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.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with DYSMANTLE and am looking forward to exploring even more of its expansive zombie-infested world. If you take pleasure in crafting things while smashing up everything in sight, I highly recommend grabbing your crowbar and giving it a go.

Blackwind is an enjoyable twin-stick shooter that features intuitive gameplay and a wealth of satisfying moves. That being said, if its campaign was structured in a more comprehensible manner then it would be a much more fulfilling adventure.

Nobody Saves the World does exploration and variety exceptionally well. At the same time, its heavy flow of rewards with very little challenge involved often makes it feel like you're mindlessly and unskillfully pressing buttons just to get another quick dopamine hit.

Heaven Dust 2 is perhaps the most amount of fun that I've had with a survival horror game in decades. Its retro sensibilities are absolutely spot-on. Plus, the rewarding campaign structure and intuitive combat that requires some strategy make it truly stand out.

It may be simple but QuickSpot is a clever spot-the-difference experience that contains much more variety than you'd imagine. Throw in a solid multiplayer component and plenty of Namco references and you're looking at one nifty little game.

Demoniaca: Everlasting Night provides a rocking good time via clever combat-focused Metroidvania gameplay. It may be rough around the edges with many frustrating moments but there's still a lot of fun to be had within its demonic boob-filled heavy metal world.

There's no denying that White Shadows' atmosphere and visuals are the stars of the show so I sincerely want to see the developers make a second game that hopefully offers a lot more substantial gameplay and perhaps a narrative that's open to some interpretation.

Nova-111 is quite a treat of an indie and I'm happy that it's finally available for Switch. Exploring its alien worlds as you outsmart all sorts of tricky foes and progress past seemingly impossible situations makes for some rewarding Mystery Dungeon-like gameplay.

Sword of Elpisia provides some good old-school RPG entertainment and its cute pets really liven up its intuitive battle system. Plus, there's a memorable cast of characters and upgrading your gear is always a treat so check it out if you enjoy RPGs from the good old days.

Konami has an incredible library of classic arcade shoot 'em ups and Arcade Archives: ORIUS is definitely on the more obscure side of the equation. Its R-Type-inspired gameplay is a blast but it's also a diamond in the rough with issues that often get in the way of the fun.

Chorus provides both solid space dogfights with intuitive controls and a distinctly presented story that remains engaging throughout. It may have its maddening moments that hold it back from greatness but it's still an impressively promising original IP.

I enjoyed my time with Windlands 2, especially with its sense of speed as you fling yourself across huge locales which is an absolute treat. Even though it's a tedious experience at times and frequent unexpected falls can be annoying, I still recommend checking it out.

If you can look past the issues with pacing and the odd graphical stutter, Grow: Song of The Evertree is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with rewarding exploration as well as tons of fun things to create and collect within its large and colourful game world.

Rubber Bandits is one of the best competitive multiplayer games out there. Whether you want to challenge your friends locally or steal loot online, you're bound to have a blast with its wide range of silly scenarios and wacky weapons.

Timelie is an exceptionally clever puzzler that'll have you strategically dodging robot guards with a feline friend. If that sounds like your kind of game then definitely check it out but just make sure you have plenty of patience before diving in.

Dungeon Munchies is a clunky and repetitive game that will oddly get its hooks in you once you begin to understand its unconventional gameplay. It's still an irritating experience, though, but one that is somewhat endearing with its off-the-wall humour.

After playing Horatio Goes Snowboarding for hours, I must say that I'm impressed with its intuitive albeit challenging gameplay as it keeps pushing you to achieve higher scores. In fact, I had so much fun that I hope to see a sequel; hopefully featuring much more content.

Although it may be difficult to wholeheartedly enjoy when you're all grown up, there's no denying that Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition will be a special game for any kid with a hearty sense of wonder, especially if they're a Disney fan.

Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon is a superb puzzle game that's much more enjoyable than it has any right being. Plus, no matter which kind of puzzle gameplay you prefer, the wide variety of options will allow you to enjoy it at whichever pace you prefer.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 isn't exactly a bad game but it's not one that I would call fun. Sure, it's a compelling experience and the joy of being able to play with dinosaurs is unique but the bugs are a massive hindrance that make it far more frustrating than it should be.

Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- is a great Metroidvania that any genre fan will love. The adventure may be over well before you'd like it to be but it's sure to satisfy from start to finish with its unique gameplay elements and memorable game world.

Asteroids: Recharged is up there with the best of Atari's Recharged releases and it's even more fun with a friend. So, if you have fond memories of the 1979 arcade classic or just want to play some simple static shooting, you'll definitely enjoy this spacefaring blastfest.

Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp is a welcome game for those who'd like to see how characters from the franchise would get along if they were trapped together on a tropical island. However, the gameplay is a bit too simplistic so unless you're really into grinding and collecting, you probably won't play it for long before wanting to play something more substantial from the main series.

Solar Ash does fast-paced platforming brilliantly and it features a super-exciting formula to boot. At the same time, that's really all it has going for it so with some much-needed additional variety, it could have been an even greater experience.

Justice Chronicles is a superb retro-style RPG with a clever game world and rewarding systems that work together seamlessly. It does have its drawbacks, though, but if work went into remedying them then this would easily be one of my favourite games in the genre.

I'm happy to say that Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is super-fun whether you're playing by yourself or with friends. It may not have much long-lasting appeal but it's certainly worth adding to your multiplayer playlist, especially if you enjoy mini-games.

Beyond a Steel Sky is an impressive adventure game with an intriguing story and a fun hacking system that adds a layer of challenge. As you play, you'll constantly wonder what situation you'll face next and what chain of events you'll have to complete while you're there.

There's no denying how wonderful it is that a long-lost arcade gem was completed and released nearly 30 years later and Clockwork Aquario certainly provides enough frantic fun that you'll come back whenever you want a quick fix of over-the-top retro action.

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'm thoroughly impressed at how much better of a game Blue Reflection: Second Light is when you compare it to the first game. In fact, it's so good that I kind of feel mean for disliking the original as much as I did. Here's hoping for a Third Light!

Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is one of those games that has no right to be as good as it is. Even after over 30 years of playing 2D platformers, it really took me back to why I love the genre with its intuitive and rewarding gameplay and cheerful presentation.

If you love party games and don't care much for game boards, My Singing Monsters Playground is a great choice as it's bursting with so many fun-filled mini-games that it makes for one enjoyable multiplayer hootenanny.

Space Moth Lunar Edition is a challenging shoot 'em up with a satisfying scoring system and that alone adds up to one must-have arcade shooter. However, its lack of multiplayer, extra modes, and power-ups makes it feel like a somewhat hollow experience.

Although it's genuinely rewarding and unique, Epic Chef can sometimes be an annoying game to play for various reasons. With that said, the core gameplay loop is handled so well that I'm looking forward to a sequel which will hopefully address its issues.

Iron Harvest Complete Edition is one of those games that I wanted to love but only ended up liking it. Although it features an undeniably clever setting and rewarding gameplay, it's also quite a struggle to fully enjoy at times.

If you're a Pokemon fan and haven't played the original Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum then you're missing out. The Sinnoh region is an absolute joy to explore and it's super-fun trying to catch as many Pokémon as you can. Plus, Pokemon Shining Pearl lets you use the Nintendo Switch's network features in a way that you might not have had the opportunity to with the original DS games.

Super Sami Roll is a cute and fiendishly difficult platformer that genre fans who love a challenge will relish. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more casual and laidback collect-a-thon then you'll likely end up feeling too defeated to continue playing it.

Wings of Wor; oops, I mean Gynoug... is a solid shoot 'em up from the golden age of the genre with a clever magic system, stand-out bosses, and there are now interesting cheats to help modernize it all. So, if you enjoy shmups then give it a go, why not?

To my delight, YUKI is my favourite VR game of 2021 so if you enjoy arcade-like experiences set in a roguelike structure then you should definitely give it a go. It's challenging, unique, action-packed, and its unlockables are hearty rewards; what more could you want?

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a masterpiece of a detective game as it manages to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable open-world adventure with an interesting cast, stunning environmental visuals, and highly immersive and engaging sleuthing gameplay. The fact that I was having such an awesome time made dealing with the odd progression issue worth it as I loved taking in all of the sights and stories.

Where Cards Fall is a worthwhile puzzle game that genre enthusiasts should definitely add to their gaming library. With clever mechanics, a lovely and slightly abstract setting, and well-done learning curve; it's quite a swell experience.

Shin Megami Tensei V is a solid evolution of the series with updated graphics and a thoroughly enjoyable overworld traversal system that rewards exploration although the battle system and monster recruiting remain a little too familiar.

Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars is the sort of game that you'll play when you want a slow-paced and relaxing adventure; for that, it's an excellent experience. However, it can sometimes be bogged down by its gameplay's own indulgent vapidness.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ghost Sync and if you love retro RPGs, I'm sure you will, too. With its intriguing premise, appealing female lead, and clever monster-possessing mechanic; this is one lovely little game.

