’m very excited for the next installment.

The Collider 2 just doesn't have enough substance to make it an enjoyable experience. In fact, it even seems like in several ways to be a step back from its predecessor. There's a solid base, though, and with a few tweaks to the progression system it could be a much more enjoyable title.

Dark Souls III delivers. It scratches a special itch that only its developer has managed find. So while the bounty of 'Souls' games in recent years has spoiled this reviewer, it's impossible not to enjoy, and recommend the game to both new and returning players. In fact, only Bloodborne players seeking that game's particular speed and setting may be an exception.

'Wasteland Workshop' seems more like free update material, or additions that would have come naturally if mod support was a thing. As it stands, it’s a mix of unwieldy creature traps, mildly novel base building objects, and a few handy doodads.

This is a tough and rewarding puzzle game, and its word/RPG combo is probably one of a kind.

Its odd yet enchanting art design and overall presentation make it stand out, not to mention the awesome training. Unfortunately, this port to the Vita has some control and visual issues, and '2nd Encore' is probably best played on the PS4.

It's unwelcoming and occasionally too difficult for its own good, but overall, 'Stranger of Sword City' is an accomplished dungeon crawler made by a team who clearly understands what makes the genre special.

Action game fans will wish for a greater challenge, and everything that the game does well will make players wish that there was more of it.

Armature Studio is really coming into its own as a developer and 'Dead Star' is proof of that. It's one of the most accessible MOBAs to date, and doesn't feature the high barrier of entry that plagues so many of its contemporaries. This is largely circumvented thanks to a wonderfully done tutorial. There's not another game quite like it on the market, which ensures that I'll continue to go back to it frequently.

Crashlands has heart and soul in spades. It is capricious, engrossing, and highly addictive. It has such a pleasant mix of genres that it can be appealing to a wide variety of gamers, not just the ones who enjoy a good craft. Its flaws, like the slow start and smudgy menus, are small and easily overlooked.

Darkest Dungeon is the rare game that gets my heart pumping while playing, not because it’s scary (even though it is a little scary), but because the stakes are so high.

Explorers won't replace 'Monster Hunter' as king of its genre anytime soon, but what's here is an infinitely more accessible game that does more than enough to set itself apart from others like it. It takes a little while before all of its mechanics are fully revealed, and the repetition will be a turnoff for many, but it's an incredibly fun game overall. An extremely strong start to a promising series.

Video games are unequivocally a form of art. But like all art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With 'The Witness' I feel like I’m in an art gallery watching a gaggle of admirers who are looking at a piece together, commenting on its style and how it makes them feel. I’m the guy standing off to the side, not with them but looking at the same painting. I can admit that it’s pretty, but it doesn’t really evoke a significant response, and so I shrug and move on to the next.

Represents a strong step forward in a franchise that seemed all too content to stand in place. While I wish it went further with its parody than it ever really does, a sequel that doubles down on the good ideas introduced here could potentially lead to something great.

There's fun to be had with Nitroplus, it just requires that you play with other people, as the single player is far too limited for its own good.

The controller is a bit rusty, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of the most compelling stories in this generation.

It was thoughtfully constructed even if it comes up a bit short in some places (and another bonus tomb would not have been remiss), but should not be missed by those who enjoyed the base game.

It is a tactical experience without peer, better even than its predecessors. It is draining and agonizing, but in a good way. The high difficulty may turn off some gamers, but it’s worth every second.

The 'Lego' games have always been a known quantity, but perhaps familiarity is beginning to breed contempt. 'Lego Marvel’s Avengers' wasn’t able to hold my attention as well as its forebears, even though it’s not a markedly different experience. Perhaps it’s time for the series to get a shot in the arm.

I'm glad Karaski tries as hard as it does, but it's a shame it's let down by the overall structure as well as a bevy of technical issues. It's ultimately a swing and a miss, but if Unbound Creations attempts the formula again, there's a solid framework that could be worked into something very interesting. If you're a fan of games like 'The Ship', there might be something here for you, but right now, it might be best left avoided.

The Following is the kind of expansion that by today's publishing standards could have easily been labeled as a sequel and given a higher price tag. It doesn’t get everything right, but still has a lot to offer.

An imaginative and exquisite horror gem, wrapped up in Victorian madness and medieval art. Traits that might normally be denounced in other games, like the length and low interactivity, only serve to accentuate its dread. Bloober has crafted a delightful nightmare.

Lives and dies by its combat. There's nothing else here, and I don't say that to be snarky. There's a story that barely exists (maybe two minutes of total cutscene time), but outside of that, it's all action. Thankfully, 'Mitsurugi' overcomes the low budget to deliver excellent mechanics that are capable of standing entirely on their own. I wish there was a little more to it all.

Red Winter has managed to successfully marry strategic elements with a very simple framework, perfect for gaming in small pieces or long benders. They captured the magic from their first 'Dungelot' while avoiding the freemium pitfalls of the second, and 'Shattered Lands' comes out all the better for it. Some modest polishing issues fail to spoil its charm.

