2D platformers simply don't get much better than Kaze and the Wild Masks. Between its top-notch presentation and its tight and challenging gameplay, any genre fan would be a goof for not giving it a go.

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.

I'm obsessed with this remastered collection of the first 3 Tomb Raider games as it does an amazing job of bringing the action-adventure classics back to life with a big graphical overhaul while maintaining absolutely everything that make the games so much fun.

The original Darksiders remains the best in the series and this Warmastered Edition is an incredible way to enjoy the timeless classic. If you still haven't played it yet then you owe it to yourself to unsheathe your Chaoseater and rip through some demons.

Capcom Arcade Stadium is simply one of the best arcade compilations out there for its vast assortment of excellent games alone. Throw in a gorgeous presentation and comprehensive leaderboards and you're left with one must-have collection.

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.

Hollow Knight is a huge and rewarding adventure that's full of satisfying secrets and challenges. It's not a perfect Metroidvania experience but it's definitely up there with the best in the genre.

Out of all the Yakuza games that I've played, Judgment offers the most amount of fun and variety while also containing a gripping story that'll keep you guessing until the end. I highly recommend it.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is the ultimate murder mystery experience with many new ways to get through the class trials, a large world that expands the more you play, and an interesting story behind it all. If you're intrigued and can put up with the vulgar sophomoric content then this is a must-buy game.

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.

Tales of Xillia Remastered is one of my personal favourite Tales games so if you're a fellow fan, this version contains plenty of quality of life upgrades that definitely make it worth getting so you can spend even more time with Milla and Jude.

BAKERU is one of the best 3D platformers that you can play on Nintendo Switch with its fantastical representation of Japan, tactile combat, cheerful atmosphere, and clever collectibles. Who knew that beating enemies with bachi sticks could be this much fun?

Whether you're completely new to Kingdom Hearts or a long-time fan, enjoying these magical adventures on a modern console will surely put a smile on your face. This collection is simply jam-packed with greatness via plenty of gameplay variety and memorable stories.

I love that Nintendo is upgrading a bunch of their Switch games for their new console and if Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is any indication, we're in for some real delightful treats down the road.

I had so much fun with QQQbeats!!! that I didn't want to put it down to write this review but I'm glad that I did because I can now tell all my chums just how great of a game it is. So, yes, if you enjoy puzzle and rhythm games, you need to play this.

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.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake delivers the classic with an astonishing amount of upgrades that make it well-worth revisiting with its beautiful visuals, a superb new vocation, and many impactful quality of life enhancements.

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.

In an age when RPGs are generally becoming increasingly dark, violent, brash, and serious, the brilliantly colourful humour-filled lightheartedness of these Rhapsody games shines through in a profoundly distinct fashion. From adorable characters to lovely musical numbers and rewarding combat to oodles of side-splitting jokes; there's certainly a lot to love here.

MEGATON MUSASHI W: WIRED is one of the best mech games I've ever played thanks to its in-depth customisation component, tight combat, and outstandingly presented story within a fleshed-out anime world. I highly recommend it to any gamer who loves mech action.

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.

This iteration of Monster Hunter Stories received a lovely visual upgrade and it delivers a fun-filled and emotional story with supremely rewarding monster hunting at the forefront. I'm very happy that we can now play it on modern consoles.

Classic game compilations don't get much better than SNK 40th Anniversary Collection. Its selection of games, well done presentation, and oodles of cool features and extras make it a must-have compilation for any retro gamer.

Although I still prefer the original, Atelier Ryza 2 is a wonderful experience that fans of the first game will love. It may be a confusing journey at times but the amount of wonder and charm throughout make persevering consistently feel rewarding.

Revenge of the Savage Planet is one of my favourite games of the year with its awesomely colourful and lighthearted alien planets and entertaining gameplay that's so packed with variety, it's hard to put it down once you take off.

XCOM 2 Collection is bursting with a treasure trove of awesome content that you can enjoy the fantastic SRPG gameplay within. Also, although it suffers from some performance issues, being able to play it portably is a welcome treat.

Tokyo Xanadu is nothing short of engaging action RPG goodness that'll have you coming back for more. Ultimately, the lovely cast of characters and immediately gratifying combat combine seamlessly to make it a must-have JRPG.

Operencia: The Stolen Sun is a top-notch old-school dungeon crawler that modernizes the genre in impressive ways. If you enjoy these sorts of challenging retro RPGs then you definitely won't be disappointed with this massive and memorable adventure.

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.

Escape from Ever After establishes its lighthearted fairy tale world wonderfully with its endearing visuals, characters, and music and it plays superbly to boot thanks to its impressively strategic party setup and battle mechanics. What an absolute delight.

This PS4 iteration of Trails of Cold Steel II is such an impressive improvement over the PS3 version that it's worth picking up a copy even if you already own it on PS3. Plus, the Relentless Edition physical extras will feel right at home for fans of the series.

