The fact that 8-bit Adventure Anthology: Volume 1 includes every ICOM Simulations game released for NES makes you wonder what titles Volume 2 will feature. In any case, I'm sure it'll be as memorable as this compilation of nostalgia-filled old-school adventures is.

If you're a fan of competitive puzzlers then ACA NeoGeo: Puzzle Bobble is a fun albeit simplistic old-school entry in the genre. Because it's the first game in the series, don't expect to see many bells and whistles after giving it a download.

Senko no Ronde 2 offers a satisfying blend of genres that results in some engaging competitive gameplay. Considering you need plenty of patience to master its complex controls, make sure you're willing to put in the necessary effort before entering the arena.

It may not live up to the Illusion titles for Sega Genesis but what's here is good stuff nonetheless as Disney Illusion Island presents a wondrous game world that can be rather enjoyable to explore. Just don't expect much variety or any sense of challenge.

Even though I'm a tad disappointed with Darksiders Genesis, there's no denying how solid of a game it is. Plus, it's fantastic that its cooperative component is handled as well as it is because playing it with a chum is definitely the way to go.

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.

NeoGeo Pocket Color Selection Vol.1 is as good as you'd expect a collection of 10 portable games from the turn of the millennium to be. Throw in a couple of hidden gems and some cool features and you're left with a decent offering from SNK.

Magical Drop III is definitely one of those puzzle games that you'll be happy to add to your collection and play it every now and again but don't expect it to keep you entertained for longer than an hour at a time.

The original Raiden is a solid shoot 'em up that's still a lot of fun but playing through it made me thankful that its sequels ironed out its more frustrating aspects. In fact, I hope to see Raiden II and Raiden Fighters release for Arcade Archives down the road.

As an interactive story, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is in a class of its own. However, as a video game, it merely provides basic puzzles and combat that both end up feeling far too repetitive and tedious.

Super Toy Cars Offroad is a delightful racer that's unexpectedly albeit impressively challenging. Even though it can be frustrating at times for various reasons, the variety of events and detailed tracks will keep you entertained for hours of miniature racing fun.

Ultros is a loopy sci-fi adventure and when I say loopy, I mean that in both senses of the word. However, I can definitely say that Ultros is an unforgettable adventure which is something few indie games manage to achieve.

Journey to Kreisia may be a basic RPG but its story and characters really shine, especially with its inclusion of a real-world protagonist and how that affects those in the fantasy realm even if some of the dialogue will make you scratch your head.

Despite its flaws, Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown is a fun and unique resource management sim. At first, I wasn't keen on the battles and the lack of voice acting leaves a lot to be desired but I eventually found myself addicted to this trek through the Delta Quadrant.

Secrets of Blackrock Manor - Escape Room is a short and enjoyable virtual rendition of the classic escape room formula. It can be quite tricky and rewarding but some aspects could be streamlined to improve the overall experience.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a decent 3D platformer that does a great job of capturing the magic of what makes the cartoon as appealing as it is. If you don't mind its lack of challenge, I'd say give it a go but just keep any pins away from Patrick, ok?

Although Horgihugh And Friends leaves a shoddy first impression, it eventually becomes quite a good shmup after sticking with it. Unfortunately, soon after it starts getting good, you'll run out of things to see and do. It's still very cute, though.

Toukiden 2 manages to stay interesting by providing a wealth of abilities that can be used in exploration and fighting. However, it doesn't do a ton to break apart from its mostly one-note formula of traversing large open lands in order to find and take down oni.

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.

Action RPGs don't get much simpler than Arc of Alchemist but that's a part of its charm. So, if you're looking for a basic and surprisingly rewarding hack and slash adventure then give it a go. Just don't expect it to feel like a current gen experience.

Although it's not the best Kunio-kun game, River City: Knights of Justice features enough crazy beat 'em up gameplay and classic humour to satisfy any fan of the series. Here's hoping we see Kunio take on more fantastical settings down the road.

I enjoyed roaming the Terarium while controlling my favorite Pokemon and the sheer number of different Pokemon spread around the Kitakami and Terarium regions is sure to make all Pokemon collectors happy.

The Last Remnant has a less traditional approach to combat, having you command unions of allies to take down enemy forces with strategy, luck, and patience. Although its campaign lacks variety, the story, unique characters, and world will keep you intrigued.

It's been a long time since Shantae debuted and it did so on very limited console hardware so it's impressive how well it has held up even though its sequels are certainly much more enjoyable. Oh, and this Switch release acts as a lovely time capsule for fans, too.

