Despite the constant back and forth between jobs and saving frontiers, I had a great time strapping in for the ride. Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers offers a refreshing experience from both the racing and action, mixing both genres with a heap of tower defense for a truly unique experience.

F1 22 is another solid instalment in Codemasters’ Formula 1 simulation series, even if the tweaks to the on-track gameplay aren’t all that noticeable. It feels very much an annual EA sports title.

The game could benefit greatly from better in-game communication, but as it stands, Vainglory shows it is not only possible to make a MOBA game perfected for touch screens, but that it can be astoundingly fun to play.

I really enjoyed my time with Two Point Campus. It has a lot of similar features and ideas as Two Point Hospital while also making improvements in the right directions and creating a better feel overall. If you like simulation games and need a good laugh or were just a big fan of Two Point Hospital definitely check this out. Two Point studios has yet again offered a fun quirky and satirical look at what the sim and tycoon genre can offer us.

Tapping your feet along to a great mix was always going to be great, but Harmonix has developed the Dropmix idea into a game that’s deeper, more engaging, and a lot of fun.

Burning Shores is a solid expansion to Horizon Forbidden West that fans of the series will want to play before the inevitable sequel. It’s teeming with more sci-fi story goodness, and Los Angeles is a stunning new environment to explore, complete with all of the Horizon side activity trimmings we’ve come to know and love ticking off our map. While the offering of new monsters, and some of the combat scenarios felt a little underwhelming, as a package, it’s well worth the ticket to entry.

Rollerdrome combines the skate game feeling of satisfaction from landing the perfect trick, with the pulse-pounding adrenaline of fighting for your very life. Between the story that you must find for yourself and the varied arenas that throw new ways to move and do tricks, there’s never a dull moment to be found. Rollerdrome is by no means a long game, but it is one that is just so easy to pick up and play.

The team mechanics provide a bit of a unique twist on the genre, even if they make rubber-banding even more of an issue. Despite a few shortcomings, Team Sonic Racing is an enjoyable kart racer that makes great use of its franchise. If you’ve got a serious itch for some good old racing, Sonic and friends can help scratch it.

Fight the Dragon offers a quick, approachable play with a nice element of customization and community involvement that keeps things interesting.

Still, for the game’s low $1.99 price on Steam, it’s almost certainly worth a look if you’re tired of the same old thing and interested in a truly challenging, if a bit slow-starting, puzzler that requires real problem solving skills.

If Homeworld Remastered Collection were to be released now as a totally new title rather than a classic game with a polished sheen, it would be a complete revolution in strategy gaming. As it is now, Homeworld 1 & 2 stand up incredibly well to their modern contemporaries thanks to a little elbow grease and a lot of fiddling. Yes it may not be as great as it used to be, but it’s definitely a more cohesive experience.

Though you have to finish it in order to truly appreciate its genius, the journey along the way is one hell of a ride.

This is a defining moment in the series' history, and I really hope they don't decide to drop this entire idea altogether. Instead, if Omega Force polishes the game even further, this niche series may finally open itself to the mainstream market.

While the same issues of bland presentation, a lack of in-game atmosphere, and licensing inconsistencies return once again in PES 2018, if you’re looking for a football game that plays close to perfectly, offering you the control to be precise with every touch of the ball, Konami’s game is comfortably the best option around.

Gravity Rush 2 powers through its noticeable flaws, and the overall product is an exclusive experience that shouldn’t be missed by any PlayStation 4 owner.

While it may take a while to grasp, Tales of Berseria also has one of the most satisfying combat systems I’ve seen from a JRPG in a while. It’s easily the first must-have JRPG of 2017.

A worthy expansion. There’s a lot to sink your teeth into and keep you more busy than ever while playing, even if some of it is a bit more on rails than you might ideally want it to be.

Tormentum is a fun and intriguing point-and-click, thriving on unique art style and simplified mechanics that truly showcase how excellent the genre delivers narrative in a non-intrusive and natural way.

Despite these difficulties, though, The Descendant still creates a worthwhile experience. The game’s first episode is filled with tense moments and player-driven narrative that includes the expected degree of direct impact on how the story plays out.

In spite of its shortcomings, though, Back 4 Blood is already starting to feel like it could very well become my go-to zombie shooter whenever I just want to have a fun, social experience with friends. Despite how saturated the zombie game market has become, Back 4 Blood cuts through all the noise and delivers a solid co-op shooter that oozes charm and prioritizes fun with friends over everything else.

It is easy to come away from Virginia inspired and reeling from the vision that the team at Variable state have conjured; it is impossible to come away unchanged.

