Fans of Kiryu's crazy adventures will love Yakuza Kiwami 2 as it's full of over-the-top action and ridiculous scenarios. Even with its somewhat disappointing combat and story, it's a must-have for anyone who loves action games.

If you still haven't played Shantae: Half-Genie Hero and you love 2D action platformers then purchasing this Ultimate Edition is a no-brainer. However, it might not be worth double-dipping for those who already have the vanilla version and its DLC.

Blue Prince is a unique puzzle game that presents a perfect mix of luck and strategy that'll make you keep coming back for just one more run.

The WipEout series is a shining example of how to keep racing exciting with many variations and an awesome visual style. The classic gameplay holds up beautifully so if you're craving some fast-paced races then Omega Collection is more than enough to satisfy.

Strategic war games don't get much more engaging than Valkyria Chronicles 4. Its memorable world, satisfying gameplay, and oodles of content will delight any fan of the genre for dozens of hours.

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.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy contains an awesome collection of some of the most varied and bizarre cases in the whole franchise complete with bonuses for diehard fans and plenty of quality-of-life improvements. This is a collection that mystery fans cannot miss.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection delivers a great helping of entertaining crime-solving mysteries without the court drama. Miles Edgeworth deserves his time in the spotlight and this is a must-buy for Ace Attorney fans.

Backfirewall_ does an excellent job of personifying something that the average person takes for granted: their smartphone. Exploring its artistic CPU and cluttered Bin is a lot of fun and it offers a surprisingly heartfelt story. If you can look past the glitches and don't mind referencing a guide here and there, this is one unique first-person puzzler that's worth your time.

As the debut release from Polyarc, Moss offers a surprisingly gorgeous world filled with wonder and delight. Seeing as its gameplay suffers from being a bit too basic and easy, I'm looking forward to a sequel that'll hopefully offer a longer and more fulfilling adventure.

The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a fun turn-based strategy RPG with a large entertaining cast and an intriguing story. If it featured more variety in its enemies and locales and fleshed out its characters' motivations a bit more, it would be a must-have.

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.

Enjoying Outer Wilds depends on your willingness to read guides and discuss the game online. Otherwise, you'll probably feel like you're regularly hitting your head on a brick wall as you try to make just an inch of progress.

If you're looking for a highly enjoyable experience that's undoubtedly something different, Desperados III will provide hours of gunslinging good times. Plus, those who enjoy perfecting their strategies as they take a trial and error approach will absolutely love it.

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a massive RPG for a handheld console with a serious and involving story that'll keep you hooked as you travel back and forth in time to unlock each new event only to finally reach the plot's satisfying climax.

No matter how you slice it, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time marks the return of a gaming icon in a masterful way as it manages to take risks while offering familiar gameplay. I love its high degree of challenge and hope to one day achieve 100% completion which may be quite a tall order but the fact that I'm compelled to do so just goes to show how much fun this long-awaited sequel is.

Level-5 has done it again as they delivered another thoroughly enjoyable JRPG thus proving that the genre isn't going anywhere. If you're not too disheartened by the lack of the slower-paced turn-based battle system and the monster collecting that was featured in the original then you'll have a ton of fun building your very own kingdom and traversing the stunning world of Ni no Kuni II.

Hitman 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by adding 6 new beautiful locations and some smaller additions and improvements. On the downside, it lacks any sort of multiplayer mode. Regardless, it's a must-buy for any fan of the series.

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.

Playing Thank Goodness You're Here! made me laugh so many times throughout its oddball adventure that I easily recommend playing it.

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.

Being able to play Valkyria Chronicles on-the-go is such a treat and the overall experience holds up beautifully a decade after its debut. If you still haven't played this SRPG classic then you should definitely give it a try.

Rolling Gunner features classic arcade shoot 'em up gameplay that's as tight and challenging as its visuals are flashy.

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.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a supremely fun one-on-many fighting experience with familiar grand scale battles combining with freshly challenging elements that can really put your skills and reflexes to the test and it works wonderfully on Nintendo Switch 2.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon is a massive game with oodles of familiar and fresh characters, locales, mechanics, and quests. It can actually be a bit too much at times yet it all comes together to form one of the best-crafted modern RPGs.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is one of the best roguelikes thanks to its action-packed combat, strategic upgrades, huge variety of characters, superb animation, and constant sense of reward. If you love 2D action games then you'll have a wonderful time with this impressive package.

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.

Gears 5 is the best Gears of War game so far as it features one thrilling campaign and plenty of exciting online multiplayer modes. In fact, it's so much fun that I highly recommend playing it if you're not already a Gears fan so you can see what the series is capable of.

Agent 47 is still killing it and he now has more ways to look stylish with three exclusive Definitive Edition outfits. However, if you already own the Game of the Year version then there really isn't much new to see here.

