It doesn't live up to the admittedly high expectations, lacks in presentation and feels more like an expansion than a standalone game. Yet what it does do, is deliver fun by the bucketload.

It is elegant gameplay combined with a nice social commentary on the side which makes it unique, and I can’t recall the number of times I smiled as I performed a perfect combo.

With how short Pine Hearts is, players should be able to make the trip to the summit after only about three or so hours, give or take a little bit for exploring the environs or potentially tracking down the last few items to complete a quest. With no time limit, health, or other stakes that could endanger Tyke's trek up the mountain, Pine Hearts makes for an enjoyable and short experience that players may find themselves revisiting in order to take in the delightful sound design and beautiful art. The only complaints this reviewer had during his time up the mountain were only minor inconveniences at worst, and don't take away from the enjoyable experience of this game. If you're a gamer that enjoys short but enjoyable journeys, then you may be interested in climbing to the peak of Pine Hearts.

While the Scale User Interface is the true hero of this release, it would not exist if it weren’t in the service of Baldur’s Gate II and its expansion. If there was ever a good time to replay Shadows of Amn or to sink your teeth into its considerable flesh for the very first time, then it is now.

I'm surprised that it has taken so long for an Assassin's Creed game to finally be released on a VR platform. After all, the original game takes place in a virtual world based on the memories of the descendant of Desmond Miles. And Assassin's Creed Nexus does an amazing job of placing gamers in the shoes of several notable characters and locations from within the Assassin’s Creed series. Although the story is not as detailed as that of previous Assassin's Creed titles, it still does a more than adequate job of keeping the player entertained over the course of the journey. But the developers have made full use of the VR controls to ensure that players feel immersed and like they are part of the action. Hopefully, Assassin's Creed Nexus be the first of many in a series of VR games from Ubisoft.

Injustice 2 is a big, bold, expansive love letter to fans of DC comics and fighting games in general, and its sequel improves on the original in most every way. A deep roster ripe for customization and enough quality game modes worth spending time with will ensure you’ve got enough to keep you busy for quite some time. Though a few issues hold NetherRealms’ latest back from being truly exemplary, there are enough positives here to keep the whole experience feeling pretty super.

The first game was an unsung hero of 2014 for me, but now with a little more kick behind its sequel Styx: Shards of Darkness has set itself up to be noticed by more eager gamers looking for a challenging stealth experience. With a more optimized experience, more freedom to the players and more of that sarcastic and vulgar goblin goodness, Styx has found his way once more back into the heart of this gamer - with a sharp dagger and sarcastic commentary.

All in all, Ageless is a very enjoyable game with clearly creative mechanics that allow fresh air to be breathed into the world that is puzzle based platforming. The necessary precision to accomplish some tasks is about the only real flaw I can find in the game. The pros to the game far outweigh the cons, with the pixel designs and gorgeous backdrops, the unique mechanics, a story that feels very relatable, and a consistently shifting style where each world of the game feels fresh and new, I can honestly say that Ageless feels timeless, and proves that fooling around with time is a concept that won’t grow old anytime soon if done right.

Void Bastards does a lot for such a small game — layered elements building a player experience where approach must always be varied and considered. The formula is simple — the ship computer asks you to procure items, you go find the items. In this sense, I thought I would find the game boring after awhile, but it’s actually surprisingly addictive, each wreck a new excitement-filled run, as you try to grab what you can, improvise on your feet, and most importantly, stay alive! Its simplicity is part of the appeal, but it also packages plenty of dark humour and absurd fun to go along with the ride. If you enjoy indie rogue-likes, or space scavenger hunts, the Void Ark awaits.

