Whether you have played the original or not, this is a game for anyone seeking atmosphere, story, and FPS gameplay blended into something amazing. Do not miss this experience.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is PC gaming personified.

A perfect storm of gore, atmosphere, tension, scripted and unscripted scares and a memorable plot that dares to explore darkness that can hide within the human psyche, what more can be said? Playing the game on even just normal mode for seven and a half hours was an inviting challenge of fear, misery, adrenaline, and despair which when combined together spells out fun in my book. The closest thing I can give to a negative is that the ending is a severe cliffhanger, and I hope to hear that Red Barrels will be tying up the story one way or another. I’m in love with a monster, and her name is Outlast 2.

Whenever I stopped playing this game, all I could think about was how I was going to handle my next run. I’d think about the gods I should look for and the characters I wanted to learn about, I’d think about the next weapon I should try and how frustrating a certain boss was. Then, I’d sit down and play again, losing myself in a world that I could consistently feel myself getting better at. And once I still think about the first time I fully completed a run, beating the final boss. That feeling of accomplishment is something to be celebrated and appreciated.

While it’s unrealistic to say that DOOM Eternal will be the last FPS game you’ll ever play, you’d be hard pressed to convince me that there will ever be one to top it. I’m not even sure another entry to DOOM could push the genre further than DOOM Eternal has. It’s beautiful destruction, a hurricane of violence, a symphony of being a pure, bonafide bada**. It’s a love note to the 90s and a lesson to modern FPS games that vintage and modern can live side by side, and when done correctly makes a legend for the ages. DOOM Eternal is the best first-person shooter and that’s the bottom line.

Dispatch isn't a perfect game, but it's about as perfect a game for me as I've played. AdHoc has crafted a wonderful superhero world that I hope to revisit, but more than that, they've created a remarkable cast of characters filled with nuance, growth, humour, tragedy, and everything else that you want to see in great stories. I cheered. I cried (on the inside). I laughed. What more can I ask for? As a good experience should, I've been left wanting more, and I'll be the first in line to pick up whatever this studio does next - Dispatch or otherwise.

When my biggest complaint is that an enemy is packing a silly hat, I think that says it all. Fashion sense aside, the game is an absolute must-play for any horror fan.

Metaphor: ReFantazio was the game I was looking most forward to this year and it didn't disappoint. I'm glad that we have you wealth of options to choose how we want to play our RPGs, and I am especially glad that there is still a place for games like Metaphor: Re Fantazio, one that feels familiar and new at the same time. It has never been a better time to be a gamer.

Lisa: The Painful certainly didn't need a remake, and this remake is far from the most technically impressive. That said, the game is still an absolute classic and the re-release is a great chance for those who haven't played the game before to pick up the most depressing and hilarious RPG of all time.

The Swapper is a game that perfectly blends gameplay, story, aesthetics, and mood to shine as a perfect experience of the type of experience only video games can deliver.

Stories, stories, stories. RimWorld sets you up for an ever changing game in which only your engagement remains the same, potentially for hundreds of hours. And when you’re done with the vanilla version of RimWorld, there are thousands of mods that enhance or change the game in such a way that it is all fresh again. I am in awe of RimWorld, and it deserves a Big Fat 10 out of 10.

I had extremely high expectations for Fallout 4. I was so concerned that Fallout 4 might not live up to them that I nearly ran back to Fallout 3 and forget about the whole thing. Fallout 4 does not just live up to the expectations, it surpasses it.

Hollow Knight is one of the best 2D platformers I’ve ever played - it is a beautiful, quirky and dynamic game; challenging yet rewarding; mournful yet brimming with hope. When it comes to console, it’s going to cause a real stir.

Disco manages to represent feelings I’ve only ever had when I’ve been drunk when shivers especially channels unusual, almost out-of-body mental experiences that we’ve all had at one point that relies heavily on the quality of the writing. Disco Elysium is not only the best game of this year in my opinion, but undoubtedly one of the best games of the decade.

With its beautiful visual design, quality voice acting, tight controls, interesting mechanics, and engaging world-building, I have absolutely no hesitation adding Ghostrunner to my exclusive club of top marks. It’s rare to find a game that succeeds so well in everything it does, and the result is a game that absolutely everyone should check out.

Persona 5 Royal is chock full of amazing music, beautiful set pieces, wonderful characters, and a compelling story that makes its length feel almost too short, despite the opposite being true. Royal is worthy of its shimmering title, and is sure to steal your heart!

