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

For fans of sims that offer a good range of what you can do, this is worth taking a look at. Although it still needs more tweaking, it’s headed in a good direction.

The first of its kind to be delivered to the salivating grasp of PC gamers, Monster Hunter: World has been well worth the wait as it delivers a breathtaking experience through a near-flawless port.

Bandai Namco’s newest fighting title, developed by Soleil Ltd., is quite a bit different from previous Naruto titles—the Ultimate Ninja Storm series is, of course, beloved by many fans of both the game genre and the Naruto franchise. With Shinobi Striker, Bandai Namco has stepped away from the tried and true recipe, with (relatively) great success.

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.

Rebellion’s new co-op shooter is overall solid and enjoyable, although the fun doesn’t always come from what you may expect – collecting rare figurines and even Hathor’s Ladle (yes, that’s an artifact!) can be more gratifying than shooting hordes of the dead. The game is definitely a league apart from similar titles, and its unique and distinctive 1930's feel contributes to making it fun for anyone.

You could try to give The Dark Inside Me the benefit of the doubt and say it’s attempting to be dark and edgy, but any way you look at it, it falls on the wrong side of offensive and trashy, without any kind of decent gameplay to fall back on.

Ice Caves of Europa is a challenging exploration simulator that may be more tedious to learn than the average gamer will have the patience for. Still, there are moments of humor and a chilling, unique story that makes you feel like the isolated exploration bot you are.

Handsomely silhouetted by muted ancient structures, The King’s Bird has you gliding, tumbling, and ricocheting through a voiceless world of wonder. Its momentum-based mechanic is a clever take on the platforming genre, providing as many moments of pure glee as moments of pure aggravation. The King’s Bird lacks the variety and detail necessary to elevate it into a masterwork, but it packs more than enough of a challenging punch to be worthy of a platforming enthusiasts’ attention.

Jade’s Dungeon Descent is dungeon crawler that requires rigorous clicking and an infinitesimal amount of intellectual power. With less than an hour of gameplay to offer and a storyline that exists exclusively inside of the initial, and larger, title’s plot, it’s a neat toy that ultimately feels naked and afraid outside of its original Shuyan Saga packaging.

While it could do with a few more puzzles here and there, the premise is great and the characters are believable. Time will tell what the other episodes have in store, but this is a solid start to what promises to be an interesting series.

Airheart - Tales of broken Wings, despite its dogfight combat, proffers a zen experience of flight as you twist and turn through vertical landscapes populated by brightly-hued and cavalierly-evasive fish.

Guacamelee! 2 takes the superb formula of Guacamelee!, kicks it into high gear, and multiplies the general number of chickens by ten. It stays amorously true to the first entry by proffering more opportunities for satisfying Rooster Uppercuts than ever before, and ratchets up the difficulty of its platforming sections to keep pace. Guacamelee! 2 is the truly worthy and hysterical follow-up to the (rightfully) much-loved original Guacamelee!

State of Mind is a dystopian rehash of digital dysfunctionality that’s neither new nor complex enough to distinguish itself from the horde. It redeems itself with character writing that feels barbarically realistic, thoughtful world-design, and the occasional stunning vista. State of Mind works hard to provide a serious discourse on the impacts of technological revolution — the only problem is, we’ve already heard most of it before.

The graphics are great, but the story and the characters could use more development. The choices you make don’t feel like they matter to the outcome of this brief experience.

Deiland, charming and adorably animated as it is, travels at a glacial pace that will quickly lose the interest of hungrier gamers. As a casual farming simulator, it’s mildly satisfying, but getting to the more complex and interesting tidbits of this title takes a mind-numbing time grind that most players will, likely, politely decline.

There is a lot to respect about eSports Manager and what it tries to do, but it just fails to execute fully on a number of fronts. Entertainment can be had through playing the matches for your team, and there is a level of ease that quickly comes once you’ve unlocked a few perks. Unfortunately, everything else feels like a chore.