As my first entry into the series, Sudden Strike 4 is one of those RTS games that I'll actually remember a year from now. One where I'll be sitting there and go, "Jeeze, I think it's about time to play it again." I'm halfway tempted to go back and check out the older games, but Sudden Strike 4's campaign is just something sublime that I'm going to be revisiting frequently when I get the RTS itch. The shame is that I didn't enjoy the multiplayer as much as the single-player, as while the gameplay mechanics stay intact it loses a lot of that luster. A final note: the campaign, being only 21 missions along with the less enjoyable multiplayer, may not be enough for many people to pay out the $49.99 price tag. It's a bit steep, but I still say it's a must play for any RTS fan.

It’s a very enjoyable and at times challenging experience that never feels unfair. At times, you’ll be faced with a puzzle that looks impossible, but as soon as you figure out its design, you’ll think yourself silly for not having seen it immediately.

Regardless of its length, Guacamelee is a fine platformer that is lighthearted and entertaining, with plenty of things to fight and laugh about along the way.

Yoku's Island Express is a game that's full of surprises and charm. It kept me on my toes with its unique mechanics and visuals, and I'm very happy that the pinball aspects never became taxing. If pinball isn't quite your thing but you love casual adventure or metroidvania games, I think you'll enjoy Yoku's Island Express immensely.

Sixty Four will serve to satisfy the many manufacturing enthusiasts out there. It is an in-depth simulation that provides a mysterious and very complex gaming environment. Developer Oleg Danilov has done an excellent job figuring out all of the intricacies of Sixty Four and when the factory is running automatically it is a wonder to behold! I have made some comments about being able to move things around but in the grand scheme of things that really doesn't matter much. This game is a keeper and it should be on your list of games to play because it requires the game player to think ahead and to plan instead of willy-nilly placing things all over the map like I tend to do!

Scars Above seems to have borrowed traits from several games that all combine well to make Scars Above and enjoyable experience. This mixture of simple puzzle-solving and light combat may not suit everyone, but I certainly enjoyed crafting weapons and gadgets that helped bring down the Custodian.

People that play and love Mount & Blade probably don't care as much about politics or the economy. For most, it will be all about being a knight on a horse that matters, and Bannerlord comes through once again. Any shortcomings or features that weren't thought of by the developers will no doubt be modded by fans. In fact, mods are already appearing and that will only add to the longevity of the game. Even though there are still some minor bugs such as an underperforming AI, I still can't recommend Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord enough. Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is a highly addictive game that has me wanting to ride around Calradia upon my trusty steed until I become king of the medieval land.

This reviewer can't go into too much detail about the story of Stan and Under the Waves - some things are best experienced by the player first hand after all, and the story that is spun along the seafloor is definitely one of those. Players will learn more about Stan through his isolation, all the while exploring the beautiful ocean. If you're a fan of oceanic visage, emotional stories, crafting mechanics, wide ranging exploration, or some combination of them all, Under the Waves might just be the game for you.

Despite the occasional control annoyance and underdeveloped trait system, this is a fantastic game that I am going to spend many more hours with to continue building my legacy.

Whether you're a long time Tales Of fan or just a fan of RPGs in general, Tales of Xillia Remastered promises to engage its players in music, story, characters, and a combat system that takes a bit of getting used to but is very satisfying to pull off as you weave multiple Artes into each other - it very much feels like learning fighting game combos once you adapt to them. Tales of Xillia Remastered comes very recommended.

There are some similarities to other pirate themed games but in reality how many different ways are there to sail the Caribbean fighting pirates? This pirate says not many. I would have liked to see the option to use a third person perspective while in battle but the first person works fine. In all, Buccaneers lets players having fun playing a pirate, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

There seems to be enough updates to make Football Manager 2024 a worthwhile sports manager franchise game to have, and I give it two thumbs up!

With a good balance of a quality campaign, multiplayer, and cooperative modes, there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy.

If you are a seasoned turn-based strategy gamer, you can really sink your teeth into this one and get a run for your money. If you are not, you will still get both that run for your money and a crash course in applied survivor tactics.