Kojima and his team saved the best for last, bringing the long running story of Big Boss to a close with a bang in gameplay, though a slightly stumbling run in the story. Despite that, the Phantom Pain a must play.

There is so much to say about Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, but I'll spare you all the nitty-gritty details about the improvements, both big and small. If I did, this review would become a novel. What I will say is that if you were on the fence about SMT V, or if you loved it, Vengeance is the best way to go. Not only does it fix issues with the original, but the sheer amount of added content is reason alone to pick up this title. Hopefully, Vengeance will put the Megami Tensei name back in the spotlight, right alongside its spinoff.

In Gone Home, there are moments of fear, moments of joy, moments of sadness, and moments of peace. In the end, there is acceptance, the kind which comes from a tale naturally concluded and a chapter neatly closed.

Since picking the game up, I've already sunk over 40 hours into it and I don't see that stopping any time soon. We are back to what Battlefield is all about, and it's never been better as far as the multiplayer is concerned. It is the stuff dreams are made of, the very thing that Battlefield 1942 strived to be all those years ago but was limited by hardware at the time. It may not be the single player experience some people may be looking for, but for the multiplayer massive-scale shooter fan, this belongs in your library of games. It has crawled through the mud, bludgeoned previous entries, and taken its rightful place as my favorite Battlefield game to date.

It is an outstanding creation I highly encourage anyone to go out and buy this game.

Shadow of the Erdtree is not just the best DLC of the year so far, one of the best DLCs ever, one of the best gaming experiences of the year. It is also one of the best gaming experiences ever. It also, not for nothing, did the impossible: it returned the feeling of playing Elden Ring for the first time, for the last time.

There's real depth here, and if anything I've described sparks your interest, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Lizardcube clearly poured their heart and soul into this project, and it shows in every frame.

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Thankfully, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is not a landslide, a mix of game and reality. It may not capture the appeal of the overall mainstream, but that’s okay. Anyone willing to take a dive into the niche waters of the gaming world, and not afraid of games being unforgiving, should definitely check this out. I love this game. Open your eyes, give this game a try and see.

There is much more to praise this game for: the complexity of it’s deckbuilding and tile placements and how these can be a test of knowledge to maximise their potential; the superb blend of gameplay mechanics intertwined with the theme of entropy and destruction as well as the open-design methodology towards accessibility with a series of optional aids. But to talk about these more would be a disservice to the rewarding experience of discovering these mechanics for yourself, so here’s where I’ll leave it...I can think of no higher praise than to admit that even as I write this review, I have Loop Hero playing in the background. My adventurer, step by step, ticking away at his sisyphean struggle to restore the world.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 takes what the last game did, and juices it up to levels beyond what the doctor recommends. By maximizing its strengths, and finding new ways to improve on weaknesses, it knocks down barriers and locked doors alike in a power move to rush towards one of my favorite games of the year. Though it does have its flaws in the form of small technical glitches, and one really annoying one where sometimes my characters would stop moving as a party unless I manually did it myself, this is an imperfect gem that manages even in imperfection to put some of my favorite RPGs to shame. Well done Larian Studios, well done!

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is one of the most enjoyable online gaming experiences. With simple controls, heaps of fun, replayable mini-games and customisations (paid or won) that do not alter the gameplay, and a catchy background tune, Fall Guys has everything that causes addictive play. Indeed, even when you are eliminated, there is the immediate urge to hop back in and try your luck again. The only thing that lets Fall Guys down is the inability to play local matches against friends on your couch. The vibrant levels, with their inflatable-like obstacles and moving platforms wouldn’t be out of place on a TV game show. Indeed, I’m now looking forward to the Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout TV adaption, where players must don Fall Guy suits and compete in a similar series of wacky and enjoyable events. Until then, Fall Guys will be my multiplayer game of choice.

17 years have passed since Budokai Tenkaichi 3, three generations of videogame consoles have come and gone, and tons of new plot points and characters have been introduced to the Dragon Ball series, and it is incredibly clear every way you look at it that Spike-Chunsoft took the time they had and created a real labor of love that is Sparking Zero. Enemy AI can feel a bit wonky at times and you can occasionally find destructible environments not cooperating with being blown up, but that's few and far between, with this game being a highlight of the wide variety of characters, forms, and gripping battles that have caused millions of fans to adore the Dragon Ball series since its inception 40 years ago. It’s good to have you back, Sparking. Fans have been waiting to enter the next Martial Arts Tournament.

