Overall, aside from the quality of some of the puzzles, namely the ones that require precise timing, The Bridge is a great game and a lot of fun. It forces you to think in unique ways and really understand what impossible constructions are. Try to experiment when you are playing this title because sometimes impossible moves can lead to the solution. I cannot recommend this title enough and that is why it gets one of our highest scores ever.

The Escapists 2 is a game that largely expands on the original, offering new modes and bright humour along with exceptionally well-designed labyrinth-like prisons. But it is by no means a perfect sequel. There are repetition issues, as well as some poor design choices. The game is a frustrating but largely rewarding management sim which is worth a look for sure.

At the end of the day, F1 2017 is basically what you expect it to be. A Formula 1 simulator that does a solid job which will likely serve many for hours on end. I can’t see it pulling in many new players but it certainly should suffice for the existing fanbase. It would have been nice to see Codemasters take it to the next level with lower tier Formula cars and non-calendar tracks but it is what it is. Give it a try if you’re an avid racing game fan but otherwise there are currently many more accessible titles out there for getting into the genre.

Episode 3: More than a Feeling is another welcome addition to one of Telltale’s more promising works. While failing to stay on the same level of narrative importance as its prior installment, Episode 3 is a fun and enjoyable entry in this surprisingly great adaptation of a much beloved series.

Giant Consequences delivers an unexpected plot twist, but overall it falters where it should shine. The combat, while an admirable attempt to make it more interactive, makes for slow action sequences and clunky gameplay. The mystery behind the gauntlet and Admin is interesting enough to keep my attention, but I’d honestly like to see more conflict between the characters like what Jesse and Petra are going through. It's still early in the season, so there's time for Telltale to correct course by the next episode.

A barebones and lifeless open world experience that suffers from a lack of innovation, repetitive gameplay, and poor mission design. Its characters are interesting on their surface level and its laughs are cheap, if they make you laugh at all, but Agents of Mayhem is certainly Volition’s most disappointing entry in the Saint’s Row-Red Faction universe.

Overall, Observer is a great game which is let down by its technical side on Xbox One. The game needs more polish but I’m not sure if this will happen because even after months Layers of Fear remained at a suboptimal level. I hope Observer doesn’t have the same fate. Unlike Layers of Fear, Observer doesn’t need that much work so there’s hope.

For such a cheap price, there’s no real reason to not recommend at least trying Oh, Sir. It’s simple, it’s underwhelming but it does have short bursts of fun. Alright on your lonesome, fun with friends, incredibly amusing with a couch full of drunk mates; Oh, Sir is an amusing and eccentric party game that is definitely on that list of games to boot up when you’re boozed.

I could go on and on about Sonic Mania but what you need to know that it’s a must-buy for any Xbox One owner. The title, despite its slight issues, is one of the best games available on Xbox One and elevates the franchise. The developers understood what made the past entries so great and built upon that. Sonic is all about speed and this game dishes that out by the bucketload. You should get it right now because I can’t recommend it enough.

Sine Mora EX is a must-have for bullet hell enthusiasts, but more importantly it beckons newcomers to the genre to have a go. Sure, it’ll beat you down with its brutal difficulty, but somehow you’ll always come back for more.

I do acknowledge the complaints from critics about the killer being overpowered compared to the survivors, but personally, I found it made the game more true to the horror genre. As a survivor, winning should feel next to impossible, and the challenge makes escaping all the more satisfying. Overall, this is a solid horror-themed survival game with the promise of good fun. Should they fix the servers and tweak some of the less successful elements, it could even be great!

Batman: The Enemy Within is off to another strong start to Telltale’s take on the series. Not everything quite worked, like Riddler’s role within the story, but I have faith that everything will be explained in the coming episodes. The introduction of Waller could mean trouble, but it’s that ‘could’ that makes me excited to see where the story goes. With powerful allies and enemies on the chess board, and pieces that have yet to come into play, Telltale is gearing up to push Bruce past his limits.

Tacoma excels at creating deeply relatable characters without the extravagance and big budget flashiness that pours from AAA titles, making other games feel almost unauthentic. Experiencing the crew’s highs and lows at your own pace instead of constantly being pushed along lets players relish in what makes Tacoma special; its ability to capture people’s emotions. It’s hard not to fall in love with Tacoma’s crew. Still, it’s difficult to overlook the lag as frequent as it is, so I hope Fullbright continues to patch the game. With a few fixes, Tacoma can stand out as an excellent title.

