As an interactive story, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is in a class of its own. However, as a video game, it merely provides basic puzzles and combat that both end up feeling far too repetitive and tedious.

As a game reviewer, I assumed I was bad at games so how on earth did I find Death's Door to be an unchallenging and somewhat unsatisfying experience? Whatever the reason, it's still a good game and I enjoyed mercilessly slaughtering its unique bosses.

Cuphead is a stunning game that truly stands out from its peers on a presentational level. That being said, its gameplay doesn't do anything particularly unique and its difficulty is implemented in a way that it basically requires fruitless repetition.

Spelunky 2 is the definition of an addictive game with its high degree of difficulty, charming world, and sense of randomness. However, addictive doesn't necessarily mean fun and unfortunately, I stopped enjoying it after a few hours even though I kept playing anyway.

If you're a fan of Persona or RPGs in general, you'll definitely have some fun with Persona 3 Reload but don't expect it to reach the heights of the latest game in the series.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is certainly not a game for everyone. If you love story-heavy experiences and relish details that others may find dull then you'll wholeheartedly embrace it. At the same time, those looking for rewarding strategy combat will likely be disappointed.

If you've ever thought that operating a guard post sounds like a mundane job then check out Lil' Guardsman where every person you admit or deny has a big impact on the fate of the city. This hilariously silly indie has heart, making the most tedious of jobs entertaining.

As the debut release from Polyarc, Moss offers a surprisingly gorgeous world filled with wonder and delight. Seeing as its gameplay suffers from being a bit too basic and easy, I'm looking forward to a sequel that'll hopefully offer a longer and more fulfilling adventure.

Enjoying Outer Wilds depends on your willingness to read guides and discuss the game online. Otherwise, you'll probably feel like you're regularly hitting your head on a brick wall as you try to make just an inch of progress.

The amount of characters in SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash is absurd and when you consider just how fun its battles are, you're left with a winning formula. Some aspects are a bit rough nowadays such as the cumbersome interface but it's still a good time.

As a fan of the Yakuza series, I had a good time with Like a Dragon but it could definitely use a lot of fine-tuning if there's ever another RPG-style sequel. Overall, I'm happy that it exists but I was hoping its combat would have been much better executed.

With tight gameplay and flashy visuals, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is certainly a capable shmup. That being said, fans of the genre will desire a lot more variety, especially considering the fact that it doesn't bring anything new to the table.

Even though Ape Out is undeniably a top-notch production with its graphics and sound, its gameplay is disappointingly short-lived, especially after the novelty of it all starts to subside.

Laser League is like the world's most flavourful gum. When you start chewing, it tastes great but after about 15 minutes, you'll be happy to spit it out and put something more substantial in your mouth.

Dark Souls III: The Ringed City is a worthwhile expansion for fans of the series but it also frequently devolves into a controller-throwing nightmare. That being said, it is a fitting final chapter of the Souls franchise but let's just hope that turns out not to be the case.

Simply put, your enjoyment of Thumper will mostly rely on how much fun you have retrying the same segments over and over again. Although some folks like games that take this approach, I personally get tired of it fast so keep that in mind before taking the trip.

Lunistice provides a wonderful trip back to the golden era of 3D platformers and it features an impressive amount of replay value. It certainly isn't perfect but if you want to enjoy a solid throwback to the PS1 period then definitely give it a go.

Ultimately, The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series is a mixed bag. If you haven't yet played through these seasons and are interested in taking the plunge, this offers a good way to do so as long as you're aware that the series eventually runs out of steam.

Although Icey contains an entertaining meta narrative, it really isn't much of a game. However, the combat can be quite fun (albeit underutilized) so if you're looking for a short and strange experience then Icey will be worth checking out.

Aviary Attorney is a funny and distinctly stylish game yet it owes Phoenix Wright a bit too much in residual cheques.

The original Overcooked is a cooperative masterpiece and this sequel simply tried a little too hard. It's still enjoyable but the frustrating stage designs and easy scoring system make for a far less satisfying meal.

Children of Zodiarcs is a noble effort at a fresh take on classic turn-based SRPGs. Although it doesn't quite live up to many of its genre predecessors, there is a solid enough foundation to satisfy strategy RPG fans looking for a new game to add to their collection.

Star Wars Pinball VR is an excellent package of virtual pinball fun that's unfortunately weighed down by an absurd amount of bugs and some inherent issues. Here's hoping that it'll be patched but until then, I'd wait before pumping quarters into this pinball game.

Dodgeball Academia's campaign that's full of distinct characters and rewarding RPG elements is quite a treat to progress through. With that in mind, I thought the core dodgeball gameplay was too needlessly limiting to provide consistently engaging gameplay.