Make no mistake, this game is the definition of niche appeal. Its visuals are ugly in a way that is not just visually repellent but deeply unsettling. Its world and lore are in turn, confusing, disturbing, and sickening. Playing its soundtrack above a certain decibel level probably constitutes a war crime. Yet the game demands attention all the same. It's brilliant, disturbing, and endlessly fascinating. I'm painfully aware that not everyone will love Cruelty Squad as much as I do, but those that love it will love it with abandon. For me, it's a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

With a game that has players re-living the day on multiple occasions, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it would become stale. But each day plays differently as you learn clues to the visionaries and their daily patterns. And even though the Eternalists inhabit the same locations when you visit at the same time period, the skills and weapons you have acquired and imbued with Residuum allows gamers to play each section in a completely different manner. Whether you want to play a stealthy style game and methodically take out your enemies as you uncover the island’s mysteries, or blast you way through groups of Eternalists, Deathloop allows you to do so. But no matter which style you choose, it is so satisfying once you finally close the loop.

In all Fantasy Life i is an incredibly solid game that has a ton of charm to it. The gameplay is simple but addicting, and the quality of life features that were added compared to the 2014 game make The Girl Who Steals Time a very enjoyable experience. The story beats can feel a little repetitive at times, as can the mini-games all bearing out similarly to each other, and real time based events can be a bit of a pain. But all of that aside, Fantasy Life i is a game that this reviewer would gladly recommend to anyone that prefers a more cozy vibe to their fantasy genre.

Baldur's Gate III is an amazing game. While the length can be intimidating and the lore vast - that makes it all the more compelling and the game could easily become one of the biggest time sinks for gamers since the likes of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Elden Ring released. If you're a fan of Larian Studios' previous work, DND, strategy RPGs, or any of the above, BG3 is almost certainly the game for you, and comes highly recommended.

A vast world, mechanics to sink your teeth into, and interspersed moments of light-heartedness as well as incredible stakes of an extraplanar threat, Oblivion Remastered is a perfect opportunity for new fans to become the Hero of Kvatch, and for old fans to reignite their love of a game that defined RPGs in the mid 2000s.

It could be easy to take a cursory glance at Alan Wake 2 and think it's little more than a collage of genre staples, but the game is so much more. Like the best works in any medium and genre, these references and familiarities feel like homages and love letters, never like crutches. The promising young FBI agent, a creepy cult in the woods, and the sleepy Northwestern town are incredibly engaging because the tropes are backed up by wonderful writing, a palpable atmosphere, and a narrative that's legitimately engaging. It also makes everything that much more satisfying when it twists and turns in unexpected directions. Alan Wake 2 sets a new bar for Remedy, and I can't wait to see what they follow it up with next.

By the end of Rebirth, Cloud and the others aren't at the ending of Final Fantasy VII by a wide margin, so the eventual third game rounding out this trilogy is sure to be quite a large one. With a huge amount of content, a deep story, and combat that improves upon the previous game's style, players may end up falling in love with the world of Final Fantasy VII all over again, or alternatively for the first time if they have yet to play this gem and its initial remake. That is not recommended by any means, the game tends to expect you to have played Final Fantasy VII as well as Remake, however, so keep that in mind before you mosey into Rebirth!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a very enjoyable game with a lot to do, and players can spend plenty of time exploring Honolulu or playing minigames without even engaging all that much with the story. There's plenty to do and a large amount of it is incredibly fun, from using a baseball bat and a cannonball to blow up exploding barrels or just fighting your way up through the ranks of the pirate arena. The only real flaw this reviewer could find is that it might be a bit too eccentric for players that might not be used to the Yakuza series, and even for the series Pirate Yakuza goes a bit beyond the pale. But if you're ready to embrace the madness, hoist the sails, and take the helm- this game is a fantastic experience that no Yakuza or pirate fan should miss, and is a blast from start to finish.

This game is a brilliant callback to the era of beat 'em ups, and should be on the radar of any fan of the era or the Marvel Universe.

From thrilling turn-based combat to incredible artistic direction and a truly engrossing story, this is a hard game not to recommend to players of all preferences, and it has easily cemented itself as a contender for my game of the year.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge could have been a nostalgic cash grab, but it is instead a wonderful side-scrolling beat-em-up that acts as a love letter to the entire genre. The game is made better by its license and fan-service references, but, beneath all that, it's an excellently crafted game that stands on its own merits. It’s a short game with a lot of replay value, and it’s worth the price of admissions for anyone with even a passing interest in what it offers.

