An enjoyable and surreal set of mini-games that should appeal to the game's target audience.

As a relatively modest strategy title, Classified: France '44 accomplishes much more than you might think considering its rather low-key pre-release reception. Anybody who is up for a good lean tactical strategy game is in for quite a treat here, as Classified delivers an experience that gives you a good hearty taste of what a simple and effective strategy game should be, while adding new and forward-thinking features that address some of the qualms of the genre. The new Morale system is a novel new mechanic that adds a layer of depth to strategy, the missions are good and place emphasis on smart strategic play, and although the story and personalities fall short, the illustrated cutscenes are an admirable embellishment that gives Classified its own distinctive panache. Classified might seem rather plain and ordinary to many, and yes it does represent itself in that fashion, but underneath there is a compelling and satisfying strategy title here that's worth a look for anybody who is intrigued and wants to get rid of hordes of virulent Nazi scum in L'Hexagone.

EA SPORTS UFC has what UFC fans want--detailed, accurate fighting--but it leaves out what gamers want: options. UFC features some of the best visuals around, but the overall limitations leave this title best-suited for die-hard fans.

The internet connection of the host is the deciding factor in how good the experience is in Metal Gear Online. Even with a stellar multiplayer on paper, the limitations enacted by the lack of dedicated servers keep this from being what it could and should be.

Mini-games are hit-and-miss and frequent loading screens frustrate, but there’s a lot to like about this latest series of detective adventures with some immersive cases and a decent production quality.

An old-school turn-based rpg with a charming visual style, plenty of deadpan ironic humour and many hours of content awaiting discovery. Unfortunately, despite the humour, there's a strange xenophobia to the representations of 'natives' and colonial plundering which makes the whole experience feel a bit grubby. If you can get over this, there's a satisfying and deep experience to be had.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga does a lot of things right that make it the best LEGO Star Wars game, and LEGO game to date. But it's level structure and pacing leave something to be desired more often than not, and co-op play has seemingly gotten far less care and attention than it deserved, putting a damper on what is otherwise a hilarious and fun experience.

Though The Casting of Frank Stone doesn’t make any sweeping changes to the formula etched out by the likes of Until Dawn, The Quarry and The Dark Pictures Anthology, it does manage to effectively marry up that formula with the universe of Dead by Daylight with impressive results. Notably, the usual flaws also apply here, with The Casting of Frank Stone beset by the same plodding horror adventuring, wooden dialogue and mostly annoying cast of characters that are usually the hallmarks of similar efforts. If however, you’re fine with all of that and just want another handsomely made Supermassive Games romp then The Casting of Frank Stone will surely appeal. Should you be a devoted Dead by Daylight aficionado though, feel free to add a point or more to the score and dive in.

The Walking Dead and Telltale are both suffering from increasing fatigue, but this season’s penultimate episode helps this particular story soldier on towards a potentially satisfying, if predictable, conclusion.

A hugely enjoyable expansion that brings a trio of awesome new characters to the table, in addition to a rip-roaring continuation to Mortal Kombat 11's superb story campaign, Aftermath nonetheless struggles to properly justify its steep $40 price point.

A fun piece of fan service for those who enjoy the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, and management games. The amount of options in-game are light, but the musical score and humor make up for it.

An enjoyable, retro-infused pool game with a fiery multiplayer twist.

The second Mega Man collection is a touch light on content, and by this point the formula has grown tired. That doesn’t mean there isn’t joy to be had though, as what is on offer remains as solid, colorful, and stimulating as ever.

Patapon Remastered most certainly looks and plays the part, shining beautifully on the PS4 with zero hiccups in gameplay during my experience. Due to the repetitive grindy nature, however, it is best left bookending longer play sessions of other games, and is ill-suited to a home console, unless you could take it on the go as well, as with the Switch.

Anamorphine has a lot of technical and performance problems, but the outlying narrative finds its way through, delivering a poignant, deep exploration into loss and depression. The game's performance issues can't be ignored, but Elena's story will stick with you for a long, long time.

