A true remake in every sense of the word, Capcom’s 2019 Resident Evil 2 captures the heart of the original in a wonderful recreation.

A refinement of battle royale, Apex Legends is great fun — but there's still room for improvement.

With the implementation of seasons and a new location, this installment in the series make for a wonderful, fulfilling racing experience, although it has a few minor bugs that need fixing.

Paradigm is proof that quality isn’t the sole domain of big names and hefty budgets. Although the puzzles are a bit lackluster, the overall experience of the game makes it a must-have for fans of the genre. Players that enjoy absurdity and thrill at the idea geeky humor and internet memes brought to life will love Paradigm in all its weird and wonderful glory.

Final Fantasy XV’s beautiful graphics and exciting fights unfortunately come with a confusing story, irritating characters, long and unnecessary cutscenes, and optimization issues.

The Total War series finally takes on land wars in Asia with this latest installment, bringing its signature RTS/TBS hybrid gameplay to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Series veterans will find a lot to love about this new iteration, and fans of the source material will find this a great jumping on point.

Not all efforts in nostalgia end in success, but with Nex Machina, Housemarque has crafted a fast and fun twin-stick shooter with crisp visuals and challenging gameplay. Flawed only by a problematic mouse adaptation, Nex Machina is a solid execution of a gaming genre staple that promises long nights with guns blazing (instead of sleep).

An improvement over its predecessor, with visuals that wow. Occasionally repetitive combat and an unengaging story are the main flaws that might deter budget-conscious gamers from buying at full price.

NieR: Automata contains twenty-six different endings, which inevitably incentivizes those who want to see all possible conclusions. But, the apparent lack of story, which drops off for a good while after the introductory level, is stinging, and you must have enough commitment to see past this. The combat is unique and, at times, refreshingly variegated gaming styles emerge from NeiR — from hack-and-slash to arcade-esque air fights — but enemies themselves show little variation and predictable movement. If you are looking for a hack-and-slash with extraordinary graphics and a fair amount of character customization, then it is likely you’ll enjoy playing this release.

Dark Souls: Remastered can almost barely be considered a remastered title for PC gamers and, while it provides some increase in graphics and quality of life improvements, these additions are largely negligible unless you’re a dedicated multiplayer fan. Despite this fact, Dark Souls is still an amazing game that is worth playing through more than once, and there’s a lot here for gamers who’ve never played through the first title in the Souls series.

With a few quality-of-life improvements, Two Point Hospital would be a fantastic entry-- as it stands, it’s still a charming and hilarious buy for fans of the management genre.

Black Ops 4 combines all the elements of pop culture in gaming and the ease of access the franchise has always offered into one of the best Call of Duty games to come out in recent time. However, the AAA asking price for a minimized full title is slightly unnerving, as the game cannot and does not offer a full experience.

For new-comers and veterans of side-scrolling, bullet-hell, shoot ‘em ups, Bleed 2 brings forward a fluid and action-packed adventure. Its solid gameplay and stylized visuals improve upon the original title of 2012, but its $10 price tag, considering how quick a playthrough is, might only be worth it to those competitive players who regularly top leaderboards and are casually crowned, “Greatest Heroes of All Time.”

With every second of gameplay as agonizingly riveting as the next, The Forest is a stellar study in horror, survival, and anticipation. When in its element, The Forest is as worthy as any title costing three times its purchase price. When not, the low production budget peeks perniciously through the cracks of this otherwise superbly thrilling indie.

All the elements are there: you’re gunning down massive hordes of baddies and you’re doing so with outstanding visual fidelity, a variety of weapons, and you’re able to cause this mayhem using big, explosive abilities. But, a bit too much of Destiny 2’s action is watered down by long cooldowns, the lazy sit-behind-cover until you’re full-health again, and the way enemies completely lose their ability to aim once your health hits the blinky-red portion of the on-screen life bar. The stakes always seem so low, the rewards so random and barely earned. It’s not a bad game, but it’s not one that lives up to the lofty expectations set by the way it’s marketed and talked about by its fans. Miles wide, but an inch deep: Destiny 2 is not the game it should be.

The Sexy Brutale is a lush, deliciously dark game that’s part murder mystery, part puzzle-adventure.Taken individually, the components of the gameplay in The Sexy Brutale are not groundbreaking: time reversal, stealth, and puzzle-solving are fun, but not innovative, elements. How they’re combined in this game, however, is fresh and unusual. The fantastic art and flawless execution of the game make this one must-have for fans of the genre.

