In the gaming industry today, the multiplayer looter genre is by no means niche. But even with all the money thrown into these projects, most end up being mediocre due to unrealistic scope. Deep Rock Galactic by Ghost Ship Games manages to break the mold by creating a memorable experience in atmosphere, gameplay and cooperation. There are some limitations throughout, namely when it comes to story and graphics, but I never found these to hurt the immersion. The gameplay is addictively deep, while procedural generation and extensive loot keep me coming back for more. If you and your friends are fans of the multiplayer looter genre, or just love dwarves and space mining, you need not look any further than Deep Rock Galactic for your next gaming adventure.

Biomass is a hard game to pin down for me. There were parts of it I thought were executed perfectly. But there were other times when I could see that the game still needs some work. The RPG leveling system, for example, gives a nice feeling of growth throughout the game. But the stats are never explained, and it took me a while to figure out what each one did. The world is huge, and fun to explore, but I often found myself wandering into places I’d already been. A map would have made the game much better. There is an NPC who offers you one, but the price he asks deterred me from using it. The boss battles are excellent, but the difficulty means you’ll die a lot. That wouldn’t be an issue were it not for the tedious journey from the save point back to the fight. This is a game with strong potential, but the lack of clarity drags it down.

Imperfections are just part of something's charm, aren't they? Despite the struggle of consuming a varyingly complete game on multiple occasions, the potential and intent beneath shine through beautifully. Effectively immersive and hits on most parts "fun" and "nostalgic," Prodigal is a feast for those craving a substitute for the long wait created by bigger, more expansive adventure titles. Even with its size, it juggles the question of whether bigger is better by making a relatively short journey one that resonates more deeply. And it has cute girls, if that's more your thing.

Torchlight 3 was bland from the get-go and never picked up in my near 20 hours with the game. It fails to reach the heights of its predecessor in basically every way. Its origins as a free-to-play game shine through and it conveys an overall cheap feeling to the game. Certain aspects like class builds, area design, and combat have been dumbed down in this game. If you're looking for an average ARPG to play with your friends then it may be for you, but with the $40 price tag on its official launch out of Steam Early Access, it will be hard to recommend.

MindSeize will certainly scratch the itch if you’re in the market for a decent Metroidvania game with a focus on challenging combat and enjoyable exploration. While somewhat marred by a clichéd and clumsily-executed story and some occasionally-frustrating gameplay moments, it’s nonetheless a solid offering with beautiful visuals that will appeal to fans of the classics.

POSTAL Redux didn't need to come to Nintendo Switch. But I guess part of what makes a game like this, that puts you in the role of a character hopefully none of us would emulate, is that it doesn't need to do anything. It just needs to let you shoot little guns at things and make the blood go everywhere. If that's what you're into, POSTAL Redux will let you do that from anywhere. But if you prefer a game with any amount of meaningful substance, keep looking elsewhere.

Batbarian was a delightful trip through the deep dark abyss. A huge effort that could have had a lot more problems, it stuck the landing beautifully. With obvious influence from classics of the genre, it does more than just copy what made them great, it continues on their spirit of exploration and puzzle-solving to bring us a unique adventure.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix shows that the developers cared enough about their work to listen to fans. By increasing the character count, expanding the gameplay mechanics with pit crews, and overall increasing the game quality, this game is a secret favorite that is worthy of your time.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Heart of the Forest is a great visual novel when you put more emphasis on the novel aspect. Relatable characters, an excellent representation of marginalized communities, and a real-world setting make this a believable game that doesn't hang its entire worth on the supernatural elements. This game is absolutely worth your time.

Gothic Murder: Adventure That Changes Destiny is a great little visual novel with an intriguing story, good gameplay elements, a great style, and a soundtrack for each moment. I would definitely recommend this to anybody who enjoys playing visual novels, or players looking for their next mystery.

Embracelet is a fantastic and emotive coming of age story set in a land steeped with history. With a beautiful art style and interesting characters, if you're looking for an engaging yet relaxing game to sink your teeth into, look no further.

UnderHero is a hidden gem of a game with a brilliant soundtrack, a great cast of characters, and an engaging combat system. However, the game is dragged down slightly due to issues in the game's pacing. Its humour is consistently witty, and its story often emotional and inspired. It is a must-play game for anyone who wants a game similar to the early Paper Mario titles.