With its new narrative and additional characters being as well-received as they are, Road to Boruto is a solid expansion that is somewhat let down by uneven side quests and a far too brief story mode.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is a homage to the YouTube generation, creatively 'shot' like a B-movie. While its presentation is enough to turn some heads, the mediocre gameplay and lack of level diversity keep this game from having any lasting appeal.

A sufficiently wacky and charismatic follow up experience to Enter The Gungeon and an enjoyable roguelite game. Regrettably, due to a number of flaws, it can't be appraised as the sequel fans would have hoped for. Exit The Gungeon probably won't win over any genre newcomers either. However, for existing fans longing for another crawl in the Gungeon, Exit The Gungeon just about does enough to be worth a look.

Crimsonland's antiquated, cookie-cutter gameplay doesn't break new ground at all, but beneath the copious amounts of blood saturating the screen, you'll find that there's still some fun to be had in this mindless mutant massacre fest.

Episode Prompto is a better DLC than Episode Gladio, but that doesn't make it great in anyway. The open environment is welcome and Prompto’s play style is unique though hindered by some questionable design choices. Episode Prompto doesn't enrich the XV experience in anyway. Instead of leaving excited for Episode Ignis I left hoping they would just move on to Final Fantasy XVI.

RIDE gets you the closest to the feeling of riding a motorbike possible with a controller in your hands, but is neither an exciting racer nor a particularly impressive looking PS4 title.

JETT: The Far Shore is home to a compelling cast of characters and a narrative worth playing and paying attention to, but it ultimately misses its mark and the less than compelling gameplay only further drags it down to an experience that overall feels just okay, and potentially downright boring if you're not gripped by the narrative.

Minoria offers up an interesting story all its own that is contributed to with both dialogue and world-building. The lack of significant difficulty and limited AI make this an especially simple game. At the same time, the simplicity allows for an accessible narrative with little in the way. Minoria has the potential to be a good Metroidvania, but its simplicity makes it more of a filler game than a must-own.

An enjoyably sedate outing around the suburbs, marred by the antiquated and dull visuals, Bus Simulator nonetheless provides a good chunk of all too real simulation of public transport.

It’s a shame Bramble: The Mountain King has such frustrating level design drawbacks because it undercuts a beautifully dark and disturbing fable. It’s not doing a whole lot as a game that helps it stick out either, but the narrative structure behind it rescues it from the clutches of true disappointment.

The high level of creativity on display in MonsterBag’s humour, art style and character is commendable. Sadly, the game is on the short side and offers little replay value to back it up.

The things that make Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey so appealing are the same thing that make it frustrating. Many things stand in the way of your progress, many of those things being mechanics, and rewards come sparingly. At the same time, there is something wholly unique here that, if you can properly sink your teeth into it, you could find yourself completely engulfed in it.

The Witness, at the end of the day, revolves around one’s ability to interpret and solve complex puzzles. The island is gorgeous and memorable while the gameplay itself is as smooth as silk, but there’s no way around the constant need to solve the next puzzle. It is the ultimate stonewalling challenge rewarded only by rare success.

Captain Tsubasa has genuine depth behind its arcade flair, but the initial presentation leaves a lot to be desired thanks to a dull, aggravating, and sluggish introduction to its characters and systems.

When looking at the entire package, This Is the Police is a decent way to kill time in short bursts, but anything more than an hour at a time just feels like a chore. Despite the awkward political moments and somewhat monotonous gameplay, the skewed perspective of good vs. evil makes for an engaging story.

An authentic recreation of the best of the Sega arcade racing classics from yesteryear, but sadly lacking in depth due to the simplistic circuits and repetitive gameplay mechanic. Split-screen or online multiplayer is the way to get the best from the game.

Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut provides a great deal of fundamental successes with a great deal of equally fundamental flaws. Though the gameplay is solid and engaging, the weak narrative, delayed progression, and sparse gameplay variety leave this game only to those who love mechs.