Yet, even with its wonky camera and story that sometimes alienates newcomers, Sword Art Online: Lost Song is a solid game.

Based on the roadmap, the game definitely has the potential to become something more, including the upcoming addition of bartenders, seasonal festivals, and separate save slots. Don Duality has all the makings of an excellent management game, combining two different concepts for a brand-new experience. And, if you enjoyed Dave the Diver’s dual lifestyle, you should pick this one up to become the ultimate multi-tasking gamer.

The art style in Dyscourse gives much of the game a surreal feeling. Since most of the “action” is through dialogue and decision-making, there’s not a lot of complicated mechanics to work out, and it’s an easy game to pick up and play no matter your skill level.

It comes with all the depth veterans of the genre expect without necessarily feeling unwelcoming to newcomers, and with so much content that novices will become veterans before they’re done with a fraction of it. Add to that an absolutely fascinating setting and an enjoyable story, and we have a winner that I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who isn’t allergic to turns.

The new iteration offers Formula One fans a near perfect simulation of the sport, complete down to the last technical detail, but the assist settings and satisfying racing make it a viable racing option for even those with cursory F1 knowledge.

There are so many things you can do differently over the course of the story, and the game has incredible replay value. And should you ever get tired of replaying the same mystery, you could always invite a few friends over for an intense night of distrust and suspicion.

When taken for what it is, Castlevania Requiem is a functional and acceptable port of two legendary titles. It provides both games to players in a way that is entertaining and satisfying, regardless of whether you’ve played it a million times or want to finally see what all the fuss is about over two decades later.

Fans of One Piece and turn-based RPG lovers alike will be more than pleased with what One Piece Odyssey has to offer. Its combat offers a great new spin on the genre’s trademark battle systems, and is far deeper than one would expect from an anime-inspired title. Even if it isn’t perfect, the game takes chances in the best way possible and could very well lay the groundwork for much more promising One Piece games in the future.

Once you warm up to its cast, Dustborn's unique twist on a super-power adventure in an alternate-future America makes for an engrossingly great time, even if some of its gameplay leaves more to be desired.

It’s hard to really define what makes Circa Infinity so compelling, but it is. The frantic pace, on-your-toes reactions, and pulse-pounding soundtrack lend themselves to a great overall experience.

I highly recommend Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed. While Reprobed left me feeling a bit empty because it is another exact one-to-one recreation, the new updates and additions as well as a beautifully recreated world gives me just enough trust that Black Forest Games is the team to resurrect the Furon Empire.

Amnesia: The Bunker felt like it was somehow different from its predecessors. The puzzle-heavy horror game and a hint of resource management give the anxiety of suddenly plunging into danger. I felt like the franchise made a different approach but in the end of the day it’s worth the adventure.

Its inclusion of a myriad of different modes and customization add a depth that past installments were missing.

Dancing All Night looks like it’s set to be the final game before we have to say goodbye to our favorite cast of characters in Persona 4, and I’m perfectly fine with that. The Investigation Team solves one more mystery, and they’ve once again reminded us never to lose sight of our ‘true selves’. I’d say that’s a job well done.

All told, Pushcat presents a very well-polished design and some rather creative, outside-the-box puzzles that can keep the play interesting even without mechanical complexity.

Trails of Cold Steel II is a stellar entry in one of the best JRPG series in years. Its rich narrative and deep combat system mean that there is a lot for players to sink their teeth into. The PS4 version comes with the bells and whistles that were present in the PC version, with Turbo Mode, in particular, being a godsend.

Whether you end comes in 15 minutes or 2 hours, Convoy lets you tell your own story of hardship on the uncaring tarmac of this turbulent world.

F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Torch is an excellent offering that is surprisingly getting very little marketing at launch. With a great aesthetic, an engaging enough narrative, together with challenging combat and rewarding Metroidvania exploration, this is one resistance movement everyone should be signing on for.

Though there are still areas where it could stand to improve, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is exactly what it needs to be: A solid experience that builds upon what came before it.

It's a leisurely, slow-paced experience that is fantastic for just kicking back and chilling after a long hard day on the job. Of course, you can raise the difficulty if you want a challenge, but Pikmin 3 is laidback as ever, and because of the changes here, it's more streamlined and accessible for everyone.

Dropsy delivers an entirely unique and engaging experience. Well made from start to finish, and filled with twists and perils, it’s perhaps the best fusion of terrifying horror and heart-melting joy that I’ve ever seen.