Final Fantasy XV is definitely a memorable tale told with impressive production values. However, it's plagued by gameplay that basically plays itself, insufferable wait times, and a story that fails to establish itself before thrusting you into its world.

Surviving Nowhere Prophet's grueling world offers laidback gameplay but that is unfortunately undercut with some frustrating moments.

SteamWorld Quest may feature a charming cast of characters and an enjoyable battle system but its overall lack of variety and drab dungeons make it a tough game to universally recommend. If you want a top-notch RPG then play SteamWorld Heist instead.

Even though Disc Room is a fun game, its design suffers from difficulty that ultimately relies on randomness more than anything else.

If you sincerely appreciate masterful visuals, pitch-perfect audio, and visceral story-telling then Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is about as perfect of a game as you can get. However, those looking for substance gameplay-wise will wish there was much more to it.

SIGNALIS does a decent job of offering a retro survival horror experience yet it doesn't do much to make it stand out from the crowd.

Snipperclips may be a charming little cooperative puzzler but its lack of content and tendency to be more annoying than fun makes it a difficult game to widely recommend. If you're desperate for another Switch title then it may be worth downloading. Everyone else would be better off waiting for something more cutting-edge.

I'm having a lot of fun with Demeo and look forward to enjoying more online matches within its tricky monster-filled dungeons. It may ache my neck looking down for so long but in the end, I'd say it's worth it for the amount of fun that it offers.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy leaves an outstanding first impression but after playing it for a handful of hours, you'll realise that it doesn't really offer enough exciting gameplay to last its entire campaign. It's still a wonderful game to watch, though.

Pokemon Shield isn't a bad game but it certainly feels like one of the lazier entries in the long-running series. It still has the core things that make Pokemon great but it comes up short in a few too many areas. I didn't feel like my time was wasted but once I reached the end, I had no desire to turn it back on again which marks the first time a Pokemon game has made me feel this way.

Pokemon Shield isn't a bad game but it certainly feels like one of the lazier entries in the long-running series. It still has the core things that make Pokemon great but it comes up short in a few too many areas. I didn't feel like my time was wasted but once I reached the end, I had no desire to turn it back on again which marks the first time a Pokemon game has made me feel this way.

If Super Meat Boy is Edmund McMillen's gold medal then The End Is Nigh receives a bronze at best. With repetitive gameplay and unintuitive progression, you won't be missing out on much by not playing this 2D platformer.

Pokemon Shield isn't a bad game but it certainly feels like one of the lazier entries in the long-running series. It still has the core things that make Pokemon great but it comes up short in a few too many areas. I didn't feel like my time was wasted but once I reached the end, I had no desire to turn it back on again which marks the first time a Pokemon game has made me feel this way.

If you enjoy experimenting within your games only to watch the results of your experiments expand the game world then Slime Rancher is an ideal game for you. On the other hand, everyone else will find little to like about this cute sim.

Darkwood has an interesting world, a story that can go in different directions depending on your decisions, and a gameplay loop that's exciting at times and tedious at others. Its biggest weakness is how hard it can be to get to where you need to go and for that reason alone; I'm not entirely enthusiastic in recommending Darkwood. However, if you have the patience, why not give it a try?

Although the novelty has unfortunately worn off over the years, VVVVVV is still a fun 2D platformer with a nifty gravity mechanic. In the end, those new to Captain Viridian's adventure might get a kick out of the retro world and innovative albeit frustrating gameplay.

Fans of escape rooms and puzzle-solving games that don't mind a more adult and dark tone will have a lot of fun with Zero Time Dilemma. It may have dated graphics and sound but that shouldn't stop you from playing it through to see all of its endings.

Children of Morta may feature rewarding character progression but its combat-heavy campaign begins to feel like a chore after a while.

Not everyone will appreciate the mind-numbing effect that comes with playing Islanders: Console Edition but if you're in the market for a game that'll put you to sleep then I recommend checking it out. Those looking for a challenge won't find one here, though.

I mostly enjoyed my time with Cursed to Golf but just like Arnold Palmer, I'll be happy to retire with a nice cool glass of lemonade and iced tea because it can be quite a frustrating game that starts to overstay its welcome sooner rather than later

Among Us is a game made for those who have a lot of online friends or followers. If you don't fit that description then you can have fun but will more than likely get irritated while playing with random players who obviously have no idea what they're doing.

Crystal Crisis is definitely a step up from Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo although that step is a rather small one so it ends up feeling more like a retro copycat than a new and exciting puzzler. That being said, playing it is still a ton of fun, especially in multiplayer.

Pokemon Snap left me in a worried state for the franchise. Between Pokemon Legends: Arceus and the Gen IV remake coming up, I had high hopes. Now, it feels like the developers have lulled themselves into an outdated and boring pattern of game design. In other words, there is a lot to love in the new generation of Pokemon but unfortunately, there's a lot to be skeptical about as well.

