Cladun Returns: This is Sengoku! is a fun and basic dungeon-crawling action RPG that's best enjoyed in short sessions. The repetitive gameplay and frequent annoyances hinder the experience but it's still an overall rewarding adventure.

There's a lot of good in Thea: The Awakening. Nearly every bit of text is voiced, it's cool being able to grow your group of people, handling combat head-on or simply selecting to auto-resolve is implemented well, and there's a great deal of customization. However, it's rather short with only a single primary objective and there's no substantial reason to replay it.

Giga Wrecker Alt. is an exceptionally unique game that expertly combines action and puzzles. However, the fact that its gameplay simply doesn't accommodate for what it's trying to accomplish makes it an often irritating and disjointed experience.

Twelve Minutes plays like an escape room on extra hard difficulty and with higher stakes. As an intriguing albeit small-scale thriller with many twists and turns that can sometimes be frustrating, ending the time loop is ultimately somewhat worth the effort.

It may not have good graphics and it's definitely dripping with cheese but there's no denying just how much fun you and a few friends can have with Carnival Games. Most of the mini-games offer good times and the overall sense of fun is top-notch.

Alphadia Neo is a decent retro-inspired RPG with its main issue being just how profoundly unchallenging it is. With that being said, its many systems actually have a lot of promise so I hope that they're used in a future game with a bit more meat on its bones.

If you can get past the hideous graphics and glitches and don't mind using an online guide every now and then, Syberia 3 is actually quite a fun game. Most of the puzzles are just the right level of challenge and the story stays interesting throughout.

Shoppe Keep is a fun and addictive simulation experience. Its poor adaptation to console and subpar visuals may hold it back from being fully immersive but what's here is still enjoyable enough to warrant a download for those curious about its premise.

Turrican Flashback Collection includes 4 undeniably old-school run 'n' gun games that genre fans may want to play but be warned; there are plenty of aspects that haven't aged well at all which makes playing this compilation quite annoying at times.

Mika and the Witch's Mountain is a fun escape into the life of a bubbly little girl who wants to become a witch but who makes new friends and has unexpected adventures along the way. It may be short but it's certainly worth playing if it's your kind of game.

Paleo Pines is a cute sim that focuses more on collecting and exploring than it does farming and its large selection of dinos to befriend are totes adorbs. Amassing a collection of dino pals is rewarding and a lot of things are done well but it just doesn't do enough to keep players hooked like similar games do. Here's hoping the developers take what works and really run with them in their next game.

With a lack of modes and repetitive and unvaried gameplay, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is a disappointing long-awaited follow-up to a decent duology of portable fighters. That being said, there's definitely enough Final Fantasy eye candy to satisfy diehard fans.

Eldgear is an interesting SRPG that consists of many intriguing and promising mechanics. However, most of its components simply feel too limiting or abstruse in their execution so I hope that if there's a sequel, it will be more fleshed-out and accessible.

Bulletstorm VR is a hilariously dated game that'll make you laugh as you blow crap up while listening to its stupidly macho cast of characters. However, it's so rough around the edges that I'd find it hard to recommend to even the biggest fan of '90s-era action flicks.

For better and worse, Battle Princess Madelyn is an authentic retro experience. Its combat is simple yet unexciting and the lack of many features commonplace in modern games make it only appeal to those who long for the grueling games of long ago.

Punch Club is the kind of game that's addictive in short bursts. Therefore, if the idea of a training simulator appeals to you then it may be worth picking up but keep in mind that it likely won't inspire you to train every day.

Conga Master Party is a fun-filled and unique little game. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much staying power whether you prefer playing solo or with friends. In other words, it's party that you wouldn't regret going to but not one that you'll likely remember.

Even though Earthfall isn't revolutionary and doesn't stand tall with top-tier cooperative shooters, there's still some fun to be had with it, especially if you have friends to enjoy it with.

Shadow Man Remastered is a tough game to pin down because it features a brilliant game world that remains as immersive as it is sinister but it's also full of old-school baggage which makes it difficult to wholeheartedly enjoy in contemporary times.