Regardless of its flaws, Fortnite is a seriously fun co-op experience that most will want to spend hours playing. There’s plenty of content, the gunplay is satisfying, and it runs well on the hardware as long as you’re comfortable playing at 30 FPS. I would love to see models added to the first-person viewpoint in the future, but even without that you’re still left with an impressive and expansive game comparable to the Horde mode from Gears of War that I’ve always loved. Based on this alone, I’d say Fortnite is well worth your time.

Aven Colony is set in the far future where you're an explorer tasked with colonising new worlds. Armed with your city management skills, you start off with a small colony and need to expand it to accommodate the influx of new immigrants heading your way. The game offers you quite a number of challenges including environmental and internal issues with your citizens to deal with, and only the best will power through them to win that next election. Aven Colony is one of the best implementations of this genre on Xbox One and I highly recommend you try it out.

What we’ve got here then is a rather good 3D platformer that effectively acts as a tribute to 90s jumping fun. If it wasn’t for the high price and lack of online multiplayer I’d recommend this in one fell swoop, no hesitation. With that not currently being the case though I can only really give this the nod to those who enjoyed games like Banjo-Kazooie and Crash Bandicoot among other platforming classics. It doesn’t add anything new to the genre, just revives it a little.

Minecraft: Story Mode Season 2 is off to a good start in Jesse and his teams’ next adventure. Introducing new friends, foes, and mysteries in typical Telltale fashion, Hero in Residence has a lot of heart and humor. Like the first season, its family-friendly tone makes it appealing to a wide audience, though there are people who will prefer the developer's more mature tone. The combat and gameplay itself is a little lackluster, but I’m interested to see where the story goes and what it means for these characters.

I have heard that the co-op at least offers the fun of another player, but I can’t imagine anyone would find this game entertaining for more than a single session. Between the repetitive quests, boring gameplay, and numerous glitches, I’d recommend skipping AereA entirely. The thing is - music-themed games with retro inspiration can be done well; this just isn’t one of them.

Serial Cleaner is a neat idea that isn’t as fleshed out as it could be. A killer art style and soundtrack help the game leap just a step above what would be an otherwise dull, albeit unique game of hide-and-seek. Outside of a few bonus missions, Serial Cleaner lacks replayability and a deep hook to keep you playing.

This puts me in a difficult position because I’m currently stuck with two viewpoints on this game. On one hand, this isn’t what I wanted. As a fan I am pretty disappointed with the direction they’ve taken and I’m certain this is going to drastically lower my play time. On the other hand, it’s still not a bad game. Racing is fun and mechanically speaking I don’t see all that much wrong with World Series at all. There’s enough game modes to get by and customisation options are plentiful for now considering more will probably come later. There’s just that 6-year-old inside me who is crying right now because the game he’s waited 11 years for is just alright. A truly underwhelming experience from start to end.

Perception is a short experience but a bit of a dull one for those looking for a good story. It can be really frightening, especially if it manages to play into your own personal fears and crawl under your skin, but the story is nothing super fresh or remotely interesting. The game’s mechanics can be too frustrating and unpredictable which is a shame because there’s a lot of potential at the game’s core. If it weren’t for the game’s fantastic sound design, it may be a complete swing and a miss but it’s more of a foul ball in this case. If you’re looking for a really juicy new horror game, you may have to wait for something like The Evil Within 2 later this year.

Newcomers and experienced players alike can find value in Chess Ultra’s variety of challenges, but it doesn’t exactly break the mold in terms of innovation. Playing against the computer can feel impersonal, though you’ll encounter difficulties otherwise inaccessible to some, and the online multiplayer is a barren wasteland. It is competent at both teaching the game and providing an outlet for players to experiment and learn themselves. If you don’t have anyone to play with, Chess Ultra is great for its convenience, but I recommend playing it in real life if possible. You can easily go out and pick up a cheap chess set for the price of this game.

Get Even is the very definition of a mixed bag. While its gameplay might be varied and thoughtful, its narrative sees a staggeringly sharp decline as you enter the final third. The sound design might be truly phenomenal, but the level design loses its stride about halfway through. If you’re a fan of the walking sim genre but you crave something more interactive, Get Even is certainly a game to consider, but not one that is in any way essential.