Dark Souls III: The Ringed City brings exactly what the series needed drawing to a close. This installment does feel like "just another Souls game, " but it's a good one that capitalizes on what FromSoftware does best. Pick up this DLC if you already have Dark Souls 3. If you are new to the franchise and are into nail-biting, heart-pounding, blood-rushing, sword-slashing experiences, you won't be disappointed.

A refreshing addition to the series, with beautiful graphics and excellent combat, yet plagued with microtransactions that force you to choose between grinding or paying, as well as lackluster RNG systems.

Faeria's gameplay shines, and what it lacks in narrative it more than makes up for in strategy. While Faeria won’t appeal to some casual players and viewers, players who enjoy delving into sophisticated and nuanced gameplay will be amply rewarded.

A solid puzzle game with an interesting hook, though it lacks that special something to make it truly transcend the genre.

Despite issues with AI and a level of complexity that will likely frustrate new players, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a well-rounded experience with stunning visuals and extensive replay value.

Darkest Dungeon: The Color of Madness is a fine addition to an already great game. The Endless Harvest mode adds perpetual, challenging content fit for veterans, and builds up across a playthrough well enough to entice novices as well. While the comet’s presence doesn’t loom quite as large over the Hamlet as the Crimson Court vampires did, there’s more than enough reason to traverse the tainted soil of the Farmstead, seeking gold and glory.

A successful PC port with exceptional storytelling that lacks important control options and falls short of expectations in certain technical areas.

No stuttering, no frame drops, no crashes: SOULCALIBUR VI is rather polished. The story modes are intriguing, and Libra of Soul is likely to hold your interest through its entirety. Perhaps even beyond that, especially if you enjoy RPG elements added to a fighting game. A release to check out, for sure.

Flinthook’s clever controls and mechanics bring challenging gameplay that requires practice to make perfect. Procedurally-generated levels and progression through death ensure a unique experience, reinforced by pleasing visuals and an equally accomplished soundtrack. All will find themselves motivated to keep playing, and lovers of the rogue-lite genre will surely appreciate the twists that successfully make Flinthook a fresh experience in a saturated market.

Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 will probably scratch the itch for more of that quirky style, but the story ditches many elements that made the original title great. Fans will likely enjoy the quirky dialogue and aesthetics on display. Just not as much as they did with the original.

The Journey Down: Chapter Three is the sort of title that leaves me saddened by its completion, but eager to see what the crew at SkyGoblin will do next. The Journey Down feels like a love letter to the genre, and its legacy – there are elements of LucasArts, Sierra On-Line, and other industry giants present here. But it manages to stand alone as a memorable trilogy that only improved with each new chapter. It is a worthy addition to any puzzle-loving, soundtrack-blasting, humor-embracing point-&-click fan's library, and Chapter Three is a conclusion to the tale that's just what the doctor ordered.

Ys SEVEN is packed with content -- over 30 hours of gameplay, a deep storyline, and a catchy soundtrack. Though the plot retreads the ‘hero tasked with saving humanity’ story arc, it does so in an original manner through a rich cast of characters. However, the default configuration is a hassle, which seems odd, considering that this title was first developed for the PSP — although if you had no idea that this entry originally came out on PSP, you’d never think that it wasn’t developed for PC. You’ll want to love this game, but problems with the controls might keep you from considering it one your favorites.

Despite minor hiccups, Unforeseen Incidents is a great experience. From the tasteful soundtrack to the aesthetically-pleasing visuals, this point-and-click shines.

With updated graphics, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition brings a beloved entry into modernity, and while it's as simple as ever, it goes far toward meeting the expectations of the modern player.

Although gameplay for non-VR players feels like an afterthought, Trover Saves the Universe is an off-the-cuff experience with hilarious writing that ends far too soon.

Ultimately, Mandate of Heaven is more Total War goodness. If you enjoyed the base game, the added elements provided in this DLC are enough reason to pick it up and play again.

Another good, content-laden addition to Total War: Three Kingdoms.

For The King refuses to hold your hand, making it a real challenge that feels rewarding. Despite its slow combat, there’s a ton of enjoyable content to make it worth your while.

There are plenty of things Semblance does well: It adds new mechanics as you progress, forcing you to strategize attempts to reach an Essence; it maintains an overall a casual experience while gradually increasing the difficulty; and it has a great atmospheric visual style. A great pick if you’re looking for a quick, neat platforming fix.

Challenging puzzles and a thrilling story makes Observation truly fantastic — but launch prices paired with the brevity of the experience and its lack of replay value make it hard to recommend.

If you’ve ever pictured yourself fighting corruption with an arsenal of shotguns in a loopy environment that’s reminiscent of a NyQuil hallucination, then High Hell is for you. Fast-paced, sick beats, shiny graphics, unlimited ammo, arcade shooter… need I say more?

