Cloudpunk is a morally conflicting cyberpunk experience wrapped in a grimy and glitzy aesthetic. The gameloop of exploring the world as a delivery driver and discovering everything it has to offer provided to be a unique enough angle that held my attention from beginning to end, even if the pacing felt off at times when switching between flying and walking. Those looking for an over-the-top Sci-fi adventure, Cloudpunk definitely delivers.

The Switch is a good home for Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto. I didn’t have an issue with online gameplay or any of the single-player modes, and other than a few frame drops, fights were fluid and responsive. If you’re a Naruto fan and have somehow not played this game yet, this is probably the perfect way to.

Sadly, most of the time players will be spending with A New Power Awakens: Part 1 will likely be spent grinding senseless battles to get to the main event against Beerus. However, the fight and how the game presents it isn’t interesting enough to warrant going back to the game for. Unless you are really clamoring for more Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot content, it might be best to wait until the second part of the DLC is out for a complete experience.

Dead by Daylight on mobile is plagued with random bugs and lengthy load times, which can all be overlooked with the excuse that this is just the “Dead by Daylight” experience. Still, I found enjoyment during each match as I fought for my life against some of the most terrifying creatures known to exist. It’s like something you know is terrible, but you can’t put it down, and that’s precisely what keeps me playing.

If you’re a die-hard fan of ontological mysteries (think “you wake up in a room”), you’ll probably come away from the game somewhat positive. After all, the developer also seems to be a die-hard fan of ontological mysteries. But please, for goodness sake, try to read slowly when you get to the finale.

Deliver Us the Moon is a space adventure for everyone. Most of the minor issues can be easily overlooked since it’s so easy to become invested in the narrative. Furthermore, the puzzles and hazards offer a challenge that doesn’t stifle the player and simply acts as a nice breather from the story bits. If you’re in the mood for a story that harbors some mystery and thrill, this is the one to pick up.

It's clear that a lot of love went into making Streets of Rage 4. The developers have taken this classic series and added just enough to make it their own while also building off of what makes this series so great. The length of the adventure may be an issue for some, but there are more than enough reasons to return to the streets for another round.

Dragon Marked for Death on PC is the best way to play this game since the online infrastructure is far more dependable than its Switch counterpart. However, I don’t think the developers took full advantage of the port and failed to really sell this version of the game. Sure, it has controller support, but I was hoping to find improved framerates and resolution options. So if you’re looking for an addictive 2D action game to play with friends, Dragon Marked for Death has got you covered for many hours.

Predator: Hunting Grounds is a game that still needs a lot of work. If you can make it past the sometimes unbearably long matchmaking times, it can be a ton of fun. Constant glitches and gameplay issues, however, hold it back from being reliably enjoyable. A little more time in the oven might make Hunting Grounds a must-play multiplayer experience, but, for now, it’s probably best to wait a while before picking it up.

Swamps of Corsus blew me away by the amount of content that you get for the DLC’s very low price point. Survival Mode alone would be worth what you’re paying for, but the inclusion of new gear, enemies, and the story really make this DLC a must buy. For those who have never played Remnant: From the Ashes, now is the perfect time to grab the game as Gunfire Games seems to be set on expanded this addictive and intense gaming experience.

Little Busters! does right by its adventure and romance themes as it offers a bit of everything in the department. While some routes can lose focus, others are there to get things back on track until a genuinely memorable conclusion. The characters just have a way of growing on you through their charming interactions and desire to spend only a little more time together. In retrospect, there were a couple of bad innings, but that doesn’t take away from the home run of a finale the story offers.

A Summer’s End: Hong Kong 1986 is a must-read visual novel that connects with readers in several ways. This visual novel is pure art and shows a level of creativity that’s missing in other higher budget games available. There’s a clear focus on the emotions that the writers wanted to convey and they did it beautifully. The character illustrations are brilliant and the pacing is amazing, even though the conclusion does feel a bit rushed. Still, I’d keep an eye on anything coming from this developer in the future.

Moving Out is a great game to pull out on family night or when hanging out with friends, though don’t blame me if this ends in an argument about how to get a couch through a door properly. Still, its cartoonish charm will easily entertain a group for a few hours. Even though the single-player offerings aren’t as enjoyable as the multiplayer mode, there’s plenty to enjoy through the optional objectives and zany environments. Those looking for the next over-the-top party game will find what they’re looking for in Moving Out.

