There's no denying that 88 Heroes is an innovative and ultimately enjoyable take on 2D platforming. However, its fun factor relies almost entirely on your willingness to persevere through its often infuriating campaign setup so make sure you have a spare controller.

As far as indie 2D platformers go, Super Onion Boy 2 is certainly one of the better ones with its simple yet varied gameplay and adorable game world. If it were less linear and included a run button, I'd consider it to be an excellent game.

When it comes to accessible 2D fighting, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] is a worthwhile game that's sure to provide hours of enjoyable combat. Just don't expect any big surprises if you already played the original game.

I enjoyed my time with A Good Snowman is Hard to Build despite its brevity and the fact that I got stuck quite regularly. It's bursting with so much charm and lovely aesthetics that you'll roll snowballs with a smile on your face for as long as it lasts.

XIII is a linear first-person shooter with a neat graphical style that offers simple fun akin to a game that belongs in an arcade. However, FPS veterans may be put off due to its linearity and general lack of depth.

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.

Leap of Fate is a solid twin-stick roguelike that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Although it has its issues, the addictive nature of seeing what the cards will deal next definitely makes it a game worth checking out.

Just like in the classics, Carmen Sandiego hides its educational qualities behind an entertaining gameplay formula that folks of all ages can enjoy and who knows? Maybe you'll learn something while you capture VILE members through your globe-trotting adventures.

First and foremost, Calamity Angels: Special Delivery is a comedy game and it delivers (sorry) on that foundation exceptionally well as it'll constantly make you laugh out loud if you don't take it too seriously. Even though it gets repetitive, you'll still make plenty of memories.

I wasn't expecting to have as much fun with The Sisters - Party of the Year as I did. Its varied collection of mini-games is impressively enjoyable and when you consider that there's a whole single-player component, you're looking at one jam-packed party game.

If you're a fan of Persona or RPGs in general, you'll definitely have some fun with Persona 3 Reload but don't expect it to reach the heights of the latest game in the series.

If you sincerely appreciate masterful visuals, pitch-perfect audio, and visceral story-telling then Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is about as perfect of a game as you can get. However, those looking for substance gameplay-wise will wish there was much more to it.

Kemono Heroes made me reminisce of trying to finish challenging Super NES games cooperatively with friends. In other words, it's an authentically retro experience that's sure to entertain a couch full of chums and you can't go wrong with that.

Dragon Marked for Death's action-packed gameplay is phenomenal and its missions are huge and rewarding to master. However, the lack of a dodge button and the fact that many missions are rage-inducing make it a tough game to thoroughly enjoy.

Air Race Speed is a worthwhile portable racer that'll get your hands sweating with its lightning-fast gameplay. It has its problems yet its addictive nature and impressive replay value may have you hooked until you become an ace pilot.

Claybook deserves a lot of credit for being as unique and enjoyable as it is. Even though it doesn't quite feel like a fully fleshed out experience yet, I hope to see a sequel that really runs with its clever concepts.

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.

If you're looking for a simple SRPG that you can sink a ton of time into then Rainbow Skies is a must-buy game. On the other hand, those who want something more immediately gratifying should probably look elsewhere.

3D platformers don't get much more generic than Super Lucky's Tale. That being said, if you're looking to go on a relaxing adventure in an adorable world then you'll find a solid and ultimately enjoyable platformer here.

You really can't go wrong with playing Tannenberg, especially if you just want a quick online shooting fix after a hard day's work. The authenticity factor is fantastic and the constant push-and-pull of its Maneuver mode will keep you thoroughly engaged.

Although Puzzle Bobble 2 is definitely a step up from the barebones original, it isn't much of an improvement. Obviously, that doesn't mean that it isn't fun because it surely is, especially if you have a local chum to enjoy it with.

I enjoyed Neonwall much more than I thought I would. If you have PlayStation VR and you're looking for a unique and challenging game then you could do a lot worse than this delightful offering.

Although I enjoyed my time with Code Vein, it could definitely use some work to live up to its genre contemporaries. With that said, if you're a fan of action RPGs then you'll find a lot to sink your vampiric teeth into here.

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.

If you're looking for a relaxing and cute experience where you can watch a world evolve in front of you then Happy Birthdays is definitely a game to add to your want list. Just make sure that you're ready to deal with its frustrating aspects before giving it a go.

If the idea of a VR construction-based puzzler appeals to you then Fantastic Contraption is a must-play game. Just make sure you bring along plenty of patience because this farting cat may get on your nerves from time to time.

