Lode Runner Legacy is a retro remake done right. The fact that it contains so much content while remaining true to the original game makes it a must-have experience for any gamer who's thirsty for old-school fun.

If you enjoy overhead twin-stick shooters and want to play a unique take on the genre then you'll absolutely love what Hellmut: The Badass from Hell has to offer. The bonus Space Invaders style arcade game is just the icing on the cake.

Tomba! Special Edition is definitely a great game for those who have nostalgia for the PS1 era while everyone else will certainly find its quirkiness charming and its unconventional gameplay entertaining.

With 8 classic games from an iconic series, Castlevania Anniversary Collection is a must-play compilation for any gamer whether you're a retro junkie or you simply want to explore the roots of gaming. If you'll excuse me, I have to slay Dracula for the umpteenth time.

Greak: Memories of Azur is one of the most beautiful games out there with its captivating visuals and immersive audio. However, its gameplay is riddled with issues such as vague progression clues and clunky combat which make the experience frequently frustrating.

Playing Sushi Ben kept a smile on my face for every second of playtime so if you want a lighthearted story-based VR game, here you go.

ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard is a first-person puzzle game that combines so many enjoyable mechanics in such clever ways that it presents a constantly rewarding campaign where you'll always look forward to what's to come.

Semblance's haunting atmosphere and clever gameplay mechanics make it a memorable and satisfying puzzle platformer. However, once you're done with it, you'll wish that there was a lot more to experience.

The Alliance Alive delivers a charming and satisfying JRPG adventure with a mix of traditional and fresh gameplay elements. It's simply a joy to experience the characters and their engaging story as they traverse their varied and vibrant world. It's a must-have 3DS JRPG.

The frustration with its emphasis on mining gems aside, Story of Seasons is still a lot of fun as a cute and leisurely game. However, this sequel took more steps backwards than forwards and I'm hoping it remedies these poor decisions in the next installment.

Picross veterans may be disappointed with PictoQuest's lack of challenge but there's no denying that it's a solid and cute little game.

If you're a fellow fan of the original Death end re;Quest then playing Death end re;Quest 2 is a must. Although it doesn't feel like a huge step up for the series, there's definitely a lot of fun to be had in its delightfully twisted world.

If you enjoy Metroidvanias set on strange planets that feature a variety of exciting scenarios then you'll love MindSeize.

9 Years of Shadows is a challenging and old-school Metroidvania that never ceases to impress with its varied gameplay and striking world.

Masters of Anima caught me completely off guard but in a very good way. It controls fabulously considering how much is going on, the challenge level is accessible but far from easy, levels are fun to explore, and the combat is a joy to master.

Devil May Cry is an action-packed masterpiece that mostly stands the test of time. Now that you can play it on-the-go, fans and newcomers alike should definitely check it out.

Summer Catchers may not leave a good first impression but once you dive into its strategic elements, you'll find one super-fun game.

For newcomers to the series, void* tRrLM2(); //Void Terrarium 2 provides a fantastic experience that will make you fall in love with Robbie and Toriko. However, for veterans like me, it can all be a little too familiar, especially with its slow-paced campaign.

Me being sad at having finished The Star Named EOS is a good indicator of how I feel about it as a whole - I enjoyed it and wanted more. It knows what it wants to be: a cozy heartfelt little puzzle game and it succeeds in being exactly that.

Etrange Overlord is one of the most unconventional RPGs that I've ever played and despite its repetitive gameplay, there's a lot of lighthearted fun to be had as you gradually upgrade your chums and take in all the fun-filled musical moments with its charming cast of goofballs.

SRPG enthusiasts who like the idea of mixed in stealth and survival elements will have a blast mastering Alder's Blood.

My hat is off to Spearhead Games. They managed to improve upon the formula that they established with Stories: The Path of Destinies to craft a far superior experience with Omensight. I wish more game developers would grow and learn as much as they did.

Need for Speed Heat boasts a large varied world and a cool gameplay twist with the addition of cops who are often on your tail. However, it doesn't do much else to stay interesting, making it just an average racer in a genre that has so much more to offer.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with WHAT THE BAT? and will likely play through it again in the future seeing as it's such a funny and unique experience while also being surprisingly heartfelt.