Sakura Wars is an excellent reboot of the series and does right by the fans by subtly tying in mentions of its predecessors without overburdening new players. The game is fueled by its strong narrative and passionate cast of characters who fight against-all-odds for what they believe in. Sure, some of the arcs don't totally stick, and the romance can get a little messy, but it accomplishes the goal of giving fans a modernized Sakura Wars experience, without sacrificing what makes it unique.

Journey to the Savage Planet’s gameplay could have benefitted from Hot Garbage’s additions if it wasn’t made to be a separate experience. Mechanics like boosted Jetpacks and Underwater Boots would have been great to use on the planet of AR-Y 26. Instead, planet DL-C1 is a self-contained add-on that provides new equipment along with new ways to use old abilities. With its low cost of entry, the value of extending some good gameplay is always a solid choice.

The Fox Awaits Me doesn’t seem like it would be a gripping thriller, and yet, it is. There were moments during the story where I was entirely at the edge of my seat, but then the writers decided to put some perverted joke in that hurt the pacing tremendously. Thankfully, the thrill survives thanks to the desire to figure out the truth. I would really like to see a mystery from this team without so much reliance on jokes and puns. For now, The Fox Awaits Me is an excellent way to spend a weekend.

Trials of Mana is unapologetically traditional and, yet, still makes itself accessible to all JRPG fans, both new and old. The dedication that the developers show as they retain the fantasy appeal of this classic title with updated systems is what ultimately shines during every moment of this adventure.

I found myself unexpectedly invested in the story of ITTA; its dark themes and mysterious characters held my attention throughout its short campaign. Aside from a few technical issues and the lack of a real postgame, ITTA is a bullet-hell experience that will quickly satisfy any craving you might have for the genre.

Yumeutsutsu Re:After is an exceptional Fandisc as it really improves on the shortcomings of its predecessor. There was a definite amount of attention put into the writing to develop these characters out further and expand on their relationships. Sure, these short yuri stories may only be composed by wholesome shenanigans and adorable illustrations, but Yumeutsutsu Re:After ended up being an enjoyable experience that’ll give you a pleasant 20 hours of reading time to sit back and relax to.

Yumeutsutsu Re:Masters has the makings of a fantastic visual novel, and visually it is. Still, some horrible choices in both writing and design make it an utter chore to experience.

A Fold Apart is creative and bright, but it falls short on the execution of its own mechanics. The narrative is what will capture your attention as you go on a journey with these two love-starved characters. If you’re looking for an artful adventure, then you’ll find one here as assisting these characters to express their love through unconventional means was a great way to spend an evening.

Billion Road has a lot of potential to be a great party game. While it can be fun in short bursts, it quickly becomes dull due to a lack of variety.

Everything in Kawaii Deathu Desu is hidden behind a repetitive mechanic that forces you to level up characters to progress. The lack of accessibility options for this console port is a considerable oversite and makes navigate any menu within the game a chore. Sure, the character sprites are cute, but that’s no reason to endure a cramping wrist for hours of clicking. You’ll more than likely break the shoulder buttons of your Joy-Con long before you unlock everything this game has to offer.

Without A Voice is a well-written story that explores the relationship of two opposite individuals, which sometimes hurt the believability of them spending time together. Still, the themes of ulterior motives and mystery kept me engaged across its multiple endings. I should also mention that the game is free on Steam, so there’s no harm in trying it for yourself.

Final Fantasy VII Remake pulls no punches. The story feels complete as it builds up to a fantastical ending sequence that has me running out of compliments. This game is something of a marvel to experience, which is why I’m now eagerly awaiting the next installment as I contemplate playing again. It’s easy to see how much respect and admiration the developers have for this story and these characters during every minute of this adventure, which made it difficult to put down, even for a minute.

Creature in the Well is a fun way to revisit pinball with a dungeon-crawling twist, but after completion, there’s very little reason to return to it. Furthermore, the gameplay loop of clearing levels is enjoyable in short bursts, but marathoning through it takes a toll on its atmosphere. Sure, I could have used additional modes, but what I got was a unique experience that other Pinball games just can’t provide.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an excellent extension of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. The game features a charming cast of characters who embark on a memorable quest that I wasn’t expecting. Still, there are definitely some balancing issues found in the PVP offerings, which make matches much easier for those who pay. As a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I felt right at home in terms of the battle system and turn-based mechanics found in this adventure, which pave the way for a great mobile RPG experience.