Dull, expressionless character art and contrived strategy combat make for a bad impression right off the bat. I can respect what Pendragon tries to accomplish, but for a game that heavily relies on its procedural story telling and replayability, there is barely enough content here to justify a third run. The writing truly shines in the final battle between Arthur and Mordred, but the dialogue during the main chunk of the game is too interchangeable and devoid of personality to be engaging. Ironically, the attempt to tell a different story every time makes every playthrough feel the same.

Ultimately, Spellbreak is clearly still going through its paces; think about the drastic changes we've seen in games like Fornite since its release in 2017. Thus, I do believe this title will age nicely and continue to develop and evolve as time passes. This does seem to be the case, especially as the game has also adopted Fortnite’s successful formula of being free-to-play, as well as containing an in-game cosmetic store. Nowadays, this a tried and tested format for Battle Royale titles, and it works well for Spellbreak, making it accessible and playful, as well as offering dedicated players something to spend their money on.

The original Super Mario Bros. is a game that has been there for me since childhood. It's always been a nostalgic security blanket, the video game equivalent of comfort food. It's nice and familiar, but not especially challenging or exciting. Super Mario Bros. 35 took this classic and truly gave it new life. I feel excited, tense and downright giddy about this game for the first time since I was a child.

Animal Rescuer has a lot to offer and it mostly ticks all the correct boxes, barring a few. The world is incredibly well-detailed. Animals have been given digital lives that makes you wish they were real. A basic storyline does set the premise but I would love for the story to expand in the future. The music is a masterpiece but the text-to-speech dialogues reduce the game's overall appeal. The soon-to-launch Prologue on Steam should definitely help players get an idea of the game and see the game for what it truly is. Animal Rescuer is a truly unique concept and has been wonderfully executed by Turquoise Revival Games.

Projection: First Light might have some issues with shadow mechanics, repetitive gameplay and a short duration, but the combination of visuals, narrative and gameplay are offering a compelling and enjoyable experience. Despite the annoying controls, which may be fixed in the future patches, Projection: First Light is a game worth playing, especially if you are into puzzle platformers. And even if not, its beautiful scenery, charming tale about self-enlightenment through various cultures definitely deserves attention.

You will die. A lot. iota is a game that heeds the call for the challenge enthusiast in many players, employing restrictions that call back to even retro-level difficulty. Whether this appeals to you will be the deciding factor in giving the game a chance, as much else is too bare to provide additional motivation. Difficulty for difficulty's sake, it's a challenge to the world. If not for the pleasant audio/visual presentation, this would be a fantastic game for the hardcore and completely passable to all else.

Falcon Age is a great example of a narrative game that can work on multiple levels. It works in virtual reality, and it works on a handheld. As a story of liberation, and a story of companionship. The Switch version allows players of all types to explore and enjoy this delightful tale of a girl and her bird.

13 Sentinels is a visual novel unlike any released this year and offers a unique experience that is unlike any other game. It's refreshing to play during a time of first-person cinematic open-world shooters, to find a story unraveled in a non-linear way to draw the tension and mystery of it out. There's no one way of summing up this experience, and that's the beauty of it. 13 Sentinels is something players will have to experience for themselves.

Going Under starts off looking like a goofy, chaotic rogue-lite parodying company culture, and ends looking like one, too. The huge variety in weapons and skills will keep you improvising and adapting on every run. While the story is entirely ridiculous and doesn’t take itself seriously for most of its runtime, the loveable characters - both Jackie and her colleagues - will keep you invested (haha) the whole way through. Couple that with a masterfully crafted finale and you get one of the most satisfying, and overall best, games of 2020.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is Mafia at its best. As the series moved forward with open-worlds, it got less engaging with its gameplay. Going back to the first one is a reminder of the core of the series and what makes it great. The flaws show how out of date some elements are, but none of them are too offensive. This remaster is a shining example of what Hangar 13 can do with the IP moving forward.

All in all, TRS is a fun, in-depth simulator which can be massively improved in terms of story mode and playable scenarios. The developers have confirmed post-launch support and I expect the game to grow in size through DLCs and User Mods.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is everything that you would expect from an epic fantasy game. There is an intriguing story full of magic and mystery, combat styles for all types of players, and an environment so enchanting it’s impossible not to want to live in it. While the remaster isn’t very different from the original in most aspects, it still makes for an enjoyable game and is a nice throwback to Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

When picking up Super Mario 3D All-Stars, I expected authenticity as well as enhancements worthy of a modern remaster. This collection manages to meet those marks, but not without some unfortunate limitations. The All-Stars collection provides three content-packed Mario games for the price of one, a dream for fans of this series. For those who love challenging platformers, like Celeste or Super Mario Maker 2, I recommend picking this collection up. However, those on the fence might be better off looking elsewhere, as the All-Stars collection is a remaster with few bells and whistles. Though Nintendo could have done more to enhance these titles, they are still fantastic games on their own and definitely worth the purchase.

