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.

Wonder Boy Collection is the kind of compilation that its games do all of the heavy lifting. In other words, it's just alright as an overall package yet the individual games are sure to scratch your itch for old-school entertainment for hours upon hours.

Souldiers is a capable and enjoyable Metroidvania that provided me a solid amount of fun. With an expansive and attractive world, loads of goodies to discover, and intuitive controls, I'm sure you'll enjoy your journey through Terragaya as much as I did.

REMOTE LIFE presents a promising blend of twin-stick controls and shoot 'em up gameplay that really packs a punch. However, its frustrating moments that verge on being unfair as well as its complete lack of scoring hold it back from being great.

I mostly enjoyed my time with Kao the Kangaroo as it brought me back to the early 2000s when 3D platformers were plentiful and memorable. It may not be a shining example of the genre but it's fun enough for those who are nostalgic for the good old days.

It took a while but I ended up thoroughly enjoying the strategic management gameplay of Endzone - A World Apart: Survivor Edition. It may have a steep learning curve but if you're willing to put some effort in, you'll eventually have a great time.

Mini Motorways is the kind of deceptively simple puzzler that you'll somewhat dig at first but as you formulate new strategies and practice levels over and over again, you'll absolutely fall in love with what it has to offer, especially if you enjoy a good challenge.

Snow Bros. Special is a faithful remake of the arcade classic that's sure to bring back memories for those who played it back in the day. The disappointing part is that the original really isn't all that good which pains me to say because I remember it fondly.

After thoroughly enjoying the greatness that is Salt and Sanctuary, Salt and Sacrifice is a somewhat disappointing experience. It's still a good game, though, and one that you'll be compelled to play until it starts to overstay its welcome about 10 hours in.

After over 20 years, Cotton Fantasy was worth the wait as it's bursting with enjoyable shmup gameplay set in a bubbly and very silly world. Plus, the fact that it features such a diverse-playing cast of characters is sweeter than a bowl full of Willow.

Gravitar: Recharged is a challenging remake of a classic that requires precision and patience to master. If that sounds like your kind of game then you'll surely enjoy yourself but less patient gamers should remain wary before taking off.

Although it has its shortcomings, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Infinite Links. Its thoughtful cast of characters and satisfying party customization elements are more than enough to keep you entertained from start to finish.

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.

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.

Rogue Legacy 2 is simply one of the best indie games ever. It manages to stay true to the original while forging its own identity in ways that make it stand out as unique and ultimately superior. You'd be a complete goof if you don't enjoy every second of it.

RiffTrax: The Game is just as fun as last year's What The Dub?! so if you're in the mood for dubbing some lines, why not get both?

Even though I wanted to enjoy Lumberhill, it definitely has a very long way to go to match the quality of its co-op contemporaries.

It may be short but Dandy & Randy DX is so filled to the brim with old-school entertainment that any fan of co-op games will love it.

Trek to Yomi is an undoubtedly beautiful game that will constantly make you want to take screenshots. It's just too bad that its gameplay is as simplistic and repetitive as it is because it ends up feeling like a chore to play after a while.

Even though I enjoyed my time with RESEARCH and DESTROY and its distinct tactical missions, it's still a rather clunky experience.

I absolutely loved playing Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles. It may not be for everyone but those who enjoy it will enjoy it a lot.

If it featured more deliberate combat and less ambiguous visuals, Loot River would have been an awesome game due to its uniqueness.

At first, Super Mega Zero was pretty cool but as I played it, I continually became more and more impressed with its sense of variety.

When it comes to hack and slash action, Samurai Bringer is sure to delight with its customizable gameplay and rewarding challenge.

Although it's short-lived, I had some good fun with The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. Its sheer absurdity had me laughing out loud on a few occasions but I also wish there was more to it such as additional gameplay elements other than simply walking through doors.

TASOMACHI: Behind the Twilight is a relaxing 3D platformer that's excellent if you want to chill while running and jumping around. Plus, its many cleverly-hidden collectibles, lovely music, and gorgeous game world are sure to delight as you explore.

Nintendo Switch Sports is a worthy successor to Wii Sports. With lovely new character models, a solid collection of sports, plenty of multiplayer modes, and a fun-filled atmosphere, you'll enjoy competing with chums and chums-to-be alike.

Road 96 is a road worth travelling as you'll meet an interesting blend of characters and learn their stories while living in a corrupt dictatorship as you fight to escape and avoid becoming another missing teen. It's a very cool adventure indeed.

As a puzzle game enthusiast of over 30 years, I must say that Princess Farmer is one of the best puzzlers that I've ever played. It's hilarious, thoroughly fun, and features an absurd amount of variety. If this is just season 1, I can't wait for season 2.

Ganryu 2 is incredibly difficult but it presents the ideal blend of challenge and satisfying action so you'll keep coming back after getting your ass kicked over and over again. With loads of secrets and a pitch-perfect presentation, this is one swanky old-school ninja game.