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.

While City of the Shroud, a real-time strategy RPG, has some interesting design ideas in theory, in practice these designs fall flat.

We Happy Few is far from flawless, but ultimately makes up for it with its fascinating story of a comically-dark dystopia.

MXGP PRO doesn’t do much of anything to differentiate itself from other entries in the genre, and it fails to deliver a satisfying feel to its players.

Dead Cells is a voracious roguelike metroidvania platformer that threatens to consume all the extra hours of your life — and then a few more, for good measure.

Mothergunship is an absolute blast in short bursts, but risks becoming repetitive in extended sessions. If you like the thought of crafting the most outrageous weapons possible, it’s definitely worth your time.

The Banner Saga 3 is the compelling conclusion to a saga that first captured hearts in 2014 with its masterful hand-drawn art, gut-wrenching decision-making, and satisfying turn-based combat. The final installment is everything it was expected to be and more, and while it may not be particularly welcoming to newcomers, it’s a fine reason for everyone to dive back into the Viking saga once again.

Grimmwood – They Come at Night is a cooperative survival MMO that masterfully merges strands of exploration, strategy, and time-management into a cohesive whole. Its ability to consistently and genuinely inspire teamwork amongst its manifold players is a rare, laudable talent. Currently, the title is limited only by its total number of willing gamers, but it’s likely many more, like moths to an unusually attractive flame, will soon flock to Grimmwood’s bizarre light.

Sticking to the established 4X formula helps to make Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War enjoyable, but also keeps it from greatness. For fans, there is fun to be had in growing an army of Terminators, Assault Space Marines, and Predator tanks to crush your enemies with. But, after all the toys are smashed and the maps explored, there is sadly little else left to do.

Though not without flaws, if you want to experience the original magic of Sonic without having to dig out an old Sega Genesis console (yet also be treated to a dash of newness) this is definitely a title to pick up.

Sleep Tight is a top-down shooter with strong base building elements that provides go-to casual gameplay for any library.

A display crowded with as much information as possible may keep some from giving Out of the Park Baseball 19 the chance it so rightfully deserves, but try it out and you’ll find the title has plenty to offer the baseball rookie and veteran alike.

Yes, there is a definite cash-grab feeling in Defiance 2050, but there is also plenty of game to explore, and it won’t require the player to drop hundreds just to get there. The large open world, vast number of quests, and skill trees with a decent set of options gives players plenty to do. The co-operative nature of Defiance 2050 encourages teamwork, and while some parts feel repetitive in terms of quest content, overall it makes a pretty good entry as a free-to-play title.

The cleverly lovely Camp W is a charming visual novel where you simply click your way through to the end — for better, or for worse.

The Crew 2 is an ambitious title, and when judged solely by what was expected of it—a car racing game—it’s superb. Unfortunately, judged by the sum of its parts, The Crew 2 tries to do too much at once, and could have put less time into designing its many different types of vehicles and more time into AI, optimization, and world-building.

Haimrik is an out-there mixture of puzzler and platformer that succeeds in heart, yet falls short of being intelligent — much like the main character.

This mostly-stable title is an excellent release for fast-paced fun. Online and offline modes have plenty to offer fans of the fighting genre, including an exciting and funny story.

Conan Exiles is a survival title that hits the mark for anyone interested in the genre, immersing you in Robert E. Howard’s brutal Conan setting and offering server customization to suit any player. It's a sure win for anyone with the time to build their character.

Starman is a clean and thought-provoking casual puzzle game. If you’re looking for an easy-to-pick-up puzzler with some nice artistic flair, Starman is a no brainer.

The Spectrum Retreat is a short psychological puzzle game with a subtle but thought-provoking story and comfortably challenging puzzles, although it can be repetitive at times.

Indie platformer The Free Ones currently struggles with the absence of simply too many game essentials to be forgiven. Its fast-paced grappling action does lend a touch of excitement to its otherwise stagnant gameplay, and its potential, while imprisoned now, could be unleashed with future developer updates.