If you can look past the aesthetics of Disaster Report 4, there's a bunch of fun to be had escaping the broken city and helping out the residents as you struggle to survive and hopefully make your way home.

Petoons Party is an enjoyable and lighthearted mini-game fest that's a lot of fun in short bursts. Although its board game setup is exceptional, the lack of mini-games makes it rather repetitive after playing for about an hour or so.

Need for Speed Heat boasts a large varied world and a cool gameplay twist with the addition of cops who are often on your tail. However, it doesn't do much else to stay interesting, making it just an average racer in a genre that has so much more to offer.

With delightful character art and simplistic gameplay that you can chill out with, Silver Nornir offers some positive qualities. However, if you're looking for a more immersive experience then perhaps play something like Miden Tower or Fairy Elements instead.

There's no real reason to buy Hitman HD Enhanced Collection if you already own Blood Money and Absolution. The clunky controls and dated graphics of Blood Money aren't improved enough to warrant a purchase and Absolution is missing its popular online Contracts mode. Nevertheless, these are still solid Hitman games so if you haven't played them yet, this compilation may be worth getting.

Casting gesture-based spells is a great concept for a VR game but ensuring that the gestures register properly can make The Wizards: Enhanced Edition an irritating experience. That being said, it can be quite fun if you're willing to adapt to its frustrating aspects.

When it comes to number-based puzzlers, Hexologic is a must-have game for any fan of the genre. It may be short on content but the clever gameplay and polished presentation make it an enjoyable albeit brief experience.

Although it's far from perfect, if you're in the market for a cleverly designed character-swapping puzzler and have the patience to continually play through long stretches again and again then Vesta is sure to find a welcome home in your collection.

99Vidas is a fairly solid throwback to classic beat 'em ups. The fact that it doesn't take itself seriously will leave a smile on your face while the annoying aspects may take away that joy in an instant.

Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars certainly doesn't suck as much as vampires do but it can be quite a monotonous game. The moments when you overcome challenges and cover the map are rewarding but they're fleeting and all you're left with is an anemic experience.

Snow Bros. Special is a faithful remake of the arcade classic that's sure to bring back memories for those who played it back in the day. The disappointing part is that the original really isn't all that good which pains me to say because I remember it fondly.

Riverbond is definitely an appealing game, especially if you want an easy breezy co-op experience to wind down with. However, the lack of both challenge and replay incentives means that you likely won't get more than a few hours of passive enjoyment out of it.

As I played Rocket Arena, my enthusiasm for its gameplay drained while the sterile nature of it all gradually reared its ugly head. There's certainly some fun to be had but you likely won't enjoy it for as long as its genre competitors.

King's Bounty 2 features fun tactical battles while telling a memorable story as it immerses you in its high fantasy world. But, boy oh boy, prepare for a barrage of ridiculously long loading screens and plenty of other unstreamlined elements.

Rainbow Cotton is the kind of game that series fans will happily add to their collection but it surely won't entice many folks outside of that player base with its dated gameplay that unfortunately hasn't held up all that well.

Atomik: RunGunJumpGun features a mind-blowing presentation and challenging gameplay that's easy to learn. However, that gameplay doesn't really go anywhere exciting and the overall experience ends up feeling quite lacking as a result.

Subaeria's premise is brilliant and has loads of potential but its poorly executed roguelike structure, lack of tutorial, and severe glitches make it a tough game to recommend in its current state. Hopefully, we'll see a more fully realised version down the road.

Cruis'n Blast presents an arcade racing formula that's exciting at first but quickly wears thin due to its lack of challenge or need for skill. That being said, it can still be enjoyable for a few rounds of old-school racing entertainment with friends.

I had a solid time with Pretty Princess Magical Garden Island and plan on playing it more whenever I'm in the mood for a delightfully relaxing wind-down after a long day. I'm also happy that it made this mama bear feel pretty which is a nice change of pace.