Plastic Rebellion’s gameplay premise is very promising. It encourages constant player involvement, setting it apart from traditional Tower Defense titles. Unfortunately, it is let down by inexcusably broken core mechanics that will prove immensely frustrating. There’s an undeniable charm to the presentation and gameplay (and jank) that ultimately makes the game reasonably enjoyable for most of the play through, despite its glaring problems.

Crystal Dynamics had an ambitious idea with Marvel's Avengers. It attempts to seduce players into endless sessions of heroic carnage in a bloodthirsty hunt for increasingly satisfying gear. In reality, however, the loot drops are brutally bare, leaving the repetitious core without a shoulder to lean on. Somehow Marvel's Avengers finds itself packed with content but also feeling incomplete. Upcoming DLC characters may revive its fleeting heartbeat, but until then, the experience was a bit too depressing for me to enjoy.

Crusader Kings III is a near perfect sequel that expands upon the elements and gameplay of the previous instalment in a way that offers a challenge for veterans and is more user friendly to newcomers. However the game's A.I. is prone to moments of stupidity which can make or break your conquests and the U.I. can be over cumbersome.

Great Conqueror: Rome isn't for players looking to imitate Fire Emblem or Age of Empires. It's an informative presentation of the military events involving the Roman Empire and presents this through a technically satisfactory gameplay system. The controls can be problematic, and that did ultimately take away from my enjoyment with the game. But if you're looking for a smaller title that will let you take your time and really strategize how best to overtake your enemies, Great Conqueror: Rome is a solid option for you.

I'm going to go so far as to say that Paradise Killer is a masterpiece. This isn't to say it's perfect. The music is top-tier, the mystery is deep and twisted, the world is exciting and interesting to explore with some lovely visuals. The characters are all well designed and compelling. What's not to like?

All in all, Space Elite Force is a simple and solid arcade shoot 'em up that will scratch the itch for those who infrequently need it. With local co-op, SEF becomes a great way to play with somebody without a laborious setup. Ideal for short play sessions or the odd multiplayer marathon, it's an inexpensive treat that provides a fun play experience without compromising on quality.

Spiritfarer was a pleasantly surprising and joyful experience. I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in other management games, or anyone with a Switch. Apart from not finding enough challenging platforming, there's hardly much to say that I didn't enjoy. Everything from the characters and world, to the mechanics and story was wonderfully crafted. Spiritfarer is a highly underrated indie that I'll never forget.

Spinch is a uniquely vibrant game with a fast paced first half that turns into a bit of a slog the longer it goes. Unfortunately, the developers decided to skimp on the checkpoints as a cheap trick to make the second half harder. If they released a patch that let you save wherever you wanted, it would raise my score significantly. That said, you are simply not going to find a game that looks like this anywhere else. Just from an aesthetic standpoint, Spinch is worth the price of admission. As it is, I recommend that you play Spinch, but I can't recommend that you finish it.

Overall, Tell Me Why is a wonderful and thoughtful game that values both its characters and story. Every little detail that is scattered across the game works in harmony to create a believable and engaging world. It is a game that is constantly teaching us more about its interesting side characters and rarely gives the player a chance to want to put the controller down. Despite not having a wild and climactic ending, Tell Me Why is one of the best stories to come out of Dontnod studios and a must-play for any fans of the adventure genre.

To Summarize, it's hard to recommend Blazing Sails at its current price point. It isn't a bad game by any means, and it is in early access which hints plans for expansion later. However right now there simply isn't enough content. It'll be interesting to see how it develops in future, but a game of this genre depends on having a large community and that's something Blazing Sails is struggling to acquire. [Early Access Provisional Score = 65]

If there was any concept that the card battler genre had completely tapped out with Slay The Spire, Monster Train proves that assumption wrong. Combining scaling difficulty, combo troops and cards, and an amazing amount of replayability under the hood, this is a game that can easily devour hours of your time pursuing "just one more run."