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.

Does the game’s topsy-turvy aesthetic shake up the platforming genre, setting itself apart from all other titles? Simply put, yes. There is no doubt that Youropa offers a unique puzzle-platformer experience. The need to be gravity-conscious at all times, paired with brutal tests of your visualization skills, generates a new kind of challenge that many platforming fans will truly appreciate.

A stealth-focused DLC for the much-celebrated Aragami, Aragami: Nightfall offers a tantalizing mouthful of backstory for enthusiast Aragami players. As an extension to the first it does well, but in many ways it falls short of the outstanding original, leaving newcomers and fans alike still hungry for more.

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

Wreckfest is a demolition derby-style racer with stunning physics and a hint of absurdity. Whether your vehicle of choice is a Pontiac Firebird or a lawn mower, the title is less about racing and more about the spectacular collisions.

Frustrating gameplay paired with needlessly dark and messy levels holds this 2D “horror” platformer back from accomplishing what it sets out to do. It’s difficult to find much Dream Alone attempts that can’t be found better executed elsewhere.

The wonderfully artistic Light Fall offers an unusual twist on the classic platforming genre by giving you the ability to create your own platforms – an interesting mechanic that frustrates as often as it inspires.

Jurassic World Evolution is a challenging park simulator that emphasizes micromanagement and requires players to carefully and strategically balance resources. For those who enjoy the genre, it’s worth considering.

Summerset is a great second chapter for Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), allowing players to explore, challenge themselves with new and dangerous enemies, and learn about the Psijic Order that had disappeared over 300 years earlier.

Gray Dawn has a broader appeal than might be expected, precisely because it isn’t your standard horror title. It creates an amazing atmosphere and gripping suspense without using (too many) clichés, and the slow, well-paced progression creates a unique feel with great appeal.

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.

Wizard of Legend delivers so much at such a low price. The difficulty always provides a proper challenge even for experienced players. The rewarding combat is matched with a ton of customization options which will have you continuing to play long after you’ve beaten the final boss. The only flaws of note are the lack of online play and the confusing mess that is sharing a screen with another player during co-op play. For now, the game is best enjoyed solo.

Just Shapes & Beats is an exciting and challenging marriage of sound, color, and chaos. For some, the experience may be overwhelming. For others, it will be their new, casual couch go-to. Either way it’s worth your time.

A true motorbike simulation, MotoGP18 provides a gritty, realistic experience for the most part, apart from flaws in braking, a wheelie ban, and some twitchy animations for the crowd.

Agony is a survival horror title that serves as a bold interpretation of biblical hell, crushed by a monolith of technical problems and unpolished design.

Cultist Simulator is the kind of game where “Just one more turn,” easily becomes “Four hours later…” It’s addicting even when it’s difficult and frustrating, and extremely satisfying when things finally start going right for you. If you’re even slightly interested in it, the price is right to try something that’s completely original and unlike anything else out right now.

I Hate Running Backwards doesn’t pretend to be more than it is: a fantastic, engaging arcade shooter. Its replay value is massive, and it can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Gone are the days where you have to choose between a title that focuses on if you want to be an adventurer or a merchant. Moonlighter mixes the best aspects of both and brings an experience that is highly addictive and enjoyable. Beyond the gameplay, you are sure to enjoy the charming graphics and a delightful soundtrack. This is a fantastic first release for Digital Sun, full of high-quality graphics, music, and gameplay.

Vampyr takes the humorously ironic situation of a hematologist-turned-vampire and spins it into a compelling and poetic tragedy with a focus on both combat and decision-making.

With fun maps, music, and game-changing settings, Taco Gun is enjoyable each time you play, whether you’re new to the game or have played numerous rounds against your friends. If you like local PvP games, this one is worth adding to your collection.

Adding a competitive aspect to pinball makes for an enjoyable experience. While minor improvements could be made, you’re mostly left wanting more: More maps, more options — more Kabounce.