Blitzkrieg 3 takes us back to the battlefields of World War II, giving us control over the armies of the Allies, the Soviets and the Nazis. Introduced with the game, Nival added an adaptive AI named Boris which gives the game a unique experience, unlike what you’ll find in your average strategy game. Although not for everyone, Blitzkrieg gives hardcore strategy fans something to really dig their teeth into, with an expansive set of tools to take on any objective they may come across. The game also gives you the freedom to take on those targets any way you wish.

Overall, this game should absolutely be your introduction to the genre or a new addition to your cycling game collection; just wait until it’s a wee bit cheaper or until it’s on sale.

DiRT 4 does such a good job of accommodating to every audience possible that I can wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone reading right now. This is a properly well-developed and pure racing experience for all to enjoy.

Without rather some serious improvements or a sale that brings it down to a more reasonable price, Lock’s Quest is probably not worth your time or money. The developers needed to do more when bringing it over to Xbox One.

Narcosis could easily be one of the best survival horror games on Xbox One if the Xbox One had VR. But without VR, Narcosis becomes clunky and nauseating after long periods of play. The game comes in at just under 5 hours, which I had to break into multiple sittings in order to avoid throwing up. The story, environment, and level design make the game worth it if you can get past the shadow that VR has left on the game.

Overall, Episode 2: Under Pressure is one of the finest Telltale installments in years. It still suffers from the same animation problems as all of Telltale’s works, but the writing, characters and plot are all on point for a fantastic episode. Let’s hope they can keep it up for next time.

For all its faults, the game follows a very close template to highly successful games like Velocity 2X, and for that this game shines with its unique design and gameplay mechanics. Even though it's just a small indie developer, I see great things on the horizon and do hope they offer better controller support, and maybe even a release on Xbox One in the future. But for now, if you're looking for a very fun game, I would highly recommend it.

The Town of Light is a fantastic story trapped inside a bad game. Tedium, repetitiveness and extremely slow movement combined with a purposefully dreary locale halt what could’ve been a great package. If you’re looking for a deep, emotional story that explores the abuse of mental patients in the 20th century, The Town of Light is well-written and features an ending that will definitely stick with you.

Morrowind is yet another quality expansion released for Elder Scrolls Online, with a nice mix of both nostalgic and novel content. This game is in my opinion worth your time whether you are a long-time veteran or beginning player of this MMO.

I did love that the levels were designed as floating isles that even if you fell off, you’d land, smooshed, at the beginning of the level again. No matter what happened, your gloopy character could scrape himself up and forge ahead. If that isn’t a statement about humanity, I’m not sure what is.

Victor Vran is full to the brim with ARPG content. While its narrative is light and its gameplay is limited, the well-designed levels and high replayability make this a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre, and those who are just looking for a fun time with friends.

Overall, Tekken 7 is a masterful conclusion to a two-decade story, an invigorating online experience and a content-filled package that’s absolutely worth its release price. Bandai Namco has knocked it out of the park with this game, and has set the bar high not only for other fighting game developers, but also for itself as creating a sequel that is better than this will surely be a challenge. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, you shouldn’t wait another minute to pick this game up.

Its ending is ambiguous and open to interpretation, but it is impactful nonetheless. Rime starts off slow but comes barreling into a touching final act. Each distinct level is full of puzzles, and what Rime lacks in complexity it makes up for in heart.

While I enjoy the Power Rangers inspiration and numerous pop culture nods, Chroma Squad never provides enough incentive for me to continue playing after a while. You’ll end up finishing seasons and upgrading your studio more out of the knowledge that you should than because you want to. The combat which starts off strong wears thin, and I lost motivation to oversee my studio around the middle of season two. For all of its faults, Chroma Squad still manages to capture the charm of the television it emulates. In that regard, the game succeeds at being both a cheesy form of entertainment and a delightful tribute.

Although I do understand it isn’t the place for this game to depict reality because of the main purpose of the genre and series, this just saddened me that the Japanese developers don’t really want to share their stories outside of the usual pop culture aesthetic. I truly hope that we will one day receive a historically-accurate game based on Japanese history, instead of another mindless rendition of what they’ve done for the last ten years.

Black and White Bushido is simple. Without much complexity to itself mechanically, and a tiny amount of content available for the price, this isn’t a game that you need to jump out and buy straight away. Outside of the draw of its unique color-based mechanic, Black and White Bushido is an extremely average indie title that would be tempting to pick up during a sale but undeniably forgettable outside of one.