Forza Horizon 5 introduces a larger, more varied map with even more weather effects and interesting challenges. The same enjoyable gameplay hasn't lost its momentum and there's enough to do that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

Guardian Force may not be as charming as Cotton but it offers one heck of an enjoyable shoot 'em up formula that's sure to impress.

Cotton Boomerang takes the delightful Cotton 2 and reinterprets it into a much more action-packed experience that's a ton of fun.

Cotton 2 is much more than a sequel as its clever gameplay mechanics and striking visuals make it stand out as one unique shoot 'em up.

Panorama Cotton is more of a retro curiosity than it is a long-lost treasure but there's still no denying how charming its trippy world is.

For a console shmup from 1994, Cotton 100% has held up exceptionally well with its distinct style and enjoyable magic-based gameplay.

I can't believe that more people aren't talking about Monomals as it's clearly one of the best indie games on the Switch eShop. From its challenging and unconventional gameplay to its nifty music creation tool, it really is the bee's knees.

Black Widow has been around since the origins of twin-stick shooting and this Recharged iteration does a decent job of modernizing the arcade classic but it could have done more to make it hold its own among its genre contemporaries. Insert obligatory spider pun here.

Demon Turf is one of the best 3D platformers in recent years and it even rivals recent AAA attempts at the genre. With spectacular gameplay, a huge campaign that's brimming with replay value, clever gadgets, and a gorgeous presentation; it's the whole package.

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.

Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is up there with Stranger of Sword City, Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls, and Demon Gaze on my short list of favourite dungeon crawlers of all time. It may be gruesome and occasionally perplexing but holy hot damn, is it rewarding.

2021's Jackbox Party Pack makes me hope the company will take a year off in 2022, go back to the drawing board, and return with a stellar collection of games in 2023 that takes players back to why they loved the first Party Pack as much as they did back in 2014.

Mario Party Superstars contains tons of super-fun mini-games and a handful of beautifully recreated classic boards from the N64 era. You really can't go wrong with that so grab a few friends and party on, chums!

It may not be the deepest or most strategic tower defense game out there but JARS' sense of randomness makes it rather enjoyable.

For fast-paced arcade-style 2D action, BATS: Bloodsucker Anti-Terror Squad offers a solid formula that provides a decent challenge.

Not everyone will appreciate Skul: The Hero Slayer's high degree of challenge but I absolutely loved learning the ins and outs of its world.

Playing Skeletal Avenger is a great deal of fun, especially via multiplayer and it has plenty of nifty perks to discover along the way.

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

Gamers who enjoy classic puzzle-filled point-and-click adventure games may get a kick out of Creepy Tale 2 but it's not anything special.

Depending on how willing you are to decipher how to progress, Corpse Party can range from a frustrating to a thrilling experience.

If its controls were tweaked and there was a bit more guidance, Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife would be a top-notch VR horror game.

If you don't mind reloading over and over again whenever you're trying to outrun a spirit, Shadow Corridor can be a viable horror game.

FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water blends its haunting world with rewarding gameplay to craft one outstanding horror experience.

No matter how you slice it, Neptunia x SENRAN KAGURA: Ninja Wars is a great deal of fun, especially with its hilarious dialogue scenes and cheeky cast of characters. It could have been a lot more enjoyable with some sort of multiplayer component, though.

Toy Soldiers is an excellent game and even though this HD iteration isn't a huge improvement over the original, it's still sure to provide hours upon hours of tower defense fun for fans of the genre. Plus, its multiplayer modes can be a genuine blast

I wouldn't say Evertried is a difficult game but it will challenge you to hone your strategic abilities more and more until you can tear through its many tricky floors like a champion. For that, it's a wonderful game but it still lacks in content and variety.

Alan Wake Remastered is basically the same game that came out in 2010 with its pros and cons remaining intact. If you're a fan or want more context as to what Control's AWE DLC was all about, it might be worthwhile. Otherwise, it's best saved for an on-sale pickup.

Although I was impressed by how solid its gameplay is, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl still feels like a hollow experience that could have been elevated to new heights if it featured additional modes and a more fleshed-out presentation complete with voice acting.

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.

It's amazing that there's a Puzzle Bobble VR game, never mind a 3D one so if you're a fan of the franchise then you definitely have to play it. With that in mind, Vacation Odyssey could have gone a bit further to make it a more well-rounded and intuitive experience.

ConnecTank is one of those games that will easily fly under many gamers' radars even though it's a ridiculous amount of fun, especially if you play it with a friend. So, if you enjoy frantic co-op formulas then this is a definite must-play.