The game uses the golf word par to give a number of how many shots a hole has to be completed in. In reality using the word par in place of number of shots allowed is a misnomer because completing a hole under par carries no benefit. That might just be the developers way of making the game be more golf like. However, even though Cursed to Golf really isn't a sports game or a game of real golf, it does hold a whole lot of value when it comes to fun. The graphics aren't the latest and greatest but the feeling of accomplishment of actually negotiating your way past each level is worth the price of admission. It's also worth a bunch of satisfaction knowing that you indeed did escape purgatory, finally!

Ultimately, Max Mustard is a delightful VR platformer that successfully captures the spirit of classic platformers. Its beautiful visuals, intuitive controls, and engaging level design make it a must-play for VR enthusiasts. While the VR experience can sometimes be a double-edged sword, the game's strengths far outweigh its limitations. If you're looking for a fun and accessible VR adventure, Max Mustard is a fantastic choice.

Tekken 7 is almost perfect as a fighting game. The story is so-so, but let's be honest...it is a fighting game, does there really need to be a story? The game play and controls are practically flawless, and that is of utmost importance when you're attempting to knock out your opponent. The basic combos are simple to learn, whilst if you take the time to learn the more complex combos, they can pay off big time. The visuals are clear and crisp with some wonderful locales. Going through the images, there has been a marked improvement in visual quality since the last game in the series and the music sets the mood wonderfully. My excitement at being able to once again perform in the Iron Fist Tournament has definitely been fulfilled with Tekken 7.

Terra Nil is the ultimate Zen experience when it comes to city builders and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Despite the immense annoyance at the decision to include hidden platforms as a requirement for progression, I loved Candle. Introducing point-and-click adventure game elements into platformers is sure to benefit both genres and as a point-and-click adventure geek, I have rarely enjoyed a platformer more than I did this one. It’s by no means perfect, but I can’t wait for the sequel. Please, Teku Studios, just make sure I can see where I’m going.

The sound cue that plays when an enemy charges towards you should be enough for you to know to jump over it. You will die a lot, but you’ll always know what killed you, and you’ll always know it’s your own fault for not being fast enough. That’s what makes completing a particularly hard level all the more satisfying. You’ll slowly unlock new colour schemes which simply swap the colour palette.

Rogue Lords borrows quite a bit from other popular games, but it isn't really worse for wear because of it. Players looking for something completely fresh may be disappointed by the strong similarities with games like Slay the Spire and Darkest Dungeon, but the unique visual design and combat twists push this sternly into the "more of a good thing isn't a bad thing" category for me. If you like roguelikes and turn-based squad combat, this is the perfect game to spend some time with as we enter the early days of the Halloween season.

The blood curdling story which has you twisting between empathy and loathing is truly fantastic, and it’s one of the best reasons to put aside any fears you may have and play this great game.

Get Even is one of the most atmospheric games I have played. The music and sound effects do a remarkable job in setting the tone and the story proceeds nicely as your detective skills and memories build the narrative. It is primarily built around exploration and discovery, but does it in a way that is wonderfully entertaining. The combat elements work well, and the sleuthing and stealth all combine to make the game a fulfilling experience, one that has you sitting on the edge of your seat until you reach the conclusion.

As a said earlier, I loved the Tomb Raider reboot a couple of years back and must admit I had been looking forward to doing some more treasure hunting as everyone's favourite English heroine. Rise of the Tomb Raider hasn't let me down. Although there aren't too many differences in the gameplay, the story has been written so well that it makes the game feel fresh despite the similarities.

StarDrive 2 does not dethrone Master of Orion 2 as the best 4X game in space ever made, but damn it gets close. It is almost as deep, it almost has the same rich atmosphere and almost that same inspired gameplay. That may not sound uplifting, but considering the bar we’re looking at, “almost” is a staggering achievement. No one has ever got - this - close.

So if you are looking for a thrilling Pacific theatre WWII shooter and don’t mind having to master it to gain the respect of your fellow players, you should definitely be playing Rising Storm right now.