While The Office Quest’s absurdity is the powerhouse of its hilarity, it’s also the stumbling block that causes its overall gameplay to be bizarrely difficult and often bewildering. Its clever satire drives you through its myriad of point-and-click puzzles, but some of the more unexpected brain teasers may have casual players perplexed and scratching their heads for far too long.

Antigraviator is a great release for any player who enjoys arcade-styled racing, with even more of a plus for those who enjoy sci-fi and experimental themes. What it sets out to do, it executes well.

There’s a lot to like here, from gorgeous graphics to a robust crafting system, but frustrating combat and high difficulty early in the game may drive some players away.

Forgotton Anne is a visual splendor rivaling the likes of fellow animated, but Triple-A, titles like Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. Its mesmerizing story competes readily with its spectacularly beautiful art, for which the platforming and puzzling gameplay is only a complement. Forgotton Anne is unmistakably a diminutive treasure that deserves to never itself be forgotten.

Overall, Ancestors Legacy isn’t insanely different from other popular RTS entries out there. What it does have are a lot of interesting and unique options and gameplay strengths that will make it a popular choice for those RTS players that hold strategy and planning higher than overwhelming enemies by sheer force. The graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer modes make this title a successful first expedition into the RTS genre for Destructive Creations.

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.

Ys VIII is a fantastic action RPG with interesting characters and an intriguing story, which provides countless hours of exploration and banter.

A tale of the almighty power of time, The Watchmaker is reminiscent of Portal in its humor and scientific focus. Playing will prompt reflection and evoke emotion, but deficiencies include narrative, level design, and puzzles.

This house-renovating simulator provides a satisfying sense of progression and realism. Its focus veers away from architectural and interior design, letting handiwork steal the spotlight.

Solo is a meditative relationship questionnaire under the guise of an aesthetically-simple puzzler. Its desire to play the love doctor lends a unique flavor to its otherwise bland and hodgepodge puzzle gameplay, but it’s not enough to save it from its painful inability to let its hair down and stay awhile.

The Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire scratches every itch computer roleplaying gamers could possibly muster, and more. Its staggeringly beautiful world weaves an elegant tapestry upon which its story is stitched — a story that, ultimately, is your story. Deadfire’s gameplay and lore isn’t exactly welcoming to the uninitiated, but for those in the know, it’s a striking entry for the genre that delivers in more than just a few aspects.

This release is worth every penny that it charges because it delivers on what it promises to be. Some may find managing a virtual farm to be cathartic, others will be interested in figuring out how to min/max this title, but for the average consumer, or those who played light farming games in the past, be warned: If you’re just looking to purchase a tycoon title, there are better options available currently. Farm Manager 2018 fills an extremely specific niche, and you should be certain that that niche is what is desired prior to purchase.

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.

Gorgeous ink-on-paper visuals lift Inked beyond its humble mechanics and give it a unique flavor you won’t find in too many other places. With its puzzles providing the bulk of the gameplay, however, Inked’s problematic controls and technical issues cause it to fall short of the soaring heights its art readily promises.

Monster Prom is a dating sim that’s ready to scare away the competition with drop-dead gorgeous art, killer writing, and music that’s to die for.

Guilt Battle Arena capitalizes on the idea of a party night teeming with shouts of triumph and despair with its chaotic couch co-op gameplay. A fresh update helps to increase its overall playability, but the tiny title has a long uphill journey to make before it can more readily compete with similar smash-your-friends indies.

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.

This light-hearted puzzle adventure is one you can enjoy with a friend. It has unique graphics, a fun storyline, and decent replayability. If you like two-player titles or solving puzzles, then 39 Days to Mars is worth playing.

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.

Steampunk Tower 2 feels repetitive at times, but it holds interest through intriguing dialogue, a rewarding progression system, and a consistent steampunk theme.