Gley Lancer is one of those obscure shoot 'em ups that has aged impressively well despite its occasional annoying moment. Plus, the fact that it's been modernized in clever ways and you can even play it as a twin-stick shooter is just radical, dude.

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.

The Lightbringer is a beautiful game that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys 3D platforming with elaborate puzzle-filled stages. I wish that it was a bit more forgiving with its continue system, though, as playing through a lengthy stage again can be a huge pain in the tuchus.

The Riftbreaker is one of the most rewarding games that I've ever played. With that in mind, that sense of accomplishment will come after many stressful moments and heartbreaking failures which could have been alleviated with some more intuitive mechanics.

It definitely has its issues but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Phoenix Point: Behemoth Edition. From its clever battle mechanics to its depiction of a world at the brink of utter annihilation; it's one immersive and exceptionally rewarding SRPG.

UnMetal is a hilarious spoof of the Metal Gear series that manages to forge its own identity through clever inventory-based puzzles. With that in mind, it's hard not to get frustrated whenever you bite the dust due to some unexpected shenanigans.

You can keep your AAA games like Far Cry and Grand Theft Auto because even with their ludicrous budgets, they'll never kick as much ass as a good old action-packed rail shooter. Thankfully, ExZeus is one such game that'll rock your socks off and then some.

For a detective game, Lost Judgment presents an intriguingly complex story and a decent variety of gameplay and gadgets. However, it takes a long time to get interesting and the actual detective work is a bit too linear for hardcore mystery fans like me.

Metroid Dread is one of the best Metroidvania games out there with its awesome collection of abilities and its action-packed E.M.M.I. areas. It may not provide as much challenge as old-school fans would expect but it's still an undeniably incredible adventure.

If you enjoyed the previous entries then you'll absolutely love Mary Skelter Finale. It's so jam-packed with content, cleverly designed scenarios, and incredible characters that you'll find it hard to put down even after hours of bloody good dungeon crawling.

Asdivine Saga is certainly a solid retro-inspired RPG that features rewarding character growth mechanics and enjoyable skills that make outsmarting the tougher bosses a treat. It may get bogged down at times but as a whole, you're sure to love this old-school gem.

Couch co-op games often get compared to Overcooked but KeyWe is such an excellent example of the genre that from now on, games should be compared to it. If there's one co-op game that you play this year, make sure it's KeyWe.

UNSIGHTED does a lot of things and it does them extremely well. So, if you enjoy the classic Zelda formula, Metroidvania exploration, twin-stick shooting, and reaction-based combat then you'll love your time with this gem of an indie.

Steel Assault is an incredible retro-inspired game but unfortunately, its credits will roll once you really start vibing with its action-packed campaign. It's a prime example of how sometimes; great gameplay alone isn't quite enough.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is an okay racing game at best. If you want a much more enjoyable arcade-style racer with your favourite childhood toys then check out Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure which has its very own Hot Wheels Booster Pack DLC.

If you enjoy fast-paced 2D action games where you try to complete levels as quickly as possible then you'll absolutely love everything that Aeon Drive has to offer. In fact, as it stands, it's one of the best indie games that I've played in a very long time.

Centipede: Recharged does a wonderful job of bringing Atari's classic static shooter to the modern age. With super-fun co-op play and oodles of challenges to master, you'll gladly pick it up whenever you want a quick fix of arcade action.

G-Darius is a top-of-the-line shoot 'em up and this HD iteration is a fairly nifty updated version of the classic albeit with minimal additions. That being said, when a game is this good, bells and whistles don't really add up to much.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is essentially a good-looking remake of Super Monkey Ball Deluxe with some nifty extras which is cool because that's an excellent game to bring back. So, if you're itching to master tricky levels then this package is sure to scratch.

If you enjoy Metroidvania games even a little bit then picking up Castlevania Advance Collection should be a no-brainer. The included titles have held up beautifully and they're each jam-packed with monster-slaying good times. Here's hoping for Castlevania DS Collection.

Despite its simplicity, I enjoyed my time with Crisis Wing as it brought me back to the 16-bit days when I'd rent a shmup from the video store and even if it wasn't particularly special, I still had fun trying to beat my own high scores.

After playing a couple of great AAA 3D platformers earlier this year, I'm absolutely blown away that I enjoyed Kena: Bridge of Spirits even more. With thoroughly challenging fast-paced combat, rewarding puzzles, and a breathtaking world; it's one phenomenal game.