While lacking in the charm department, VR Karts captures the fun and chaos of kart-racing really well in virtual reality.

99 Vidas is a perfectly charming, if uneven take on the side-scrolling brawler that spends far too much time with one eye on the past rather than looking to the future of the genre.

Automatron has a short-lived story that’s enjoyable without ever really kicking into gear, but luckily, the robot-building and other new additions to the Commonwealth save this first batch of Fallout 4 DLC from being a disappointment.

Elex 2 asks a lot of you and only gives so much in return. The game provides several special concepts and attempts, but the team’s resources limit their potential the entire way. As long as you know what Elex 2 has in store, you might find something there for you.

With strong arcade-style racing, great visuals and sounds, Need for Speed looks the part, but falls short in other areas such as poor A.I., limited body part options and lack of incentives to keep you motivated to race.

Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son is primarily a superb adventure game occasionally stymied by overly finicky – and at times outright broken – minigames. At most times a stellar lighthearted VR romp with some grand heartfelt moments, Groundhog Day's charm subsides at times as players are forced to do minigames over and over to succeed. The superior writing and structure shine through, but expect some moments of frustration.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics is a competent tactics game that doesn’t rely on its license for much beyond window dressing. Though the gameplay is entertaining and works well, there is little in this game that ties it strongly to property that spawned it. TDC:ART will be great for tactics fans that are looking for an inexpensive diversion, but Dark Crystal fans might be disappointed by the game’s underwhelming presentation.

Stranger of Paradise is the perfect example of gameplay towering above the sum of its parts. I loved the combat and job system, which allows for dynamic battles and strategy. It's just a shame that the rest of the game feels low budget and unfinished. If you're looking for an origin story to the original Final Fantasy, you'll get it here, but chances are you may want to forget it as soon as you're done.

Valkyrie Elysium is a very fun game with a mildly-intricate combat system that allows for plenty of satisfying moments of pulling off long combos to create a visual feast. Its narrative is lacking but the core characters are charming enough that by the end you can't help but almost feel attached to them all, as you've fought your way through to whichever ending you've chosen. If it weren't for the fact that you're constantly having to make everything work in spite of a camera and lock-on system that feels against you specifically, it would be a much easier game to recommend.

Ancient Amuletor provides a lot of fun in virtual reality, but currently lacks depth of content.

Gargoyles Remastered is a good addition to the growing library of classic remasters. It's faithful to a fault to its original release. Though I praise the developer for keeping the game as true to the original as possible, that doesn't mean it couldn't have used some extra updates. The visual upgrade is tremendous in recreating the animated series visuals, and the rewind function is excellent. Still, that doesn't keep the combat and platforming from being incredibly frustrating at times.

As a story, Zero Time Dilemma matches up to the ambition of its predecessors, with some missteps. As a game, it’s significantly less polished, with ideas and changes that nearly always step backward.

Near the end of the game, Isaac Clarke tells John Carver, “Good men mean well. We just don’t always end up doing well.” Ironically, the statement is exactly how I feel about Visceral Games’ work on Dead Space 3. The elements they chose to add were in hopes to attract a larger audience yet in a questionable direction. What’s left is a game that is mildly fun, but filled with flaws.

A new take on an old genre, Tiny Token Empires tries to be creative and innovate by splicing two genres together. Unfortunately, the dodgy controls and lack of depth means any time you do put into it isn't ultimately all that rewarding.

Hotel Barcelona adds in just enough quirky things to stay on brand with the reputation that its legendary creators have forged for themselves. Just like most of their other works, Hotel Barcelona is far from perfect, showcasing its own intentional nuances that can either make or break a game for some people.

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout makes some fundamental changes to the core mechanics that may get under the skin of long-time fans but are welcome for those looking to jump into the franchise for the first time.