Despite those shortcomings, there’s no question that Ghost of Tsushima Iki Island is an entertaining overall experience and I’m confident most players will find it worth the asking price; in particular, because the story strengthens Jin’s character arc by shining a light on an aspect of his youth not particularly well explained in the base game. For that reason, it works as an adventure played alongside the base game, and equally as an engaging new chapter for those playing it after the fact.

For Honor tries something new, and ultimately succeeds much more than it fails. With its surprisingly fun campaign, intense and challenging gameplay, and varied multiplayer, there’s plenty to keep you busy. There are balancing issues I sincerely hope get worked on, but for now, For Honor is a unique experience well worth your time, and could be the start of a daring new franchise.

As so many of us continue to learn, nostalgia trips can turn eye-roll-inducing in a hurry. They run the risk of turning into a hackneyed compilation of things we know while sacrificing the overall quality of the end product. A cynical cash-in, as it were. WWE 2K24, it must be said, does not succumb to this particular pitfall.

Overall, Zombie Kill Of The Week is a must-have game if you love zombies and want quick, fast-paced, over the top action. Its controls are simple and intuitive, so you will be running, jumping, shooting, and hacking zombies with ease.

Outcast: A New Beginning lives up to the ambition the same developer achieved all those years ago. A captivating story, interesting characters, thoughtful world-building and slick action are only slightly marred by an inconsistent frame-rate, repetitive quests, bugs, and occasional crashes.

Pokken Tournament DX is still one of the most well-executed fighting games that’s able to cater to casual players, while also delivering enough depth and complexity to master for those looking for it. While the bulk of the title hasn’t changed much, it’s the small things that really add up. The expanded roster and improved local play, combined with the game’s existing fantastic gameplay and rewarding sense of progression, makes this the definitive version of Pokken Tournament.

Midnight Fight Express wants you to be the actor, director, producer, and choreographer of your own action movie all at once, and it absolutely nails that aspect. As I made my way through the city, I found myself wishing the night would never end. But you know what they say, all good things must end and all that. At least I’ll always have neon blue hair Babyface.

It’s not perfect, by any means, but if you liked the original, there’s a lot more of what you love here. If you didn’t like the original, though, Death Stranding 2 isn’t likely to change your mind.

Blasphemous is a fun game. It provides challenging enemies and platforming sections, but some challenges are less difficult and more unfair. Still, Blasphemous is a demanding experience that will make you feel rewarded for your tribulations. Just don’t play the game if you can’t stand a little religious ribbing.

While it might not be the most approachable city builder in the world, Frostpunk 2 is still an exemplary entry in the genre. Its challenge leads to some really rewarding moments of triumph, and the sheer number of options for how you can help your band of survivors thrive is a great selling point for anyone who wants their day to day decisions to matter. I'll be braving the icy wastes of this game for months and years to come, and I doubt I'll be the only one.

Even with a weaker fighting system, though, The Kaito Files is more than worth the purchase for any fan of the series. Fantastic writing, enjoyable characters, and a gripping narrative make this experience another highlight in the series, more than proving that Kaito is worthy of being a protagonist.

Sure, it may feel like the shadow of a much hotter and brighter bonfire, but the embers of something truly special burn here.

With all its technical upgrades and incredible attention to every little bloody detail, the mansion looks magnificent and the game fulfills its purpose in reminding fans why we fell in love with this series in the first place.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun will have you plotting the art of war like a master tactician. You will forge elaborate plans and test them in the fires of a a beautifully realised Edo-period Japan.

At the end of the day, I'm not so sure that Shin Megami Tensei V really pushes the envelope forward for the series. It doesn't have the emotional brevity of the excellent Nocturne, nor does it present the same kind of moral quandaries that IV did. It certainly looks better and plays incredibly well, and from a gameplay perspective, this would easily be the most accessible entry of the bunch. It won't disappoint series fans, especially those who have been waiting for a series comeback for years, but it might be time for Atlus to think about where the series is headed next.

A phenomenal outing that builds well on its foundation and introduces great new content.

A great package. 30 amazing games spanning a beloved studio’s history, a low price, amazing extras that take fans behind the scenes, and a wonderful musical to kick things off make for the best collection of gaming goodness released in a long time. But, the issues with controls are difficult to ignore.

This pack has a ton of content, personality, and encourages you to experiment and explore, so I urge you to check it out, especially if you’re a creative person.

While it may not be for everyone, I encourage those who are frustrated to mess with things first before giving up on it entirely, as it’s an excellent example of a game you should give time to gestate.

I will admit that it took me some time to really get into Kathy’s story, but once I reached past the initial pieces, I was soon hooked. As the plot deepened, I found myself captivated and driven to finish the game and see what lay ahead.

