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.

With a perfect blend of high-octane action and enjoyable laidback moments in-between, Astral Chain presents a masterfully immersive campaign. In the end, it's certainly the next must-have game for Nintendo Switch.

Guilty Gear -Strive- rocked my socks off with its gorgeous visuals, kick-ass music, and tight fighting gameplay. I can't wait until it releases so I can spend hours beating up all sorts of folks in its impressive online multiplayer mode.

I had a blast with SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance as its modern gameplay approach, enjoyable combat, and stunning presentation really make it stand out as a worthwhile reimagining of an iconic series.

I had an excellent time with Pikmin 4 and I'm sure you will, too. It's not only a culmination of nearly everything in the series so far, it also introduces plenty of welcome new features that'll make you happy to be reacquainted with your Pikmin chums yet again.

Fans wanting an excuse to re-play the two most recent Uncharted titles on a current-gen console finally have incentive to do so. The breathtaking scenery looks awesome on PS5 and I thoroughly enjoyed playing through these memorable adventures again.

Enter the Gungeon was a super-fun game back in 2016 and now, it's even better. So, if you still haven't played it and you have a fondness for roguelike twin-stick shooters, picking up a copy of this delightful package is a must. [Physical Edition]

SAROS takes what made Returnal such a epically awesome action game and turns the dial way up while simultaneously offering such a distinct and immersive game world that it'll haunt your dreams even long after the end credits roll.

Sea of Stars is an excellent retro-inspired RPG that will make you happy to explore its packed and beautiful world. It may get a little stale at parts for various reasons but what's here is still undeniably special.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are a couple of the best 3D platformers ever and this brand new Switch release is the optimal way to experience them so whether you're a long-time fan or have never played them before, they'll surely send your fun meter to outer space.

Arc System Works are masters of crafting excellent 2D fighting games and Dragon Ball FighterZ is no exception. Its accessible yet rewarding fighting mechanics and stunning graphics definitely make it the first must-have fighter of 2018.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was a wonderful game when it first released and this new Switch version may not deviate much from the original but it definitely looks and sounds great. The few sprinkles of additional content add some much-needed value, too.

Insomniac Games created something very special with Marvel's Spider-Man. Controlling Spidey to swing through NYC and beat up criminals while experiencing a memorable story campaign makes for one of the most satisfying experiences in modern gaming.

Okami is a massive and remarkable game and is on the short list of my favorite games of all time. It's also the closest thing to The Legend of Zelda that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamers will ever get. If you've never had the joy of experiencing Okami before, picking up this newest version will likely be your smartest gaming purchase of the year.

Trine 2 is one of the greatest video games ever made and this Complete Story version is the best way to play it so far, especially with the Switch's portability. If you enjoy 2D puzzle platformers, you have to own this masterpiece.

When it comes to great shoot 'em ups, DoDonPachi Resurrection is one of the best with challenging yet easily digestible gameplay and stylish eye-popping visuals. Plus, the fact that it's jam-packed with modes and content makes it one complete package.

I am very glad to have experienced Mediterranea Inferno as its themes and messages will stick with me for a long time; maybe even forever. Granted, it's not exactly escapist fantasy nor a fun game most of the time. It is, however, an incredible piece of art by all metrics and I implore you to play it as long as you can handle its mature elements.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a phenomenal game and one of the best Metroidvanias ever made. The amount of challenging fun packed into its massive and enjoyable world makes every moment of gameplay an absolute joy.

Soaring through levels as you blow up all sorts of cybernetic enemies in Rez Infinite is a blast that'll make you feel like one happy Cowgirl.

Despite its flaws, Mass Effect Legendary Edition acts a great excuse for long-time fans to revisit the franchise as well as a solid place for newcomers to dive in. You'll laugh, cheer, cry, and have a great time. Older design and narrative problems remain and this remaster could have worked out the bugs more but you'll still be blown away by everything that Mass Effect Legendary Edition has to offer.

Few games capture the joy and excitement of discovering a supremely well-done retro game as well as Huntdown does.

Grindstone is the sort of puzzler that appeals to hardcore genre fans and casual gamers alike with its immediately gratifying gameplay.

Juggling attacks and skills as you gradually make it further through its variety of stunning environments makes Absolum one rewarding brawler.