An auspicious opener for Telltale’s new series. It has flaws, and the release schedule is probably too tight for the studio to take any player feedback into account, but I have a feeling it is going to give insight into the intricate personality of its lead and deepen her fandom even further.

Hits the nail on the head with its crafty survival gameplay and inspired visual and audio design. At times, especially early on, nothing seems more dangerous than the river, but overall this might be game to get players into the roguelike genre. The technical side lags a bit behind the creative side, but not enough to capsize it.

Less of a sequel and more of a big expansion, but that’s not a bad thing.

While Sadame isn't a bad game at all, it feels like a particularly hollow one. The game has promise, but it all gets squandered on combat that's too simple and dull for its own good. For $15, the quantity of content is impressive, but despite the good ideas present, Sadame doesn't have nearly enough variety or challenge to ultimately make it feel worthwhile.

The roster is impressive, but undercut by the game's insistence that players pre-select a single character before going online. In essence, the fighters are more accessible than what the game modes facilitate, but there's no denying how each human vs human match can be marvelous.

While Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest can stumble in a few places, namely the melodramatic plot and a few structural annoyances, this is ultimately a great SRPG that should please series fans. Some of the newer mechanics don't work quite as well as they should, but the tweaks to the core gameplay go a long way to making this a challenging, and immensely satisfying game.

A very accessible arcade game with highly repeatable shooting shenanigans. I can’t quite decide if the storyline is trying to be edgy or funny, but it doesn’t really work on either level. Thankfully, much of it can be safely ignored in favor of the awesome physics-based gunplay.

Impossible Creatures was a decent strategy game upon first release, but time has not been kind. It’s not a bad experience, but there are far better RTSs available on the market.

I would not say it’s the best shooter I’ve played on the Xbox One, nor is it a huge leap forward in video gaming as a whole, but I’ll be damned if I’m not having fun with it.

The story is worth experiencing if you can tolerate a character who's intentionally extremely unlikable, but as an overall package, it stumbles in a fair few critical ways, and ultimately ends up as one of the weaker efforts from a largely fantastic studio.

While it makes a few missteps in some critical areas, for fans of life sims or boxing movies, this is definitely worth checking out.

A fantastic reboot that revitalizes an aging series wonderfully, the 'Hitman Intro Pack' is packed with personality, intelligence, and absolutely wonderful gameplay.

A small but potentially significant DLC pack for players interested in a more defensive fleet configuration or fresh options when playing with friends. This is basically a complimentary DLC addition that players new to the base game might not even take notice of right off as the Soban fleet doesn’t fundamentally change anything. For those who have enjoyed the 'Homeworld' prequel, it’s worth playing at least a few matches with the fleet.

The quick and somewhat forgettable mission material is buoyed by strong crafting elements and a more player-oriented approach to companions.

The high expectations that I developed after playing through the first three episodes of 'République' have been diminished by 'Terminus'. This is not the denouement I had expected, in terms of gameplay or story. Even so, I think the series as a whole is worth playing. The player just needs to keep in mind that, not unlike many great film series or TV shows, the best entries are in the beginning.

Both a great action game and a really fun strategy game, 'Empires' might not appeal to most 'Warriors' fans, as the new elements can seem intimidating and almost jarring when put next to the combat, but for those who put the time in, there's a lot of complexity and fantastic ideas to be found here, making this one of the best 'Warriors' games to date.

A return to form for the series, which has been struggling a bit in narrative heft the last few episodes. The witherstorm probably went on longer than it should, but it was a serviceable origin story for the new Order of the Stone.

A shining example of how to do a remaster, and the visuals really stand tall. The original game is more accessible (and nearly modern in some aspects) than I recall. Coupled with the included 'Maniac Mansion' and Vita support, this ought to make a great adventure game romp for a great swathe of players.

It doesn’t offer enough freshness or gameplay to justify a separate purchase.

It has a few stumbles in its pacing and action, but it combines historic shooter conventions with a set of flashy, delightful superpowers and a live-action component that's easy on the eyes. If you have an Xbox One, this is undoubtedly a game you should play.

There's enough depth to keep players coming back for more, but not enough content to recommend long play sessions. A completely ridiculous, albeit short, campaign also helps round out an enjoyable package. 'Stikbold' offers up all the fun of dodgeball with the added bonus of not getting smacked in the face with a large rubber ball.

In 'Give No Shelter,' nearly all of the fat has been stripped away from the supporting cast to make way for Michonne, and the series is all the better for it.

It has some fresh ideas and enjoyable missions within the framework of the successful 'Starcraft II' recipe. It’s a bit lighter on story than I would like, and stingy with Nova’s upgrades, but I’m quite happy to try the next one as soon as it’s here - especially considering that this is probably as close to 'Starcraft: Ghost' as we’ll ever get.

While it can sometimes be alienating in how out there many of its ideas seem (considering the game is technically one big bossfight, it'd have to be), 'Trillion: God of Destruction' is an outstandingly original game that I can't wait to check out again.