Biped might have the visual appeal of a children’s game, but it is most definitely a challenging and demanding co-op experience. Working together through each stage will put your thumbs to the test as you move these little robots across each environment. The replayability is there for those that want to meet the high expectations of the developers, but for most, this will just be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ends up being worth the wait between mainline entries. Even with some omissions and issues with the one island per system, the streamlined gameplay and customization show just how much this series has grown over the years. There is so much to do here that it will easily keep me busy crafting, customizing, and collecting for months if not years to come.

The Foundation will keep you busy for a few hours, but in the end, the side-quests are the best part about it, which is sad. I didn’t care for the new powers as they just made the glaring copy and paste environments more apparent. However, if you enjoyed the gameplay and battles from the base game, you’ll get that here, with even less direction.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered is a fantastic remaster of one of the best Call of Duty campaigns ever made. The lack of substantial content might make the experience barebones, but it’s enough to provide you an afternoon of well developed FPS action. While playing, it’s easy to see how the series has evolved over the years mechanical, but the responsive and tight controls that it is known for shines during each moment of this unforgettable campaign.

Dead or School’s combat can be fun in (very) short bursts, but it all ultimately falls flat hard and fast. It has the pacing of a freemium mobile game that’s dragging itself thin, begging you to spend money to speed it up. Except you can’t even do that to shorten your own suffering. With a larger budget and community feedback, I’m sure this team can deliver an excellent experience, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find that here.

Teamfight Tactics is one of the more substantial auto chess games available. Given that there’s already a familiar player base from the League of Legends community, this title has the community and development backing to evolve with the genre, which shows up prominently in this mobile version. With the addition of crossplay and ranked modes, if you’re going to get into auto chess, this is perhaps the best the genre has to offer.

Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories features many over-the-top dramatized survival scenarios that are incredibly enjoyable. The resource management and systems kept me playing regardless of the low framerate and aged graphics. Each scene is cleverly written and features some memorable characters who make surviving through these natural disasters so very worth it in the end.

Exit the Gungeon made the smart move to take its adventure to consoles, and the result is a fun and skill-based gaming experience. The game can be enjoyed in small bursts or long play sessions as you hone your skills during each run. The only downside is the amount of things to do here is limited to what the mobile version could accomplish, which makes this entry come up a bit short. Regardless, I found this version to be the best way to play.

It’s clear Shinsekai was ported from mobile as many textures just don’t look right on the big screen, but aside from this and the few glitches involving NPC movement, it blew me away. Those looking for an addicting, charming, and, at times, unsettling adventure on the ocean floor will find precisely what they’re looking for with this game.

As a port of a game from 2015, Zombie Army Trilogy on Switch is a great way to play the wacky spin-off. It’s visuals take a hit, but the game runs wonderfully on the console hybrid. However, I would have liked to see some quality-of-life improvements addressed in this version. Sure, the shortcomings don’t make Zombie Army a bad experience, but it does show its age in many ways. Fortunately, the Switch takes nazi zombie killing on the go, and that’s more than enough reason for me to recommend it.

There’s very little that is grand about Grand Guilds, as I think the project was just a bit too ambitious for the developer. There’s too much to not like about the deck-building systems for the combat to be fun, and there’s not enough variety in the combat to make up for the inadequate systems. The game fails to capture what it is to be a tactical RPG, and while it’s always nice to try new things, it’s essential to stay true to the fundamentals of the genre.

Resident Evil 3 is a heart-pounding nightmare that blends survival horror and action elements perfectly with the help of its two protagonists. There's so much to explore and discover during every moment of this thriller that it's easy to forget about the horrors that await just around the corner. However, the limited puzzles and short length make it tough to justify the full price. But, like a zombie hungry for brains, I can't seem to get enough of this game.

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition isn’t a terrible game; it just feels like one that I’ve played a million times before. The trope-filled story left much to be desired and, even though the combat can be fun, it is still the same turn-based combat gamers have seen time and time before. The game is clearly trying to have the impact of some of the excellent RPG classic of our time, but these clear inspirations are what make the game fall short.