It would be safe to say that Sweet Transit could be viewed as being a niche title to the gaming public in general. Whilst the management and optimization of railroad logistics with the resulting growth of a city might not be everyone's cup of tea, the game can still provide a lot of enjoyment for those of us that like such things. Sweet Transit looks and sounds great and with the additional content created by fans the game would seem to have a long term appeal for train fans. And even though it has a rather steep learning curve and I was forced to scratch my head over some of the foolish building decisions I made, I still have to give this one a two thumbs up.

All in all development team Massive Miniteam have a massive co-op winner on their minimally spit covered hands! It's also a pretty handy little party game that lets you spit with your friends and not get in to trouble for it. Just don't tell mom.

Roughly 15 years since the release of Tales of Graces f, it's still well worth the journey. The story, although familiar for the JRPG genre, is well told with enjoyable characters. When Graces f originally came out it was well received but swallowed up in the passage of time, so it's great that it's getting another go around with the remaster. It may not be perfect, but I think it's worth being remembered as a great game.

Sonic Frontiers is a game with a lot going for it, but is somewhat held back by the technical issues of a character as fast as Sonic. It does provide a path forward into a new era of Sonic games that could revive the series and unite the fans behind it. Exploring the Starfall Islands can be as relaxing or as hectic as the player desires, and there is plenty of room for more games like this in the future of the franchise. The added mechanics of an open world and a skill tree allow for players to really feel the growth in Sonic's speed and strength as the game progresses, and the customization in the options allow for a grasp on Sonic's speed and manoeuvrability that no other Sonic game has yet attempted. This reviewer feels optimistic about the Sonic franchise to come now that it has taken some steps into a new frontier.

In all, Shadows Over Loathing is a treat to play and is incredibly witty - the simple designs and graphics add to the game's charm rather than do damage to it, and with the exception of audio mixing the game is very well built. For anyone that likes rather wacky RPGs- the Roaring 20s and its hoards of jazz, hobos, and fishermen are waiting in Shadows Over Loathing.

In all, Mail Time is a fun, if short, experience that can remind people what it is they love about 3D platforming without requiring a lot of investment to learn controls or plot related subjects. The only real issue from my perspective being the lack of a map. That being said that lack isn't too much of a problem compared to the tranquil and enjoyable atmosphere of this easy-going game, making Mail Time a charming delight of a game that has left this reviewer wanting quite a bit more.

My suggestion to improve game movement would be to add the option for a game controller or a joystick or maybe just have different difficulty levels. Using the point and click method with the mouse by placing the cursor on a spot with a click might make the character move to the intended spot be easier. Then the other hand could operate the fire, jump, fan keys and others. However, even with the frustrating key controls, Starena gets two thumbs up because it is a very worthwhile and fun game. Fun is what it is all about.

Grand Ages: Medieval rewards strategists, people who like to plan ahead and like to take time to sit back and oversee the big picture before deciding what to do next. Micromanagement is not required, just encouraged, and optimizing town wealth, output and growth through trade can be a fun challenge all by itself.

Land of the Vikings looks like it has delivered the goods when it comes to producing a city builder / gatherer sim game. There is a lot in the game, so players will have a lot to learn, but need not worry because it comes with a wonderful tutorial that can teach the basics. Even if real Vikings were generally described centuries ago as being violent terrorists, the Vikings in this game will be sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience.

Pinball FX2 is just good fun if you fancy a quick game of pinball. The ball physics are great, the visuals are top notch and, barring some dodgy voice acting here and there, the audio adds to the experience too.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed is set to be a definitive edition for fans and newcomers alike. With its stunning visuals, improved controls, and the timeless charm of the original, Rebrushed is a delightful adventure for Disney and platforming enthusiasts. The playtime of Rebrushed remains similar to the original, offering roughly 15 hours for the main story and an additional 10 hours for completionists seeking every collectible. If you didn't get the chance to play the original, then Rebrushed is well worth your time. And even if you did play the Wii version, then Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed is the perfect opportunity to head back into the Wasteland and get your artistic side flowing.

