XIII is a linear first-person shooter with a neat graphical style that offers simple fun akin to a game that belongs in an arcade. However, FPS veterans may be put off due to its linearity and general lack of depth.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is yet another colourful and adorable rhythm game in an excellent series. Its Great Drum Toy War mode helps shake things up and the online and local multiplayer components are genuinely a great deal of fun.

Atari Mania offers a solid collection of microgames that are a lot more enjoyable if you're a fan of the classic arcade games represented in them. With that in mind, the overall experience could have been smoothed out a lot more to match its wily moustachioed competitor.

Dragon Prana is clearly the best entry in KEMCO's Dragon series with its refined presentation and well thought-out character classes and progression systems. If you're looking for your next retro-inspired RPG obsession then this can very well be it.

Alfred Hitchcock: Vertigo offers a story with many twists that I didn't see coming. If you can look past the general lack of polish and you're in the mood to relax and play something with little gameplay, you'll enjoy your time watching the story of Ed Miller unfold.

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.

Century: Age of Ashes features excellent combat, incredibly fun and well thought-out modes, and striking visuals. So, if you want to control a customisable dragon in epic air-based battles then give it a go but make sure to play it responsibly.

It's cool that Valkyrie Elysium exists given the series' sporadic history although I wish it offered a lot more to sink your teeth into. Sure, the combat is fun, especially when you exploit enemies' weaknesses but it definitely overstays its welcome after a handful of hours.

With so many similar and far superior games out there, it's tough to recommend Moonscars with its tedious game world and annoying gameplay. It does some things exceptionally well, though, but these aspects definitely don't make up for all of its shortcomings.

I enjoyed my time with The DioField Chronicle and look forward to a sequel if one ever gets produced. Let's just hope that it features more variety in the aspects that its predecessor lacks as well as packs more of a punch challenge-wise.

RAILGRADE is a superb sim that acts more like a logic puzzle game in many of its more elaborate scenarios. So, if you enjoy tinkering with routes and managing resources for optimal efficiency then you'll have a great time with this choo-choo.

Shovel Knight Dig may not be as fine-tuned as the original but it's still a ton of fun to dig deeper and deeper in its roguelike campaign. I definitely recommend it but try not to be disappointed if the fun is over within only a few hours like it was for me.

Hokko Life takes the Animal Crossing formula and builds on it with additional gameplay elements and an innovative in-game clock. Its gameplay is addictive and there's a lot of fun to be had, especially if you enjoy crafting. So, if you're looking for a rewarding alternative to the Nintendo classic albeit with more to do on any given day then you should definitely pick it up.

I enjoyed my time with Steelrising much more than I thought I would. Usually, soulslikes don't come anywhere near FromSoftware's games but this is impressively close with the exception of its copious amounts of weird bugs and inconsistencies.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a superb entry in the long-running franchise that made me pumped for Trails to Azure as well as Trails into Reverie and the inevitable release of the Kuro no Kiseki series. There sure are a lot of these games but I still can't get enough.

Ankora: Lost Days is a colourful survival adventure game where you'll explore a new planet and use your smarts and tools to unblock obstacles in your path. If you're looking for a simplistic adventure with a fun twist on other games in the genre then pick this up but just don't expect a ton of depth when it comes to gameplay and anticipate getting a little lost on occasion, too.

Potion Permit is an attractive life sim with plenty of chemistry but its gameplay could really do with more variety and challenge to keep things engaging. I also hope that a big patch is on its way to remedy all of the odd bugs on display.

Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is the best entry in the series so far with its satisfying monster card collecting progression system. With that in mind, it doesn't really do much else to break out of the mould that its predecessors were forged in.

Game Type DX may be a silly take on the awful ad-heavy Xbox 360 dashboard but it's also a solid shoot 'em up that makes achieving high scores a ton of fun. A contemporary sequel would provide more bite, though, so I hope that one is on its way.

Mixolumia is a top-notch puzzler that will keep you trying to outdo your previous best. It may not be as fully-featured as some other puzzle games but you'll still find it difficult to put this sucker down once you get going.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is jam-packed with nostalgia, extras, and most importantly, a baker's dozen of classic games. If you're a fan of beat 'em ups then order some Pizza Hut, invite the neighborhood kids over, and have a blast.

I thoroughly enjoyed Little Orpheus' premise and imaginative game world so it's unfortunate that its gameplay is as basic and unchallenging as it is. Plus, having collectibles spawn only after you complete stages makes for some super-tedious replay value.