Katamari Damacy Reroll is basically the same game that came out in 2004 but it looks a lot better and can be played portably. So, if you've never played it before and you want to experience something truly off-the-wall then it's a must-buy game.

Video games don't get much more heartwarming than Chicory: A Colorful Tale with its beautifully-interwoven gameplay and story.

Simply put, even if you've never played a Sonic game, you'll still have a ton of fun within the exciting world of Sonic Mania Plus.

Tales of Arise is a masterpiece with a deep story and endearing cast that will keep you hooked as you fight for freedom from tyrants. Meanwhile, the action-intense battles are great fun as you plan your moves to take down enemies as efficiently as possible. Exploring the dungeons and overworld is a joy, too, especially with new map abilities that make traversal engaging. It's the best Tales yet.

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.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition streamlines a lot of aspects of the original while providing an even more appealing visual aesthetic which truly makes it stand out as definitive indeed. It still has some baggage but fans and newcomers alike will find a lot to love here.

Lumines Arise is one of my favourite puzzle games of all time with classic gameplay and flashy new visuals that really pop in VR. Whether you're new to these games or not, you're bound to adore what's in store, especially if you enjoy achieving higher and higher scores.

With the brand new course Yoshi's Island in all of its nostalgic charm, plenty of familiar tracks, and a few more Mario Kart Tour courses, Wave 4 of the Booster Course Pass provides a ton of kart-racing fun that anyone will thoroughly enjoy.

As one of the weirdest games I've ever played, Everhood: Eternity Edition stands tall as a unique and challenging reverse rhythm game.

TUNIC is a great indie game that will get its hooks in you as you try to decipher its incredibly elaborate game world and once you feel like you've seen everything, you'll keep discovering more and more to the point where it's hard to not think about this wonderful game.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is an absurdly great indie Zelda-like that even rivals iconic overhead action adventure games with its charming world, incredibly satisfying gameplay, and oodles of extras that are always exciting to discover. Are you still reading this? Go, play it now.

Unicorn Overlord Collector's Edition is one of the best surprises of the year because the base game is incredible and the physical extras really expand on the core experience in clever ways. It's such a unique strategic funfest that I highly recommend checking it out.

Ninja games have been around since 8-bit classics like Ninja Gaiden, Strider, and Shadow of the Ninja. The Messenger fits right in with its tight gameplay, challenging degree of difficulty, and satisfying campaign.

I thoroughly enjoyed OlliOlli World, especially the fact that its gameplay remains instinctual yet challenging which allows anyone to have fun whether you merely want to skate or aim for the top of the leaderboards. Plus, its trippy visuals and music are spot-on.

INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road is such a jam-packed game that even if you only end up playing one of its many modes, you'll still have a great time. With its vibrant game world, rewarding progression systems, and super-fun strategic gameplay, it certainly deserves a trophy.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is an adorable sequel that really turns the fun dial up to 11. If you thought Pablo's solo adventure was great then you'll absolutely love his world-hopping journey with the oddly grumpy Luna by his side.

If you love grid-based SRPGs as much as I do then you owe it to yourself to play Tactics Ogre: Reborn. It may have laid much of the genre's foundation but it's impressive just how well it has held up over the years. It's still rather beautiful, too.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a creative marvel with a ton of ways to unleash your imagination within a huge world. However, it doesn't fix the main issues of the first game nor does it carry over its perfect balance of structure and creativity.

I thoroughly enjoyed 30XX and the thing is; there's always more to play with its open-ended nature and clever roguelike structure.

If you play one game this Halloween, it should definitely be SILENT HILL 2 which remains in a class of its own even all these years later.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch will always be one of the best JRPGs ever. It perfectly combines a heartfelt story of a young lad on a mission with supremely enjoyable gameplay all set in a breathtaking world.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a top-notch example of what a 2D platformer should be so if you missed out on it last generation, now's a fantastic time to finally enjoy it in all its potassium-rich glory.

Mario Kart World is the definitive kart racer with its variety of themes, characters, and vehicles as well as the frenzied new Knockout mode.

Nioh 3 is a superbly enjoyable culmination of action RPG fun and its open environments are bursting with so much rewarding content that it's hard to put it down whenever you start playing. It may be a big change of pace but I'm incredibly happy with everything it offers.

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.

In defiance of a time when many game series are opting to mature, Bayonetta 3 raises a giant middle finger and that's awesome. Believe it or not, it's even more over-the-top than you'd expect so strap on some high heels and get ready for some action.