Overall, this is a game that I quickly became immersed in and one of the few review games that I will continue to play and replay even after my review is finished!

Overall, if you’ve got a thirst for some puzzle platformer fun, Embers of Mirrim is a well-made title which may lose you when it comes down to its story and visual appeal. It’s certainly worth your time and money.

Bit Dungeon+ is not very fun. I really didn’t enjoy my time with it even though this game belongs to my favorite genre. I spent ten hours in Bit Dungeon+ and I will say that is enough. The game did not give me any internal or external motivation to replay it. The difficulty spike, clunky controls, underwhelming music, and disappointing artwork lead to a game that is much weaker than it should be.

Overall, Skylar & Plux: Adventure on Clover Island is a good game which is let down by its short duration and technical problems on Xbox One. However, one element that stands out the most is the phenomenal and hilarious voice acting. If you’re looking for a casual platformer which can be completed in a few hours without the need for an extraordinary amount of skill, then this is the game for you. However, in its current form—especially with the frame rate issues—it’s not a title we can recommend. The developers need to patch this game as soon as possible.

Endless Space 2 really pushed the boat out with great animations and pretty decent graphical elements, but the constant performance issues do detract from the overall experience. I would recommend you check out a few gameplay videos before jumping in unless you’re a 4X fan. The game takes a lot from titles like Stellaris when it comes to politics, but stops short of being a great overall strategy game. If Amplitude pushed the envelope a bit further with a more nuanced political spectrum and ditched the turn-based aspect, I could have seen myself loving this game. But at the moment, it's just adequate.

The game is extremely fun, and I would highly recommend you check out this title in the Xbox Store. It’s truly one of those hidden gems that people really need to find and play. Rain Games did an excellent job on this title, and I would recommend you check out some Let’s Plays if you get stuck in a specific area. The game is around ten hours, which makes it an extremely great value for the price of admission.

Seasons After Fall provides a decent platforming experience elevated by great art direction and a cute little character in the form of a fox. There are a ton of platformers and puzzle games on the market, some even with foxes of their own, and though many surely have more rewarding gameplay, Season After Fall’s aesthetic makes it stand out.

The Surge is a fantastic starting point for those who may be intimidated by the likes of Dark Souls or Nioh. It may not be as polished or well designed as the games it’s trying to emulate, but it is more accessible for the mainstream audience. With satisfying combat and a unique dystopian setting for this genre, The Surge is still a good game regardless of its shortcomings.

This game has clearly had love put into it from the team, without the bugs and limited content I could easily see it being worth your time and money. Sadly, in its current state, you’re better off playing something else.

If you are looking for a good reason to hop back on Forza Horizon 3, this is an amazing one. With some of the most intense racing I’ve experienced in years...for $20 you simply cannot go wrong.

NBA Playgrounds doesn’t look impressive, it’s quite repetitive, and there isn’t much content on offer. With the right setup and good enough reflexes, Playgrounds is a cheap and effective substitute for the still-missing NBA Jam series.

Dreamfall Chapters for me was a wake-up call to a series I had previously missed. As an introduction to the series, it’s exciting as a standalone title, while long-time fans are sure to find a satisfying conclusion to this twenty-year saga within a package of interesting story and competent gameplay.

Prey is easily one of the best games to come out this year, and I highly recommend picking it up if you’re a fan of BioShock or Dishonored. Arkane skillfully wove together a cohesive narrative, engaging gameplay elements, and a vast environment open to the player. Talos I is an incredible achievement in design and the world of Prey is as intriguing as it is chilling. Its performance issues can be bothersome but aren't a huge detriment to an otherwise excellent game.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable game to remind you of the days of '90s hyper-violence, Butcher has you covered. Offering you hardcore, gut-blasting fun throughout over twenty levels is a good deal for its price tag. While it doesn’t get old, it does distract from the feeling of variety that the games it takes inspiration from had in excess.

Overall, Death Squared is a successful, fun puzzle game for all ages. Entice your non-gaming friends with it before throwing them to the wolves of competitive first-person shooters. Just be sure to play it with someone.

I really am not sure what Valhalla Hills was trying to accomplish. It is a bit god simulator without the fun of being able to terrorize your humans. It is like a city simulator, but the city gets destroyed every few minutes as a new map is generated. It is like a puzzle game where every puzzle is solved the exact same way. I really liked the first few levels of this game while it was new and fresh, but it just doesn’t have the staying power I was hoping it would have.