The Gap is so much more than a gorgeous puzzle game, layered mystery thriller, or a walking simulator, it's a trip through a life upended. It resonated with me on several emotional levels because it's a well-built world, housing a finely-crafted narrative, conveyed by some stellar voice acting. This isn't some "gotcha" mystery; it's not going for some home run twist. The Gap has a story to tell, and it does so with urgency. I honestly wish it was about twice as long, so that it had more time to sink into its philosophy or show more of Joshua's life, or that it simply had more depth inside to give me a reason to play again, outside of a branched ending that is easy to experience both ways. But to think this is the developers' first official outing brings me great joy, as I'm left itching for more. What I thought was going to be an interesting story turned out to be one of my favourite games of the year, one that I'll be thinking about for a while: each time I remind myself not to take what I've got for granted.

The tone is somewhat akin to a fashion fairy tale, though one that hews a bit closer to the old European legends than the modern Disney variations. Throughout the game it feels like there are darker implications of the world, dancing just beyond the player's comprehension. The few clues we do get through item descriptions and environmental storytelling paint a grim picture. It cultivates a sense of mystery and dread and keeps you plunging deeper and deeper into the castle.

The bar for modern horror remakes is justifiably high. The expectations for a series that has not seen a worthy entry (in many fans' eyes) in at least two decades might be even higher. Silent Hill 2, somewhat unexpectedly, delivers on both. We've got great voice acting, writing that understands the assignment, and gameplay to mesh it all together.

Its simple controls, understated objectives and clear gameplay challenges combined with a lovingly crafted soundtrack make for an almost meditative experience. It’s been a good year for titles with this kind of nice, ambient experience and Disc Room fits neatly into that roster.

Gunpoint is fun, innovative, simple, engaging and a whole host of adjectives that would take far too much time to write out. So I will say this instead: Play this game because you won’t regret it.

Another World is a short experience, and those five words are the only negative ones I can come up with. Despite getting (embarrassingly) stuck on some puzzles, and having to play the game’s last sequence a few times, I finished the game in about five hours. Yet I didn’t feel gipped, I didn’t feel let down, or like there should have been more to it. As I watched the game’s ending, I just felt a sense of satisfaction. This was five hours of my time that I enjoyed immensely, frustration-inducing moments and all.

The Alters does exactly what great sci-fi stories do: it uses the fantasy of future technology to have conversations that are timeless. It didn't need to be absurd, it didn't need to be existential, but it is at times both, and so much more. The conversations and relationships represent the true experience, but the management aspects hold their weight, too. Even though it stumbles over those heady conversations at times, either as a result of the writing itself or because stitching together disparate pieces in a video game sometimes ends up like that, it's about so much more than those individual moments. Parts of the gameplay don't reach the same heights, particularly when it comes to base building with minimal benefits, but The Alters is satisfying from so many angles when it comes to management and survival that it's difficult not to recommend it. More than that, though, it's forgiving enough with those mechanics that it becomes a must-play for just about anyone. Much like Jan Dolski, I thought I was going to struggle to survive, but I ended up thriving.

If you don't already own Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, now is the time to jump in on an expansive and overall great experience that any RTS fan can easily embrace.

Despite the nitpicks, Monster Hunter Wilds is a fantastic game and a fun iteration in the franchise. It's definitely showing it's growing pains, but what it does right, it really does right. It's energetic and exciting and worth the hunt when it's running well. It's quality of life improvements might rattle some, and we'll see how long the stay, but for me they really worked perfectly. Now if only the fix the dang multiplayer!

Those familiar with the series will feel quite at home, as will general turn-based tactics fans. Genre stalwarts, such as overwatch and defensive position, aren't going anywhere, but the layers on top of all that are where Jagged Alliance 3 most proves its worth. Finally, I've found the type of one-more-turn game I've been looking for. I was challenged by it in the most satisfying ways: planning, leadership, and patience. Despite the flaws, I wanted to see the campaign through from the opening encounter, and I felt rewarded for that. To sum it up: Jagged Alliance is back.

Though it should've come out ages ago, and PC gamers have every right to feel like they were put on the backburner, Rockstar North has tried to make sure that Grand Theft Auto V for PC is the ultimate version. If you ask me overall, they've succeeded.