Ooblets is an adorably quirky monster collecting game with enjoyable farming elements. Finding the right items to enter dance battles with new Ooblets then planting their seeds to cultivate them for yourself never gets boring. Plus, for such a funny game, the story culminates in a surprising ending which will make your hard work to improve Badgetown pay off in a big way.

I enjoyed my time with Fairy Elements so much that if someone told me that they're looking for an old-school RPG, it would be an easy recommendation. With tons of content and a challenging strategic battle system, there's a lot to love.

Thymesia is one of those games that you should take its reviews with a grain of salt because it's an obviously clunky game yet its combat can be super-satisfying for the very specific kinds of gamers that it's targeting. Everyone else will probably find it too irritating to play.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 3 contains 2 easygoing adventures; each with an undeniable feminine touch. Even though they both lack challenge, playing these delightful SRPGs still makes for a great change of pace from the current gaming landscape.

Splatoon 3 is a fitting sequel to an awesome series that'll have you happily spray your ink all over the place. It may not do anything particularly revolutionary but does it really have to? No... but it would be cool if it did, right?

Onsen Master is a frantic co-op multiplayer hot springs management game that can be a lot of fun despite its clunky and bug-ridden gameplay. In other words, just like a public hot tub, it can be enjoyable but it really starts to stink after a while.

As a big fan of the original back in the day, I admit that perhaps Pac-Man World hasn't held up as well as I thought it would. With that being said, Pac-Man World Re-Pac is definitely a cute and colourful game that's full of fun gameplay and rewarding collectibles.

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

Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince is a superb sequel to an indie darling that begged for a follow-up. Needless to say, I'm glad that Lily and Chrys' grandpa still has plenty of imaginative tales to tell.

Playing The Last of Us Part I made me acquire a newfound appreciation for its sequel because even though it's a great game with incredible characters, it actually feels overwhelmingly dated compared to Part II. You have to love those graphics, though; holy heck!

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? is a middle-of-the-road trivia game that's so full of padding that it becomes boring fast. I can only recommend it to kids but even then, I doubt that many youngsters will have the patience to sit through a whole game.

Yars: Recharged is by far the best Atari Recharged game so far and one of the most enjoyable twin-stick shooters that I've ever played. With its impressively strategic elements and brutally difficult challenges, I can't stop wanting to play it so I think I'll go do that now.

As far as shoot 'em ups go, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: Burst Forth!! Choro-gon Breath is a high quality action-packed title that'll have you frantically shooting as you swap characters on the fly and unlock many rewarding collectibles. Definitely check it out.

After Wave: Downfall is an arcade-style game that lacks refinement yet it's still undeniably compelling thanks to its frantic gameplay and enjoyable co-op implementation. Plus, the fact that you can unlock all sorts of upgrades and extra content is a nice bonus.

Islets keeps things simple with its Metroidvania formula yet it accomplishes its satisfying gameplay so exceptionally well that it's hard to stop playing it once you start. Plus, watching the islands come together has to be one of the most rewarding mechanics in the genre.

Soul Hackers 2 offers a contrast of colourful and lively towns and characters with dull and dark dungeons that seem to go on forever. Optimizing your party can be quite enjoyable but the inconsistent demon recruiting system takes away from the fun of the grind. Overall, Soul Hackers 2 failed to keep my attention but it definitely has some noteworthy qualities.

I had a decent amount of fun with Kirby's Dream Buffet but that fun definitely doesn't stay around long which makes it a game that's best played in short bursts or as part of a multiplayer playlist. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an entire chocolate cake to eat.

The second Booster Course Pass wave is as impressive as the first, especially with its delightful and brand new Sky-High Sundae course.

Well, we're definitely off to a great start because this first wave of DLC has some bona fide classics as well as a few welcome surprises.

It may be a simple rhythm game but Encounters: Music Stories is definitely clever and challenging thanks to its unique spin on the genre.

I enjoyed my time with ANIQUILATION as it's a solid twin-stick shooter that will have you mastering planets filled with dastardly foes.

Hell Pie does a decent job of combining Conker's Bad Fur Day and Whiplash but it's certainly not as enjoyable as either of them.

Logic Pic is one of the biggest and most fully-featured Picross games you can play so if you enjoy nonograms then definitely give it a go.

The original arcade version of Avenging Spirit is more of a wacky curiosity than a good game but it still makes for some fun times.

KOKORO CLOVER Season 1 is a delightful game that feels like an interactive Saturday morning cartoon complete with plenty of cuteness.

Guiding a robot as it tunnels underground makes for one enjoyable gameplay formula that'll keep you hooked once you learn the ropes.