The Ringed City is a totally competent but uninspiring end to the brilliant Souls series, embracing many of its best and several of its worst traits. It’s beautifully macabre and frustratingly tedious, yet isn’t close to being bad enough to take the shine off a wonderful game, offering subtle nods to the series’ past and its probably nonexistent future. The sun finally sets but it will always be praised.

What Remains of Edith Finch reminded me why I love video games. For the past few months, I’ve been in a bit of a slump and haven’t enjoyed too many games. Nothing really clicked with me. What Remains of Edith Finch changed that. I love video games because they have the ability to tell stories no other medium can tell, at least not in the way What Remains of Edith Finch does. I could see this game as a book but I truly don’t believe it would carry the same emotional resonance that it would in that form. The stories are told in such unique ways, and even though this particular title falls into the genre of a “walking simulator”, it manages to be one of the best video games I’ve played in a very long time.

There’s clearly a great game here, but I’ll be playing it on PC instead.

We’ve seen a lot of horrendous Kickstarters recently which I’m sure has put people off the idea of funding games this way. I assure you though, games like Shiness should give us all hope that it’s worth it still. It might not at all be perfect but with a fantastic world and unique combat system, Shiness at least offers a well-built and brand new experience to enjoy. At $30 (£25) or your regional equivalent, Shiness is worth considering picking up even if it does lack in some areas.

Overall, Thimbleweed Park is a great game which is elevated by its story rather than its mechanics. While selecting commands is a novel concept, younger players will be frustrated by the gameplay. Many will want to give up because it can take several minutes to decipher which combination of words and items work. However, the dialogue choices and quirky nature of the game may overcome that. Only time will tell.

Overall, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a fantastic game which may feel slightly dated due to its archaic combat mechanics. However, the mind-blowing visuals and ability to instantly switch to the original graphics make up for any shortcomings. Not only is the game challenging, but it’s a step above the majority of modern platformers due to its interconnected worlds. In many ways, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap will make you realize how action platformers have regressed over the years. If you’re going to buy just one platformer on Xbox One, then this game should be your purchase. It’s that much of a revelation.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 is a broken experience on Xbox One. If the multitude of bugs and horrendous frame rate were fixed, the game would be quite enjoyable as a lower-budget Far Cry 4. As it stands, however, the games needs excessive patching before it becomes a viable experience to charge $60 for. CI Games need to release a patch as soon as possible on Xbox One.

Outlast 2 is one of the darkest games I’ve ever played and it goes to some very unexpected places…but I can’t help but think the first game was better. The sequel does little to distinguish itself from its predecessor aside from the setting and plot. This makes Outlast 2 feel too safe and not risky enough in terms of gameplay. If you’ve never played the first game, you’ll probably really love Outlast 2, but for fans of the original, it’ll feel like the sequel is treading old ground.

Ready at Dawn took a fun concept and churned out a rather average game. The gameplay itself is good, but little content and meaningless progression make it unappealing. New multiplayer modes and additional features in the future could improve it with the proper support, but Deformers lacks any real hook in its current form. It’s hard to recommend Deformers to anyone when it costs $30 and is packed with insufficient value to warrant that price.

Like so many before it, Pix the Cat has tried to tap into the nostalgia of old arcade games at the expense of innovation. Those old games had solid gameplay and the replayability that defined the genre. Pix the Cat is a competent arcade game, but overall it lacks anything to make it special or memorable. I really was hoping for a bit more out of this title, but I was left out in the cold.

Is the game for everyone? Well, that depends in the end, since the game does offer a challenge for each type of gamer while keeping it simple for the novice. It can use some adjustments, mainly in the time-lapse department as it can become quite slow off the bat. However, the game earns its stripes and is a must-have title on Xbox One this year.

Overall, This Is the Police has some nice aesthetics and good voice acting along with a few good ideas in terms of a strategy simulator, but not much else worthwhile. The writing could use more polish and so could the storyline. Had the developers focused on meaningful missions, it would’ve elevated the game considerably. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with a reminder of what could’ve been.