Long in the making, Divinity: Original Sin offers the beautifully deep intricacies of an old-school RPG that does not in any way feel old-fashioned. What a great and unique experience.

The vast majority of the game's shortcomings came down to glitches that can both end up fixed by the time I finish this sentence, and didn't ruin the experience too much anyway. Possibly the worst part is knowing that there are so many vagaries in the game that you start to wonder if those "glitches" are intentional. It's a heck of a game, a darn good horror game, and one twisted, fantastic experience. So get out of the apartment, make friends with some Lovecraftian monsters, and don't forget to look outside.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a special game in that it's a JRPG that runs over two full-time weeks, has plenty of cutscenes and dialogue, and an expansive area to explore, but it never once felt long. There's a constant pull, a strong one, towards the next piece of story, the next upgrade, the next wild experience, and it always ensures you're not left behind by reiterating story points and providing flashbacks. Each component blends together better than ever before, truly making the transition from Yakuza to Like a Dragon complete, and with it an evolution from an inspired game series to an inspiration to others.

As the description of the plot implies, Doomblade is a delightfully grimdark story and world. Every creature and environment is ugly or disturbing in some way, and whenever you get into any serious combat the soundtrack starts blaring out heavy metal music. In a world of pastel-colored indie games the stress how cozy and none-threatening they are, Doomblade is a welcome change of pace.

Total War: Warhammer 2 is a promising sequel: it shows those lore based mechanics that differentiate factions taking centre-stage. We also see issues from the first game being streamlined and resolved. This makes me incredibly hopeful for The Mortal Empires campaign, combining both the first and second game maps (which is being released in a month or so). It also makes me hopeful for future DLC and the third game in the series, because if the gameplay is this good right now… how good will it be then?

When I was first assigned this game for review, I thought that it might be just another card drawing and puzzle affair that seem to be common these days. However, Inscryption kept my attention until the very end. The plot, the dark theme, and the mysterious mechanics is so well thought out that I have to give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up. The only downside that I can think of is that replayability might be limited after the first couple of play throughs. Even with that said, this title is worth the price of admission.

Typhoon Studios have done a tremendous job with their debut game, bringing us a vibrant adventure. Journey To The Savage Planet comes with plenty of exploration opportunities, refined gameplay mechanics, online co-op and a story that will keep you laughing. It’s hard to find fault here, lack of local co-op aside, and releasing with a mid-range price point, it comes highly recommended.

If my opinion counts for anything, Gunsmith Simulator accomplishes the task of being interesting and fun to play. Hopefully Game Hunters can expand the game with new guns, maybe add in a gun barrel making machine along with new gun shooting opportunities and different targets.

Blasphemous 2 is built on the back of the insanely funded Kickstarter success of the first game, with improved visuals, an even more cohesive art style that still evokes Francisco Goya and Spanish history, more fluid animations, and an extra step up in the music and voice acting. It really is an improvement in every way, and does so without forgoing what made the introduction special. While intimate knowledge of the original entry is not required, it serves to enhance both the world of Blasphemous and the story of the Penitent One. Throw in The Game Kitchen's house-made documentary for good measure, and you've got an enthralling franchise of mystery, misery, and history, capped off by not only one of the best games of its genre, but a fine entry in all of gaming. Any shortcomings be damned, as its stellar elements do more than repent for them.

Katana Zero is on the short side, but it uses every minute of its 5-6 hour run-time well, packed to the brim with satisfying carnage and a brain-bending narrative. It’s not often that a game so completely blindsides me, entering my radar and winning me over so quickly, and it’s a wonderful feeling when it happens. In fact, my only gripe, and it’s incredibly minor, is that I wish there was just a little bit more of it to love. I have no hesitations about recommending this game for just about everyone.

Regardless of a few small issues, Stardew Valley is a successful send-up to Harvest Moon that truly comes from the heart.

Overall, Borderlands 4 is a masterful continuation of the series. It honors its roots while daring to venture into new territory, both geographically and mechanically. The diverse and compelling new world of Kairos, combined with the most extensive skill trees and a refined sense of humor, makes this a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. It's the same Borderlands you love, but bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever before.

With engaging new abilities for Shadow, fun boss battles, and a celebration of the franchise's history, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a thrilling return for fans and an intriguing and compelling introduction to newcomers.

Ultimately all of its component parts come together to make a game that needs to be played primarily because of how it feels. How it feels to play and how it feels to discover the bits of joy both big and small. There's no other way to do it justice.