If you enjoy quirky indie games as much as I do then you'll have an absolute blast while mastering every zany level in What the Golf.

Dark Souls is one of the greatest video games of all time and my personal favourite Soulsborne game to date. Thankfully, this Remastered version helps make it even better; if only in an arguably marginal way.

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.

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.

Blasphemous 2 is a streamlined sequel that any genre fan can enjoy, especially with its creepy cast of characters and superb bosses.

Gears of War 4 is an impressive return to form.

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.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is one of the best games of the year. From its clever gameplay concoction to its gorgeous presentation, excellent sense of humour, and rewarding character abilities; this is one outstanding seafaring adventure.

As a fan of the Yakuza series, I had a good time with Like a Dragon but it could definitely use a lot of fine-tuning if there's ever another RPG-style sequel. Overall, I'm happy that it exists but I was hoping its combat would have been much better executed.

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.

I'm stoked that Mushihimesama is at long last available on console in the west as it's one hell of a great shoot 'em up. Here's hoping this means that the superior sequel Mushihimesama Futari will be on its way to Switch in the near future.

Another classic Mario RPG has made its way to 3DS in this remake of Bowser's Inside Story. The updated graphics and enjoyable Bowser Jr.'s Journey wonderfully complement a title that was already packed full of fun gameplay variety and hilarious absurdity.

If you're in the mood for nonogram fun with adorably rewarding unlockables after every puzzle then play Squeakross: Home Squeak Home.

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.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is one of the best JRPGs ever made and this Thors Academy Edition is a wonderful treat for fans of the franchise so if you enjoy adventuring with Rean then you'll treasure this very special package.

Overall, The Lost Legacy doesn't bring anything new to the Uncharted series but if you're curious about what these less-discussed characters from the franchise get up to when Nathan isn't around and you're happy with more of the same gameplay and scenery then you'll definitely want to check out Chloe and Nadine's adventure.

Wargroove definitely took a while to grow on me since it starts so slow but once it did, I was very happy with what is has to offer.

Two Point Hospital is a solid and thoroughly engaging simulation game that plays beautifully on console. If it steered more away from random difficulty and repetitive challenges and didn't have so many strange glitches, I'd say it's a must-play game.

After all is said and done, there's no denying that SoulCalibur VI's core gameplay is solid while offering some fresh mechanics. However, even though it's been years in the making, it feels like it could have used a couple more.

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.

I loved my time with Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream as it's one cleverly rewarding stealth game. With its puzzle-like scenarios and immersive atmosphere and premise, you'll love every second of playtime and think fondly back on it for years to come.

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is a substantial step-up from the previous game and it's bursting with so many zany mechanics and party customisation options that it'll make your head spin. Trying to master some of the missions will still give you a headache, though.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a great start to a brand new arc with its elements ranging from expected to impressively fresh and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

GRADIUS ORIGINS is a must-have collection for any shoot 'em up fan; heck, the super-fun SALAMANDER III makes it worth the price of admission alone and when you consider just how many extras and options are packed in, you'd be silly not to get it.

BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster makes for a great excuse to re-play one of the best RPGs out there which takes job systems to a whole other level and delivers a top-tier battle system that's complemented with superbly attractive visuals.

With tight gameplay and flashy visuals, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is certainly a capable shmup. That being said, fans of the genre will desire a lot more variety, especially considering the fact that it doesn't bring anything new to the table.

As a fan of retro games and documentaries, The Making of Karateka really hit a sweet spot that I don't think any other game has before.

You don't often see hidden object games incorporate as many elements as Hidden in my Paradise does and it comes together beautifully.

Slowly unpacking the elaborate game world of Botany Manor provides a super-rewarding puzzle-infused adventure that's delightfully chill.

Atari 50: THE NAMCO LEGENDARY PACK is one of the best retro expansions out there with its historical value and selection of console ports.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a classic puzzle detective game from the makers of the Phoenix Wright series and it's absolutely packed with humour, satisfying puzzles, and colourful characters that you'll get to know well throughout its complex supernatural story.

It may be cute and simple but Fantasy Zone remains one of the most enjoyable shoot 'em ups with its distinctly rewarding gameplay.

DRAINUS is a top-notch shoot 'em up thanks to its clever combo of bullet-absorbing fun and satisfying upgrade deployment. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys some good old-fashioned arcade shooting action with a couple of modern twists.

Despite its inferior controls, Lara Croft GO on PlayStation is still a very pleasant experience. The graphics are colourful and appealing, the soundtrack is minimalist and relaxing, and the whole thing's addictive enough to make you want to keep plugging away at its tougher stages until you beat them. Overall, it's a good feeling to be puzzle-solving in Tomb Raider again.

