I fell in love with The Beard in the Mirror. As an homage to a much-loved genre, it succeeds stupendously.

One of the best virtual introductions to a new language. Thanks to Learn Japanese To Survive! Katakana War, one could be well on their way to learning Japanese while immersing themselves in a genuinely fun game.

Children of Zodiarcs pleases to no end and has you coming back for more, as you work to hone your deck, dice, and tactical style to best synergize your party. A must-have for tactical RPG enthusiasts, it wouldn’t be surprising if CoZ becomes a model for future tactical and card-based games over the next decade.

Blasters of the Universe is what the 80s thought video games would be like in the future. It's neon-drenched, arcadey, and absolutely addictive; the rare marriage of a great concept and flawless execution. But most importantly: it's a blast.

In this innovative title from No Code, players can relive classic horror movies and late-night television, enjoy simple, light, but intuitive gameplay, and discover a spine-tingling story that’s guaranteed to keep them on edge long after they’ve finished playing.

It's a more playful, fun feel to the franchise, perhaps, but all that's wrapped around a deeply nuanced game. If you've ever enjoyed playing a multi-layered, immersive and strategic board game with a bunch of funny characters, get in here.

Project CARS 2 sets the benchmark for what a true racing sim release should be. With exquisite graphics, exceptional realism, and palpable thrill, the gauntlets have been thrown down, and it’s up to every other developer to try and get close to this masterpiece of its genre. Now for a fresh dose of caffeine… it’s time to shave some time off my split.

Idle Evolution takes a novel look at how one can develop an idle clicker, and implements the concept exceptionally well. This release also sets the stage for future idle titles, and sets the bar rather high; Idle Evolution arguably heralds the dawn of a new era for this genre. If you are looking for an idler that doesn't play as passively as a good portion of the ones already out there, or one that incorporates a subject of study and centers itself around it, then Idle Evolution is a must-have.

Your only regret from playing this game will be that the others in the series are still Playstation exclusives.

Everything it should be, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is an absolutely must-have addition to anyone who enjoyed the core game.

RE7 is as near to perfection within its genre, and its legacy, as any game I have ever had the pleasure of reviewing; it is a must-buy, especially for RE1 loyalists.

So that’s the importance of a retro game, and Alwa’s Awakening demonstrates it beautifully. With a few tweaks to make it a little more palatable to the modern gamer, Alwa’s Awakening captures the joy that can come from conquering a difficult experience. It doesn’t do anything new, but in bringing back the old, it shows how fun finding your own way can be.

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.

Appreciate the heart and personalization that went into making it so concisely wonderful.

While both Episode 1 and 2 are rather brief – it took me less than two hours to complete each one, and I probably could have done it more quickly if I hadn’t been enjoying a slow, savoring pace – they are high-quality chapters.

Leaping, looting, lacerating, and laughing, Remnant: From The Ashes explodes with character, violence, and a down-right great time in co-op. The procedural generation of the missions presents players with surprises and challenges each time they boot up the title. With its roots in Dark Souls-like gameplay, this is sure to be a powerful title to land in 2019.

While both Episode 1 and 2 are rather brief – it took me less than two hours to complete each one, and I probably could have done it more quickly if I hadn’t been enjoying a slow, savoring pace – they are high-quality chapters.

Another Lost Phone is truly a masterpiece of its kind, setting a bar in both creativity and meaning that will be hard for future installments in the genre to match. In addition to being one of the most innovative vehicles for a puzzle-based story to be released in a long time, the story is immensely engaging from the moment you unlock the phone. Accidental Queens have now issued a challenge to game designers everywhere: use your art to tell stories that need to be told.

Oriental Empires shall surely frustrate some players, though that really boils down to his or her shortcomings, not the any of the title. You shouldn’t be upset about historical accuracy: plagues happened, bandits are terrible, and — who would have thought — peasants hate building things for their oppressive overlords because they’d rather be with their families. Sitting down and learning how to be a sovereign to the people and not just field marshal to armies will open players up to a superb experience in the genre. The foundations of other efforts in the genre may show, but ultimately, Oriental Empires builds upon them anew, just like real life.

A masterfully-narrated moving experience that could not be told in any other media. Imperfect due to railroaded gameplay, but otherwise it could've been a revolution instead of just a great game.

A decent port of a classic, with an outstanding combination of rich story and comedic elements.

With Mandate of Heaven, Paradox Interactive has proven once more that they consistently deliver expansions which incorporate suggestions from players and satisfy their gamership's desire for new, immersive content -- once a newcomer overcomes the steep learning curve. Additionally, the downloadable content offers improved features for the game interface and new concepts in gameplay, contributing to a deep, involving, and rewarding experience.

Redie's music, game environment, sound effects, and physics work together to create an engaging, enjoyable universe. The gameplay is hard, but the feeling of finally beating a difficult level is pure euphoria. Lastly, the mastery system adds a lot of replayability to the game for players who are either exceptionally skilled or masochistic.

Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition is a roller coaster ride of violence that delivers gameplay that's just as entertaining as it was in its original release in 2011. While it may not have enough discrepancy from the original to justify a repurchase, as far as remasters go, Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition should serve as an example for how to revitalize an older game.

Assassin’s Creed: Origins is an exciting addition to the Assassin’s Creed legacy, featuring new brotherhood lore and intriguing RPG elements. Crafting and a skills tree promises character customization beyond that in previous Assassin’s Creed titles, while underwater exploration and mounted combat give you fresh ways to play and interact with enemies and an expansive map. If you like assassinating people with primitive weapons, Origins is for you.

Quern is the ultimate scavenger hunt, and perfect for any exploring puzzle master. It is great for its genre and definitely a must have if you love brainteasers, exploration, and uncovering mysteries.

Fate/EXTELLA LINK, with its rich cast of characters, might just remind you what you love about the hack-and-slash genre.

Yet another homage to isometric games á la Baldur's Gate, but one that successfully injects the elements of psychological horror into point-and-click gameplay. Play this. It's free and worth every penny you won't spend.