Ghost of Yotei provides an exceptionally impressive adventure that any fan of open-world action games will adore. All of its many elements come together wonderfully and it's all wrapped up in such gorgeous visuals that you'll remember the journey for years to come.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age took one of the best games ever created and made it even better. The addictive gameplay, sophisticated story, and enormous yet immersive world have never been more enjoyable. In the end, this is one must-have remake.

While I don't have much pinball experience, Star Wars Pinball is easily my favorite game in the genre. It isn't just a love letter to Star Wars; it's an anthology of love poetry that spans the breadth of a galaxy long ago and far, far away.

As a long-time gamer who's stuck in the past, I must say that Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is one of the best compilations ever produced. From its expansive museums to its wide variety of classic games and hidden gems, it really is the cat's pajamas.

It was wonderful revisiting Rena and Claude yet again in STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R and it's undoubtedly the best edition of their grand journey so far. I wasn't expecting to be reminded of as much retro baggage as I was, though, but it's still a great RPG.

SILENT HILL f is one of the best survival horror games out there with its constant surprises, pitch-perfect game worlds, and exceptional blend of combat and puzzles; sometimes, both at the exact same time.

As a fan of retro turn-based strategy RPGs, I'm very impressed with Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark as it really hits the nail on the head while also offering plenty of cool innovations to the classic genre. If you enjoy these kinds of games, you definitely need to play this epic SRPG.

Genre newcomers will relish the intuitive gameplay of Eschatos with its simple scoring mechanics that make the relentless shooting action even more satisfying. Plus, the fact that a couple of charming bonus retro games are included is a treat.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an impressively challenging RPG with an engaging story and enjoyable adventuring mechanics that will make you want to keep exploring its gorgeous world which is filled with memorable environments, creatures, and characters.

Games don't get much more enjoyable and funnier than Luigi's Mansion 3. Its charming game world and characters will crack you up as the gameplay remains a real hoot from start to finish. As a result, it's yet another well-deserved feather in Nintendo's cap.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a top-notch experience for anyone who loves undertaking challenging open-ended adventures at their own pace. It's definitely old-school in its approach but the lack of modern amenities certainly makes it stand out amongst its contemporaries.

Overall, I'm gushing about how much I loved AI: The Somnium Files. The quality of characters and story mixed with the variety of gameplay and fun investigative segments make it a must-own for fans of Japanese detective games.

If you're a fan of JRPGs then you must play Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age whether you've played the earlier games or not. The gorgeous updated visuals mix with all of the classic series staples to deliver a delightful experience. That being said, some may think that the developers didn't go far enough to bring it up to speed with contemporary JRPG adventures.

Returnal absolutely blew me away with its challenging combat, atmospheric exploration, amazing sound design, and rewarding campaign setup. Housemarque crammed a ton of elements into this experience and everything comes together brilliantly.

Braid, Anniversary Edition is both a throwback to simpler times and a reminder that indie devs can rise above if given the opportunity.

Assault Android Cactus was an incredible game when it released a few years ago and it's just as great now with a few extras, too.

HUMANITY is one great puzzler that'll keep you entertained throughout its huge campaign of challenging and always-evolving scenarios.

Cadence of Hyrule features incredibly appealing visuals and music as well as a gameplay dynamic that's fresh and exciting. That being said, once you're done with its somewhat short campaign, there isn't really much else to do.

Complaints aside, there's no denying that Metroid: Samus Returns is an addictive and rewarding remake of a classic game. It's certainly not as good as other 2D entries in the series but what's here is sure to tide fans over until the next Metroid releases.

These Nintendo Switch 2 Editions have all been very impressive but Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is the most jam-packed one to date, especially with its super-imaginative multiplayer challenges and epic Koopaling encounters.

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.

Although it's a mostly great experience, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a clear step below the S-tier Zelda games like Twilight Princess, Tears of the Kingdom, and so forth. There's still plenty of fun to be had if you're a fan of the classic Zelda games and perhaps this return to that formula is the shake-up that the series needed following Tears of the Kingdom.

The Outer Worlds has flaws that need to be addressed by its developers in potential sequels but I still had an absolute blast with it. In the current AAA market, it's simply a breath of fresh air so give it a shot when you have the chance.