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever is a unique action RPG that's packed with variety, a gorgeous game world, and oodles of optional content. It may not be the most challenging or deep RPG out there but it's definitely special, I can tell you that.

Gale of Windoria is an RPG that's bursting with clever innovations while also featuring some disappointing aspects that sometimes make it a chore to play. I'd love to see a finer-tuned iteration, especially if the impressively strategic Quartz system remains untouched.

Train Valley is a superbly challenging game that strikes the perfect balance between track-building sim and arcade-like structure. If you enjoy tough games that'll keep you strategizing as you think on your feet then I wholeheartedly recommend it.

MultiVersus is a solid Smash Bros. clone that's definitely promising, especially with its distinctly-playing characters and flexible gameplay. It may currently be slightly underwhelming in some regards but I'm looking forward to seeing how this project evolves over time.

Two Point Campus is certainly a substantial step up from Two Point Hospital as it's a much smoother experience and features some undeniably nifty new mechanics. It goes without saying but if you enjoy these kinds of games then it's a definite must-play.

FROGUN will definitely be one of most underrated games of 2022. With a pitch-perfect N64-era presentation, intuitive yet challenging gameplay, tons of replay value, and oodles of charm, there's certainly a lot to love. So, hop to it if you're up for the challenge.

Mega Man Battle & Fighters is a highly entertaining portable interpretation of 2 arcade treasures that are themselves nifty compilations of classic Mega Man boss fights. So, if you're a fan of the Blue Bomber then definitely play this.

River City Saga: Three Kingdoms is one of the best Kunio-kun games for the simple fact that it's jam-packed with content in its hilarious world that's set in ancient China. It makes me wonder which historical period drama Kunio will star in next.

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.

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a solid retro throwback that provides a good old-school challenge if that's what you're looking for. It may not do anything exceptional but it's still an enjoyable 2D action game that you can whip through in one sitting.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is yet another great entry in Inti Creates' library of top-notch retro-inspired 2D action games. So, if you enjoy old-school gaming with a modern sense of style and lightning-fast gameplay then definitely give it a go.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues the series' grand-scale story-telling in a masterful way. With its endearing cast of characters, awe-inspiring sense of exploration, and a soundtrack that will blow you away, this is yet another top-notch offering from Monolith Soft.

LIVE A LIVE kept me excited for what the next chapter would entail with each one boasting unique characters, settings, and gameplay so it's a perfect game for anyone who relishes variety. I just wish each chapter was fleshed out with more depth and unique elements.

Stray is a delightful adventure full of beautiful visuals and endearing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the post-apocalyptic city from the unique perspective of a feline who's dedicated to helping out the remaining robotic residents.

SpellForce III Reforced is a very ambitious RPG that I'm sure you'll enjoy if you're a fan of classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate. However, learning how to manage an economy in this RTS game has a fairly steep learning curve. Then again, maybe you want this because you're an experienced RTS player and you've never played Baldur's Gate; I won't judge.

Dadish 3 continues the tight 2D platforming and hilarious antics of its predecessors so I highly recommend it for fans of silly retro games.

Time on Frog Island could be considered one big puzzle to unravel and for that, it's pretty cool albeit somewhat tedious at times.

It may be a simple and repetitive game but SUPER UFO FIGHTER is still a ton of fun to play with a chum for as long as it lasts.

My gaming chum and I had a blast working through the intricate puzzle-filled stages of Escape Academy and I'm sure you will, too.

Arcadegeddon's unique glitched-out virtual world and slick movement controls make it stand out in a familiar genre and it's a ton of fun.

Spidersaurs does a good job of providing run 'n' gun fun but it's still just a Contra clone that plays it a little too safe despite its silliness.

Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue DX is a super-fun and unique game but its frustration factor can be high, especially if you're a perfectionist.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the jam-packed HunterX and look forward to whatever game ORANGE POPCORN creates next.

If you enjoy 2D gameplay then the clever Roguevania setup of Little Noah: Scion of Paradise will keep you hooked for hours upon hours.

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium's more eclectic offering is excellent. With a familiar presentation, array of extras, and wealth of options; it's a fitting follow-up to last year's incredible collection of arcade treasures so if you enjoyed that then definitely play this, too.

LumbearJack is a casual game that offers a fun-filled albeit super-short campaign that'll make you smile as you play. It may not be even remotely challenging but what you get is an overall satisfying little game that you'll think fondly back on after the end credits roll.