When it comes to 2D horror games, ReTurn - One Way Trip is a prime example of the genre with a captivating cast and thrilling story.

I may have jumped on the Divine Knockout (DKO) train a bit late but holy hot darn, am I having fun with it! From a varied cast of different-playing gods to a spectacular cartoonish game world and phenomenally fun gameplay; you'll have a great time with DKO.

If you enjoy Metroidvania games then you'll love what Timespinner has to offer with its addictive exploration and combat.

Even as a huge fan of the series, it's difficult to thoroughly enjoy Wonder Boy in Monster Land in this day and age. That being said, playing it is a great way to experience the origins of the franchise that we know and love.

Gamers who enjoy practical puzzle games as you swap between characters will absolutely love what Tandem: A Tale of Shadows offers.

Even with a couple less-than-stellar tracks thrown in, Wave 5 of the Booster Course Pass is a ton of fun, especially the fact that Squeaky Clean Sprint is as silly as it is and you can finally race through a Canadian city in Vancouver Velocity. Great stuff.

I have some issues with Terra Memoria but they're tiny and barely detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience. Fun battles, exploration, worldbuilding, characters - it's a simple yet solid RPG that I think almost any fan of the genre will find entertaining.

It may be rough around the edges but I still had a blast with Berzerk: Recharged and plan on playing it more while trying to improve my high scores. What is it with these Atari Recharged remakes? I just want to feed them straight into my veins.

If you have a big heart, love cuteness, and want to be immersed in a bubbly game world teeming with upstanding welcoming characters then Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is an RPG that you have to play even if it can be a bit simple gameplay-wise.

One Line Coloring is the kind of puzzler that's nifty at first but it becomes quite formulaic once its gameplay starts to click.

Gigantic is a heck of a lot of fun and has one of the most unique premises and impressive casts of characters that I've ever seen in the genre. You may not play it for hours at a time but it's definitely worth booting up whenever you want some crazy online action.

Despite having some enjoyable puzzles, the choppy performance and sterile world make ChromaGun a far cry from the genius that is Portal. However, it still deserves to be enjoyed by first-person puzzle enthusiasts looking to scratch their itch for something new.

Although it features a fun take on Fibbage and a new enjoyable drawing game, The Jackbox Party Pack 4 is unfortunately the weakest entry in the series so far. I hope Jackbox Games create a more original offering next year like they did with Jackbox 3.

As someone who's played every game in the trilogy, I must say that Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings ties it all together in a masterful way. I'm excited to see what Gust has in store for their next trilogy of delightful adventures.

It may come as a surprise but I can easily say that Steamroll is one of the most original and addictive games that I played in a long time.

As far as co-op games go, Magic Twins is one of the best as it's bursting with charm, fun content, and impressively challenging gameplay.

Within a wide variety of clever scenarios and dastardly bosses, ProtoCorgi's tight unique gameplay and cute visuals really shine.

First-person shooters don't get much more entertaining than Forgive Me Father so if you're up for a challenge then definitely play it.

God Wars Future Past is an impressive throwback to possibly the best era for turn-based strategy RPGs. Long-time fans of the genre will love every second they spend fighting off dastardly beasts while modern gamers may wonder how this kind of game could be fun.

Marble It Up is easy to universally recommend as I can't imagine anyone not enjoying mastering its clever levels.

It may not feature perfect ports but Castlevania Requiem still contains 2 of the best games ever made. However, after playing through these gems, it's hard not to feel bittersweet. On one hand, the era of perfectly crafted gaming experiences has passed in favour of Hollywood-style rubbish and wannabe indie developers. On the other, enjoying these timeless classics again is an absolute treat.

If you want a simple 2D hack and slash action RPG then Lapis x Labyrinth is definitely a good game to wind down with after a long day. Just don't expect it to be particularly engaging, especially once the repetition starts to sink in.

For a game based on maintaining your momentum, it's disappointing that Cyber Hook wears thin after playing it for only a short while. That being said, some gamers who enjoy re-playing levels repeatedly to outdo their previous efforts might enjoy it.

Although it can be an exceptionally frustrating and unintuitive game, Bye Sweet Carole is still gorgeous and its puzzles can be quite satisfying.