Raiden IV x MIKADO remix takes a wonderful sequel that's full of arcade shooting fun and adds a stellar new soundtrack. Plus, the fact that you get everything that was in previous Raiden IV iterations is just peachy.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers a fresh coat of paint to a game that was already boasting beautiful graphics, bringing it on par with its sequel. If you've never played it before, it's a great excuse to get into the series and if you have already completed it then the low cost of the upgrade is a good excuse to relearn the lore and dig into a New Game+.

Blaster Master Zero was a phenomenal remake of an 8-bit classic so being able to finally enjoy a true sequel is an absolute treat. If you're up for a challenging and rewarding retro experience then playing Blaster Master Zero 2 is a must.

As a newcomer to the franchise, I had a wonderful time with STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor despite it not being the Soulslike that I thought it would be. However, it ticked a lot of boxes for what I love about 3D platformers which I definitely wasn't expecting; very cool.

Whether you're new to Crimzon Clover or not, if you're a shmup fan then you'll love everything that World EXplosion has to offer.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is simply the best beat 'em up released in the modern age. With gameplay that appeals to newbies and veterans alike, stellar visuals, and super-fun co-op play, there's a lot to love.

It's awesome. It perfectly nails how progression should be incorporated in video games and its gameplay is an addictive marriage of mining, exploration, platforming, and combat.

METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA: SNAKE EATER takes an already awesome game and enhances it in profound ways that'll impress everyone from newcomers to long-time fans. It does such a phenomenal job that I wish every remake could remain this true yet be this innovative.

Without a doubt, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a much more enjoyable game than the original and it shows off PS5's performance brilliantly. It's too bad that it isn't longer because I loved every minute of it.

SUPER BOMBERMAN COLLECTION is bursting with explosive old-school fun that has held up outstandingly well over the decades. Whether you're playing it solo or with a couchful of chums, you'll be in for one superbly entertaining time.

PRAGMATA is a visceral and rewarding action game set within an intriguing world that will make you want to keep coming back for more.

Flynn: Son of Crimson is one of the best 2D action platformers out there so if you love the genre as much as I do then I highly recommend giving it a go. From its gorgeous presentation to its tight controls and rewarding upgrades, it's one satisfying adventure.

I loved my time with Freshly Frosted and I can't wait to play it more as I attempt to solve all of the puzzles that I skipped. If you're looking for a new single player puzzler to fill your belly, I recommend playing this delicious concoction.

Besides a few new unit types and a nifty mode, Wargroove 2 is more of the same but when the core formula is this fun, that's great.

The striking aesthetic of Loddlenaut's 3D world pulled me in and its gameplay kept me immersed in its impressively deep waters. Superb!

It takes a little while to grow on you but once you get in the groove, Symphonia will quickly become one of your favourite platformers.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana provides more than enough thrilling action RPG gameplay to satisfy fans' appetites. Even though some of the magic is gone, there's no denying that this is one memorable entry in the series.

Nioh 2 is one of the most improved sequels to a game that I've ever had the pleasure of playing. With top-notch gameplay and highly rewarding open-ended character progression systems, I simply can't wait to see how Nioh 3 is going to turn out.

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II is a JRPG with a lack of direction in its story that's mostly saved by its fun job system and battle mechanics.

I've never played anything quite like Dungeons of Dreadrock 2 - The Dead King's Secret before and its cleverness really makes it shine.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society builds upon its predecessor Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk while also making for a much more streamlined experience and that's great; well, as long as you take time to learn the ins and outs of its many systems.

Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels is a thrilling ride that pushes the boundaries of physics and even allows you to build and share your own tracks. It's a great example of an expansion that mixes up the gameplay of the base game enough to make it worth owning as well.

Yakuza 0 may not have the best visuals or the biggest game world but its outstanding gameplay and amount of content make it a must-buy prequel for fans of the series.

ARC Raiders is a heck of a lot of fun that'll have you coming back for more even months after you started playing it. In fact, it may just be the most immediately gratifying pick-up-and-play shooter that I've ever enjoyed. Definitely check it out if you haven't already.

The Forgotten City is a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging murder mystery where the decisions that you make actually matter. Exploring the beautifully rendered city is a treat and I look forward to whatever the developers create next.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe may not be a huge step up from its previous incarnation but it's such a wonderful adventure that it's a must-have for anyone who missed out on the Wii U version. If only Switch had a GamePad peripheral.