Lucky's Tale proves that VR and 3D platforming go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, why the heck aren't there more VR 3D platformers? Either way, what you get here is an absolute treat and I even enjoyed it more than the non-VR Lucky's Tale games.

Moss: Book II does an excellent job of building on the established formula of the first game while offering a much more diverse game world and a pitch-perfect blend of puzzles, platforming, and combat. However, it's still somewhat short and unsatisfyingly unchallenging.

In the end, Z-Warp is a simple shoot 'em up that doesn't do much out of the ordinary but it's still a blast for the short while that it lasts.

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.

Even as someone who can finish any Mega Man game before breakfast, I found Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril to be one maddeningly difficult game. It does a lot of things right, though, so it's worth checking out for any hardcore retro game enthusiast.

Mastering Kombinera requires precision and careful planning which makes it a great time trial game complete with plenty of replay value.

As a fan of Demon Turf, the platforming-focused Neon Splash made me very happy. I hope to see much more of Beebz down the road.

Although this short adventure doesn't have much in terms of gameplay and its story is predictable, A Memoir Blue does a good job of portraying the life of a young athlete in the spotlight while showing how she got there and how she deals with her personal struggles.

Chinatown Detective Agency could be rewarding for the average pantomath and the story is intriguing stuff but if you don't enjoy doing your own research in order to progress in a video game then you'll likely find it to be more of an annoyance than a fun adventure.

Toodee and Topdee is a brilliant puzzle platformer that joins Tandem: A Tale of Shadows in a unique genre that I'd like to see more of.

LIT: Bend the Light takes a familiar puzzle formula and fleshes it out in such clever ways that you'll end up enjoying it for a very long time.

I haven't played anything quite like tERRORbane before and its concept of making glitches fun is impressively satisfying and silly.

I enjoyed my time with The House of the Dead: Remake but it's certainly not as fun as the classic games. It does a lot of things exceptionally well while failing at others so it ends up feeling more like a fan-made adaptation than a true remake.

Taito Milestones may simply contain 10 classic arcade titles and nothing else but some of these games offer timeless enjoyable challenges that you can spend hours trying to master. I just wish there was some kind of bonus content to scratch more of that retro itch.

I love a good baseball game so thankfully, MLB The Show 22 is a great one. From its wide range of options to its clever adaptive difficulty, it's easy to have the hours tick away as you hit dingers and climb the ranks.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a quirky and silly looter shooter that simply doesn't distinguish itself enough from the mainline Borderlands games. It's still a lot of fun, though, especially when you play with friends.

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.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition brought back a lot of lovely memories and thankfully, Chrono Cross is still a great RPG all of these years later. The fact that you get an officially translated Radical Dreamers is rather peachy, too.

After a few years of being in development, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was definitely worth the wait as it single-handedly revitalizes the LEGO formula for a modern audience. I can't wait to see what other licenses will get this treatment down the road.

Imp of the Sun is a beautiful game that I wanted to love but its frustrating gameplay issues definitely get in the way of the fun.

Potato Flowers in Full Bloom is bursting with charm and old-school challenge so if you're a fan of dungeon crawlers then I recommend it. That is; if you don't mind the occasional grind and getting lost every once in a while.

I don't think I've ever played a game as full of childlike imagination as RPG Time: The Legend of Wright. With oodles of brilliant situations to work out and spectacular arts and crafts visuals that really come to life, this is one lovely adventure.

I haven't played anything quite like Agent Intercept with its simple gameplay, sleek presentation, and varied action-packed campaign. If the idea of flying through streets in a transforming vehicle fit for a superspy appeals to you then definitely check it out.

I absolutely recommend Andro Dunos 2 for any shoot 'em up fan. It may not be the most intricate or challenging example of the genre but its tight gameplay will push you to master the many enjoyable boss fights while taking in some impressive sights along the way.

To my delight, I had an impressive amount of fun with Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin. Thankfully, its awesome stage designs and intricate character customization component ended up shining brighter than the humdrum story and disappointing visuals.

Playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land made me realise that I've never seen any series transition smoother to 3D gameplay. Even with its new dimension, it's undeniably Kirby through-and-through and also one of the best games in the franchise.

Rune Factory 5 delivers an addictive mix of farming and dungeon crawling. Although it doesn't leave a great first impression, if you stick with it then you'll spend hours exploring memorable dungeons, befriending lively villagers, and growing your crops all year round.

Grand Mountain Adventure Wonderlands is one of those indies that's far better than you'd imagine. With an open-ended campaign that you'll relish exploring while finding the next suitable challenge, the hours will pass on by as your skills become better and better.

You wouldn't think a game where you flip a cube around would be fully-featured and beautiful but The Last Cube surely is and it's great.

Unique arcade-style games always stand out to me and Splash Cars is one of the best with its rewarding and unconventional gameplay.

I ended up having a ton of fun with Royal Frontier and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a simple roguelike RPG to master.