There aren’t any mechanics that set Peril on Gorgon apart from the rest of the game. If you like The Outer Worlds, you’ll like PoG. While the expansion delivers more world-building, a few meaningful choices and solid gameplay, it does so in a way that’s virtually indistinguishable from what came before. If you absolutely cannot wait to return to Halcyon, Peril on Gorgon will scratch that itch just fine. If you’ve had your fill of The Outer Worlds, PoG doesn’t offer anything new and you’re safe to skip it.

Inmost is a very short puzzle platformer type game and does an absolutely incredible job at story telling through the atmosphere, Players can spend a little time going through a story that while only lasts about 3-5 hours, packs an abstract emotional punch that is going to stick around for so much longer... even if it is simply to figure out just what they just played.

One Line Coloring is a very accessible puzzle game with stunning visuals that would make it appealing to gamers of all ages. Some players may find that the overly simplistic concept for this game makes things feel like a very shallow experience. However, I personally find that the game provides a great deal of escapism from day to day life while keeping my mind occupied on a simple yet satisfying task.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York managed to build a compelling and catchy story, but is lacking some core gameplay element, even by visual novel standards. However, while having few negative points, the title works just as well as a standalone one despite an obvious lack of player choices and the evidence of the main intrigue. The narrative is riding on a highly relatable protagonist and a few other vivid characters, which keep your attention from start to finish. While as a visual novel the game is not perfect, it works just fine for newcomers or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in The World of Darkness universe.

Do it for your mother. Moon Raider has the style and aesthetic of a memorable sci-fi action-adventure. Where it falters is in the department of innovation and experimentation, proving a little too complex for a developer historically known for mobile titles. Nevertheless, there is enough knowledge and polish to make for an entertaining journey to the moon and back, and if playing as a martian treasure hunter with a giant gun sounds appealing, there's little reason not to give this a... shot. Just watch for secret walls.

The dream of a Super Smash Bros. game full of our favourite indie characters is one we will have to keep having. The premise, when announced, sure did pique a lot of interest. But the final product is genuinely one of the most disappointing games I’ve played in a very long time and doesn’t give me any desire to play this game again. Maybe a game can be redeemed as the combat gets tighter, with new characters to add different gameplay elements. But the foundation here is so bad that it seems irredeemable. Clunky, floaty, and shallow battles; poor frame-rates, muggy graphics, unpleasant UX, janky menus, and a complete lack of style mean that there is very little good to say about Bounty Battle, which sure is sad.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is one of the best examples of a video game remake. Not only has Vicarious Visions retained what made the games so well-crafted to begin with, but it has reminded us why a series with such refined gameplay should not just be left in the past. Though its character creation and multiplayer could do with some more attention, the addictive gameplay, stunning graphics and pitch-perfect sound ensure that the series has been given a new life. I cannot wait to see where it will be taken next, be it a remake of Pro Skater 3 and 4, or an entirely new entry – either way, I’ll be there. Welcome back, Birdman.

3 Out of 10 is an outstanding mixture of cartoon and game, which gives an ironic look at the video game industry. It's a genuinely funny title, which at the same time makes use of all of the power of Unreal Engine 4 and manages to handle serious subjects. The season ends with a huge cliffhanger, which isn't bad at all. But there's a flip side to that coin, though, since I cannot wait a year to see more misadventures of my beloved characters.

What more could you ask for? Minoria is a beautifully realized title that is entertaining throughout. Aside from some minor nitpicks, this game is a masterfully crafted Metroidvania complete with an interesting story, gorgeous level design and a phenomenal soundtrack to tie it all together.

Armored Head is a highly enjoyable romp of non-stop robo-violence that will make for a fun and memorable afternoon or two. It doesn't set the world on fire, but it knows exactly what it wants to be and achieves that goal perfectly.

The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] obviously comes from a place of great passion and love for the games and era that inspires it. Its art style masterfully uses the CGA colour pallet and its animations are smooth and characterful. However the core gameplay whilst solid on its own is often defeated by its art style. Often obscuring key details and progression paths making it overly hard to see where you are supposed to be going or what is hidden in the dark. Plus the game's fonts whilst great to look at can be difficult to read and can rob the play of vital information and backstory the game needs.