Songbringer's core gameplay is enjoyable and the variety of weapons and items means that you're always unlocking something fresh and getting to experiment with new things. However, it's doubtful that the procedural generation will add a ton to the experience and the sloppy pixelated visuals frequently detract from the otherwise satisfying adventure.

I loved my time with Wall Town Wonders thanks to its awesome cast of characters, adorable premise, and variety of fun mini-games. However, its glitches and unrefined aspects unfortunately make the overall experience less enjoyable.

As a roguelike follow-up to a pretty fun twin-stick shooter from a couple years back, Tesla Force incorporates plenty of interesting mechanics and systems that help make its frantic shooting action feel fresh and exciting.

Reverie's New Zealand influences make it unique and its visuals ooze with charm. However, the combat isn't quite as endearing. Also, the end-game puzzles prove that Rainbite knows how to craft quality brain-teasers but I wish they started to pop up much earlier.

Patapon 2 is an often overlooked classic that you should definitely play if you haven't already. With that said, it doesn't quite feel modernized or remastered enough in this iteration yet it still manages to be packed full of charm and challenge.

If you value exploration in your Soulslikes more than any other aspect then you'll absolutely love the intricate and rewarding stage designs in AI LIMIT. However, if you want brutal and visceral combat then you should look elsewhere.

Those who enjoy card games like Poker and Rummy will have a fun time with Just Deal With It! Overall, it's an enjoyable and lively compilation of card games but the restrictive options make it eventually feel a bit flat.

The Swords of Ditto is filled with highs and lows. On the plus side, the visuals are top-notch and reminiscent of a children's cartoon, enemy variety keeps the combat feeling fresh, and well-crafted secrets give you lots of reasons to explore. However, the structure and experience system never fully clicked with me and annoying design choices really detract from its overall appeal.

Rooftop Renegade is a supremely fun indie game that'll have you zipping over roofs faster than Santa on Christmas Eve. I dig it.

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.

Playing a shoot 'em up in VR made me realise how much potential classic arcade formulas have for the platform. 1976 - Back to midway may not feature the most robust gameplay but it's still a heck of a lot of fun so give it a go if you dig shmups and have PlayStation VR.

Cladun X3 is a super-customisable action RPG that boasts plenty of small dungeons and intuitive combat. The need to grind and micromanage everything can be a bit much but the lively spirit of it all is still sure to make you smile as you play.

I had an entertaining time with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. If you plan on playing it cooperatively then you'll have a blast but either way, its repetition will sink in eventually so keep that in mind before entering the sewers.

Even though Nickelodeon Kart Racers may appear to be another cartoon cash-in, it actually offers solid racing gameplay as well as plenty of fun tracks, power-ups, and customizable karts that the entire family can enjoy together.

Those who enjoy quirky fun puzzle games will surely appreciate what City Builder has to offer. It may not be the most polished puzzler ever made but what's here is still a fantastic blend of Pipe Mania gameplay and city construction.

Greak: Memories of Azur is one of the most beautiful games out there with its captivating visuals and immersive audio. However, its gameplay is riddled with issues such as vague progression clues and clunky combat which make the experience frequently frustrating.

Shu is a memorable and charming little 2D adventure that features varied gameplay and plenty of replay value. It may occasionally be irritating but the amount of challenging fun to be had surely makes it worthwhile if you're a fan of the genre.

It definitely doesn't give a good first impression but as you progress in Ben 10: Power Trip, you'll be impressed by its wide variety of abilities that make playing it a blast. I recommend it to Ben 10 fans and 3D platformer enthusiasts alike.

Boom Ball 3 for Kinect is an ultimately familiar experience but it's still a ton of fun, especially with a pal by your side. In the end, it may be nearing the end of 2017 yet the Kinect remains a surprisingly enjoyable little contraption.

If you're thirsty for more Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity then Pulse of the Ancients certainly has enough content for you to enjoy. Plus, the new character and weapon types are definitely cool but I wish that the actual missions had more substance.

Disney Tsum Tsum Festival is a wonderful party game. Whether you're looking to entertain the kids or simply want a lighthearted game to play with friends, you're bound to have a ton of adorable fun with this mini-game collection.

If Darksiders III spent a bit longer in development then it would have been almost on par with the previous games in the series. Its action is intense and the characters are phenomenal but the amount of glitches is definitely hard to ignore.

Double Cross features superb and challenging 2D platforming with an awesome upgrade system that relies on finding collectibles. That being said, its combat is quite tedious and uninteresting which makes gameplay sometimes feel like a chore.