Saints Row IV: Re-Elected on Nintendo Switch is a fantastic port of a good game. Though it has not aged all that well graphically, the hilarious story and addicting gameplay of the original release translate incredibly well to Switch. Those looking for a sandbox game to play on the go will find a great one in Saints Row IV: Re-Elected. However, its $40 price tag is a bit high for a seven-year-old game.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a must-play for fans of the series, even if you aren’t caught up. The game shows just how varied a Musou title can get in terms of mission structure and map design. However, given the small number of playable arcs, it’s strange the story would waste two on arcs that were in the previous game. Still, this is one Pirate Warriors adventure that I was happy to go on.

Bleach: Immortal Soul can become a real mess once you really get into the various modes and currency upgrades. The learning curve is steep here, but at the same time, it’s a streamlined affair to those only interested in reliving a classic anime series through the story mode. The main point being, this experience is incredibly average, but fans of the series will most likely find an appreciation fo the narrative, world, and characters. Here’s to the return of Bleach.

OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos presents a strange premise that ends up working thanks to the charming cast of characters. The writing for the characters was endearing and romantic as you find yourself immersed in this otaku group of friends. There are a few low points in the story where you feel like the plot takes a couple of steps back, but the conclusion makes it all worth it.

It feels as though Thomas Moon Kang had a clear vision of what One Step From Eden should be. Each system works well together to provide an experience that only this game can provide, even if another series influenced the core idea. It’s brutal difficulty surely won’t be for everyone, but roguelike fans will find a satisfying game loop of fast-paced action for many hours.

I appreciate how easy Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is to pick up and play. I’d recommend it to fans of chasing high-scores in the arcade, especially if you liked the original Bubble Bobble. However, past the nostalgia, there’s nothing that will keep you playing for much longer after you get through this incredibly short experience. Throw in the high price tag, and I’d say that you’re better off blowing a few quarters at an actual arcade then bringing this experience home with you.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a unique experience in the mobile space. Its presentation and excellent UI give it a console feel, but they’ve also double-downed on a responsive and intuitive card-based battle system. While the PvP mode just didn’t really hold my attention, there’s enough in the story campaign to immerse yourself in the world of The Seven Deadly Sins throughout your daily commute.

Twin Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Adventure sets itself apart from other brick-breakers by not only having a narrative but also by including some unique systems. The multiple paddles add some new elements to the genre to put brick-breaker masters’ skills to the test. Regardless of the challenge, the game has a nice difficulty curve that makes it possible to pick up and enjoy a few levels at a time. Still, Twin Breaker lacks options and some quality-of-life features that could have made the entire experience more enjoyable. There are a few different modes here to keep you playing, but I can see most players just getting through the story and then quickly moving on to something else.

If the issues get fixed in a timely matter, I say Ori and the Will of the Wisp is a must-buy for platforming fanatics. The mechanics are smooth and intuitive without being repetitive. The well-made map layout, good soundtrack, and modern animated movie quality rivals what can be seen in high-budget titles. As the standard of mainstream gaming improves, Ori and the Will of the Wisps can be the game that raises the bar in quality, as long it’s playable.

DOOM Eternal has raised the bar of the first-person combat genre and has done it in ways that only id could pull off. The developers took time constructing a game loop of carnage and mayhem while pushing the skills of the player and providing them with all the tools needed to survive. It comes down to great game design, and I’m so happy to have experienced it. There’s a light at the end of all this death and destruction, but getting it isn’t easy. DOOM Eternal takes the player on a journey, and it’s one that I didn’t want to end. There’s no point in denying that this is a must-play title.

SeaBed really isn’t much of a game, but as a piece of interactive media, that is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable things I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The story tells an evocative narrative about self-reflection and actualization that seemed to enjoy breaking me down emotionally just as much I took pleasure in breaking down its themes and characters. All I need now is something to help with this overwhelming feeling of emptiness now that it’s over.

La Mulana 1 & 2 are some of the best Metroidvania games on the market. They aren’t for the faint of heart, however. While I think playing these games with a guide can still be fun, the fact that most players will need a guide to progress past the first area is really saying something.

Persona 5 Royal is everything I could want out of a re-release. The game's style and charm shine brightest in this version as it made an already great game even better. The balances and new additions were based on long-time fan criticisms, and it's evident that the developers used it as a foundation to update this adventure while still throwing in some quality-of-life changes that I didn't know the game needed, but ended up loving anyway.