While RoboCop does have some fun moments and enjoyable gameplay, it is, on the whole, a shallow, repetitive experience. Living the power-fantasy of being RoboCop does not save it from glitchy, rudimentary gameplay and a story that is too similar to the movies. If you love RoboCop like me, you may find something here to enjoy, otherwise, look elsewhere for your gaming goodness.

There’s a lot to be had here, but the PS Vita version of Exist Archive could have used some more attention. Still, in the proper hands, there’s plenty of JRPG goodness to get lost in.

Dark Souls meets tactics in this unforgiving SRPG. Some basic design flaws hurt and slow down the gameplay of what is otherwise an enjoyable game. Not for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking a real challenge.

A strategic hack 'n slash with an impressive upgrade system and welcome Nightmare mode, but it looks bland and combat often feels shallow.

An over-complicated story with pacing issues holds this RPG back from its full potential, especially since the prequel was not released in English first. Those who enjoy reading will no doubt have fun. A tedious magic leveling system can also scare away new fans embracing the series. Only RPG diehards and TK fans will immediately gravitate towards it.

Beautiful visuals and a cool gesture-based magic system can’t save The Wizards: Enhanced Edition from an inscrutable progression system and some dire technical issues. Fantasy fans will find some enjoyment from the puzzles and the fun narrator, but some strange design decisions end up kneecapping the experience.

Flying Wild Hog has gone for ‘bigger is better’ on Shadow Warrior 2, and occasionally that works. Sadly, there’s too much open space and inconsistent combat to make it a memorable return for the puerile Lo Wang. These issues are patched over somewhat by the highly enjoyable co-op, where you get a fair share of chucks out of mowing down hordes of demons with pals.

In spite of a lack of different enemies and occasionally unreliable motion controls, Raw Data nonetheless stands as one of the more intuitive and satisfying shooters available on PSVR.

The dipping frame rate and the formatting miscues keep this game from bumping elbows with the best that the PS Vita has to offer. Though it's still missing a great deal of content, at least gamers can transfer their saves and still play this with one friend.

Though that Tenchu shaped hole in my heart remains unfulfilled, I do appreciate how NIS America have reached back some sixteen years in time to bring Kamizawa: Way of the Thief to an all-new audience. Sure, it's very much a relic of its time that struggles to escape the gravity of its PS2 era origins, but for those willing to invest the time and patience, Kamizawa: Way of the Thief is a steadfastly warm-hearted stealth yarn that satisfies so long as you can forgive its largely archaic/nostalgic design.

Those looking to jump right back into a tight, predictable multiplayer experience will find exactly that with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. A lack of focus overall puts this year’s outing in the driver’s seat over the shark, but Zombies and some saving graces in the campaign keep this from being a total loss.

The bountiful promise of Rain World’s grim world and the assortment of cunning creatures which inhabit it are summarily undone by fiddly controls and an overwhelmingly punishing level of difficulty. Underneath it all there’s an assuredly decent effort here; it’s just a shame that all but the most masochistically inclined will ever summon the requisite determination to plumb its intimidating depths.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered shows exactly why it's a classic game: a fine story with plenty of heart and consequence. Gameplay even lets you make it as simple or involved as you wish. Navigation is a terrible chore, though, and the remastered efforts feel too much like a basic port to be anything else.

If you can look past its litany of rough edges, a genuinely enjoyable suspenseful adventure thriller awaits in Black Mirror.

Overly familiar and lacking variation, Flockers still manages to embrace that one-more-go mentality with its semi-addictive blend of strategy and sheep culling.

Utterly brilliant lo-fi psychedelics fail to make up for the simplistic and repetitive gameplay which very quickly becomes too difficult and frustrating to hold most players' attention. It's worth dipping into for some wigged out hilarity though, for as you long as you can hold off throwing the controller at the screen.

An arcade racer that has more to offer than a few hundred left turns, NASCAR The Game 2011 provides plenty of thrills despite some bumps in the road.