Vanquish delivers on action and unique gameplay. Although it’s missions can feel repetitive, it remains exciting due to it’s easy-to-master movement system and it’s addictively fun slow-motion gunfights. Vanquish is a welcome distraction from today’s multiplayer- focused entries in the genre.

Yet another in an already long line of excellent DLCs, for what has shaped up to be a living classic in the realm of PC games. If you like Total War: Warhammer, you'll almost definitely like the NORSCA Game Pack, because who doesn't want to hang out with a bunch of dragons and war mammoths, slaughtering enemy after enemy with nary a thought of going home? Just me? Didn't think so.

The Disney Afternoon Collection is well polished, and a solid collection piece. Each title is ported over well, with tight controls and fluid responsiveness, but there’s also plenty of extra features to enhance gameplay. For those who have been interested in playing any of these retro titles or want to replay them on a newer system, this is a game pack to consider.

The same elements and design choices in Observer that make it a cerebral and provocative failed-future experience are those that prohibit satisfaction in its gameplay. Detailed world-building shines through in-game dialogue and lore, yet falls drastically short in any actual spatial embodiment of forces and institutions. The small space in which you're trapped is a quaint microcosm of Observer's world, but after rich promises of variety and exploration, it's ultimately too micro to satisfy.

A great Ace Combat title that follows its past formula too closely, giving you the great flight simulator you expect and no more.

The Adventure Pals is a cartoonish romp with bombastic platforming gameplay that’s as addictive as it is silly. Easy controls and eye-popping art contribute to a candy-sweet experience — one that ultimately leaves you wanting something a little more substantial.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar combines the classic turn-based RPG with action-RPG elements. This fun twist to the traditional RPG divisions enhances gameplay, strategy, and character customization. Despite a slow start, this title surely becomes more engaging and a quick favorite for RPG enthusiasts.

Tropico 6 involves a huge time investment and a steep learning curve, but it is a solid entry in the management/sim genre.

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker delivers a fresh, memorable, and intricately woven tale of psychological horror. The developer's experience in crafting murder mysteries shows, although investigation of the titular Doctor Dekker's death overwhelms the simulation's promised psychotherapy aspect. Smart, provocative, and a masterclass in acting, this full motion video release falters in its user interface, but the narrative compels you to power through all the same.

A relaxing and beautiful experience, marred only by the occasional technical issue.

The neon-clad, Japanese-themed platformer Slime-san is a cute 2D puzzler with simplistic yet endearing design. Requiring all of the skills and reflexes of Super Meat Boy, Slime-san is not a challenge to take lightly. While the intricate levels and fast-paced gameplay have an initial appeal for speedrunners, Slime-san lacks enough substance to keep the player’s attention for long.

The experience of The Norwood Suite is incredibly unique, each design choice, be it of the musical or visual arts, very much reflects Cosmo D's style. The world in which you play feels well developed and full, but not cluttered, keeping you on the path of the game, but not on rails. The Norwood Suite — along with their first release, Off-Peak — are two games worth the effort and confusion.

Chook and Sosig: Walk the Plank is a charming point-and-click adventure that offers fun for all ages. Despite a few errors in execution, the humor, premise, and choice of endings deliver something for everyone to enjoy.

Fans and veterans of the 40k universe will no doubt enjoy Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2, while it’s certainly still worth a look for newcomers interested in spaceship warfare.

An interesting take on the isometric ARPG, Shadows: Awakening provides a short romp through the main campaign with three different endings providing some limited replayability.

Even though combat is a tad repetitive and the freedom to explore and deviate from the linear progression lacking, WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY remains enjoyable. The multitude of mirages to collect and features like "stacking" add much value to gameplay, with the Coliseum and Tearoom going a step further by providing additional battles to tackle. If you’re a fan of JRPGs or of the Final Fantasy series, consider getting this one.

Blasphemous is a truly unforgettable experience that stands out in the Metroidvania genre.

Ever wish XCOM 2 had a love child with Dungeons & Dragons? No? Well XCOM: Chimera Squad is here, anyway.

Dawn of War III is very a solid foundation for the future of the franchise, but it lacks fresh flavor. The expansions to this title are sure to add races, storylines, and mechanics that are simultaneously new and nostalgic, but this initial release is somewhat bare-bones. As always, the Warhammer universe produces great characters, units, and artwork, but there is not much to set it apart from the original Dawn of War or other RTS titles. Also, there are no Sisters of Battle, and that’s awful.

Strong mechanics, fun combat, and replay value are brought down by graphics and a convoluted story, yet you’ll still have fun mowing down scores of enemies.