My Hero One’s Justice 2 will satisfy My Hero Academia superfans but will leave fighting game aficionados wanting more. Still, this is an improvement over its predecessor, but it certainly won’t be blowing anyone away. Though, games like this don’t always need to be amazing; sometimes, a game that I can turn off my mind and play is just what I want.

Did I get frustrated? You bet your ass I did. And yet, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. It might not have been the first or second time against an enemy that I won, but as my knowledge of the systems improved, so did my skills of survival.

Yes, Your Grace’s clean presentation and likable plot elements do a lot to win over the player, but it’s not enough to stomach the bad taste left by vague objectives and arbitrary fail states.

Langrisser I & II is a faithful remaster that brings together two of the most important titles in the history of tactic RPGs. The updated visuals and illustrations of the collection make it accessible for new players, but the mechanics stay loyal to the originals for long time fans. Still, I would have enjoyed more differentiation between the two games because the similarities can be jarring at times. Regardless, this is a great game that offers hours of fun with unique characters and story that is affected by player-choice to dictate the tide of war. I could easily recommend it to anyone looking to scratch the retro SRPG itch.

Still the same dungeon-crawling RPG comfort food I remember from the DS version. However, the added systems change its core audience to include players of all ages, which make it the perfect entry point to the genre. Every moment of gameplay is met with a reward and the present game loop creates a substantial reason to return to dungeons countless times, across dozens of missions. While the remake doesn’t do too much in terms of changing the core formula of what the series is, there’s enough here to warrant an additional playthrough.

All Stars was made for fans of this series specifically, but outside of that, you might be hardpressed to continue your idol adventure. The admittedly complicated team preparation can be quite a turn off for some if you think this is just another rhythm game. However, RPG fans could find something substantial here, assuming you can embrace the idol culture. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll definitely love what All Stars has to offer. The game is regularly being updated with new content, including songs, costumes, and events, so try to hold onto your money while you can.

Despite Ciel Fledge’s interesting setting and ideas, the battle system feels too messy for me to stick with it, at least not without some visibility tweaks, or even some accessibility options. With such unique ideas present, I know there’s a very interesting game here, I’m probably just not a very good parent.

Senren Banka is an extremely high-quality visual novel that does a great job of getting the most out of its small cast of characters. The game builds up these relationships over time alongside the threat that spirits will soon take over the town. Sadly, the conclusion didn’t really stick the landing, but the journey there was well worth it.

In the game’s current state, Shadowgun War Games is incomplete. Really what this game needs is to rapidly push out whatever characters they have lined up or at least release them all at once. Additional game modes wouldn’t hurt either. The battle pass should probably be temporarily shut down as well since it’s not offering much. Oh well, time to play something else.

Detective fans will enjoy how much interaction there is with the game, but the linear story leaves little room for any real consequences. Although it has a slow start, Murder by Numbers picks up speed with the help of the charming relationship between Honor and SCOUT and their determination to solve this mystery.

I had a blast taking out thousands of enemies, and I couldn’t recommend more to those hungry for some solid Musou action.

Code:Realize Guardian of Rebirth is full of beautiful set pieces and fantastic characters. The writing paired with the extremely impressive visual style will give any visual novel fan an immersive fantasy experience. It helps that the adventure is filled with great writing for the large cast of public domain characters as the fuel for the entire story.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus strikes, a perfect balance within its systems, and it makes for hours of exciting matches. The RPG mode is something to go through once and probably forget about, but that’s okay because Arcade and ranked online matches will be there for you time and time again.

Space Channel 5 VR does a great job of bringing the series to virtual reality, but other than that, it doesn’t do much to set itself apart from its predecessors. The story is concise, and the fun dances within the trial mode are pretty much the saving grace of the title in terms of “content” offered. Still, it’s a damn good time. For the price of the game, you’re paying for the nostalgic nature of it all, and you won’t be disappointed. Those new to the series might not understand anything that’s going on, but here’s to hoping this marks a new future for Ulala because we’d love to spend more time with her.

Samurai Shodown’s fighting system of reading your opponents moves and responding to turn the tide of a match, no matter your skill level, allows it to stand out in the genre. Matches are a bit slower-paced than other fighters, but it still manages to pack a punch. On Switch, the game runs well at the cost of a visual downgrade. All-in-all, the only thing I could have hoped for was a proper story tieing together this unique roster instead of a glorified Arcade Mode. If you’re wondering, Shiki is best girl.