The Prophet and the Warlock is a stellar piece of content, with wonderful new units and plenty to wrap your teeth around mechanically — it’ll bring joy to any Total War: Warhammer fan. But at the same time, I wish the factions could have had their own campaign goals, and considering this is a rivalry focused DLC, a focal point around which to centre their head-to-head. Ikit and Tehenhauin are both unique legendary lords, but in the end there’s no real reason it’s them and not any other of the Skaven or Lizardmen waging their ancient war.

It may not be quite as good as the previous titles and some gameplay problems exist, but it draws us back in repeatedly - even to replay earlier levels for the pure enjoyment of them.

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is essentially a shooter, but it is a good shooter for any fan of the Wild West. The story is enjoyable and the little twists and turns along the way keep it interesting and even funny even though you are basically doing the same thing over and over again: shooting at minions until you get to the final encounter of each scene.

I do think Helebron’s campaign is far stronger than Alarielle’s, but, on the whole, the lord pack is great: with new units and interesting lore specific mechanics.

Battle Cry Of Freedom looks great, it has a great soundtrack, and it plays just fine. As a big history buff with the old west and the Civil War being favourites, I was excited for this game. But since I'm also not real big into multiplayer games maybe I sound a little put off. But the game does give players a historical experience and does so very well. Flying Squirrel have satisfied all of their goals and they have come up with a solid game that will be enjoyed by many.

In all, The Plucky Squire is a very delightful game with a lovely concept, a warm awareness of itself and the tropes it is interacting with, all wrapped in a gorgeous visual design that makes both parts of the game an absolute delight to witness. There is some slowdown in some areas when they are specifically cluttered with people and interactable objects, but even with that in mind, jumping into the pages of The Plucky Squire is sure to be an enjoyable time for many aspiring adventurers.

From a pure driving standpoint though, it’s tough to beat Dirt 4. It’s a niche style of racing, but it’s one with a lot of positives that the majority of people can enjoy. If you’re into competition and bumping into other drivers as you race, there are modes for you, but there are better options out there if that’s all you’re looking for. Dirt 4 is for the people who love the simulation aspect. They want to be challenged. They want to ‘Scandinavian Flick’ their way around dense forests at night time with the fog and rain closing in. It’s dirty, but it’s glorious.

The way Football Manager has changed means a better game for everyone. You are able to do everything you need to do to run your team successfully much quicker than you’ve been able to before. The improvements to the match engine make actually watching the games fairly entertaining. Clunky elements like the conversation and press conference systems remain, but fans of the series have learned to accept these for what they are now. There are certainly more improvements to be made to Football Manager, but what we have got right now is rather good indeed.

Outward is a game that was already vast in scale for such a challenging survival RPG, and The Soroboreans DLC adds a worthwhile amount of content to this somewhat slow and methodical game. If you have spent hours exploring the world of Aurai, then The Soroboreans DLC is highly recommended.

Persona 3 is a famous story from an RPG perspective and is considered to be one of the best in the series, so despite the price point if you're a fan of turn based JRPGs or have previously played other games in the series, then Persona 3 Reload is definitely a game to pick up!

Sand Land makes up for its shortcomings with its characters, its sense of adventure, and its world. It is one of the best representations of Toriyama's work in game form in a long time. If you're like me and miss Toriyama's world building and design, but have exhausted the plethora of Dragon Ball titles, then give Sand Land a try. It's a worthy adaptation that deserves attention, and hey, it's way better than Final Bout.

Siegecraft Commander is a fun game no matter how you play it, but it’s best in VR by virtue of the lack of anything similar for VR. I do wish that some of the issues, both in virtual reality and with a keyboard and mouse, will get ironed out. They’re relative minor and surface-level so hopefully we will get some post-launch updates. At the end of it all, fun, engaging gameplay elements overcome these annoyances to deliver a game that’s good, but held back from being truly great.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a great game that should be an automatic purchase for any fans of the Dragon Ball franchise, and is worth a hard look from anyone that may be intimidated to jump into their first fighting game. It’s too early to make claims about the game’s longevity, balance, and online community, but the pieces are certainly in place to for the game to have some legs.