A well-polished adventure game shaped by its dark atmosphere. Though the frustrating and repetitive nature of the mini-games does detract from the overall gameplay and the map system could be improved, the countless choices allow for future replayability and help to keep the storyline interesting, and the number of tasks implemented provide hours of entertainment. If you love great storytelling and the ability to make your own path, Beholder 2 is for you.

LEGO DC Super-Villains offers a gigantic array of villains and heroes that all have their own unique abilities and quirks on top of a deep character creation tool that allows players to fill any of the gaps that the developers didn’t.

Hob is made for gamers who love to explore, tinker, and problem-solve. Combat is present, but not as a central element. Gameplay consists, by a considerable margin more, of looking for ways to inventively raise, lower, move, open up, or interact with the environment. While, some puzzles are clumsy puzzles, each has a logical solution – though it reaching this point might require a temporal investment.

Quirky and deliberately cheesy, Earth Defense Force 5 boasts hours of enjoyable if straightforward content.

Super Cloudbuilt has the potential for unlimited playability simply due to the fact that there is always a higher challenge to aim for. The downside to this, however, is an intense level of frustration from repeated failure. The visual aesthetic and puzzles are commendable, but the awe doesn’t even register in comparison to the amazement you can experience due to your own reflexes and persistence – if you ever actually manage to make progress.

Despite a few technical hiccups, The Surge 2 presents a marked improvement over its predecessors and an all-around good game.

With stunning and immersive graphics, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an RPG for those who enjoy a deep, pronounced story with a focus on realism.

The puzzles are satisfying, if not overly challenging, and although the maneuvering issues and movement speed are a source of frustration, I never had a lapse in gameplay when the momentum stalled because I couldn't figure out a solution. Bear With Me – Episode 2 is polished and sophisticated, with a refreshing take on point-and-click themes, and while Episode 2 is relatively short – it took me less than 3 hours to beat it – I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality adventure title.

An auto-moving strategy game, Swords and Soldiers 2: Shawarmageddon is a comic adventure with surprising strategic depth.

Vaporum shows promise but still, has ways to go. The art style is finely tuned, but time spent polishing the look should’ve been invested in more various assets. I enjoyed playing it but still felt bored and uninterested at times, and it would’ve benefited from a larger variety of enemies and weapons. That being said, it’s not half bad, and one of the better games you’ll play this year; a sequel with some more attention to certain details would be an instant buy.

Last Day of June is unique and story-driven, suited for those who appreciate a slower-paced journey. The reward is an artful experience that stands a chance of resonating with your heart.

If you’re looking for crazy flashy combos and special moves, Absolver isn’t the title for you. Good times are few and far in between, because of repetitious fights and long periods of grinding out moves and experience. Glitches are also numerous, although Sloclap is aware of these problems and is releasing patches to help eliminate them, while also adding new features. While a fighting game, Absolver is a far cry from the likes of Street Fighter, TEKKEN, or Injustice.

God's Trigger has its heart in the right place, but falls short in execution.

Though a little on the short side, this beautifully drawn puzzler is full of variety and well worth checking out.

Stars in Shadow is relatively simple and inviting for newcomers to the 4X strategy genre, but also features original mechanics to intrigue 4X veterans, and everything is brought together with a fun, cartoonish art style that complements the fantastical races and nature of this space exploration strategy game.

A wonderful remastered version of the original Spyro games that keeps true to the original gameplay. The graphics are amazing, and despite some loading glitches, it provides many hours of fun.

A versatile addition to the series, Atelier Ryza offers new and engaging features, though it does need some tweaking in regards to overleveling.

Well written and beautifully crafted, Yes, Your Grace provides a compelling visual novel experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Bomber Crew is a rich strategy sim that gets you into the action quickly. The low poly art style will make more bearable the tremendous death of your crew’s airmen, as your plane falls to pieces around them. As for the repetitive nature of missions, it will either become old hat, or, a necessary grind to get the most out of your plane and deal head on with the game's growing difficulty.

A unique murder mystery that excels in narrative but is hindered by elementary combat, Omensight may have all of the workings of a good game but its shortcomings still take a big toll on the overall experience.

Submerse yourself in an incredible neo-punk environment for this point and click adventure that’s as frustrating as it is atmospheric, which is to say a lot.

Mages of Mystralia is for gamers looking for more than hack-and-slash action RPGs. It has a unique magic crafting system, puzzles, and challenges that compel you to play more, unlock more spell customization options, and grow stronger. Designed for the Steam Controller, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, you’ll master your magic and empower your destiny as you save the world of magic users.

