Starlit Adventures Golden Stars provides oodles of enjoyable puzzle platforming content within its cheerfully adorable world.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a hilarious game with a ton of variety in its world and a clever new puzzle-based battle system. There's so much fun to be had that if you don't already own a Switch, this will act as a fantastic reason to go out and get one.

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.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete retains the classic's gameplay while offering plenty of fantastic twists and turns. However, that core gameplay simply doesn't cut the mustard like it did a few years ago.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is a worthy successor to the original and I'm very happy that Inti Creates and Koji Igarashi decided to make this sequel. With a cool co-op mode and a wonderful new cast of playable characters, it's one fun retro-inspired game.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a faithful remake of its previous iterations. However, there's simply too much missing when it comes to story and gameplay which holds it back from being a must-have game in the series.

Mafia III may still have a ridiculous amount of glitches yet its plot is fantastically gripping from start to finish. So, if you enjoy character-driven stories set in open worlds then you'll be impressed with what it has to offer.

CrossCode is one of the best indie games out there. Its blend of old-school and contemporary gameplay elements is phenomenal and the wonderful cast of characters and distinct story are the icing on the cake. I highly recommend it.

Alphadia Genesis is an old-school story-driven RPG through and through so if that's your cup of tea then you'll thoroughly enjoy what it has to offer. Plus, its charming cast of characters are sure to delight from start to finish.

Evan's Remains may be a simple puzzle platformer but it's one that requires a lot of careful planning to master its clever stages.

Not everyone will love Depth of Extinction's open-ended campaign as much as I did but it's a top-notch SRPG no matter how you slice it.

If you have an affinity for trippy abstract game worlds then the challenging puzzle-like Infini will definitely keep you hooked.

If you haven't played Ruiner yet then getting it on Switch is a must, especially if you enjoy dark, gritty, and action-packed indie games.

It may take a while to learn how to play West of Dead effectively but the journey is ultimately rewarding and a ton of gunslinging fun.

Marvel's Iron Man VR provides some of the most enjoyable action-packed missions ever available in a virtual reality game. You may have to lollygag around for a while before being able to actually play these missions but they're definitely worth the wait.

It may not have long-lasting appeal but Timberman VS certainly provides plenty of frantic multiplayer fun for the time that it lasts.

If you want to play a simple and enjoyable competitive multiplayer version of Threes! then 2048 Battles is certainly worth checking out.

Every match of Doggie Ninja The Golden Mission offers an exciting push-and-pull and it's best enjoyed with a couch full of 4 chums.

It may not look like much on the surface but Quest for the Golden Duck is an impressively challenging and rewarding take on Pac-Man.

There are many games that feature intentionally silly physics but few are as enjoyable as the wacky and delightful Goonya Fighter.

Destrobots is a simple and fun arena shooter where you can compete or cooperate with up to 4 local players which is pretty cool.

Although it advertises intuitive gameplay, learning how to play Super Soccer Blast effectively will require a lot of practice and patience.

Playing F-117A Stealth Fighter is like eating a bag of rock salt. Although they make ice cream with it, it's hard to stomach on its own.

If you're looking for a simple and laidback vertical shooting experience then you can definitely have some fun with Bridge Strike.

It's definitely a solid fast-paced arcade shooter but Hyper Sentinel also tends to devolve into a needlessly frustrating experience.

If you played first-person shooters in the early '90s then you'll love what Project Warlock offers with its fantastical spin on the genre.

The TakeOver offers classic beat 'em up action that you can enjoy with a pal yet it doesn't do much unique with its gameplay.

Even though Pity Pit feels like an authentic retro game, its fun factor only lasts so long as you try to top your previous efforts.

I'm very happy that a game as cool as Ultracore didn't suffer the fate of being cancelled forever as playing it is a fantastic treat.

Urban Trial Tricky takes the gameplay of its predecessors and adapts it wonderfully to a trick-oriented formula. If you're the kind of gamer who enjoys trying to perfect their score as you perform all sorts of cool tricks then I recommend checking it out.

Very few games have made me laugh as much as Holy Potatoes! What the Hell?! Not only is it downright hilarious, it's also one of the most involving, complex, and enjoyable management games that I've ever played.

Mr. Driller Drill Land is the best game in the series and one of my favourite Switch games in recent memory. If you enjoy action-packed arcade fun with plenty of cheerful humour, you'll thoroughly dig this.

It's hard to believe that a sequel to a game from 1998 released so much later but it was worth the wait. Brigandine The Legend of Runersia is an excellent strategic experience that will blow SRPG fans' minds with its immersive level of depth.