The simple controls work equally well whether you’re using a controller or a keyboard allowing the great level design to show through. With each of the levels adding a new hazard of some sort, it allows Unravel to remain fresh throughout.

While Observation isn’t perfect, developer No Code has managed to create something truly unique. It’s a word that’s used way too often, but I’ve never played anything quite like it. Some will find the gameplay a little restrictive or the lack of handholding frustrating, but the challenging puzzles and compelling narrative create an unforgettable experience. If you favor a good thrilling story with replay value then you shouldn’t miss out on Observation.

If you enjoy classic-style point-and-click adventures that make you think – which is the reason we play them, I know, but I mean more so than usually – then Whispers of a Machine is a must-buy for you. You’ll probably have to look into a walkthrough at some points, but when you do, you’ll bash your head against a wall thinking “how did I miss that!?”

Overall the game is beyond simplistic, but perhaps that's for the best. Overcomplicating things might have made it less fun in the grand scheme of things, and while I can't say for certain if I'll be playing this game a year from now, I do know I can affectionately call it my frightening summer fling for multiplayer. Illfonics has set the stage, it's time for them to keep improving upon this great idea, and for other companies to take the hint and follow in their footsteps. This is asymmetric multiplayer at its most addicting, and horror in one of its purest forms.

Beyond the jumping mechanics and some technical slowdown that occurs every so often while playing, Crystal Catacombs is a difficult and engaging roguelike that is a must play for fans of the genre and for those who want something different in their gaming library.

Prey sure did change between its original inception and the new one, and honestly I'd say it's almost entirely for the better. The original Prey didn't stick with me, or much of the gaming community, and seemed to fade away quietly. While die hard fans of the original game may claim that this reboot is only Prey in name alone, I would argue that this is what Prey should've been in the first place. It's not perfect, but it is engrossing and stole quite a few hours of my life between start to finish. Here's hoping for a sequel that builds upon the solid ideas here, and improves them much in the same way Arkane did for their Dishonored series.

Edge of Sanity is a highly-enjoyable Lovecraftian survival horror experience that walks the fine line between tension and relaxation, alternating moods to always keep the player uncertain of the ground under their feet. The gameplay is relatively easy to learn, but difficult to master. The narrative unfortunately is a bit weak, but if you accept that and stick around for the gameplay itself, odds are there will be enough to keep your interest for a decent number of hours.

Return to Monkey Island follows the tried-and-true formula of past titles whilst adding a new flavour to the series. The vibrant visuals and wonderful voice acting are surpassed only by the quality puzzles and humorous story. And although I found most of the puzzles reasonably simple, this may be due to my veteran status when it comes to point-and-click adventure games. Return to Monkey Island is a wonderfully nostalgic journey with old friends and new, one that has me helpful that a further sequel is just over the horizon.

The Senna Forever DLC is a fitting tribute to the Formula One Legend, and the fact that it complements the era with the retro visuals and gameplay of Horizon Chase Turbo, makes that much sweeter. If you want a fun, simple racing game to play with a bunch of friends or even with a younger family, or if you’re a fan of Ayrton Senna and want to revisit some of his classic races – albeit in an arcade style – then you can’t go past Horizon Chase Turbo and the Senna Forever add-on.

Curious Expedition 2 suffers from some of the same frustrations that plague all games with any level of procedural generation, but, overall, it’s a fun romp filled with adventure and mystery. The structured story missions that frame the side quests provide a much-welcomed story to the game, and the myriad of characters, items, and gameplay options kept each mission fresh. Much like the mysterious islands you’ll explore and conquer, Curious Expedition 2 is worth checking out.

Europa Universalis IV won’t be for everyone, but those who like grand scale strategies that Paradox has been renowned for will find this an enjoyable experience. The game had me playing well into the nights and if that is any indication of a great game, then Europa Universalis IV passes the test.