Engaging cooperative puzzles and local co-op are reasons to consider an otherwise indistinct game that's over way too quickly.

Outcast: A New Beginning may not have a gameplay loop that interests everyone, considering its repetitious nature and somewhat dated shooting mechanics. With that said, the world and how you interact with it is enough for the right audience to dig into.

New cars are fun to drive and it's as accessible as ever, but F1 2014 has largely failed to evolve beyond past games in the series.

Hidden Agenda is a great concept with some impressive set pieces and performances, but its narrative lets it down and it lacks any major impact.

Boasting a mostly decent remastering effort and a much welcomed wealth of content set against a frustratingly incoherent set of campaign scenarios and frustrating clunkiness, Resident Evil 6 on PS4 is the definitive edition of the series’ most divisive entry and is perhaps more easily recommended to the uninitiated rather than those who were turned off by the game’s original PS3 outing.

You may have waited 8 years since the last proper Everybody's Golf game, but Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots has landed to remind you to take up your clubs and get swinging again. If you've loved previous Everybody's Golf titles, Hot Shots is a pleasant entry that gives you plenty to unlock and plenty of golf to get stuck into. However, while it's great to be incentivized to unlock rewards in Hot Shots, the grind can be too much to contend with. On top of this, the visuals and general look of the game isn't appealing, and the characters and their dialogue are super-generic. None of these dings should be enough to stop you from wanting to play Hot Shots, but there is definite room for improvement. Hot Shots is ultimately worthy of your investment, but this isn't a Hole In One, an Eagle, an Albatross, a Birdie, and it's not even a Par-it's a Bogey......just not the disgusting type.

While it's functional I feel that Catan: Console Edition could have done a bit more to sway me from playing with its cardboard counterpart. The multiplayer features and AI do a lot for players who cannot get three friends together but some of its presentation, especially the audio side, leaves a bit to be desired. The app could also do with a bit of work to make it more viable. While I will be quite happy to play this by myself or when there is only two of us, it will never replace its board game equivalent. Catan: Console Edition could have been great, as it is, its serviceable, which is a shame.

If you're familiar with Spirit of the North, this sequel may impress you with its evolutionary strides over its predecessor, such as granting you an open expanse to explore at your leisure, not to mention the fact it's double the length of the previous title. For newcomers, Spirit of the North 2 has an enchanting and calming essence you'll gravitate towards despite its technical shortcomings and unnecessary upgrade system.

Code Vein does a few things well, like the amount you can customize as well as how enjoyable it is to explore the world proper. However, combat lacks the kind of refinement needed for such a complicated battlefield, and companions prove either useless or render you useless. Code Vein features many heavy inconsistencies that hide away a few good ideas.

Tides of Tomorrow boasts an interesting world, and has great foundational ideas, particularly with its approach to asynchronous multiplayer. However, it feels more inconsequential and disjointed than it should, and as a result doesn't fulfill its potential.

Mirror's Edge is both unique and stimulating, but it rapidly loses momentum after a great start.

Star Wars: Battlefront's first foray into DLC proves to be a mixed bag with uninspiring heroes and a couple of dud maps failing to match the caliber of the new Extraction game mode and Jabba's Palace level.

A must-play game for fans of the Tron Universe, though even they may become frustrated with some of the clunky parkour gameplay and repetitive battles.

There's a great deal of cool traits to Strayed Lights, including thoughtful enemy design, strong premise, and charming visuals. However, pacing suffers greatly, and combat forces its way into the forefront with memorization and inconsistent parry windows. It's short and can be sweet, but there's an overarching bitterness that's hard to ignore.

The Mortuary Assistant finally reaches home consoles, offering up a unique and tense work-horror scenario. Unfortunately, the controls implemented in this port hold back the console version a great deal. Inputs don't respond the way they should, and navigating menus proves cumbersome on practically all fronts. It's a game horror fans should check out, but maybe not on console.

Disappointing yet addictive, The Godfather II blends strategy and violence with mixed results and technical inefficiency.