.hack//G.U. Last Recode shines in its engaging story, eclectic cast of characters, and unique ability to handle the concept of a game within a game. In the end, I would recommend it to JRPG fans who are looking for a unique universe to explore as long as they're prepared for generic dungeon crawling and a less than stellar combat system.

In terms of the quality of its games, Psikyo Shooting Stars Bravo is a slight notch below Alpha but it's still great to have 6 classic titles in 1 convenient collection. It's just too bad that it's missing any supplementary content.

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.

The fact that it's still fun to play over two decades after its initial release is a testament to Windjammers' quality base mechanics. It's a classic case of good gameplay being more important than graphical improvements. The short arcade mode and barebones offline versus component make it feel somewhat limited but it's still worth picking up for a quick blast of nostalgic arcade sports action.

Chrome Wolf is an enjoyable retro RPG that may not be all that polished but it still manages to remain jam-packed with rewarding progression systems and satisfying tank battles. So, if you want a new old-school RPG then you might thoroughly dig this.

If you want a simple 2D hack and slash action RPG then Lapis x Labyrinth is definitely a good game to wind down with after a long day. Just don't expect it to be particularly engaging, especially once the repetition starts to sink in.

I enjoyed the overall variety within Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics a great deal but at the same time, some of the included games are clunkers and there really aren't that many of them to begin with.

It may be simple and slightly rough in some aspects but That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles is still a satisfying 2D action game that will make you feel like a powerhouse, especially whenever you use your whole team to take down a hulking boss.

It's cool that Valkyrie Elysium exists given the series' sporadic history although I wish it offered a lot more to sink your teeth into. Sure, the combat is fun, especially when you exploit enemies' weaknesses but it definitely overstays its welcome after a handful of hours.

After all is said and done, I'm very impressed with Eba & Egg: A Hatch Trip. The unique and enjoyable spin on the endless runner formula will surely make genre fans have an eggstremely fun time.

Whether you're familiar with the game show or not, there's no denying that Escape Game Fort Boyard is bursting with goofy multiplayer fun that a couch full of chums can easily have a few laughs with.

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a solid retro throwback that provides a good old-school challenge if that's what you're looking for. It may not do anything exceptional but it's still an enjoyable 2D action game that you can whip through in one sitting.

MultiVersus is a solid Smash Bros. clone that's definitely promising, especially with its distinctly-playing characters and flexible gameplay. It may currently be slightly underwhelming in some regards but I'm looking forward to seeing how this project evolves over time.

Crystar presents a truly unique and consistent game world with simple and enjoyable action RPG dungeon crawling. However, its gameplay gets to a point where it feels all too samey which means that it's best enjoyed in short bursts.

Asdivine Cross is a decent old-school RPG that features a memorable game world and a charming cast of characters to match. If you're looking for a challenge, it might not impress but those who just want an easy-breezy JRPG will likely have a good time.

Panzer Dragoon: Remake is a solid take on the classic Sega Saturn shooter. Hardcore fans may find that certain aspects changed for the worse while newcomers may be perplexed by its barebones approach yet it's hard not to enjoy your time with this on-rails remake.

I'm very happy with how cute and accessible SMURFS KART is because it allows anyone to enjoy racing in adorable little karts as their favourite miniature blue chum. It may be a bit short on content but it's certainly not short on fun.

Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart is a good racing game for youngsters, especially if they're fans of the animated series. Grown-ups may get bored of its slow pace but it's still such a bright and cheerful game that it's easy to fall in love with even if you don't fit its demographic.

After playing Demon's Tilt for a while, I wanted to dive back into the 1990 classic Devil's Crush. Although this is a very well-done experience, it doesn't quite live up to the classics that Compile created decades prior.

None of DROS' individual elements are particularly spectacular but they all come together nicely to create a solid puzzle platformer. The weaker aspects of its presentation don't matter as much because the stronger aspects such as art style and satisfying world-building shine when they need to. If the gameplay is all you care about, DROS also does that well enough to get a thumbs-up from me.

TASOMACHI: Behind the Twilight is a relaxing 3D platformer that's excellent if you want to chill while running and jumping around. Plus, its many cleverly-hidden collectibles, lovely music, and gorgeous game world are sure to delight as you explore.

I Hate Running Backwards features fun core gameplay but its high degree of difficulty and roguelike structure make it far less accessible than it should be. I think it's time indie developers start rethinking the whole roguelike gimmick.

RWBY: Arrowfell is a solid stage-based Metroidvania-lite that offers enough 2D fun to please most fans of the genre. With that in mind, a lot could be done to make it a more fulfilling experience when it comes to its stiff gameplay and underwhelming bosses.