When they've sorted everything out, Total War: Rome 2 could well be regarded as the best of the series, as when the game plays as intended, the grand scale campaigns and the battles within, are a joy to experience. The simple interface belies the depth of the game as you control your chosen nation in both a civic capacity and as a general on the battlefield.

Advertised as a cyberpunk horror, I do feel that >observer_ falls short of that aim considering I only jumped three times throughout. What it did right is more than enough reason for any fans of the cyberpunk genre, fans of works centered around dystopias, and fans of vintage sci-fi to at least give it a shot. From the setting to diving into others’ minds, and then watching the lines between real and unreal begin to blur, it’s an unsettling walk through madness I’m happy I took.

Dead in Vinland eclipses its predecessor in almost every way. If you felt Dead in Bermuda was catering too much to a more casual experience, you’ll find plenty to love here. There’s a ton more depth and the additional combat sequences really add flavour. The game would benefit from being a bit better balanced at its default difficulty settings though.

SOMA may not be the horror game I was hoping for, but what I got was still a very enjoyable experience.

The game draws you in deeper with every new area that you explore. Even when you don’t take the time to read its extensive dialogue, the struggle to survive on the barren wasteland and the sometimes nail biting battles in which each bullet counts will make you want to devour this game from start to end.

Telltale's episodic adventure game series The Walking Dead is nearing the end of its second season, with the penultimate episode, Amid the Ruins, paving the way for what's sure to be a brutal season finale.

I don’t think anyone is going to call BattleTech a perfect game, but it is a fun one that brings the IP back into the spotlight with a game that does justice to the lore, atmosphere, and tactical depth that the tabletop and video games were build on. Though its pace might be a bit slow for some, and the RNG can be frustrating in the worst ways, the game has too much going right for it to let those issues hold it back.

Ghost Recon: Wildlands isn't perfect. For its strides forward, it takes some backwards in areas I feel should not be sacrificed. As a co-op title, it's awesome. As a single player experience, it's great. If you're looking for a narrative thriller, or even just a basic interesting story, you won't find it here. What you will find is plenty to see, and plenty to shoot along the way to take down the cartel plague of Bolivia.

Back in its Early Access state I recommended picking up Warhammer 40k: Space Wolf for the large amount of content available at such a low price, and there’s been more than enough added to warrant its current asking price of $18 USD. Though it is sometimes frustrating, it’s a good bit of fun that takes an interesting approach to the genre that you won’t find done any better elsewhere.

This game won’t appeal to everyone. There are those that will look at only the surface and dismiss it. The blending of types of gameplay can be difficult to come to terms with, if you’re looking for a single focussed style. It did take me some time to really appreciate it and part of that was the controls required for the platformer format in which the game has been designed. Yet in the end I really enjoyed the variety and could appreciate the complexity of such a well-rounded game.

I’m not the biggest fan of point-and-click games, but I really dug Bad Dream: Coma and its brand of tonal, moody horror not reliant on cheap scares and jumps. While it has some issue with some of its puzzles and doesn’t quite commit to some of its plot points as much as I’d like it to, its relatively short run-time makes it the perfect title to sit down with and run through on a dark, rainy weekend evening right before drifting off to sleep...

All in all SMT III is a tricky game to review, particularly without comparing it to the Persona series that gamers may be more acquainted with, especially on Steam. The concepts and designs of demons are very clearly the same, but the combat and story play out in such different ways, not even including the lack of the social sim portion that Persona is known for. If you’re a fan of JRPGS or played SMT III on the PS2, then this reviewer recommends looking into the dark story of the Demifiend and what becomes of the world around him.

Sumire is a short, straightforward game that knows what it wants to do and doesn’t weigh itself down with fluff or filler. While those looking for more involved or complicated gameplay mechanics will want to look elsewhere, Sumire rewards those interested in a more relaxed experience with an emotional, well-written game that’s not afraid to approach emotionally mature subject matter.