Simply put, Has-Been Heroes is one of the most engaging strategic gaming experiences on the market. However, getting to the point where it's that enjoyable can be too demanding for casual gamers so make sure you're willing to give it time for the gameplay to click and let it grow on you. Once it does, it's a downright blast to play.

Once Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart's credits rolled, I was impressed by the adventure that I just went on. With that being said, I couldn't help but want to dive into the original games again to have a more visceral and challenging experience.

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.

The graphical upgrade and streamlined gameplay of DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined provide a breath of fresh air that do a great job of making this classic RPG appeal to both new and familiar audiences.

I had a superb time with Battle Train and can't believe how much it fits my tastes from its roguelike structure to its deep strategic gameplay and its silly premise to its wealth of unlockables. I may just have a new favourite roguelike as it chugged along straight to my heart.

Small issues aside, Ittle Dew 2 is a must-have game for anyone who's in the market for a lighthearted yet gratifying adventure set in a charming world.

Ray'z Arcade Chronology is one of the best shoot 'em up collections you can get thanks to a phenomenal trilogy of games that have defiantly stood the test of time and can appeal to a wide range of genre enthusiasts. I just don't know who this Ray fellow is.

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic's included games were a ton of fun when they originally released and they still are now, especially when you get to enjoy the content of the 2 classics and their expansions all in one convenient and streamlined package.

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.

Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2 is a phenomenal follow-up to the modern 2D action game masterpiece that feels like a genuine sequel when it comes to both its story and gameplay. So, if you enjoyed the original then you'll absolutely love this, too.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the same great game with extra content that adds a lot of value and rewarding challenges for those who master its memorable seafaring campaign. It may have released a bit too soon but what's here is excellent stuff regardless.

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.

Once Upon A KATAMARI takes one of the most unique and enjoyable formulas in gaming history and makes it even more fun thanks to its many elements that add up to one cleverly quirky era-spanning adventure.

It may not be a huge step up from last year's PS4 release but Nioh 2 Remastered - The Complete Edition is a great edition of a fantastic game that fans and newcomers alike will love. That is; if they can handle its high degree of challenge.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the best way to experience the monumental ARPG and its Episode Intermission is a top-notch piece of DLC that's much more riveting than I was anticipating. I recommend it to anyone who's even remotely interested.

If you have a fondness for no-holds-barred action games then playing Bayonetta and Vanquish is a must. These suckers may be 10 years old but they hold up beautifully and even rival most modern AAA games.

Killer Queen Black is a wonderful adaptation of the modern arcade game. If you're a fan of unique online multiplayer experiences and frantic 2D action, it's a definite must-play game.

With a more gameplay-focused and varied campaign as well as a phenomenally unforgettable cast of stand-out characters, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II really scratched a lot of itches for me that I didn't even know I had. Or was that Nadia's needles?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 proves that video games aren't really getting much better than what was around at the turn of the millennium. In fact, the amount of fun to be had here makes most modern games feel sterile and unstimulating in comparison.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is the best 2D stealth puzzle adventure game ever made. From its variety of well-crafted gameplay elements to its sprawling levels that beg to be replayed; it's an incredible journey and with quite a touching story, too.

Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition makes a great action game even better. Although it doesn't quite contain as many additions as I was hoping it would, it's still an excellent game, especially for those who don't already own the vanilla version.

Although it has a lot of competition, Slap City manages to claim victory in the ever-growing arena of games inspired by Smash Bros. With its phenomenally fun gameplay and solo content that'll keep you having fun for dozens of hours, I highly recommend this wacky fighter.

HARVESTELLA is a thoroughly enjoyable JRPG with farm management for when you want some downtime after exploring its elaborate dungeons. The fact that you can take your time going through the story and managing your farm means that the pacing is controlled by you so it never gets dull. As long as you enjoy RPGs as much as you do farming, this is a great game that you'll absolutely love.

There's a ton of fun packed into Minecraft Legends and it certainly takes a long time to understand how it all works together but once you get over that hump, you'll end up having a wonderful time making delicious bacon out of those dastardly piglins.

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.

Levelhead is one of the best platformers so far this year. If Butterscotch Shenanigans fixes some annoying issues that I had with the level editor then I'd consider it golden. Also, I wish there were a few more features like extra power-ups, backdrops, and a world maker with multiple levels but it's still an incredible game and I highly recommend it.

Super Mario RPG is a faithful and super-cute remake that takes an already great game and simply makes it better. As you're jamming out to the new tunes, discovering secrets, and appreciating the new mechanics and visuals, you're bound to have an excellent time.

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.

Final Fantasy VII Remake brilliantly recreates the events of Midgar in a breathtaking way. Even though there's no denying just how amazing of an experience it is, the adventure within will still leave fans wanting much more.