Jusant is a gentle game that'll have you happily climb up its awe-inspiring world and once it's over, you'll think fondly back at the journey.

Even though Ape Out is undeniably a top-notch production with its graphics and sound, its gameplay is disappointingly short-lived, especially after the novelty of it all starts to subside.

I wasn't disappointed by this latest installment in the Hitman franchise. Its awesome graphics, varied gameplay, and tons of content will impress. However, the terrible (and sometimes offensive) writing, confusing menus, and inconsistent AI took me out of the experience enough to warrant a less than stellar score than it would otherwise deserve.

Blazing Star is a solid classic shmup that doesn't quite stand out in such crowded genre. That being said, the amount of fun to be had with its selection of ships in the gorgeously-presented world more than makes up for its shortcomings.

Out Run fans will appreciate this Sega Ages release of the arcade classic but newcomers may be perplexed as to how such a simple and repetitive game is so highly regarded. Either way, there's no denying that this is a great package with many cool new features.

Heroes of Hammerwatch completely exceeded my expectations and this Ultimate Edition is one of my favourite indies of the year so far.

Control is truly unforgettable with loads of ways to play, terrific acting, lots to explore, satisfying gunplay and abilities, and a spectacular world and story to experience. I can't wait to dive back in with the couple of DLC packs already planned.

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.

Is This Seat Taken? proves that making accommodations for folks isn't asking much at all; if only people in real life would understand that.

I haven't played a Metroidvania as immersive and rewarding as Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights in a long time; it's great stuff.

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.

World of Goo was a phenomenally distinct puzzler when it first debuted and it remains worthwhile nearly a decade after its initial release. If you've never played it before then you owe it to yourself to download it on your brand new Switch.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a great modern interpretation of 2D ninja action and although it can range from tedious to frustrating at times, the core of the experience remains exciting, tight, and action-packed.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a great tactical stealth game that has not only held up wonderfully on its own, this new Nintendo Switch 2 release is the definitive way to play it on console so definitely get it if you enjoy challenging strategic gameplay.

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.

Out of all of the retro-style indie games that I've played, Fear the Spotlight is one of the most impressive and I hope to play a sequel.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night carries on the tradition of classic Igavania games in a masterful way. As a long-time fan of the genre, I personally can't wait for additional DLC as well as the inevitable sequel.

Undoubtedly, Ghost of Tsushima is the greatest game of the generation. With perfect storytelling, supremely satisfying combat, and an astounding world that's packed with content and gorgeous sights, it raises the bar for open world games.

The Yakuza Remastered Collection finally makes being able to enjoy every Yakuza game on PS4 possible and that's fantastic. Although the games generally don't hold up as well as others in the series, they're all still memorable story-driven sandbox experiences.

Astro's Playroom is perhaps the best pre-installed console launch game that I've ever played. In fact, it's so good that it provides even more incentive to get your hands on a PlayStation 5.

Guacamelee! 2 sticks closely to the core formula that made the original a massive success. While it isn't quite as memorable or groundbreaking as its predecessor, it still makes for an excellent and visually stunning adventure.

It would be a mistake to dismiss Persona 5 Strikers as a mere spin-off. Although the battle system is definitely different to a typical Persona game, Strikers delivers an experience that fans of the series will love; perhaps even more than Persona 5 itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Alters, especially thanks to its blend of gameplay styles and variety of mysteries throughout. If you relate to the protagonist then it'll be a much better experience for you but keep in mind that not everyone will.

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.

Whether you're a fan of the original or merely kart racers in general, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will surely amaze you with its satisfying gameplay and stunning visuals. That being said, this old beaut could definitely use a slight tune-up.

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?

Puyo Puyo Tetris mixes two classic puzzle formulas into one seamless experience that'll keep you hooked. Although it's far from the complete package, what's here will surely keep any puzzler fan entertained for hours.

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.

Although most of the games in Operation Night Strikers are quite basic, they're still a great deal of fun to play, especially if you have nostalgia for classic arcade light gun games. With its wealth of control options, I don't think you could ask for a better implemented collection.

I can see most Metroidvania fans loving what ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist has in store, especially if you enjoyed its predecessor.

As one of the most underrated games from its generation, NieR can now find a new audience who are sure to appreciate its jaw-dropping story, pitch-perfect tone, and super-rewarding boss fights.

Wave 3 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass is filled with superb tracks that are great fun to race on. It's wonderful to see the level of quality remain unwavering with the release of these 2 cups; plus, Merry Mountain will surely get you in the Christmas spirit.

Masterpiece.

Splatoon 2 is bursting at the seams with enjoyable ink-splattering fun both in its gameplay and presentation. With loads of ways to play and tons of rewarding goodies to discover, Splatoon 2 is clearly the next must-have Switch game.