As a fantastic representation of perhaps the most underrated series in platformer history, KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series is a must for anyone with a soft spot for lighthearted yet tricky puzzle platforming fun. I hope this means KLONOA 3 will be a thing at some point.

The amount of fun to be had in Overrogue is impressive with card combat that's deeper than it initially appears and oodles of rewarding unlockables throughout. If you enjoy these kinds of roguelikes then you'll love adventuring with Sael and his quirky chums.

Obviously, if you enjoyed Cuphead and just want more of the same then getting The Delicious Last Course should be a no-brainer. That being said, I wish that it differentiated itself more from the main game considering it released nearly 5 years ago.

I'm glad that I waited for Zorro The Chronicles to get a patch before reviewing it but even without the abundance of bugs, it's still an overall underwhelming adventure. It does show promise, though, so I'd gladly play a sequel.

Yurukill: The Calumniation Games does a fantastic job of marrying a dark murder mystery with a rewarding shoot 'em up. IzanagiGames has managed to get the formula just right and I hope they invest in the series with a sequel that has an even larger scope.

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.

Redout 2 is a racer that's hard to put down as it's very satisfying to master while you gradually memorize tracks and perfect your skills. However, with some unintuitive aspects and unforgivable load times, it can also kind of be a pain in the ass.

Neon White is the 2nd best indie I've played this year so far. With a brilliant combination of genres, you're sure to spend hours upon hours mastering stage after stage as you uncover more about its very strange cast of characters.

Pocky & Rocky Reshrined is definitely the best entry in the long-running albeit sporadic KiKi KaiKai series. It may have its shortcomings but the modernized gameplay and lovely presentation make it a must-have if you enjoy classic games that are off the beaten path.

Capcom Fighting Collection features a solid collection of games; particularly, when it comes to Darkstalkers. That's actually its main issue because it could use a lot more variety but considering the package is as fun and sleek as it is, I still recommend giving it a go.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes blends the classic Musou formula with the strategic aspect of its namesake impressively well. Throw in a story that's more immersive than you'd expect and you're left with one great Warriors spin-off.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is a worthy sequel with a gripping story and an expanded cast of loveable characters. Plus, the new re-enactment mode adds an extra layer of gameplay to help keep things fresh and interesting but it still suffers from a lack of a hint system that can make progressing through the otherwise intriguing story occasionally feel like a chore.

As a Pac-Man fan, I love Pac-Man Museum+ as it features a fantastic variety of fun-filled games while also including clever challenges and a virtual arcade that you can decorate however you wish. Now, all we need is a Pac-Man World compilation.

Although Horgihugh And Friends leaves a shoddy first impression, it eventually becomes quite a good shmup after sticking with it. Unfortunately, soon after it starts getting good, you'll run out of things to see and do. It's still very cute, though.

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.

I'm amazed at how well Autonauts' many elements come together to form a simulation experience that manages to be as satisfying as it is open-ended. Throw in an adorable presentation and a well-executed campaign and you're left with one great sim game.

The Quarry is a lot of fun and certainly scratches the itch of wanting to control the dimwitted characters in a teen slasher movie with the hopes of prolonging their survival or killing them all, if you prefer. At just over 10 hours, it's a good length but with so many branching paths and possible endings, I wish that replayability was executed in a more streamlined manner.

When it comes to Metroidvanias, Lost Ruins presents a unique inventory-based formula that's packed with challenge and oodles of fun. If you enjoy the genre and want to play something off the beaten path, definitely give this indie gem a go.

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.

DEADCRAFT would be a decent game if it allowed for more freedom and featured a much larger explorable environment. Unless you desperately want to experience its wacky and irreverent game world, I recommend playing the far superior DYSMANTLE instead.

As a newbie to Vampire: The Masquerade, I wasn't impressed with Swansong. There were moments when I found myself enjoying the investigation aspect but these were still marred by technical issues, graphical inconsistencies, and an unsettling atmosphere.

Mario Strikers: Battle League strikes an excellent gameplay balance to make every match exciting and action-packed. It may not take many risks when it comes to supplementary content but what's here is one solid soccer game nonetheless.

TOKOYO: Tower of Perpetuity is the kind of indie that I'll gladly pick up every now and then as I try to outdo my previous efforts. It may not be the type of game that you'll play obsessively but it's definitely a blast in short bursts.

It's wonderful that modern gamers can enjoy the greatness that is RayForce via Layer Section & Galactic Attack S-Tribute. Taito were ahead of their time and once you play this gem of a shoot 'em up, I'm sure you'll agree wholeheartedly.