While fans of the series will feel right at home in their foxholes, scoping in on the shambling formations of the undead, the title lacks some much needed variation in gameplay.

The Swords of Ditto mines a shining gem out of a combination of lighthearted art, dry humor, and delightfully Zelda-esque gameplay. This indie title hooks you early and keeps you playing long after you’ve first been slapped around a bit, despite its many quality-of-life quirks.

Two parts XCOM and one part Invisible, Inc., Phantom Doctrine is a fun take on the turn-based tactical genre that struggles with silly pathfinding and an uncertain storyline.

A great expansion if you love college life and enjoy the original game, Skylines lets you get into the finer details of higher education and how they influence your city’s success or failure. And if you love sports, you can’t pass up this expansion... This one's for you.

Stellaris: Federations is a solid addition that provides a new dynamic through any playthrough of your game, regardless of your playstyle.

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier – Episode 5 is a gripping, emotional ending to this chapter in the series, but it's also one that doesn't quite hit the mark as well as the prior seasons of this successful franchise have. When it comes to the grand finale, players simply deserved a bigger, more satisfying resolution to Javier's story and the outcome facing him and his loved ones. And, while I did enjoy Clem's ending – again, I'll keep it vague – Clem's presence alone isn't enough to carry this piece of The Walking Dead: A New Frontier to the heights that prior episodes in this saga could reach.

Mainlining puts you in the shoes (and at the desktop) of an agent for the government spy directorate MI7. Occasionally irksome gameplay is balanced with rich aesthetics and an engaging story, making Mainlining a fine choice for fans of the point-and-click genre.

For a game the size of a jelly bean, Umiro enchants and delights well beyond its dimensional limitations. Its beautiful art makes every stage a delight to encounter, just as its delicious puzzling makes every stage a delight to conquer. Umiro is a diamond in the rough that’s imprisoned only by its occasionally overbearing simplicity.

Black Desert Online comes to the table with an intricate character sculpting tool, gorgeous graphical presentation, and a nuanced, exciting combat system overlying a less immediately apparent, but very unique, sandbox-style resource management simulation. Those looking for a rich narrative, complex or groundbreaking PvE questing, or highly unique monster design may be disappointed, but those seeking a mechanically rich, visually striking MMO will find themselves at home.

Apocalipsis’ art style complements its gloomy tale incredibly well. While the story is nothing to write home about and the puzzles range from boring and easy to interesting and difficult, the voice acting and visual aesthetic make this title stand out from other point-and-click games. If you’re a fan of games as visual art, check it out.

It looks better than its predecessor, but content-wise its rather stingy and the story needs work, dampening excitement for this title.

Eugen Systems’s Steel Division 2 is an incredibly detailed and immersive RTS game, but its lacking content and virtually non-existent accessibility makes this a hard sell for anyone outside of Eugen’s fanbase.

Don't expect much from the visuals, music, or story in while True: learn() and simply appreciate it for its puzzles.

Be warned: you will need to invest a lot of time into each match but each win you can truly feel, while each loss hits you right in the gut. Fans of Space Hulk and Warhammer 40k alike should find themselves fully at home in the fresh take on the series.

Ultimately, nostalgia has never been, nor will ever be, the reason behind a purchase of mine; nor should it ever overshadow gameplay and mechanics so much that care about how the release plays falls by the wayside. It definitely brings the 1990s era to the modern day, but some things just should be left in the past.

Lamplight City is a steampunk detective adventure with great voice acting and unique worldbuilding—but the gameplay is full of unrealized potential.

The Surge is a fine example of how Souls-like gameplay and structure transfers well to other genres and settings. It's a great looking game — The Surge boasts not only smooth animation, but fine details, such as the way a tarp will flap realistically in the wind, go a long way towards making this title one to show off. Combined with satisfying and unique combat, hopefully, The Surge will experience a surge of players on release.

The Wardrobe manages to pull off a fulfilling, novel story with artistic flair and only a few setbacks, setting it apart in the sea of retro-inspired, pixel-laden, nostalgia-inducing point-and-clicks. The story is witty, the vast cast of characters is intriguing, and, while the ending isn’t very satisfactory, the journey is a worthwhile one.

Andromeda is robust and delivers effectively on the key elements it advertises, and then goes above and beyond regarding play style tailoring and experienceable customization. That said, the characters look more at home in the Sims 3 era, and the dialog fails to be more than lackluster - cringe-worthy at times. Nevertheless, while Mass Effect: Andromeda proves a quality example of its genres, diehard fans of the Mass Effect universe and its original story should wait until BioWare patches the technical bugs, and the price point lowers.