Rune Factory 4 Special is entertaining for hours. There is never a moment where I felt like I had nothing to do. The Switch version is an improvement and makes everything look much prettier, but the original 3DS renders still pop up from time to time. Still, farming is an addictive repetition, and the dungeon crawling offers the adventure of exploration, making the romance the cherry on top. Overall, Rune Factory 4 Special is one I can see myself playing for many more hours to come.

Corruption 2029 is a tactical RPG that requires players to take their time during encounters. Meticulous planning and strategy are vital to overcoming enemies, but it’s this speed of gameplay that might deter fans of more in-your-face approaches to combat. Still, the game’s narrative fits the atmosphere for an excellent adventure worth the price of entry.

Hero Must Die. Again is a unique non-linear JRPG that takes chances on players being capable of learning and navigating through its systems, without much handholding. Each playthrough enables the player to become more capable of handling whatever the game throws at them, even if that comes at the cost of dying multiple times...The problem is how the game keeps the player organized, which is the hardest thing to do, considering events are somewhat random. Still, this is a game that I’m glad came west as it is pretty much comfort for food for fans of the genre that some huge chances on game design that pay off in the long run.

There is a lot of excellent game design packed into the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection. With the added Z Chaser, save assist, and casual mode, the series is now more accessible than ever with added modes for returning fans. Any of the shortcomings of one title is made up for in the other, which makes it easy to say that that this collection is 2D action at its finest.

Infliction has some decent moments of storytelling, and the themes that it highlights are impactful. But my interest in those aspects dwindled every time I encountered a glitch or audio cutout. Infliction tends to fall apart shortly after it begins since it's impossible to look past this poor quality.

If it weren’t for the card games being a sort of niche or the fact that they can be frustratingly difficult at times, I would recommend this Switch title to everyone. This is a bit of a shame, given that this is the most impressed I’ve been with a title that goes beyond the core ideas of the series. But I will say, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is more than another addition to The Witcher series, it’s for anyone who is looking for a challenging and lasting experience, which is now delivered on Switch.

The PC version of Daemon X Machina is perhaps the best way to experience this high action game. Flying through the air and shooting down enemies at up to 200 fps looked and felt incredible. While the story might leave you scratching your head, this is undoubtedly an incredibly fun game to play.

Katana Kami is a must-play for roguelike fans. The game loop of earning money by day and fighting monsters by night creates a fantastic gameplay experience. Still, there are some features that could use some clarity and confusing menus do more harm than good to its accessibility.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late|cl-r| is a fantastic fighting game that’s easy to pick up and understand with its simplistic yet deep tutorials that will set you up for slicing and dicing your foes in no time. It’s a title that has so much to offer in terms of style and presentation that its tough to not be having a great time while playing.

Code Shifter is a game that had me extremely excited when I saw it but managed to not only dash my expectations but bury them six feet underground. Inconsistent hitbox placement, a lack of movement options, and a lackluster story made for a game with a whole lot of missed potential.

Crimson Shadows is the extra add on to Fire Emblem: Three Houses I didn’t know I needed. It’s a perfect blend of additional tasty gameplay (with some challenges for those who want it), a fun story, and great characters. To top it all off, it gives you some tools to replay the original game in a new way. What’s not to love?

Giraffe and Annika is an emotional and imaginative adventure. The game’s focus on pacifist dungeon crawling and exploration paid off to deliver an exciting narrative with a young girl at the helm. Incorporating music into the game’s design was a smart choice as it broke up the straight forward and linear progression. While I wish there were a few more accessibility features, Giraffe and Annika is an adventure worth going on.

Bayonetta is a game that always delivers. It was great when I played it ten years ago, and it’s great today. The added benefit of playing it in 4k 60fps allows us to see Bayonetta at her very best. Still, this version doesn’t add anything on top of the PC version, but it does give a new generation of gamers the chance to experience what this series has to offer.

I had a lot of fun with Banner of the Maid, and I really enjoyed the more unique elements that it offers. There are some issues with menu organization and balance, but the game loop of progressing through the French Revolution while also building an affinity with various factions was brilliant. Now, which other historical figures can we turn to waifus and husbandos?

Street Fighter V has had a long and crazy journey, but it's great knowing that it's ending its third round on top.

Luna: The Shadow Dust is a nice nod to classic point-and-click puzzle games. Everything melds together beautifully, and it provided me with a solid puzzle experience. Despite my aversion to this genre, I found the experience pleasant overall. Some of the puzzles left me stumped, but after getting through them I felt accomplished in their defeat.