A perfect mix of humour and intrigue is what separates Broken Sword from other games out there. It's not as foreign and “silly” as Deponia, not as serious as Gabriel Knight and Agatha Christie, not as incredible (in the literal meaning of the word), as The Next Big Thing. Broken Sword is just Broken Sword. There is no comparison.

It may take you a few attempts to get a handle on the game’s ecosystem and pace, to unlearn what you have learnt from the countless other survival games out there. But once you have, you will find a game that opens up the survival genre for those looking for a more short paced fix.

The frequent deaths will turn off many, and it will take a lot of time to properly master the game. But for those who persevere, GoNNER is a rewarding, challenging experience that is a blast to play.

The story itself feels very much like filler content, but the missions in the single player and survival do have their hooks in me.

MOTHERGUNSHIP is a ton of fun. When you’ve built a lava-spewing dual minigun with a rocket launcher shooting ricocheting explosives in the middle of your 40th jump since touching the ground- and that’s only on one of your arms- it’s pretty hard not to smile. The game nails its tone, full of color, speed, and humor, and it doesn’t let off the gas pedal from start to finish. It’s not a perfect game, but it does what it needs to do, and I’d have an easy time recommending it to most.

With an interesting premise, challenging gameplay and some amazing atmosphere, See No Evil manages to stand out from the competition.

Sonic Mania, as well as Sonic Mania Plus Encore, are exactly what the Sonic franchise needed to breathe some life back into it. The ball is in play, and it gives fans hope for the series to improve going forward.

Shiny isn’t going to melt your face with novelty or depth, but it is an example of the kind of platformer I’d like to see more of. One that doesn’t run any longer than it needs to, asks a price to match, brings enough ingenuity to keep things engaging, but never pushes so far that it loses sight of the foundation that makes it great.

NBA 2K22 definitely hasn't earned a foul of any type, but may not quite win a championship either. Let's say that NBA 2K22 won its conference title and might have made it to the finals, but not an NBA Championship this year. There's always something else to improve before championship status can be awarded. NBA 2K22 is much improved over the NBA 2K21 edition. As with most all yearly serial sports franchise computer games developing a completely new game engine takes a lot of work and time, work that probably couldn't be completed with the years. When taking into consideration the disappointments involving the 2021 edition, Vision Concepts and 2K Sports really did a good job with the 2022 game. It rolled around the rim and dropped in for two. Here's hoping that future editions can sink the three-pointer.

Aside from that one small complaint, Knights of Pen & Paper is a tribute to games from the 8 bit era as well as to pen & paper role-playing. There is an unmistakable charm in the simplistic 8 bit looks and musical score and the game hits a level of immersion that rivals many a triple-A title. Simply put, they don’t make ‘m like this anymore.

This game that could've gone so wrong, so easily, is already off to a great start with more content both free and paid set to come over the next year.

Styx: Master of Shadows may not come out swinging, it may not become a household name, but it doesn't have to be. Treasure always teases the eyes of those who want it, and Styx has all the makings of a potential sleeper hit.

Golem is a cute, point-and-click puzzle game which features a stellar soundtrack, a unique art style, and numerous puzzles. With only a few directional issues, the game provides an interesting take on the puzzle genre. Each level is layered with numerous mysteries, beautiful artwork and a great soundtrack to compliment the visual spectacle of the tower looming overhead.

Unless you want to complete both endings and complete your collection of cogs, the game is a little on the short side. But with such a wonderfully presented story and artwork, there is no reason why you wouldn’t run through Freedom Fall again.

Threshold is more than just disparate cool ideas, it's the culmination of them. It has enough interactivity to allow the player to inhabit the world and experience a story obtuse enough to allow you to insert your own pieces. The graphics and audio design play an early and constant role in introducing you to the more sinister parts of your new mundane job. It all combines to make something that, despite its flaws, is worth at least one play-through, and probably cult classic status in this niche genre.