Its more direct focus does nothing to water down the grand, and often times hilarious, experiences one comes to expect from the franchise. It may not add much that is new, but it is a prime example of why you shouldn’t mess too much with a good thing.

When the journey was over, with the credits rolling, I found myself left deep in thought, reflecting on what I had just seen unfold and the meaning of the journey I had embarked on. In this way, Somerville does succeed in delivering that punchy, thought-provoking crescendo and conclusion it was always building towards. I just wish it hadn’t been such a slog to get there.

After 40 hours in, I’m still eager to hop back in, venturing further off the beaten path, clearing out any lingering FND Bases and checking out the Insurgency post-game content to grind out additional weapons and rewards. With a solid story, an engaging cast of characters, and a plethora of enthralling side content, Far Cry 6 is an easy recommendation for FPS fans.

The Final Station’s pairing of on-foot side-scrolling survival with time and resource management on board a train makes for an consistently fun, if not short experience.

At the end of the day, if you already liked The Dark Pictures games, you should really enjoy House of Ashes. Its story is unique, complex, interesting, and suspenseful without relying on cheap scares. If you didn’t like Little Hope or Man of Medan, but are still open to enjoying the series, House of Ashes is worth giving a shot.

At its core, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an absolutely fantastic game that excels when you take your hunts online.

Split Fiction is another wonderful co-op adventure from Hazelight Games. While the story is forgettable, the level and gameplay design is smarter and more ingenious than I could ever have imagined. The variety and quality only improve as you progress, seeing the game throw things at you that you’ll never have seen before. It’s a joy from start to finish.

While it may not be a masterclass of the genre, The First Berserker: Khazan is a thrill that improves the more you play. It has unique mechanics that differentiate it from other soulslikes, while never losing sight of what it sets out to be. While the story may not be the most entrancing, there's certainly enough there to compel players to get to the end, no matter how many controllers or keyboards lost their lives in the process.

The game can be finished in a single sitting. It’s $4.99 on Steam; it’s $2.99 on iOS and Android; and it’s an odd one to recommend to people, because it will divide. There are some hilarious reviews from miffed players complaining about paying money to tap their phones occasionally and stare at odd images for an hour or so. It’s difficult to argue with that complaint not only because that is what’s going on, but because if this game resonates with you you’ll have a tough time explaining to people why.

As a first step into game development, Game Builder Garage represents a fun and engaging way of dipping your toes. It is not overly convoluted, and is approachable when it comes to creating polished experiences with a little bit of work. The software educates, guides, and makes the creator’s enjoyment a key part of the process. If only Nintendo would fix the online and community gaps, then it will truly be a playground of creativity.

I plan to spend many more hours in the game completing my Pokedex, challenging Tera Raid battles with my friends online, and hunting for shinies. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet just have some kind of glimmer that still makes it worthwhile enough to overlook the shortcomings.

A sequel isn’t always guaranteed success, but Wargroove 2 builds on its predecessor in meaningful ways that make it a must-play for veterans and newcomers to the genre. The main campaigns are meaty and challenging, the new Conquest mode has vast potential, and the map editor will see plenty of use down the road, even if the current product suffers from freezes and crashes every once in a while. Polishing an already shimmering diamond, it might not make a huge splash like the first game did, but it is still an experience that generates waves of excitement.

It’s so frustrating. The game is fun. I’ll always wish that Game Freak had taken another year or maybe even just a few more months to polish up what drags it down.

Kiwami holds a ton of appeal for anyone coming hot off of Yakuza Zero, but there’s ample reason for longtime fans to jump in, and it’s even a fine starting point for new players as well. Despite the slow starting hours, once Kiwami and Kazuma Kiryu grab hold of your attention, they don’t easily let go.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance doesn’t bring anything new to the table, not even with its new narrative, so if you have not “vibed” with the series before, this won’t do much to change your mind. Still, considering Vengeance also combines all the DLCs previously available for SMT V, if you’re a hardcore fan of the series, chances are your pre-order is already being processed as you are reading this. As for newcomers, well, with its strong combat, great graphical performance, exquisite soundtrack, and many demons to sedu- uhm, convince to join our party, Shin Megami Tensei V is simply a fantastic RPG all around.

For all of its problems in the first few hours, Yo-Kai Watch 3 turns itself around wonderfully for an experience most any player can enjoy. Its a great entry for fans new and old, and an indicator of the greater heights the series is headed toward.