There’s no point in finding answers to the question in the title; think of it just as a new beginning of a captivating story. I enjoyed meeting Tyler and Alyson - you don’t meet such vivid characters everyday, but was disappointed by the central intrigue of the game. However, the game merits the attention for setting a new trademark for transgender representation in the video games industry and hopefully it will gain momentum in the future. Tyler and Alyson's journey will not leave you indifferent, and regardless of some issues with the storytelling itself, DONTNOD did a good job and I cannot wait to see other episodes. Life is Strange fans have to get over the past, since the studio’s previous work is nothing compared to Tell Me Why. And it’s totally okay.

Starport Delta is a solid experience for those who want a more casual city building sim set in space, it's simplicity belies a surprising depth in terms of gameplay. Accessible to those new to the genre, while providing a decent challenge to those experienced with it, the 2-man band known as Cloudfire Studios has done a stellar job at creating a well-rounded RTS experience.

Mortal Shell is a reimagining of what a Souls-like game can be. Although it's not a near-perfect game, it pushed the boundaries of what a smaller studio can do. Through all of its hiccups, this dark RPG brings unique mechanics and heavy combat to a different level, but leaves behind some important features that would've improved the experience altogether.

It will go largely ignored, and that is what makes the tale of SHEEPO so tragic. Fans of the metroidvania genre have another prized title to add to their backlog. SHEEPO is immersive, detailed, and full of a whimsical charm rarely found in either AAA products or the indie scene. It understands what it wants to do and only goes as far as it needs to to settle, allowing the player to be just as imaginative as the world provided here. Wondrous, bizarre, and most of all addictively fun, if not for a few minor points of contention, this would be one of the most recommendable indie games of its type.

I loved playing Kinoko despite how short it is. I was introduced to a little world of calm beauty where each element complimented the other. It is easy to see that a lot of love and care has gone into this project, and I would love to see Kinoko as a fully-fledged game in the future.

While the visual grandeur can sometimes overwhelm, Manifold Garden is one of the most mesmerising and jaw-dropping experiences I've had on the Switch. It manages to take well-known puzzle mechanics and galaxy-brain them into worlds and universes; an infinite meditation on infinity. Top-quality puzzles, unique, mind-blowing visuals, and gorgeous ambient music make this a wholistic, meditative experience, one which everyone should try. It is a work of art.

Kill It With Fire is an enjoyable indie game with a fun premise and plenty of destructive toys to deal with the spider threat. However, the game is short and whilst it never overstays its welcome, it can easily be completed in an afternoon and doesn’t have much in the way of content beyond that, aside from some achievement hunting and time killing.

There is a good reason that Darkest Dungeon won a ton of awards and sold over 2 million copies - in portraying the dark underbelly of fantasy adventuring it touched on subjects rarely addressed in games before it. Its amazing sound, comic-like graphics, and intense, perpetual Ironman difficulty create a title that was addictive to those wanting Lovecraftian horror with a side of near Dark Souls difficulty. If you have never experienced it before, now is a great time to make its acquaintance, to be prepared for the release of Darkest Dungeon 2. And, if you were a previous visitor, make sure you take another look to experience the new DLC that has been added since your departure. Hours of broken peripherals and rage quits await.

Destroy All Humans is a fun game, there’s no doubt about it. A slick coat of paint and a control reconfiguration helps make the game feel fresh, but the bones of a fifteen-year-old game are everywhere, especially in mission design. In this sense, Destroy All Humans feels like an aberration in terms of gameplay and content. Franchise fans will find an enjoyable chaotic stroll down memory lane, but it might be a hard sell for anyone who hasn’t played the original.

Paws and Soul does deliver in providing a story based around the Buddhist doctrine of rebirth and reincarnation, and I can see how it is quite atmospheric. Unfortunately, the story is far too depressing to make any of it relaxing. The gameplay is fun at first but quickly grows repetitive, and the only thing the game has going for it are the graphics and the vibrant environments. It’s a shame, because Paws and Soul could have been a really good indie game, but there too many vital aspects that haven't been executed well, and all of this combined seriously lets it down.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral town is a fun time sink, but for a near full price game, sticks a little too close to its base game from more than 15 years ago. It has a great progression system that is still haunted by old traditions of ridiculously obtuse unlock conditions for certain features. If you have a reliable guide, you’re going to have a pretty good time, but the necessity of one really hampers the laid back, casual vibe of the game. If you’ve been a fan of the series for a while or are interested in the new features like gay marriage, then give it a try. Everyone else may want to wait for a price drop.