Chroma Squad is not only a worthy tribute to Power Rangers; it's also one of the best indie SRPGs ever created. The enjoyable mix of strategy and simulation elements is addictive enough to make it a go-to title whenever you want some lighthearted RPG fun.

Reloaded is a significant step back from last year's Sky Force Anniversary. The added need to grind is a huge pain although the core gameplay is still generally enjoyable and the upgrade system is just as rewarding.

It's been a long time since Shantae debuted and it did so on very limited console hardware so it's impressive how well it has held up even though its sequels are certainly much more enjoyable. Oh, and this Switch release acts as a lovely time capsule for fans, too.

Warp Shift is an impressive puzzle game with absolutely fantastic visuals and sound. The lack of extra content and replay incentives may be disappointing but puzzle fanatics should definitely still pick this clever concoction up.

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a fantastic 2D platformer and this Owltimate Edition is a great excuse to give it a try if you've never played it before. Its unconventional and often creepy stages are a perfect fit for Halloween, too.

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.

Luigi's Mansion is one of Nintendo's most unique games and now that gamers who never played it before have the opportunity to enjoy it on-the-go and with so many cool new features, it's hard not to full-heartedly recommend this now-portable classic.

I loved the many mini-adventures within Princess Peach: Showtime! and hope that it inspires folks to enjoy the theater with its imagination-fueled campaign full of dress-up challenges that'll make you believe you can be anything you set your heart to.

Xeno Crisis is undoubtedly a solid throwback to co-op twin-stick shooters but with so many better options available, it's difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. That being said, you probably won't regret buying it if you're itching for more retro action.

A faithful and worthwhile update of a classic shooter. Although it still feels like the same old game for the most part, there's no denying the amount of rootin' tootin' boot-stompin' fun you'll have blasting away robot scallywags.

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a fantastic compilation of RPGs that I'm very happy can see the light of day again. The question is: will there be a Star Force Legacy Collection with Mega Man Network Transmission included? I can only hope.

With its energetically vibrant world that'll keep you smiling and clever puzzle-filled platforming, Ruffy And The Riverside has everything you'd need for an excellent 3D funfest. Plus, it's so cute that it's now one of my life goals to have a Ruffy stuffie.

To my surprise and delight, I enjoyed Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 even more than the first collection so if you're looking for some classic SRPG or Mystery Dungeon fun, it's a definite must-play compilation, dood.

Space Pirate Trainer is a fast-paced and fun high score chaser but it has a few annoying aspects and is a rather short-lived experience.

Puyo Puyo Champions offers familiar and fun competitive puzzle gameplay with a huge selection of delightful characters. That being said, the overall lack of substantial content and options makes it a somewhat limiting experience.

Although it's fantastic to be able to experience 5 completely different gameplay styles, 198X's campaign is over within an hour or so and all you can do after that is replay its brief chapters again and again. The fact that you can't skip cutscenes is just a kick in the pants.

HyperParasite is basically the same game as Hellmut: The Badass from Hell but it's still a ton of fun; if not, more so.

If you want a modern take on '80s arcade racers then you can't go wrong with Slipstream and its authentic approach to the genre.

The Last Hero of Nostalgaia is basically a rudimentary version of Dark Souls where you play as a stick man but at least it's funny.

If The Cub were a TV show, I'd watch it but as a game, it's both very limiting and needlessly irritating. Its presentation really saves it.

I had an excellent time revisiting the 2D action in Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Collection. Although I was reminded just how great these games are, I also remembered how frustrating they can be but overall, this is one exceptional package.

Metroidvanias with clever movement skills are some of my favourite in the genre and Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is certainly top-tier.

The blend of Survivors-like gameplay and puzzle-like inventory management makes God of Weapons stand out but it's still rather flat overall.

Discounty is a mostly fun and simple shop sim with an intriguing air of mystery around your purpose for moving to Blomkest.

Atelier Firis tells a heartwarming story of a girl determined to forge her own path in life with the help of her sister and a few friends. Its open world is full of rewarding tasks to master and the battle system will put your alchemy abilities to the test. In the end, it may not be the best game in the series but it's definitely a wonderful start to take Atelier in an entirely new direction.

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.