Despite its relatively flat cast, the game is a rather enjoyable experience that will feel well-rounded to fans of the series. The large map offers far more exploration opportunities than previous games did, which may help compensate for a pretty lackluster battle system. Smaller tweaks that combine older gameplay mechanics with some of the newer features from more recent titles like Atelier Sophie make Atelier Firis feel particularly special.

Even though it’s just 10 months since F1 2018’s launch, F1 2019 feels like a step forward. It adds improved visuals, a beefed up online multiplayer component, and an enjoyable light story to a great base that already boasted phenomenal racing mechanics. It’s not perfect or a mind-blowing departure from the decade of games before it but it shows that Codemasters’ series is still improving each and every year.

Whether this is your first Zelda game or if you've played Link's Awakening 10 times, there is something amazing to be found here for everyone. This remake is absolutely charming, stunning, and visually striking, making it one of the prettiest Switch games out there.

The often dark campaign adds variety that introduces Call of Duty’s potential future and puts it up there with the best the series has ever seen; the multiplayer is as engrossing as ever, even though the poor map design causes some issues; and the Spec-Ops co-op is best avoided if you don’t have a competent and organized squad to play through with.

An incredibly polished and satisfying racer.

One thing is for sure, as we look to the future for this powerhouse of a game, the sky is the limit.

A lighthearted yet emotional open world adventure with some great exploration and progression held back only by its lack of diversity.

It’s a technical marvel, and is undoubtedly one of the best stealth action games ever made.

Worms W.M.D. is a return to the classic recipe and it never tasted so sweet, but you can’t help but feel as though it wouldn’t be as effective had the series not been messed around with as much as it has.

There’s no experience like playing through a massive episode of South Park where the hero of the story is you. The superhero angle really lands, and is an excellent wrapping for the story this time around.

Despite the fact that Moonlighter doesn’t do anything incredibly new, it still feels like a wholly unique experience. The combination of dungeons and shopkeeping creates a great gameplay loop that encourages exploration, and the game’s aesthetic really helps drive everything home. There’s definitely a bit of micromanaging to do with its myriad systems, but it all connects into a surprisingly satisfying experience.

There’s a lot of repetition for battles, and lengthy sequences of cutscenes can certainly slow things down, but Revolution tells an engaging story with characters that grow on you over the hours of gameplay. Similarly, the combat system and customization grow, providing a much more engaging action experience in the latter half of the game.

As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year's offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-caliber franchise.

With so many different game options, there really is no right or wrong way to experience it. The lack of an Online Franchise can be a hinderance to some, but the accessibility of Diamond Dynasty gives players plenty of ways to compete. Likewise, Road to the Show does feel like a genuine letdown, but the addition of Storylines is not only beautiful in its retelling and presentation, but necessary in enhancing our knowledge and love of baseball.

New Pokemon Snap is easy to recommend to a wide audience. It’s a fun game for Pokemon fans, a worthy sequel for those who enjoyed the original, and a unique experience for those who are looking for something new to pick up and play in short bursts.

Valorant is likely to make a big impression on anybody that enjoys competitive shooters, even if it is a little light on content at the moment. Genre newcomers will need to stay patient to push past the initial difficulty curve, but its exhilarating combination of gunplay and agent abilities is accessible enough that reaping its rewards shouldn’t take too long.

Although many fans have been anticipating the launch of The Sims 5 (like me), this latest expansion pack makes the wait worth it as the developers continue to improve on mechanics. I already know that I’ll be spending a lot of my time building my family’s legacy with the new features, and I highly recommend joining in on the fun to experience the joys and woes of a Sim’s virtual life.

Dead Island 2 should serve as a shining example for both games that make it out of development hell and sequels with a huge time gap. I’m sure some of my love for the original is down to nostalgia, and I could probably never return to it. But whenever I’ve thought back on the first game in my head over the last decade, Dead Island 2 is absolutely the game I have pictured. If only more sequels could be this expertly made.

Despite these flaws, Avowed offers a fantastic RPG excursion to the Living Lands, with an intriguing world to explore, a gripping narrative that'll keep you hooked, and sumptuously satisfying combat against a varied cast of enemies. With a few bugs to address and a requirement to grind out crafting materials for upgrades, it's by no means perfect, but Avowed offers a further iteration on the tried and tested RPG formula loved by so many, and will no doubt be played for years to come.

Ultimately, Muv-Luv: Photonflowers is a treat created for those who have played and loved the original games, which are doubtlessly among the best visual novels of all time. If you have, this is a very well-written, extremely engaging look into a fascinating and tragic world that deserves to be explored much more in-depth than what the original localized released allowed.