Teardown is a challenging game that requires a mindset to be able to plan and then carry out the strategy needed to solve puzzles...or you can just use the scorched earth tactic and destroy everything in your path. Personally, I found this method to be very satisfying and a whole lot of fun. Plus the TV news afterwards can be fun to watch.

If you can overlook the inherently frustrating endings, Tiny Bunny is a masterwork of coming-of-age horror. I cannot recommend this game highly enough.

Empires of the Undergrowth is not a perfect RTS game, but it's about as close as you can get. With the multiple layers of gameplay and strategy packaged up in this charming and thoughtful box (or formicarium), no two matches or missions feel quite the same, giving you more reasons to return. A modern RTS effort should absolutely incentivize reasons to play the game, ways to discover and implement new things, and avoid the pitfalls of monetization, and that's exactly what we have here. There are moments when things don't feel entirely in your control, and there are times when understanding the minutiae of which side is winning a particular battle can be murky due to the clipping and overlapping bodies vying for position, but they're balanced out by how small-scale those problems are. Like a few bugs in the garden, you really have to pick nits to classify them as problematic. In a genre as diverse, contentious, and beloved as this, I think there are elements here for just about anyone, if they're willing to give it the chance, because Empires of the Undergrowth is a real-deal classic RTS modernized.

Overall, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is exactly what a sequel should be. It doesn't try to make drastic changes, it tries to improve upon what made the first game so enticing and such a stand out in 2015. The end result comes out as something that accomplishes that end, and yet more. By changing things just enough from a gameplay perspective, changing the locales and daring to take the story down an even darker path, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus has kept the fun while also making the player feel the emotion of BJ's battles, his pain and rage, even his heartbreak. Unless you have an unwavering core, this game will take you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride of emotions, guns blazing all the way.

Between the three factions to unlock in addition to the two starting ones and the generous number of faction cards available to unlock- not to mention the ability to make and share custom challenges online- this is a game that’s easy to come back to time and time again. And you will want to come back. While it’s easy to cast aside a game that takes inspiration from another as too derivative, it’s hard to complain when the results are this fun. Monster Train proves that, sometimes, it’s good to be bad.

Somehow Treyarch surprised us, and when we all thought we had seen everything Call of Duty had to offer, they brought us something new and exciting, yet familiar. I hope the other studios in the franchise follow their lead and innovate as much as we've been shown here. Forgive me for being a cliché for a moment, but this is the best Call of Duty in a long time, and I'm excited for what Treyarch does next.

With all that being said, should you play Mullet MadJack? The short answer – YES. The long answer – YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS! All jokes aside, if any of what I said sounds fun to you, give this a shot. Even if you don't like rogue-like games, I think you should give it a shot. I know I'm uniquely in the core of it's core demographic, both aesthetically and gameplay wise, but I think what is here is fun enough for just about anyone.

Return to Grace won't win over anyone that isn't interested in the slow and pensive pace that this genre delivers, but those that are will find a wonderfully crafted adventure that balances familiar tropes with insightful themes, memorable dialogue, and beautiful environments. At about 2.5 hours in length, the game is a quick play, but it doesn't overstay its welcome and feels like it's exactly as long as it should be. Return to Grace is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a single-sitting adventure that'll stay in mind far longer.

The sum of Lies of P's parts is grand, but it manages to be even more than that. Despite frustrating "gotcha" moments and a few cheap enemy encounters that feel out of place in something so finely crafted, the whole experience holds a level of polish you'd expect only of seasoned veterans. Truth be told: I wouldn't be surprised to find out that this was a side studio of a certain, well-known developer, and I don't think I can be more glowing than that. Even in the end, after I fawned over the combat system and its dichotomous weaponry, happily sought out bits of information to expand upon the engaging story I was involved in, and felt the ecstasy of conquering a multi-hour boss, I wanted to go back for more. And despite the already unique pitch of "gothic, horrific Pinnochio adaptation," the developers are keen to let you know their future plans are even more ambitious (and tailor-made for me), which somehow elevates Lies of P even further beyond face value.

In all Persona 5 Strikers is a fantastic game that is clearly made with heart, and isn’t just a reskin of the Dynasty Warriors series with Persona characters. This reviewer would look at other examples of this genre shift such as Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors and say that Persona 5 Strikers definitely went above and beyond to tell a Persona story with a fantastic blend of JRPG and Muso game styles that suits it, if not perfectly, pretty close!