Dead in Vinland is a seamless genre-melding of resource management and RPG elements. Visually dazzling and complete with a delightful cast of characters, it’s the latest installment of what could be a successful franchise.

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.

The genre-bending Masters of Anima is most compelling for its fusion of RTS and environmental puzzling, all of which is complemented by a richly simple art style. The gameplay, however, is as delectable as the storytelling is stale, causing Masters of Anima to feel more like a preview of something great than the actual thing itself.

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.

Lost in the Dungeon offers a difficult and tedious challenge for those looking for one. Unfortunately, it isn’t founded on enough complexity to hold your interest for the long term.

Skyrim VR translates one of the most entertaining RPGs of the previous generation to virtual reality with next to no hiccups along the way. Though there are a few minor irritants, the core experience is ludicrously fun and runs like a dream.

You might be disappointed if you were hoping for certain aspects from the first two titles in the trilogy to be present, such as Life Points, an open world, a time limit, mastering specific items, etc. Still, Atelier Lydie and Suelle is an enjoyable and relaxing experience that is worthwhile in its own right.

Ark Park is a jack of all trades, but master of none. Resource collecting is the thread that attempts to tie several dissonant gameplay mechanics together but it’s not nearly deep enough or engaging enough to be successful at it. Any enjoyment that could be had by observing dinosaurs and wild jungles is marred by blurry graphics. This is one title that ought to go extinct.

Tempest Citadel makes large promises and misses the mark on them all. While it’s certainly playable, it’s a frustrating experience that lacks player engagement. The most redeeming part of this title is the original artwork, which may entice the unsuspecting consumer into purchasing a lackluster entry into the already crowded strategy genre.

Grow your kingdom and unite the world in peace in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, an ambitious JRPG title that offers a visually astounding treat alongside (mostly) on-point gameplay.

This blend of the old with the new relies too heavily on the old, while the new stuff fails to thrive. In its current state it’s buggy and lacks some fundamental requirements for smooth play we’ve come to expect from the genre.

If your goal is to never have an interaction beyond your basement, this game delivers. Otherwise, its only function is to give players a few laughs and severe second-hand embarrassment. Alternatively, it could be turned into a drinking game with your buddies: Take a shot every time the camera goes out of focus, the acronym “PUA” is said, or there’s an opportunity to whip Big Richie out.

Bio Inc. Redemption presents us with a confused tone: part of it wants to be taken seriously as a realistic medical simulator, while other parts seem to be trying to get a cynical laugh with out-of-place gore and sound effects. Still, this title is well polished and the gameplay is interesting (save for the Achilles’ heel of a terrible point management mechanic that destroys the immersion and fun). Flaws in both balance and theme could have been overlooked if not for the inclusion of this one unfortunate element.

If you’re terrified this will be the same experience as all the other entries in the Far Cry franchise, don’t be. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. While there isn’t revolutionary reinvention, Ubisoft Montreal has proven they’re listening to their fans. It’s everything you’d expect, with a ton of extras thrown on top. The destruction of stealth and the infuriatingly inconsistent AI are exceptions, but everything else that has done the series good in the past does it justice once again. The arcade mode alone shows enough potential to produce content far beyond the main campaign. This is a great game that shines a bright future on a once-declining franchise.

Demolish & Build 2018 is a franchise heading in the right direction. While there could be a significant amount of development and tightening of the mechanics and controls, there are many improvements over the previous title. It’s an enjoyable, cooperative sim experience, despite an emphasis on demolishing stronger than on building. A good one to watch for patches, improvements, or to pick up during a Steam sale.

At times bland, Exorder can also be fun to play. A lack of reward for any achievements contributes to a sense of no progression, but that's compensated by the complexity you'll find in troop types and maps. In sum, an option to consider if you like turn-based games.

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.

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

While pacing and the talent tree could use some improvement, Attack of the Earthlings is otherwise an enjoyable and entertaining release. This refreshing take on the traditional monster-in-space story melds lightheartedness with simple-but-fulfilling strategy.