Jump Stars is a mostly enjoyable multiplayer party game with simple yet fun single-screen 2D platforming gameplay within a variety of stages. That being said, the dual nature of its premise will make most gamers scratch their heads.

Grace of Letoile is a solid retro-inspired RPG with its unique and engaging battle mechanics doing almost all of the heavy lifting to make it a worthwhile adventure. Besides that and its intriguing story, there isn't really much here that puts it above similar games.

Although Icey contains an entertaining meta narrative, it really isn't much of a game. However, the combat can be quite fun (albeit underutilized) so if you're looking for a short and strange experience then Icey will be worth checking out.

The unconventional structure of Instant Sports Paradise makes it fun to both cooperate and compete with chums within the same multiplayer session. In fact, I wish more party games would follow a similar structure because it's genuinely quite clever.

Those who relish the simplicity of retro RPGs will love what Ambition Record has to offer, especially with its spot-on early 3D aesthetics. Sure, it could have done more to flesh out its gameplay systems and dungeons but what's here still makes for a good time.

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.

PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay presents an adorable adventure that's full of variety and silly mini-games. If you don't mind that it's short and would like something to entertain the kids, this will certainly do the trick.

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.

DRAGON QUEST TREASURES is fun for a while and any series fan will be happy to see the return of many familiar monsters. However, the gameplay loop gets repetitive quite early and it failed to keep my attention as well as the other DRAGON QUEST spin-offs do.

Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee HD encapsulates a time in gaming when 3D puzzle platformers were still in their infancy yet its campaign is undeniably fun and full of variety. However, many facets of its adventure simply don't hold up well with today's standards in mind.

Legend of Ixtona is a solid SRPG that genre newcomers and nostalgic old farts like me can equally enjoy. From its simple yet satisfying battles to its interesting equipment acquisition mechanics, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained.

Star Wars Pinball VR is an excellent package of virtual pinball fun that's unfortunately weighed down by an absurd amount of bugs and some inherent issues. Here's hoping that it'll be patched but until then, I'd wait before pumping quarters into this pinball game.

Despite having some enjoyable puzzles, the choppy performance and sterile world make ChromaGun a far cry from the genius that is Portal. However, it still deserves to be enjoyed by first-person puzzle enthusiasts looking to scratch their itch for something new.

I had a decent amount of fun with Kirby's Dream Buffet but that fun definitely doesn't stay around long which makes it a game that's best played in short bursts or as part of a multiplayer playlist. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an entire chocolate cake to eat.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a quirky and silly looter shooter that simply doesn't distinguish itself enough from the mainline Borderlands games. It's still a lot of fun, though, especially when you play with friends.

After Wave: Downfall is an arcade-style game that lacks refinement yet it's still undeniably compelling thanks to its frantic gameplay and enjoyable co-op implementation. Plus, the fact that you can unlock all sorts of upgrades and extra content is a nice bonus.

The Adventures of Elena Temple is a quick little puzzle platformer assembled within a single dungeon to explore. However, at just over an hour to 100% complete it, you'll be done with it quickly unless you create challenges for yourself or care about improving stats.

Lake is a short and enjoyable story-driven game with interesting mail delivery gameplay that drives you to get to know the townsfolk. The story and interactions provide much lighthearted fun so if you can get past the graphical issues and bugs, there's plenty to make you play Lake over and over so you can see how your decisions influence the people of Providence Oaks.

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.

If you enjoy twin-stick shooting and roguelikes then you'll certainly dig Lone Ruin. It may not be the most expansive example of the genre but what's here is still fun so if you decide to give it a go, let me know and I'll see you on the leaderboards.

Pirates Outlaws is pretty fun once you start unlocking things and there's a lot of stuff to do in the form of quests, feats, earning repute, trying out characters, and beating the alternate game modes. There's enough content to keep swashbucklers invested for dozens of hours but for me, the core gameplay just isn't fun enough to keep me entertained.

Genso Chronicles is a mostly enjoyable retro RPG that you certainly won't regret playing even if it can sometimes be a bit too repetitive and frustrating. Plus, if you love gathering and crafting then you'll enjoy your time with it much more.

RPGolf Legends provides a solid golf-filled adventure set in a lighthearted game world that's a joy to explore. Although its combat could use some major tweaks, you'll still have a fun time unlocking holes and completing quests as you save the sport of golf.

Suicide Guy has a fresh albeit morbid premise. I wish the core gameplay had been a little more refined because the memorable and creative solutions are great but sometimes, it can be quite a pain to put your suicide plans into action.