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.

In time, you'll come to recognize situations where you should slow down but these unexpected deaths and frustrations will never fully disappear. Whenever they happened, I usually took a few deep breaths or even a short break, but I found myself regularly coming back in hopes of learning from my past experiences to become an even better explorer, looter, and fighter.

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.

Shmup Collection contains 3 modern shmups that, for the most part, are rewarding and challenging interpretations of the iconic genre. So, if you're a shoot 'em up fan then adding these gems to your collection should be an easy decision.

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.

There certainly isn't much variety in SteamWorld Dig. Whereas the sequel is full of awesome things to see and do, this debut title feels flat in comparison. All you do is mine and dig over and over again. There are puzzle rooms that reward you with bonuses once you figure them out and secret areas to uncover but there's not nearly enough to make up for the simple core gameplay.

DC's Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is a silly lighthearted game that's intuitive for kids, hilarious for folks of all ages, and fairly fun to boot. Just make sure you don't get it for its multiplayer mode because you'll likely be disappointed with what it has to offer.

I enjoyed my time with Skies of Fury DX and will pick it up whenever I'm in the mood for some arcade-style dogfight action. In the end, I'm looking forward to seeing what the developers come up with next.

DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate is a mostly fun investigative VR adventure that sets the stage for hopefully more games in the genre. Physically standing inside a crime scene and finding clues is surprisingly thrilling but I just wish it had a more interesting world to explore.

Infernax is an authentic retro experience and for that, I commend it. However, it could have gone from good to great if more work went into fleshing out its game world, tweaking its stiff controls, and ironing out its severe technical issues.

Gale of Windoria is an RPG that's bursting with clever innovations while also featuring some disappointing aspects that sometimes make it a chore to play. I'd love to see a finer-tuned iteration, especially if the impressively strategic Quartz system remains untouched.

Dimension Drive is a tough-as-nails shoot 'em up with a very cool shift mechanic. If that statement sounds appealing to you then I highly advise giving it a download as you surely won't be disappointed.

As a more traditional 2D fighter, Touhou Hyouibana: Antinomy of Common Flowers will scratch your itch for 1-on-1 combat and it features a lovely presentation as well. However, the lack of content and instructions is surely a tough pill to swallow.

I had a ton of fun with Forager for the first 10 hours or so but once I got to the point when the pacing becomes tedious, that fun quickly came to a halt. Nevertheless, I would still recommend Forager to fans of similar games.

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.

Taito Milestones 3 offers a solid collection of games; many of which are so full of muscular man meat that you could almost smell it.

The way that The Medium brings trauma to life in various ways is awe-inspiring. At the same time, it's not all that good of a video game.

Graceful Explosion Machine boasts exciting and frantic shooting action, colorful visuals, and a well implemented combo scoring system. However, it's dragged down somewhat by a lack of creative level design and too many things happening onscreen at once. That being said, it's still a generally refined and overall enjoyable shooter.

Despite its adorableness, BUBBLE BOBBLE Sugar Dungeons is one of the toughest games that you'll ever play; think Spelunker but even more unforgiving. However, if you're willing to stick to it, you'll end up having a great time mastering its oodles of content.

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles delivers an imaginative and colourful atmosphere that's contained within its own unique fantasy land. It's great fun to explore, learn skills, complete quests, and befriend the residents and the local wildlife. I only wish there was a clearer sense of direction and the ability to traverse this wondrous land more efficiently.

Irem Collection Volume 1 is a compilation of shoot 'em ups that any genre fan will happily add to their library. If you want to experience some history of the genre then check it out but just don't expect any supplementary content as that's where this package falls flat.

Gigantic is a heck of a lot of fun and has one of the most unique premises and impressive casts of characters that I've ever seen in the genre. You may not play it for hours at a time but it's definitely worth booting up whenever you want some crazy online action.

Picross S Genesis & Master System Edition is a solid offering with a welcome layer of nostalgia. However, the amount of missed opportunities is hard to overlook, especially weighing the fact that there are far superior unofficial Picross titles for Switch.

I had a good time with Q.U.B.E. 2, especially during the final couple hours of gameplay. Although the unappealing storyline and lack of additional content are substantial drawbacks, the core puzzle-solving experience is still quite a joy to play.

If you're a fan of Utawarerumono and like the idea of a Dynasty Warriors spin-off then you're sure to love what ZAN has to offer. Between the rewarding gameplay and the vast amount of content to work through, there's a lot to enjoy.