There’s a nice balance of gameplay and visual novel storytelling in Baldr Sky and each work hand in hand to the game’s plot. Each character plays a roll in this story and each holds a clue to the truth. Be warned, that after beginning this visual novel, it’s almost impossible to put down. This is a game that could easily take over 100 hours to get through, but trust me when I say that it’s well worth it.

Phoenix Point is, without a doubt, one of the best strategy games to come out in the last few years.

The theme of debt isn’t powerful enough to make for a deep narrative adventure, but seeing Misty follow her dream is a sufficient reason to see the quest through until the end. The crafting system ends up becoming the most significant appeal of this adventure in the later hours, which worked out fine for me. If you’re a fan of the Atelier series and you’re looking for a unique take on the alchemy genre, then this could very well appeal to you.

Even though the plot can be a bit cryptic, Virgo Versus the Zodiac’s encapsulating art direction and the engaging battle system was enough to hold my attention through this unique adventure. No matter your sign, there is something here that everyone can appreciate.

While I was in no means thrilled about the conclusion, the game’s other mysteries, tense atmosphere, and the masterful soundtrack did keep me going, and I enjoyed taking the time to go through it. I certainly had more fun playing it than finishing it. Also, the anime adaptation is absolutely amazing! I wonder how that happened.

Seeing that Project Eden is designed to be a story-driven game, I could have overlooked these issues and took the game as it was meant to be. Instead, what I feel it was meant to be was a game that could have been more fleshed out with more weapons, abilities, and an extra round polish. Because for such a small team to develop a complete vision of a sci-fi world, it seems that all was needed was some more time.

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays is as over-the-top as you’d expect from a semi-political mech game where teen pilots bite off more than they can chew. Every mode and option is there for the player to immerse themselves into this experience, and I simply couldn’t get enough of it. I hope to see more of the SD Gundam G series come west, but for now, this is the perfect introduction for those who haven’t played it yet.

Detroit: Become Human has a soul, a burning fire that made its development result in an authentic piece of art, that only suffers from some rather stiff gameplay sections and sub-par PC optimization. However, it deserves praise, with an intense plot, engaging and captivating narrative acts, well-written scenarios, and excellent character development.

Black Desert Mobile operates as a typical MMORPG, which unfortunately isn’t saying much. Yes, the battles are fun, leveling up my character and equipment is mindless entertainment as with many MMORPGs, and the visuals look great when not zoomed out, but I was hoping for a more engaging experience. If anything, I’m now more inclined to get the PS4 version of Black Desert Online to see all this game has to offer.

VenusBlood Frontier International does have some faults when it comes to accessibility and menu organization, but after a few hours, it’s a bit easier to understand. There’s a lot here, and thankfully Loki’s determination and cunning schemes make the story all the more gripping as his army grows, and he is closer to his goal.

Orangeblood has some really nice ideas, but the execution can feel lacking at times. However, the soundtrack and battle system is robust, which made getting through the game pretty entertaining at times. However, the confusing story and excessive padding keep Orangeblood from reaching its full potential. Thankfully the coolness of these characters might allow some players to look past that.

Taisho X Alice is a beautiful game, filled with fantastic characters. Each fairy tale is presented in a way that makes them unique, even if you think you’ve had enough of the source material. I’m glad to see the game finally receive a proper localization as well as a focus on character growth. While traversing the game’s routes can get tricky, it doesn’t hold the game back too much from presenting it Otome offerings wonderfully. I’m eager to continue the adventure as new chapters are released.

Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls is a port, and that’s pretty much where it stands. It doesn’t add anything new to the franchise or to dungeon crawlers in general, but it’s still a decent and entertaining game. The well-balanced RPG systems make this a high starting point for the Wizardry series, which doesn’t get enough attention in the west. The adventure retains its originality from almost ten years ago and opens the possibility of other ports in the future.

Pascal’s Wager brings a little bit of everything to the table. You’ll be faced with challenge after challenge, but overcoming those challenges never ceases to be satisfying. The game emphasizes tight combat and quick responses from the player to survive and it works well on a mobile device. Still, the best experience requires the use of a controller, but it’s tough to look past all the great elements of gameplay that this title presents. Those wanting to jump in without the confines of the mobile device can look forward to the PC and console release in the future.