Aegis Defenders is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable cooperative indie games on the market. If you're looking to spend some 2D gaming time with a chum then you can't do much better than joining this ragtag group of Ruinhunters.

Despite my criticisms, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a great game with a huge world and it's going to be a long journey to finish it 100% if I ever feel like doing so. However, I cannot recommend it if you're bad at platformers or action games because you'll be in for a very rough time.

As a huge fan of the original game, I'm amazed by how much more fun Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is. It's a wonderful 2D platformer that provides plenty of challenge and completionists will spend a long time trying to unlock everything.

Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster brings back one of the greatest RPGs ever made as well as its impressively fleshed-out prequel so if you want to experience an incredible story with phenomenal strategic card-based combat then definitely pick this collection up.

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.

Ys: Memories of Celceta remains the best that the incredible ARPG series has to offer. Although it hasn't changed much over the years, it's cool that those who missed it on PlayStation Vita can now enjoy it on PS4.

I can't believe how much better Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter looks, sounds, and plays compared to the original. It may not be as epic as some of the more recent games but what's here is certainly charming and satisfying enough for any RPG fan to easily fall in love with it.

I haven't played a dungeon crawler RPG as satisfying and unique as Tokyo Clanpool in a very long time and I'm super-happy that it's as great of an experience as it is so if you enjoy these kinds of games and can get your hands on a copy, definitely take the plunge.

A Rose in the Twilight's dark and atmospheric tone contrasts well with the budding story of friendship between two unlikely individuals but it's the well-crafted and clever puzzles built on just a few simple mechanics that make it a must-play for any puzzle game fan.

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is another faithfully remade package full of the traditional turn-based RPG fun that defined the genre back in the day so if you enjoyed the remake of Dragon Quest III, you will certainly enjoy this collection, too.

Battlezone Gold Edition is not only the best PlayStation VR game that I've ever played; it's also one of the best roguelikes. Rebellion definitely knows what they're doing and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

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.

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.

I had a lovely time with Two Point Museum and it's clearly the best, most refined, and unique game in the series so far. It's so great that I'm super-excited to see what's next and how it could possibly top the exhibits on display here.

SONIC SUPERSTARS surpassed my expectations as I thought it would simply be a fun co-op iteration of the classics. However, its adorable game world, variety of gameplay, assortment of clever challenges, and hidden goodies to find really makes it go above and beyond.

Even with its flaws, Detroit: Become Human marks a monumental moment in story-driven gaming. After all is said and done, the fact that your decisions have such a substantial impact reflects reality. The question is: will you make the right choices?

Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the ultimate way to enjoy 2 of the best co-op games ever made so if you're looking for hours of entertainment for you and your friends and family, this makes for quite a hearty meal.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a top-notch example of what Mystery Dungeon games are capable of. Once you pick it up, it's hard to put it down and with dozens of hours of challenging fun; it's definitely worth adding to your game library.

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.

Forza Motorsport is a superb racing sim that marks a welcome return to the genre. If you're a gearhead or simply enjoy a more realistic approach to racing then I highly recommend checking it out although those averse to the genre will likely remain unswayed.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is simply a joy to play with oodles of well-implemented familiar elements for fans, gorgeous graphics, and a constantly rewarding sense of variety that'll leave you experimenting right until the very end.

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.

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.

2017 has been a phenomenal year for gaming so far and I must say that Flinthook is up there with the best. It'll put you on the edge of your seat and keep you wanting more so if it sounds like your kind of game then you owe it to yourself to give it a download.

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.

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.

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.

Even as a long-time fan of the franchise, Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island surpassed my expectations and it will likely remain my favourite dungeon-crawling roguelike for many years. So, settle in with an onigiri or 2 and give it a go.

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.

Super Mega Baseball 4 is my favourite baseball game of all time thanks to its top-notch customizable gameplay, oodles of modes, and hilarious and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, it reminded me why I've always loved baseball games even from the good old NES days.

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.

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.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a superbly fun action RPG that'll put your parry skills to the test. Throw in rewarding exploration and so many mechanics that it'll make your head spin and you're left with a wonderfully engaging full-fledged adventure.

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.

As far as 3D platformers go, you certainly can't get much more consistently varied than Psychonauts 2 with its trippy environments and nifty psychic abilities. Throw in an excellent cast of characters and a memorable story and you're left with one heck of an adventure.

Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype is one of the best shoot 'em ups ever made and this Definitive Edition is an excellent incarnation of it that every genre fan needs to add to their gaming library. I sincerely hope to play Söldner-X 3: The Last Mission one of these days.

A Hat in Time is a charming adventure with four wonderfully crafted and unique worlds. Finding new hats and abilities keeps the gameplay exciting and overall, A Hat in Time ended up being the best non-Nintendo 3D platformer that I've played in quite a while.

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.