Though every game in The Disney Afternoon Collection is over twenty years old, they all hold up fairly well. The gameplay mechanics are simplistic and can feel a bit dated, but they are great versions of Disney classics. If you are looking for a game with exceptional and more modern gameplay, there are better retro-inspired games on the market. But if you are looking to play these for the nostalgia while taking advantage of their enhanced visual fidelity, this is the bundle to get, especially at its $20 price point.

Overall, NeuroVoider is a good experience with great design, fun gameplay, but suffers from some balance and accessibility issues. It’s nothing that a post-launch patch can’t solve and maybe providing options to adjust the boss fights would serve the title well. If you’re looking for an interesting shooter along the lines of Enter the Gungeon, give this one a go.

In order to improve the experience, 2Dark needs a complete rewrite and significant work on its mechanics. There are way too many distractions in the game for it to stand out. Currently it’s poorly designed, narratively shallow, and relies upon cheap shocks instead of crafting a truly compelling game. It’s a shame that a game with so much potential is let down by gimmicks.

As a huge fan of the genre, even I would say Subject 13 is a pass. The puzzles eventually left me feeling incomplete as the difficulty spike was unwarranted and unwanted. The final puzzle is also one of the biggest letdowns I have had in a while. I really hope the developers keep trying as I believe they have something here, but I would wait for Subject 14 or Subject 15 first.

If you love 2D platformers that offer challenging gameplay, then SkyKeepers is perfect for you. Priced at $15, it offers great value and an enjoyable experience. With colorful environments, a good soundtrack, and an interesting story, SkyKeepers is a great addition to any gamer’s library. I just wish it stood out more by offering us gameplay elements we haven't experienced before.

Guardians of the Galaxy is another Telltale game. The wit and style of the series’ characters are definitely a highlight of this installment in Telltale’s formula but it’s still a very by-the-numbers title. While the plot is intriguing enough for fans of the films, those who don’t enjoy other games by the company won’t find much to love here. Here's hoping it gets better as the series goes on.

When I first started playing Late Shift, I really thought it would be yet another generic attempt at an interactive experience, much like the "point-and-click" adventures Telltale Games push out every other week. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by this game. Extremely high-quality acting and set pieces pulled me into the world and pushed me to find the right balance in the choices that I made. It always ended in a way I never expected.

While I was a big fan of the free version of Doodle God, I cannot recommend Doodle God: Ultimate Edition. The main reason is that there is not enough of a difference to consider this game “Ultimate.” The lack of some ads and the ability to complete the game without waiting for my “energy” to recharge is not enough to warrant a premium version of the free game. This is only amplified by the awkward controller inputs. I really hope the next Doodle God puts Xbox players first if they want to be taken seriously on our platform of choice.

Overall, Yooka-Laylee is a good game which needs some more technical work on Xbox One. The platforming feels unrefined due to the movement and camera. Despite that, the soundtrack by David Wise and Grant Kirkhope gets stuck in your head and the co-op mode is a lot of fun. Yooka-Laylee is built on an incredibly solid foundation but has some growing up to do.

Bulletstorm is a mostly unchanged experience from its original 2011 iteration. The upgraded visuals are definitely a sight to behold, but for those who have already played through People Can Fly’s over-the-top FPS, there isn’t much to gain here.

Overall, Enter the Gungeon was worth the wait for Xbox One owners. The title is a lot of fun and remains that way despite the challenge it poses. If you love games like Rogue Legacy and Crypt of the Necrodancer, then this is the game for you. However, if you’re new to the roguelike genre, this is also a great starting point which will teach you well.

Idle Evolution is an educational simulation game set in the distant past where you’re tasked with collecting elements and evolving them into compounds that will change and evolve your planet into a utopia. Filled with interesting trivia, it gives players a lot to work towards and learn as they go.

Blackwood Crossing is a great game and if you can look past the clunky controls and odd frame pacing issues, it’s a blast to play. However, the majority of gamers will be aggravated by the problems with the controls. The developers need to address these issues soon because it’s a treat to play on PC but not on Xbox One.

Overall, Snake Pass is a great platformer and there isn’t anything like it on Xbox One. Just when you think that the gaming industry is out of new ideas, this title comes along. While it’s quite simple in terms of story and presentation, the game is addictive and a tremendous amount of fun. If you own an Xbox One, you have to get Snake Pass. It’s that special because of its accessible controls.

Even with all the problems of this episode, I think the series is excellent and has a chance to be on par with Season 1. I really hope the writers have a big payoff in the works, because a second drab episode in a row will sour this series beyond repair. I have full faith in Telltale to turn this story around, but we may have seen our first real misstep for the team at Telltale Games. Hopefully my next review will be a positive one.