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.

The Entropy Centre is a difficult first-person puzzle platformer that will reward you for thinking ahead and remaining patient so make sure you're prepared for quite a challenge as well as some needlessly frustrating footwork.

Pokemon Scarlet is the most immersive Pokemon installment yet thanks to its seamless open-world, heartfelt story, an interesting new battle mechanic, and fun raid battles. Whether you're in it to speedrun, for the competitive online scene, or you just want to catch 'em all; Scarlet and Violet have you covered. Let's just hope that it'll be patched soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed SAMURAI MAIDEN's combat with its wealth of skills and charming cast of lovely ladies. However, it does have its issues, especially if you want to take photos of the characters' panties because you'll end up incredibly disappointed.

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.

Fans of first-person adventure games and obtuse plots will love their time with Deracine. Its engaging story and atmosphere will keep you hooked until the end and after it's all over, you're sure to think back on this haunting tale for years to come.

HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS: FREEZE TAG PARTY is just so cute and fun to play that even with its simple formula and limited environments, it ends up being a wonderful little shindig that's surprisingly hard to put down.

Piczle Puzzle & Watch Collection does an impressive job of offering 3 games that feel like authentic long-lost Game & Watch titles. The games themselves may not be as impressive as their aesthetics but there's still some fun to be had here for sure.

It's true that MACROSS -Shooting Insight- is very been-there-done-that but at the same time, the sense of variety when it comes to both its gameplay and its stellar soundtrack make it an overall enjoyable experience.

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.

Potion Permit is an attractive life sim with plenty of chemistry but its gameplay could really do with more variety and challenge to keep things engaging. I also hope that a big patch is on its way to remedy all of the odd bugs on display.

Giraffe and Annika certainly isn't the kind of game that you'll enjoy for its gameplay. Instead, its main appeal is found in its adorable and whimsical world that's filled with lovely sights and sounds that are sure to put a smile on your face throughout the adventure.

I'm quite happy that we finally have an official port of this 16-bit beat 'em up gem. Although River City Girls Zero isn't as fun as River City Ransom or its modern sequels, it's still an exciting brawler with a rather engaging story to boot.

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.

Ultimately, The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series is a mixed bag. If you haven't yet played through these seasons and are interested in taking the plunge, this offers a good way to do so as long as you're aware that the series eventually runs out of steam.

The Story Goes On is one of the most interesting roguelikes that I've played in a while due to its incredibly clever secrets and satisfying gameplay. However, the easy difficulty and lack of presentational flair often make it feel a bit flat.

Atari Mania offers a solid collection of microgames that are a lot more enjoyable if you're a fan of the classic arcade games represented in them. With that in mind, the overall experience could have been smoothed out a lot more to match its wily moustachioed competitor.

Irem Collection Volume 3 is definitely the most difficult compilation in the series so far which will delight hardcore retro gaming enthusiasts. Plus, Mystic Riders is the highlight as it's a wonderful shoot 'em up, especially with its lovely co-op gameplay.

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.

Crackdown 3 is far from a bad game but it also isn't necessary in this day and age. That being said, if you want to feel nostalgic for sandbox games from a decade or so ago then it's definitely worth checking out.

Lunistice provides a wonderful trip back to the golden era of 3D platformers and it features an impressive amount of replay value. It certainly isn't perfect but if you want to enjoy a solid throwback to the PS1 period then definitely give it a go.

Maze Blaze is the bee's knees. From its unconventional structure to its strategic shooting, I had a great time blasting at robots while watching the life slowly drain from their once-neon eyes. It could use a bit of a tune-up, though; as well as much more content.

When it comes to twin-stick shooting, Tesla vs Lovecraft definitely has a solid foundation that's a ton of fun. However, the limited scope of what you can do limits the experience and ends up making it feel repetitive after only a short while.

Hero Seekers is the first game from VANGUARD that really clicked with me and I'm looking forward to many more games from them as they continue to improve on their established formulas to create increasingly fun and memorable old-school RPGs.

It's certainly not a great light gun style experience but Gal Gun Returns is currently the best that the series has to offer. So, if you want to zoom in on anime girls, look up their skirts, and have some fun in the process, you should definitely give it a go.

Boom Ball 2 for Kinect is an impressively enjoyable title that anyone who has a fondness for motion-controlled games should pick up. It may have its problems but smashing blocks with balls has never been this much fun.

If you like playing games with a local chum and have a soft spot for goofy humour then Fun! Fun! Animal Park will make a solid addition to your gaming library. It's too bad that more than 2 players can't enjoy it together.