The Talos Principle: Reawakened remakes and reanimates the 2014 original for a new generation and a new generation of players. Beyond the extraordinarily deep and dense puzzles, beyond the expertly written story and philosophy, and beyond the beautiful art and audio direction, lies a game that succeeds in bridging people's understanding of what a game can be. It is the kind of game I would recommend to anyone, regardless of if they play videogames or not.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments is hands down the best detective game I've ever played and one of the most enjoyable experiences of the 2014 gaming year so far.

Prior to the games being bundled together in what is appropriately called the Final Mix, it was almost comical trying to keep track of everything Kingdom Hearts, with six games across four separate consoles (and that's without counting future games, to boot!), but this was fortunately resolved with this remastered repackaging of the games that were originally released for the PS4 in 2017. With a base pricing of $50 USD on Steam, Kingdom Hearts 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is a fantastic way to finally get into a much beloved RPG series, with several dozens of hours of content that make for a delightful experience. The games are cheesy and charming in the best ways, so long as you're a gamer that doesn't mind a healthy dose of cheesiness. There is a distinct reputation for being complicated plot-wise, but often that's exaggerated for comedic effect. The series is very enjoyable with amusing stories and satisfying combat, so if anyone has been interested but has yet to have an opportunity, now is as good a time as any to get into the franchise!

Ruinarch has such depth, imagination and replay-ability that it's simply amazing - If I happened to lose a scenario, I was immediately encouraged to try again. If when I won, then I dived right back in because the next experience would be a totally different experience due to the nature of the villagers and the special abilities chosen. Not one game will ever be exactly the same. Since Ruinarch is presently in Early Access we can be sure that even more evil mayhem will be present come full release time in 2021. The developers are promising more content in the future and I suspect that they won't disappoint. When looking at what they already have given us, I'm thinking that we can expect to be occupied, entertained and maybe even destroyed over and over again!

Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a rare breed of shooter that manages to be both a loving parody and a gripping detective story. For anyone who grew up fascinated by the golden age of animation or the gritty streets of noir cinema, this is a case well worth taking.

In all, Sword of the Necromancer is a fun roguelite with a heartfelt story. The usage of the titular blade adds a whole new layer to the roguelite genre, in that gamers will need to strategize about what enemies to take out first in order to have them fight on their side. If the genre interests you but you need a good story to feel at all invested, then this game is for you.

When the game was released for the major consoles last year, I was annoyed. As a PC user, I was still waiting for Rockstar to release the original Red Dead Redemption on PC. Well, that never happened, and a year after the console versions were released, I was beginning to think that Red Dead Redemption 2 would suffer the same fate. But I’m happy to say that it has finally arrived, and it is a glorious cinematic gaming experience that was well worth the wait.

The only negative I could give is that the game often clips between sound files quite abruptly when you transition between rooms, opting to go without a cross-fade between tracks. This stands out in a game that is otherwise highly polished towards its very focused experience. Though it is brief, with my playthrough taking 3 hours, Manifold Garden has taken root as one of my favourite game experiences this year.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered is a fantastic game full of classic Spider-Man charm, with fantastic movement and smooth combat that emphasizes the nature of the web-head. With a compelling story and good character moments, this reviewer is going to be very much looking forward to Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales when it comes to Steam, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 when it finally releases. Here's hoping it will be soon.

With each successful run taking no longer than twenty minutes, Ball x Pit is perfectly paced. It's ideal for a quick session, making it a dream pairing for a handheld device like the SteamDeck, ready to consume your daily commute. But be warned: the loop is so tight and the rewards so constant that Ball x Pit will inevitably consume far more than just your travel time. It's an exceptionally polished game that understands the fundamental mechanics of player compulsion, delivering a roguelike experience that you simply won't want to put down.

In all, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a fun and nostalgic beat'em up with a pleasant amount of replayability, before even mentioning the local co-op to allow for even more of that good old arcade feeling. The only real issue this reviewer found while playing is that players may feel railroaded by whichever route through levels they find the easiest. That being said, if you're a fan of Double Dragon, beat‘em ups, or roguelike games that toy with a different genre, then Rise of the Dragons comes highly recommended!

Not only does Dynasty Warriors: Origins feel like the ultimate realization of an idea hatched more than two decades ago, it does so by exploring outside of its own series roots and evolution, and doesn't make any "let's make it open world" type mistakes. It leverages a ton of modern tech to create great looking battles featuring hundreds of soldiers, all while keeping the performance high.