On the whole, The Inner World is a fantastic puzzle game, not to mention a seamless port from PC. A deeply engaging world, satisfyingly challenging puzzles, and a fun story make for a truly wonderful playthrough.

Mass Effect: Andromeda at times captures the essence of the Mass Effect trilogy but doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The story and its lovable cast of characters stand as solid starting blocks in an expansive universe. Performance issues, bugs, and design flaws hurt an otherwise commendable role-playing game.

Troll and I is a mess of an experience all the way through. With bare-bones gameplay, Xbox 360-era graphics and an atrocious frame rate, Troll and I is not worthy of anyone’s time at its $50 price tag.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a great game despite its short length and difficulty. It requires skill and patience so don’t expect a casual platformer. It’s polished, beautiful and really reminds you why smaller games are so important to any console.

Overall, Nier: Automata is a phenomenal game filled with great gameplay, world building, amazing storytelling, and it even poses some interesting questions. There’s so much to love about this game and it has spawned dozens of think pieces from various websites on the topics posed in the game. I truly believe Nier: Automata is easily an early Game of the Year contender for 2017. If you own a PlayStation 4 or have a Windows machine capable of running it, you have to give this game a try.

Flatout 4 isn’t a bad game, it’s just a massive disappointment for what could’ve been a fantastic return to the series. With some of its physics problems removed and more track content, Flatout 4 has the potential to be a good arcade racer with a lot of charm. For now, however, Flatout 4: Total Insanity will be laid back to rest.

Paperash has created one of the deepest and most interesting puzzle games on PC in a while, with a narrative that does not just rest on its laurels after players glance through a single page of lore. The game offers thorough backstory, giving both casual gamers and hardcore puzzle fans something that not only offers a challenge but also offers something easy to dig into. The game's art style brilliantly mixes the Arcanum look with brilliant sound effects similar to those found in Limbo, bringing you one of the most decent indie titles I've seen on Steam. Although the game is currently only on PC, I wouldn't mind seeing it on Xbox One in the future as well.

A step above its predecessor. Oozing with character and charm, the titular character of Styx helps to bring the game out of the shadows you’ll be crawling through for most of its run time. Repetition of its otherwise great environments and hammy voice acting from the other characters is somewhat disappointing but Styx is still a solid game.

Dark Arcana: The Carnival offers a great experience overall. Perhaps more engaging for a younger audience, but still decent fun for all ages. A bit more creativity in names, voice acting and puzzle types would make this a truly stellar game, though it’s worth a creepy playthrough if only to follow the story and enjoy the sinister scenery. Dark Arcana: The Carnival proves hidden objects games can be deep and engaging.

Verdun is a perfect example of why PC games cannot just be copied to console without care and thought. Poor graphics, server connection issues, and terrible controller remapping hold this game back from being successful on console. In addition to being needlessly inaccessible, Verdun spoils the potentially interesting content it has to offer with crashes, lag, and disconnections.

Lego Worlds is a great game and has grown considerably since it was first revealed. If you love titles like Astroneer, be sure to pick this one up.

For what it is, Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic succeeds in accomplishing what it sets out to do. It’s an unapologetic retro game that looks to capture the nostalgia of an era in gaming long gone. But while it does succeed in doing that, it remains to be seen if many gamers will actually find that enjoyable.

WRC 6 is a subpar rally simulator with an identity crisis, lack of content and borderline stressful gameplay.

A masterpiece of game design.

Kitty Powers' Matchmaker is a fun little mobile game centered around finding love for desperate hipsters that has managed to find itself on consoles. Like a child in an adult conversation, it feels out of place. The game is well designed and colorful, but it can't be given to kids due to the overarching innuendos splashed across the world. With that in mind, the game seems to be a strange entry on Xbox One, with this reviewer finding it hard to place and to justify it being on the console in the first place. As a mobile game I would recommend it instantly because playing it in small doses on the go is fun, but I think console gamers demand deeper experiences.

Torment: Tides of Numenera is an infinitely complex game which no review can truly capture. The sheer number of side quests, characters, dialogue choices and endings require that the game be played multiple times. Brian Fargo and his team have created an absolutely stunning experience—I just wish it was as technically sound on Xbox One as it is on Windows 10.