Fall Guys balances frustration and enjoyment perfectly, handing you victory at the expense of someone else whilst snatching it away from you just as much. Despite some irritating, luck-based team games, Fall Guys is a one of a kind experience that will only get better season to season. It's the most fun I've had with a game in years.

If not the boy of your dreams, you'll always have mozzarella. Love Spell: Written In The Stars does well to provide the cute, inspiring, and romantic vibes they were going for, even as a debut work. What reduces the magical charm is the practical inadequacy in which the game runs, which suffers from glaring basic omissions and faulty wiring. With all considered, it's still a memorable experience of ups and downs, and whichever direction feels most prominent will heavily depend on how the characters grab you. Due diligence is necessary before purchasing, so be sure to ask yourself if you prefer cheese or no cheese.

Intelligent Systems have come close to perfecting the look and tone of Paper Mario with The Origami King, but at the cost of landing on a gameplay identity that encapsulates the series' legacy while providing fun innovations to the formula. As such, this game falls below the plethora of first-party Switch games that have taken their series to new heights, but that doesn't mean it's a soggy, crumbled piece of paper either. Paper Mario: The Origami King is a hilarious, dazzling joy ride, that frustratingly doesn't solve all of the issues from recent entries.

Overall, Valorant is a great game to play if you're a fan of first-person shooter strategy games. But it is also something that someone without experience with games like CS:GO can enjoy and pick up quickly. The Agents are, for the most part, balanced, and the planned addition of more should keep the game fresh. The overall style doesn't really land and the sound design needs to be fixed.

Carrion sticks to its guns and nails the landing when it comes to its simple premise as a reverse horror game. It falls short on its lack of intuitive direction and inconsistencies with its puzzles. At times it can be tedious, but overall it is fun. If you need a smaller experience that has a unique perspective to the genre for an interesting experience then look no further to Phobia Game Studio's latest release.

Cloudpunk is a fantastic game that is a lot of fun to play. When I began playing, I assumed that it was going to be a simple pick-up-and-deliver game, but what we get it so much more. While there were a few minor issues like the length of the dialogue and a lack of save options, the good heavily outweighs the bad: the story was intriguing and kept me hooked, the controls weren’t overly complicated, and I enjoyed the range of graphics on show.

We Should Talk is a short experience that seems to be missing a lot of the normal bells and whistles you would expect to see in more modern games. However, there is a great charm to the stylistic artistic approach and it isn't distracting. This is a short experience that is very accessible to even the most casual of gamers and is sure to leave a lasting impression on players far beyond the very short run time.

A smattering of small niggles ultimately prevents Ghost of Tsushima from reaching the upper echelons of PS4 folklore, but it's still an absolute must for your game collection, and a fitting end to the PS4's line of exclusives. Ghost of Tsushima is a fantastic journey through the trouble and strife of 13th Century Japan and is complimented perfectly by a set of great characters, a likable main character, and a loathsome villain. Some repetition in the game's side-missions and a lack of polish in some areas just bring the score down a tad, but these issues can be overlooked in favor of the jaw-dropping visual dessert that will keep you coming back for more.

F1 2020 continues to be one of the best racing simulator franchises out there at the moment. Whilst the game is visually lacking in places, that doesn't take away from the game's overall consistent quality. With tonnes of new additions, and some I didn't even mention like the new split-screen mode and two new tracks, F1 2020 is terrific value for money. It has a couple of flaws, but is overall a great racer that is welcoming to new players and challenging for grizzled veterans.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition perfects and fine-tunes one of the most venerated RPGs of the last decade. While the English voice acting and the occasional resolution dip is disappointing, they made such a meaningless difference that it didn't matter in the end. The gorgeous visual upgrade, the wide and varied locations, the deeply entertaining battle system, and the exquisite soundtrack all add together to one of the best RPG experiences possible.

Burn me Twice is a fun little game that offers many enjoyable aspects, and for a game that is free to play, you get a lot. The story is interesting, the gameplay is easy to get to grips with, and the graphics and audio contribute to the mysterious atmosphere. There was also a nice nod to Christopher Marlowe’s play, Doctor Faustus (in which a man makes a deal with the devil) in the name of the revered physician, Doctor Fausto, which I also rather enjoyed. This enchanting mystery is great fun, and is the perfect casual game for any mystery fan.

Despite its flaws, Hunting Simulator 2 is a fun, entertaining game for fans of hunting games and I believe it is a worthwhile addition to the hunting sim genre.