Although the Gaplus demake isn't as cool as the 8-bit version of Pac-Man Championship Edition, the other 10 games are what make Namco Museum Archives Vol 2 a slightly superior product. I've never seen a niftier treasure trove of NES hidden gems.

Mafia II tells one of the best character-driven stories in all of gaming and it does so in a masterful way. Its gameplay may not deviate from genre norms yet it remains a wholly immersive and gripping tale that you'll want to see through to its jaw-dropping end.

With few summer Switch games this year, The Isle of Armor is a breath of fresh air and its vibe will make you feel like you're on vacation. Plus, exploring the beautiful island while catching new Pokemon has definitely made me re-experience some of Pokemon Sword's magic.

If you're a fan of point and click adventure games with plenty of humour then you need to play Edna & Harvey: The Breakout - Anniversary Edition. Just ensure that you're ready to frequently refer to a guide and witness some truly awkward animations.

Whether you played SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom back in the day or not, there's no denying that this Rehydrated version is something special. Overall, it's a classic 3D platformer that feels fresh and fun in today's gaming scene.

If you have a dark sense of humour then you'll enjoy your time with Little Misfortune's brief and unique campaign. Just don't expect to enjoy any sort of gameplay because aside from the odd interaction, there really isn't anything to do besides watch and laugh.

Skelattack boasts one of the most unique premises and stories that I've had the pleasure of experiencing in a long time. If it featured tighter controls and better balancing when it came to its platforming challenges then it would be a must-play Metroidvania.

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

Namco Museum Archives Vol 1 is a solid collection of NES gems. From faithful arcade-at-home ports to a couple of delightful out of the ordinary inclusions, you're bound to have a blast playing through these 8-bit classics.

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.

Darius Cozmic Collection Console includes a handful of solid classic 16-bit shoot 'em ups. Although they're not as enjoyable as their arcade counterparts, you surely can't deny that there's a lot of fun to be had shooting up all sorts of space sea creatures here.

When it comes to Metroidvanias, Outbuddies DX offers a unique and retro-feeling adventure. However, it could still use quite a lot of fine-tuning with its controls, visuals, and guidance to make it truly stand out as a must-have experience.

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

Rigid Force Redux is simply one of the best shoot 'em ups that I have played in years. If you're a fan of arcade shooters then you need to play this. The amalgamation of game mechanics is phenomenal and its sights and sounds are top-notch, too.

Summer in Mara is a super-fun and colourful adventure with a ton of content that you can enjoy for many hours. Anyone who's a fan of these kinds of games will feel right at home with Koa and her chums so here's hoping this gem gets the attention that it deserves.

While the end credits rolled, I felt hopeful, inspired, and downright delighted. I can't wait to play through it again. With that being said; there's no denying that what Epic Dumpster Bear 2 accomplishes with its visuals, mood, and gameplay is nothing short of meh.

Ultimately, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is a decent expansion. It has a solid story and the additional characters are a welcome addition but none of it is as good as the base game. In the end, Aftermath just might be asking a little too much from fans.

While the end credits rolled, I felt hollow, hopeless, frustrated, and downright disgusted. I'll never play through it again. With that being said; there's no denying that what The Last of Us Part II accomplishes with its visuals, mood, and gameplay is nothing short of amazing.

Disintegration provides some of the best multiplayer action that I've ever played. At the same time, its single player campaign can be downright tedious and frustrating so I can only recommend it to those who enjoy competing online.

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.

Over a decade later, Borderlands still offers righteous good times. The fact that you can now play it portably is just awesome so clear some space on your SD card and get ready to shoot some Midget Psychos in the head.

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.

Moonlighter: Between Dimensions offers solid value. The Wanderer Dungeon took me 10 to 15 hours and Moonlighter is still a pretty good dungeon crawler that I appreciate for its graphics, music, and bosses. However, be wary of its more repetitive aspects.

Ultimately, Maneater is a passable distraction. It features a decent bit of fun with a surprisingly heartfelt plot but that's about it. With long gaps between major releases in this part of the year, Maneater will provide some entertainment for those looking to fill the void.

In the end, Many Faces: Console Edition is a solid game to pick up and play whenever you want a quick arcade shooting fix.

I wasn't expecting it to be as enjoyable as it is so if you're looking for a new local multiplayer game, give Aqua Lungers a try.

It may not be the most refined fighter but Synaptic Drive's highly configurable mechanics and retro aesthetic make it worth playing.

Although it has a clever premise and features nifty abstract scenarios, Those Who Remain is little more than an annoying adventure.

The combination of genres in Atomicrops is nothing short of clever and its gameplay lends itself well to making it a stand-out indie.