NeoGeo Pocket Color Selection Vol.1 is as good as you'd expect a collection of 10 portable games from the turn of the millennium to be. Throw in a couple of hidden gems and some cool features and you're left with a decent offering from SNK.

Air Race Speed is a worthwhile portable racer that'll get your hands sweating with its lightning-fast gameplay. It has its problems yet its addictive nature and impressive replay value may have you hooked until you become an ace pilot.

The Next Penelope brings back the classic overhead racing formula in a fun, exciting, and surprisingly varied way but its limited single player content makes it a somewhat less than stellar Odyssey.

SteamWorld Build is a relaxing simulation game that may lack challenge but it has plenty of heart. Watching your town and mine facilities expand to a bustling interconnected industry is satisfying stuff although once you reach the end, you'll likely never pick it up again.

I know it sounds like I'm really down on Bleed 2 but there is definitely still some fun to be had. Shoot 'em up fans especially should love replaying the boss fights and they can work on perfecting their strategy and achieving an S/SSS rank on every level. However, I have to admit that it definitely didn't live up to the expectations I had after playing the fantastic original.

If the concept of a competitive shoot 'em up appeals to you then Rival Megagun is definitely a solid choice. Although it could have been so much more, what's here is still a unique and enjoyable game. Here's hoping we see more shmups like it down the road.

Lego Marvel Super Heroes is a classic entry in the long-running licensed Lego game franchise that provides solid fun with a friend. With that being said, many of its successors have since surpassed its level of quality so it feels a bit dated in comparison.

I enjoyed my time with Skies of Fury DX and will pick it up whenever I'm in the mood for some arcade-style dogfight action. In the end, I'm looking forward to seeing what the developers come up with next.

No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES isn't one of the best games in the series but the escape room segments are handled exceptionally well and I had great fun hanging out with the familiar characters.

I don't anticipate that Kero Blaster will have the kind of staying power that Cave Story has but it's a satisfying and challenging sidescroller that retro gaming fans will definitely appreciate.

Death Road to Canada may look like a generic indie game but it's surprisingly unique in its decision-based campaign. It's too bad that the gameplay relies so much on repetition and luck because it would have provided a much more satisfying experience if it didn't.

I had a lovely time revisiting SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered as it's one of the most memorable RPGs from when I was a cub. At the same time, I forgot just how frustrating of a game it can be so please keep that in mind before giving it a go.

If it weren't for its reliance on trial and error, Golf Peaks would be a top-notch puzzle game but it's still definitely worth checking out.

Sonic Origins does an excellent job with its presentation, bonus content, and modernizations of classic games. On the other hand, I wish more games were included even if they didn't get the royal treatment that the 4 titles here did.

Part Time UFO is the best game I've ever played where you control an alien ship while completing mundane tasks. Okay, that didn't sound like a glowing endorsement but it is a cool little game and it's even more fun when you play it with a chum.

I had a ton of fun with Forager for the first 10 hours or so but once I got to the point when the pacing becomes tedious, that fun quickly came to a halt. Nevertheless, I would still recommend Forager to fans of similar games.

Nobody Wants to Die delivers an entertaining dystopian film noir story that explores immortality and transhumanism through the eyes of a burned out New York City detective in the year 2329. Its impressive world is enjoyable to explore and the story kept me interested enough to see it to its conclusion although it is very linear and the writing could definitely be improved.

I had a solid time with Elsie and would love to see a sequel that irons out its more confusing aspects and pacing issues. As it is, its gameplay and pixel-perfect graphics are certainly the stars of the show so check it out if you dig 2D action games.

Moving Out's greatest aspect is its cheerful and humorous game world followed by its easy to pick up and play gameplay. In other words, if you're looking for a challenging co-op experience, you won't find that here but you will find a silly easy breezy lighthearted romp.

When it comes to accessible 2D fighting, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] is a worthwhile game that's sure to provide hours of enjoyable combat. Just don't expect any big surprises if you already played the original game.

Atomik: RunGunJumpGun features a mind-blowing presentation and challenging gameplay that's easy to learn. However, that gameplay doesn't really go anywhere exciting and the overall experience ends up feeling quite lacking as a result.

I thoroughly enjoyed John Wick Hex's truly clever gameplay concepts but the fashion in which it executes them could use a lot of fine-tuning in order for it to reach the heights of the top-notch film franchise that it's based on.

If you want to play a simplistic game while laughing at an unfortunate protagonist then Dandy Dungeon will surely fit the bill.

Flywrench is best compared to some of the other games that were developed at the start of the indie gaming boom a decade ago. Unlike titles like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, I wasn't able to get the same sort of twitchy satisfaction from Flywrench mostly due to its emphasis on momentum. There's still fun to be had with Flywrench but a lot of it depends on how forgiving you are of its difficult color-changing, momentum-maintaining mechanics.