The graphics and lighting make this one of the best looking games I have ever seen, especially on the current-generation of consoles.

All in all, I did enjoy my time with Infinite Abyss. A few tweaks, like maybe some more health or health/armor upgrades, less enemies or enemy damage, faster crate movement speed, or maybe a story, would have made the game much more enjoyable. However, at its current price tag, it's worth it. I've seen worse, but I've definitely seen better.

All in all, Death and Taxes is a very enjoyable game, and fans of point-and-click games like Papers, Please will absolutely love it. The story offers us interesting routes which we can explore to get alternate endings, the emporium allows us to add some interesting features, and the quirky graphics and audio adds to the overall atmosphere. I will point out that while the game is fun to play, it does get quite repetitive after a while, as with most games of its kind. We can mix things up a little with the choices we make, but ultimately, the gameplay remains the same. Death and Taxes is probably best played in short bursts.

Even when the beat is done, Radio Squid remains an entertaining and challenging distraction for those seeking such. A solid foundation, quirky visual design, and an interesting blend of coin collection and self-created bullet hell allows the title to hold some distinction from the Arcade-inspired crowd. What fun may be had will be determinant on how much tolerance a player has for stringent stipulations, some seemingly unintentional through an unforeseen lack of polish. If the beat doesn't grab you (and it certainly may not), the in-game strategizing will do more than enough to last at least one or two playthroughs.

Summer In Mara does a well enough job in helping you fall in love with the Koa and the plethora of colorful characters. The underlying mystery of Mara and its inhabitants as well as the depth of lore leaves the player yearning for more. Unfortunately, in order to get the momentary tasty bits of story, the player must go through grueling and nearly infinite fetch questing. On top of that, several mechanics don't intermingle well with each other and often times make no sense whatsoever. Constant backtracking and waiting around plague an otherwise vibrant and compelling game.

The idea of fighting on a futuristic motorcycle seemed fun in the beginning, but there just wasn't much else going on with the game to keep you hooked to it for long. The story seems forced and the characters seem like random NPCs who you don't care about. The gameplay elements like the crew are not fully utilized and it feels like they just left it in between to focus on other things. If all of this is taken care of, I wouldn't mind trying Disintegration 2, if it ever comes out.

Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, while a direct inspiration from the Paper Mario franchise, definitely has something to offer all on its own. The gameplay may become clunky or tedious at times, but more than makes up for it with its very cute environments to explore or charming characters to interact with. Players that loved Paper Mario and similar styled games will absolutely find something to love about this game.

Is this the best Outbuddies has ever been? All scales are pointing to "Yes." While still carrying along some nagging inconveniences and some less-than-presentable pixel people, the DX version is deserving of its nifty moniker. The journey has been an enjoyable one to watch for this developer, and their efforts have given modern consoles an indie face that is more than its cartoon mustache. Not only is it among the best metroidvania games I've played, but it reasonably contends with some of the higher-profile games available for current-gen systems. Personal preferences for its accessibility measures aside, it was well worth the time it took to make (and update).

It’s like watching a VHS version of a Blu-ray. The film is incredibly good, it just looks rough. And I really want to emphasise, this game is still very good, and I had such a good time playing it. But the trite phrase ‘you should play this elsewhere if you can’ definitely applies here. While I don’t mind visuals being under par, that’s a personal preference. I’m sure there are people who would find it hard play this game because of how rough it looks at points.

I have to admit, this is amazing value for money. I'm slightly dismayed by the bugs that are present, and I feel they should have updated some of the mechanics of the original games, but ultimately, Command and Conquer Remastered sets the bar against which future remaster projects will be measured. If you need one line to sum up this entire article, here it is. Mission Accomplished.

A fancy title must always be attached to a fancy game. Evan's Remains has a certain quality of intrigue to it that is evident from first glance. Gorgeous pixel detail, an isolated environment, and a keen focus on human psychology and heart. Suffering from some issues with landing the endpoint and gameplay prowess, it will inevitably be a selective title for many, notably those with the mindset that story always goes before gameplay. But for those looking for a thought-provoking, immersive game that costs less than a standard theater ticket, the search for Evan is definitely filling in those aspects.

Maneater is an original concept that is brave enough to weigh an entertaining premise and pro-environmental message in equal measure. An over-reliance on repetitive item collecting mires a surprisingly Hemingway-esque tale that left me more than satisfied once the credits rolled. Tripwire Interactive managed to capture the thrill of playing one of the Ocean's apex predators in a game that shouldn't be missed. We don't often see games that offer the kind of unbridled fun that Maneater does.