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.

I've never played a similar game that features such a mode and it's simply awesome to experience a remixed campaign in a roguelike structure as you level up and play as efficiently as possible.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is sure to provide hours of entertainment whether you prefer playing solo, online, or with local chums. Seeing as it's bursting with tons of enjoyable games, this is one must-have collection.

Even though Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is still the gold standard for the franchise, I enjoyed my time with Shantae and the Seven Sirens a great deal. Here's hoping the next adventure captures more of that classic half-genie magic.

Missile Command: Recharged is a cool little survival-based adaptation of the classic arcade game. Long-time fans such as myself may be disappointed by the lack of stages and strategic scoring but what's here still offers some simple fun.

As far as classic shmups go, Thunder Force AC is one of the best and the opportunity to play it on a modern console is a treat.

Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the greatest video games ever created and this Definitive Edition manages to make it even better. Plus, the lovely bonus chapter acts as a delightful cherry on top.

It may not be as challenging as Trials but Gravity Rider Zero's cool futuristic setting makes for one distinctly enjoyable 2D racer.

Playing Robot Squad Simulator X is a lot like watching a robot fail video although it manages to be far less entertaining.

Star Horizon is a basic rail shooter that looks fantastic for a Switch indie so it's sure to provide some entertainment for genre fans.

If you're a fan of flying games then participating in Red Wings: Aces of the Sky's dogfights will surely keep you happy for a while.

If it featured a variety of vehicles and more tracks, Formula Retro Racing would be a fantastic game for fans of early '90s racers.

As far as old-school racers go, Horizon Chase Turbo is one of the best and now is a great time to check it out with its cool new update.

EMMA: Lost in Memories may just be the most frustrating game that I played so far this year. With its clumsy controls and overly unforgiving stages that require many attempts to merely complete, I can't recommend this to anyone but masochists.

Myths of Orion: Light from the North takes a somewhat fantastical approach with its otherwise standard adventure game formula to create a memorable and magical adventure that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys retro-inspired point and click tales.

Spirit of the North may have been a noteworthy game if it released a decade prior but it's far too uninspired in today's gaming market.

Its challenges may be tough to overcome yet Demon's Tier+ offers a fleshed out game world that's awesome to watch unfold.

If you love cute 2D platformers and have a soft spot for inventory-based puzzles then Potata: Fairy Flower is a must-play indie title.

Traversing Indivisible's beautiful world as you recruit an army of quirky characters makes for one delightful and memorable adventure.

Prelude to the Fallen is a solid introduction to the Utawarerumono universe so if simple SRPG battles and visual novels appeal to you then this is one game that you'll definitely want to play.

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

If you love playing online co-op games then Deep Rock Galactic will knock your little dwarf socks off with its rewarding gameplay loop, variety of fun gadgets, and satisfying sense of comradery. Rock and Stone!

Golf With Your Friends presents promising mini-golf fun with its variety of courses and modes but unfortunately, the fun to be had is hampered by overly simplistic core gameplay and some head-scratching glitches.

With so many memorable 2D fighters released in the early '90s, why anyone would prefer playing Fighter's History is beyond me.

Joe and Mac Returns will clonk you over the head and win you over with its charming visuals, highly enjoyable gameplay, and cheeky sense of humour. It's a shame that more gamers aren't aware of this delightful arcade sequel.

It may not be the best retro shoot 'em up but Super Real Darwin's nifty power-up system surely makes it a solid arcade gem.

Although it doesn't deviate much from a stereotypical overhead run 'n' gun, Heavy Barrel is a solid cooperative arcade shooter.

If you love beat 'em ups then you need to play Night Slashers as it accomplishes everything exceptionally well and holds up beautifully.

Break Thru's frustrating gameplay and awkward jumping mechanic make for one irritating retro formula that simply isn't all that fun.

Joe and Mac may not be as famous as Master Higgins but their debut game Caveman Ninja remains a worthy relic from the Stone Age.

There may not be many retro James Bond games but Sly Spy certainly does a decent job of filling 007's shoes.

As a novelty, Bad Dudes is sure to scratch some sort of nostalgic itch but it wasn't a good game back in '88 and it sure isn't now.

From its goofy retro fantasy setting to its unique magic system; Gate Of Doom is a solid arcade gem that's worth checking out.

Dark Burial's clever use of its multi-purpose crossbow will have you carefully traversing its grueling world which is quite a fun thing to do.

Totes the Goat is a simple clone of Q*bert but one that has its own charms and more importantly, is much less frustrating.

As one of the simplest games that I've ever played, Ping Redux is surprisingly enjoyable; that is, when it's not being too finicky.