Whether it’s Franz Lohner telling you about Karl Franz’s crude sense of humour, or Saltzpyre and Sienna arguing with each other, Vermintide 2 is unequivocally Warhammer.

I can't say if Elden Ring will be something genuinely new or more of the same to players who have already battled through the other From Software titles, but playing it felt to me like something I haven't experienced before. I was incredibly stressed, I considered quitting out of frustration several times, but I never stopped having fun and wanting to play just a little bit longer.

Windjammers 2 is definitely a worthwhile game and it's a lot of fun. As I went along in the game my Windjammer playing skills improved. I didn't give up because the game does bring the satisfaction of playing a retro style sports and action arcade game that we all might have loved in days gone by. After mastering all of the tactics and game moves the option to go on line and play against extremely experienced human players is there and it should be taken advantage of. With that said, we wholeheartedly endorse the new Windjammers 2 game and give it a two thumbs up rating. Windjammers was worth the money and game playing effort some twenty seven odd years ago in 1994 and its just as viable and fun to play today in 2022.

Frostpunk is special, it’s one of a kind in that the game is used as a vehicle to convey a message in a way that most games can’t even aspire to achieve. You’ll switch of your PC after a session and walk off filled with what if’s and that is an amazing experience. Few developers understand how to play the heart strings well, but 11 bit studios are proving themselves to be the orchestra conductor.

The Bug Butcher is an addictive game for all the right reasons, and one that should be on everyone’s radar.

All in all this remaster is a fresh coat of polish on an already solid foundation, improving the visual and aural quality of the games (Most notably the original Mass Effect) as well as adding multiple quality of life changes and improvements that make certain that Mass Effect Legendary Edition will have fans new and old ready to hunt down Saren, travel past the Omega-4 Relay, and take Earth back, some all over again, and some for the very first time.

Legend of Grimrock II is better than the original in every regard: more freedom, better character progression, better enemies, better puzzles and better environmental variety. Those who liked the first one will definitely love the sequel!

Perhaps most surprising is just how broadly the game appeals. Those looking for a challenge will certainly find one, but lovers of immersive storytelling can be captivated by Pinwheel and the patient’s memories without the puzzles getting in the way.

With simple controls, cute cartoon characters and vibrant kitchen designs, Overcooked! 2 is a great game for the whole family. But be warned, it can get competitive, even when you’re supposed to be working together. There will be people screaming ‘chop the onions’ or ‘I need some milk’, but it is all in good fun. With a range of game modes – story, arcade and versus, there is endless replayability, particularly as you’ll want to collect the allotted three stars (or four stars after completing the story mode) and will keep the family entertained – which is of utmost importance during times of pandemic lockdowns.

Other than some gore at the end of battles there really isn't much if anything to complain about with Warriors: Rise to Glory. The game is well done and it has a lot to offer other than just a bunch of nicely constructed battles. The house dynasty theme and the character creation feature really makes this game shine. The battles being so challenging shifts emphasis on to the family dynasty part of the game. That in turn elevates Warriors above games that just re-spawn or that offer different ready made characters.

Folks, there is so much to this game. There is a time limit given for each bus stop but it's not a problem to meet once you become a proficient bus driver and follow the speed limit. Every aspect of the game from the buses to the bus stops to the districts the stops are in need to be unlocked. You need to plan out your routes and then gain the experience necessary to continue unlocking everything. Each bus and stop needs to be levelled up in order to be able to unlock the perks and modifiers contained in each. The unlocked bus items can be both perks and additional customization possibilities such as colors and designs that can be applied to busses. After saying all of that, the city council will be so happy after each district is levelled up that they will provide you with a new bus to drive along with an opportunity to take a special drive through the newly enhanced district in the new bus. The beautiful and expansive city of Emberville loves the fact that you personally provided great bus service to the cities various districts that the city council beautifies each city district right after it is upgraded. Everything certainly is bound to look beautiful!

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is full of everything that fans have adored about the Dragon Quest series since its inception in 1986, from the absolutely iconic intro theme to the charming character design, the easy to get a feel of turn based combat, the witty writing, and the compelling story that runs the full gambit of emotions. The cut content is a shame, but what is there is definitely a delight. For anyone that loves JRPGs, this is an easy pickup as you venture into a world and bring it back from the brink.