As far as silly games where you mess with people go, Rain on Your Parade is a solid indie that's sure to make you smile.

If you enjoy old-school arcade games as much as I do then you owe it to yourself to play the wonderful Donut Dodo. With accessible gameplay and challenging scoring mechanics as well as a genuine retro aesthetic and great music; there's a lot to munch on here.

Although it does a lot right, The Last Faith ends up feeling unnecessary and forgettable, especially in such a super-saturated genre.

Online shooters don't get much more charming than Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. So, if you want a simple game to wind down with for a few hours then you won't regret giving it a try but just keep its downsides in mind before taking the plunge.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a faithful remake of its previous iterations. However, there's simply too much missing when it comes to story and gameplay which holds it back from being a must-have game in the series.

Tiny Barbarian DX is a decent take on retro 2D action games. Plus, you can play it with a friend. However, the frustration factor is high and its linear campaign will make you wish there was more than just traversing from point A to point B.

Shmup Collection contains 3 modern shmups that, for the most part, are rewarding and challenging interpretations of the iconic genre. So, if you're a shoot 'em up fan then adding these gems to your collection should be an easy decision.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a Smashing good time yet it remains a fighter that doesn't really do anything all that special. With that in mind, if you're a fan of the featured franchises then you'll definitely find value in this very silly package.

Playing Ship of Fools will have you intimidated at first and shortly after the fun starts to sink in, you'll realise just how repetitive it all is. There are still good times to be had, though, so you may only want to take short excursions on this ship.

If Pinstripe were a film, I'd watch it and be glad that I did. As a game, it feels a bit underwhelming but not enough to take away from its powerful themes and character-driven albeit abstract story.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE does a good job of refreshing the mystery solving formula with fun mini-games and an attractive neon city backdrop; that is, if you can sit through hours of banter between the more enjoyable parts.

Circuit Superstars is a lovely-looking old-school racer that'll appeal to those who are wanting to hone their skills within an intuitive yet deceptively challenging formula. With that in mind, it feels like the overall package is missing a few too many elements.

I wish that Pacer tried to forge its own identity instead of being another WipEout clone because it's simply not as good of a game.

20XX is a capable roguelike version of Mega Man X. If you're a fan of 2D action games then it's definitely worth checking out as long as you don't expect it to be a revolutionary take on either genre.

I wish that The Plucky Squire was a smoother and more challenging experience because it certainly has a clever premise and game world.

Even though Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is disappointing in a lot of ways, the combination of classic fighting and new gameplay mechanics results in some exhilarating battles, especially online. However, don't expect an epic story or an impressive roster.

If you're a 2D puzzle adventure aficionado who doesn't already own Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty on one of the half dozen consoles that it's currently available for then it'll make for a worthy purchase but those who do have it will find little reason to get it again on Switch.

As a retro gamer with an affinity for all things Dig Dug and Bomberman, I had a fun time with Murtop and look forward to beating my high score again and again until I can be the best bomb-pooping bunny in all the land.

Although there's a lot of humour and good times packed into Evil Wizard, its combat is quite middling and can be rather frustrating.

Observer crafts an intriguing and richly detailed futuristic world but it's let down by awful performance issues as well as some drawn-out and tedious segments. If you're into the cyberpunk aesthetic, it's still worth a look just to experience its lovingly created environs. However, unless it gets a patch to fix its problems, you might be better off playing it on a high-end PC.

If you're looking for a hardcore SRPG then you'll likely be disappointed by Relayer but it's still a satisfying spacefaring adventure that features enjoyable cinematic combat, incredible audio, and a memorable cast of characters.

Toukiden 2 manages to stay interesting by providing a wealth of abilities that can be used in exploration and fighting. However, it doesn't do a ton to break apart from its mostly one-note formula of traversing large open lands in order to find and take down oni.

Unplugged - Air Guitar is a lot of fun for the duration that it lasts but after the repetition and lack of visual variety starts to sinks in, you'll gladly put your axe down, take off your headset, and re-enter the real world.

Sophstar is a good vertical shmup that's bursting with many unique controllable ships so it makes for quite a varied and fulfilling arcade shooting experience. It may have rather generic stages but its overall sense of non-stop action still puts it on my recommended list.

SaGa Frontier is one of the most unconventional RPGs you'll ever play and this Remastered version refines it without taking away from the original's charm at all. If you're up for something truly unique then you won't regret giving it a go.

Taito Milestones 3 offers a solid collection of games; many of which are so full of muscular man meat that you could almost smell it.

Even though I'm a tad disappointed with Darksiders Genesis, there's no denying how solid of a game it is. Plus, it's fantastic that its cooperative component is handled as well as it is because playing it with a chum is definitely the way to go.