Infliction: Extended Cut is a solid horror experience that succeeds in its strong atmospheric design. However, it is marred with some severe audio issues that deeply affected the experience, particularly in the final act.

Steelrising puts together a solid, accessible Soulsborne title complete with fun combat and simplistic RPG elements. However, the dated aesthetic combined with the overstretched narrative and the foibles that come with it make this feel like a Spider Entertainment game and more of a basic third party title. The heart of the development team shows from time to time, especially near the end of the game. But, the way the team executes this formula knocks the fundamentals out of balance, creating an uneven experience with too much of its weight on the back end.

Foul Play looks great and it's very funny, but it's lack of depth and rigid combat system holds it back from receiving a standing ovation.

Metal Wolf Chaos XD showcases the beginning of FromSoftware's iconic game formula. But, fifteen years on, the campy narrative and unpolished gameplay keep this from being a classic revival and a great re-release. It isn't too polished, but if you want to see the beginnings of From Software's beloved style, Metal Wolf Chaos XD is a solid way to do just that and only that.

Showing a tonne of promise, Selfloss just fails to hit the landing in many places. With a lack of polish in some key areas, this one will leave you questioning what might have been.

Just Dance 2015 is definitely fun to play, especially with family and friends, but the inconsistency of the scoring system brings into question whether it actually does track your moves accurately.

Without its flaws, Super Neptunia RPG manages to depict the whimsical appeal of Neptunia in a new, approachable way for newcomers. However, these same flaws bring many aspects of the game down. Combat and character development also lack a whole lot of depth. Conversely, that lack of depth comes with an ease of access that works for this silly endeavor. Consider this title a between-games RPG curiosity.

A fun game with friends, but otherwise it is held back by the inherent flaws associated with a game of this type. Try before you buy.

A simple, yet enjoyable arcade style shooter, Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops proves entertaining enough but is somewhat stifled by its humble mobile origins.

The Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection may not be for everyone, but it does offer a decent collection of retro games across multiple old platforms. Still, the limited modern features leave this package feeling incomplete. But if your end goal is game collecting and preservation, you can't go wrong with this collection, even with its limitations.

Fun but flawed, Just Dance 2016 is wildly entertaining with family and friends and offers instant pick-up-and-play appeal, but it needs a serious rethink in terms of its scoring system, track list and identity if it’s to continue to be a success.

MX vs ATV: Supercross isn’t a bad little racer. As a mid-price game it offers quite a bit of content and despite the rough animation and drab arenas, it handles in a quite satisfying manner. If you enjoy the idea of flinging yourself towards the sky, aboard an engine with wheels, then there is definitely something here for you to get your motor running.

Neptunia x Senran Kagura Ninja Wars maintains the cheeky charms of both franchise, bringing in the fun, safe jokes and jabs at the gaming industry. However, it taxes that charm with the gameplay choices made at the end of the game. There's enough here to bring in longtime fans, and even some crossover fans between the franchises, but not many others will rally to this mashup.

A pick up, put down, trashy game that has elements of Max Payne and Double Dragon running through its violent veins.

A bit more love and attention would have seen the PS4 version of Lego City Undercover receive the commendation it deserves, but its unresolved shady past has caught up with it.

Aphelion is very much a compelling, though mechanically nuts and bolts narrative adventure that embraces linearity and spectacle above all else. Though its embedded dynamic of interpersonal relationships is engaging, the technical flaws, occasional clunkiness and aged-like-milk stealth sections sadly do much to undercut its otherwise impressive qualities.

There's no denying that MythForce absolutely laser targets old crusties like me that used to sit cross-legged in front of a boxy CRT, with cereal pouring down my face as I sat agape at the Saturday morning heroics that were playing out in front of me. Peer beneath its attractive audiovisual presentation however and though a satisfyingly enjoyable roguelite soon reveals itself, it's also one rife with flaws which hint at an offering that has a wealth of presently unrealised potential.