Contra Anniversary Collection may not be the definitive collection of Konami's retro run 'n' gun franchise but what's here still provides top-notch action-packed co-op entertainment. Contra: Rogue Corps couldn't come out soon enough.

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.

Even though there are plenty of online multiplayer games out there, Hypercharge Unboxed is a solid enough offering to be worth playing. The fact that you play as toys is something that the whole family can enjoy, too.

The Alliance Alive is a wonderful and easy to recommend JRPG. This Switch version offers updated graphics and a reworked menu but not much else to make it worth double-dipping if you already own it on 3DS.

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade includes 3 of the most underrated and incredible arcade shooters ever created. Although G-Darius is disappointingly absent, what you get is one super-fun collection that features some truly innovative HUD options.

PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC is one of the best 3D platformer remakes and a superb example of the genre from a simpler time. There's just so much Pac'd in here that you can spend hours upon hours and still discover new goodies and fun challenges.

Bounty Star is one of the most impressive games of the year with its unique and entertaining mech combat as well as its more personal touches that'll make you feel a strong sense of personal growth as you complete bounty after bounty.

Sonic Colors: Ultimate does a decent job of bringing back a good game for modern audiences. Although I have fond memories of the original, this remake made me realise that my memory can't always be trusted when it comes to how well certain games will hold up.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an enjoyable 2D Metroidvania RPG with a fun town upgrade system. Combining the abilities of CJ, Garoo, and Isha to explore the corners of various dungeons is a treat and I'm now even more excited for the release of Hundred Heroes.

If you're willing to practice and learn its ins and outs, CYGNI: All Guns Blazing becomes an absolutely thrilling shoot 'em up that will stay with you for a very long time. It may be divisive now but let me assure you, genre fans will eventually hold this gem in high regard.

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a gorgeous game that's full of so many unique spells and enemies that you'll constantly be excited to uncover more of its lovely game world as you power-up and become the swankiest librarian in the realm.

The Swords of Ditto is filled with highs and lows. On the plus side, the visuals are top-notch and reminiscent of a children's cartoon, enemy variety keeps the combat feeling fresh, and well-crafted secrets give you lots of reasons to explore. However, the structure and experience system never fully clicked with me and annoying design choices really detract from its overall appeal.

Even with its faults, Culdcept Revolt is one of the most addictive 3DS games that I've ever played. If you're a fan of Monopoly and JRPGs then this is a game that you need to add to your collection.

Although it features simple gameplay at its core, Supermarket Shriek offers tons of rewarding challenges that are great fun to master.

Although Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity is merely an update of a 4 year old game, it's still one unique, challenging, and highly enjoyable narrative space adventure. Mastering its tough campaign is definitely rewarding stuff.

Sega Ages: Columns II contains much more than its title would suggest. If you enjoy retro puzzlers, you'll sink hours into this release as it contains plenty of fantastic content that showcases the addictive core gameplay beautifully.

Railway Empire is an excellent real-time strategy simulation game and this Nintendo Switch Edition retains its rewarding and engaging gameplay. Even with its less than stellar graphical performance, I still recommend checking it out, especially if you only own a Switch.

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.

Creatures of Ava is a colourful and fun adventure game that offers a refreshing take on combat. Conservationism never felt so fun.

It may not be as expansive or inspire as much creativity as its namesake may lead you to believe but Minecraft Dungeons is certainly a solid and enjoyable isometric action game with character progression that'll keep you hooked.

If you're looking for a simplistic yet fun action RPG set in a charming world then Cat Quest is a definite must-buy game. However, don't expect the catnip to keep you under its spell for long.

Now that all 5 episodes of The Council are available to play through from beginning to end, it's a must-buy for fans of story-driven adventures who are looking for something a little different. If you can get past the strange voice acting and character models, you'll enjoy diving into the complex and devious story that gradually unfolds within Lord Mortimer's mysterious manor.

Some classic arcade games haven't quite held up and although G-LOC: Air Battle is one such game; it still offers some short-lived fun.

Silent Hope is a challenging dungeon crawler with familiar sights from Rune Factory sprinkled in and there's definitely some fun to be had for those looking for a more action-packed adventure that's set in the same universe. However, the unbalanced heroes and mandatory grinding will certainly put off many players.