If you're looking for yet another game to add to your multiplayer playlist then Super Hiking League DX is definitely one to get. With its cute retro aesthetic, tight gameplay, and surprisingly tense matches, you and a chum will have a lovely time ascending to victory.

Jydge is another entry in 10tons line of competent twin-stick shooters. The robust upgrade system and loadout options are its best features but the campaign is dragged down a bit by a lack of unique levels and being forced to replay them multiple times.

Disco Dodgeball Remix may look like a goofy multiplayer sports game and it is. However, the amount of fun to be had is impressive so here's hoping that it attracts enough online players to make it a worthwhile download.

If you like going deep into the lore of the Dungeons and Dragons multiverse then I can't think of a better game for you. However, if you're looking for fun gameplay, it's better to look elsewhere because Planescape Torment isn't a fun game; it's an immersive one and it tries to tell a story that's utterly depressing but in the end, we read it because we care about the mysterious nameless one.

Garfield Lasagna Party is an overall fun party game with an impressive collection of entertaining mini-games. Of course, there are some clunkers in the mix but if you can avoid those, you and your feline friends will certainly have a yummy feast of multiplayer treats.

The Jackbox Party Pack 9 is one of the better entries in the annual series although it still doesn't manage to reach the heights of the first installment. Perhaps we'll see a day when Jackbox Games will capture lightning in a bottle like that again; I sure hope we do.

If you're looking for an immersive story in a captivating world then Lost Sphear is certainly an RPG to add to your collection. Just keep in mind that experiencing that story will involve frequent tedium. Plus, its gameplay systems can quite frankly feel like a mess.

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.

There are definitely more interesting 2D platformers on the market but that doesn't mean Runner2 is a bad choice for fans of the genre to check out either; particularly, if you like having your reaction speed challenged.

I had a solid time with Koumajou Remilia II: Stranger's Requiem and it is a step-up from the first game but it doesn't really go above and beyond what you'd expect from 2D action games. It's certainly worth at least a playthrough, though, especially if you're a Touhou fan.

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.

It's not the best multiplayer 3D platformer that has you play as a cardboard box out there but Pile Up! Box by Box is still a solid game for friends who want to cooperate while enjoying an adorable and laidback puzzle-filled adventure together.

Touhou Sky Arena: Matsuri Climax is one of the most unconventional fighting games that you'll ever play. If you have the patience to thoroughly learn its ins and outs then it can be quite a satisfying fighter. Otherwise, it'll make for a frustrating time.

If you enjoy old-school arcade games as much as I do then you owe it to yourself to play the wonderful Donut Dodo. With accessible gameplay and challenging scoring mechanics as well as a genuine retro aesthetic and great music; there's a lot to munch on here.

RAD is the sort of roguelike that's enjoyable once everything starts to click but after that, repetition and frustration unfortunately rear their ugly mutated heads. It's still a fun game but one that you'll likely only pick up and play every once in a while.

Although it's short and lacks replay value, Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot is such an immersive and enjoyable experience that it's worth purchasing simply to pilot its 3 unique and powerful robots. Let's just hope Bethesda expands this gem into something more worthwhile.

If you're as much of a Konami shoot 'em up fan as I am then you'll have an enjoyable time with Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection. However, don't expect a ton of options and refinement before diving into this retro gaming compilation.

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.

Those who have been playing video games for as long as I have will adore what Tamiku has to offer. From its charming visuals to its brilliant arcade-style gameplay, I highly recommend it to any old-school arcade game enthusiast.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide feels like a '00s-era 3D platformer in many ways and its sense of variety and constant fun with impressively intricate stage designs made me quite happy. It can be glitchy and confusing, though, so keep that in mind.

Ninja Gaiden is awesome and this Master Collection includes a trilogy of intense action games that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. However, the fact that the featured games are basically ports with no extra content is kind of disappointing.

When it comes to turn-based strategy games, Regalia: Royal Edition is worthy of attention due to its unique and multifaceted mechanics. However, SRPG enthusiasts may be put off by a few counterintuitive design decisions.

Goons: Legends & Mayhem provides a lot of hockey-themed entertainment that features a superbly impressive amount of variety. It may be clunky but the overall sense of silliness and joy definitely shines through to make this indie a genuinely worthwhile funfest.

After completing Fe, I'm happy to say that it was one of the most beautiful and memorable gaming experiences that I've played in a while. At the same time, its lack of challenge and reliance on repetition occasionally made me feel worn out.