ITT-A good time. Bullet hell is not a hard genre to screw up, but even those versed in this type of gameplay will find some enjoyable qualities to indulge in. If only the focus on the personal aspect of the game's roots had more prominence throughout, which could've pushed this game's impact to rare heights. Nevertheless, the core aspects of ITTA are more than enough to give it the credit it deserves.

The exquisite gameplay, graphics and sound design are let-down by some very iffy narrative devices and the game definitely suffers from some bloated sections that feel like complete filler - although your first playthrough will definitely keep you going for a while. All in all, part one is a success; let's hope the second installment doesn't take as long.

Streets of Rage 4 is a terrific return to form for one of the best beat-em' up franchises of all-time. It's beautifully managed to transition the features that made it so desirable back in the 90's. Whilst its mechanics haven't aged too well, and the difficulty hands you a caveat late-game; it's still a very accessible title to play that can be enjoyed by multiple people for a long time to come.

The enjoyment you get from Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York will very much depend on your willingness to endure reams of static dialogue. If that’s an obstacle you can easily maneuver, then there is a lot to like here. Learning about the complexities of Vampire society has left me hungry to learn more. The game’s artistic character portraits and backgrounds bring the City that never sleeps alive in a way I haven’t experienced in a game before.

With a little extra attention, Before We Leave could probably turn into a much larger, more sophisticated game. The foundation is strong enough for that to happen with minimal effort, but I don't think that's what the developers had in mind, and truthfully, I don't have a problem with that.

Deliver Us The Moon is an incredible experience which I would recommend to anyone in its current form. Its story is short and sweet, delivering all the punches it needs to while rarely over-indulging in itself and wasting its players' time. While it suffers from a few minor drawbacks, they don't come anywhere close to bringing this rocket ship back down to Earth.

Someday You'll Return is an immersive game with stunning visuals, excellent storytelling and rich gameplay. And what I like most: the developers didn't try to reinvent the wheel. But instead took all the best parts from the genre and actually created something new. I’d go so far as to call it one of the best horror games from the last year.

Even for a small price ($11.99), I don't feel Shred! 2 is worth buying on a console. It's just missing too many elements that a gamer who takes time out to sit in front of their console to play would notice. We want an experience that takes advantage of the console's power. It doesn't have to be a completely re-imagined port, but maybe it should be more than a direct copy from mobile to console? It's a game with design choices that you wouldn't notice when playing on the go on a mobile device. But on a console, I just expected more from it. It's a mobile game, not a console game.

The archery combat mechanics are excellent, among the best available in virtual reality games today. The story was well introduced and well built up, but lacked a satisfying conclusion. On the other hand, Fast Travel Games did a great job on the art design, soundtrack, and sound effects of the game. These three elements helped create a very immersive action game that makes you feel like a sci-fi version of Robin Hood.

Despite some of the complaints I have, Ion Fury is still a fantastic game that can hopefully kick-start a resurgence in classic, FPS games.

So what makes Huntdown so great? It’s the satisfaction. It’s the way the tiny pixelated people burst into flame when you roast them with a stolen flamethrower; it’s the bits of meat scattering across the screen when a cluster grenade you’ve thrown pulverizes your enemies. It’s the rage you feel when the boss you’ve spent 45 minutes trying to defeat kills you when he has 1 hp left. It’s the elation you feel when you finally beat him.

With my disappointment in Half-Genie Hero in the foreground, it's a bit easier to enjoy Shantae and the Seven Sirens's good points in relation to its abundantly minor issues. Controls are fantastic, the pacing is solid, and it harkens back (somewhat) to what made Pirate's Curse so beloved. Some may decry its simple difficulty, but for me, so long as the journey is immersive, other aspects can be excused. Neither a perfect game or a perfect Shantae game, Seven Sirens has enough magic to make it a welcome addition to a franchise with a bountiful future ahead of it.

Knight Swap 2 offers a wonderfully unique puzzling challenge to fans of the genre while keeping things simple enough for anybody to enjoy. It's a refined mobile-like experience that fits right into the ecosystem of the Switch. While it's easy to get into a nice flow, the controls can often times slow down what would otherwise be a seamless system. Regardless, the ingenius audio design and minimalistic style make it easy to get lost in a nearly endless, and sometimes frustrating, puzzling atmosphere.