There's definitely fun to be had in Captain Blood with its simple and frantic action that has surprisingly satisfying old-school violence. However, with irritating quick-time events, repetitive gameplay, and plenty of frustrating moments, you might want to dock this ship.

As a huge Wonder Boy fan, I enjoyed Wonder Boy Returns Remix but it's definitely not a complete improvement over 2017's less than stellar offering. The fact that it's missing a lot of its content simply doesn't make much sense at all.

Saboten Bombers is a quirky arcade hidden gem that anyone with an affinity for retro gaming should play. It may not be as good as similar games such as Rod Land or Snow Bros. but it's still a worthwhile offering.

Although it's not up there with the best shoot 'em ups, Aces of the Luftwaffe: Squadron provides decent enough gameplay that can be enjoyed with up to four simultaneous players. If that sounds like fun then you surely won't regret giving it a download.

Lethal League is an enjoyable and unique competitive game that features fast-paced and immediately gratifying gameplay. That being said, your enjoyment will likely dwindle soon after the repetition of it all starts to sink in.

I figured The Jackbox Party Pack 10 would have been a celebration of the series that took things to new heights but instead, it's a mostly middling offering that doesn't reach many high notes. Please bring back You Don't Know Jack next year!

Cannibal Cuisine is definitely a fun and irreverent couch co-op game that'll appeal to anyone with a sick sense of humour. With that in mind, it's a disappointingly short experience and it plays it rather safe by being a little too similar to Overcooked.

Bit Dungeon+ is a simplistic and enjoyable little dungeon exploring roguelike with a decent amount of enemy variety. However, its gameplay, graphics, and sound don't do much to make it a wholly worthwhile game.

On the surface, Anodyne looks a lot like the older Zelda games. As you start to dig deeper, you'll find that it strays quite a bit from this formula but unfortunately, it also ends up leaving behind a lot of what made games like Zelda fun in the first place.

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.

Glorious Savior is an okay retro RPG that has some unique components for sure but they don't add up to much when it all feels as simple and straightforward as it does. I would like to see a more fleshed-out sequel, though, that adds a lot more variety and complexity.

Black Legend features some outstanding gameplay elements that can make its battles extremely rewarding. On the other hand, its underwhelming and monotonous game world combines with oodles of technical issues to hold it back from greatness.

The Serpent's Heart DLC contains the most interesting and challenging puzzles yet and it will get your heart racing. The story is nicely intertwined with the gameplay, too. If only the fun could have lasted a bit longer...

Seasons After Fall is a beautiful game to look at and listen to but it can often be tedious to play due to its insistence on repeated backtracking and general lack of guidance. There are some endearing moments throughout its confusing story but the amount of running back and forth between them makes it questionable whether they're worth the effort of uncovering.

Tokyo 42 is a refreshing take on the action/stealth genre. Although it's definitely rough around the edges in its current state, I hope the developers work on a sequel because this is one memorable and promising gaming experience.

After a couple of great and highly underrated RPGs, Death end re;Quest: Code Z certainly disappoints with simply being a generic take on a Mystery Dungeon game. However, its cast of familiar characters and some nifty mechanics may make it worth playing for some.

Although it features a fun take on Fibbage and a new enjoyable drawing game, The Jackbox Party Pack 4 is unfortunately the weakest entry in the series so far. I hope Jackbox Games create a more original offering next year like they did with Jackbox 3.

There's no denying that Xenon Racer is a very promising drift-focused racing game but it doesn't quite reach the high notes that its inspirations achieved 20 or so years ago. As a result, you'll be better off booting up your PS1 and replaying some classics.

Although I was impressed by how solid its gameplay is, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl still feels like a hollow experience that could have been elevated to new heights if it featured additional modes and a more fleshed-out presentation complete with voice acting.

Tinertia is one fantastic-looking game but the gameplay can quickly make even the most hardcore gamer frustrated with its repetitive nature and reliance on trial and error. That being said, climbing the leaderboards can be surprisingly satisfying.

Harvest Moon: Light of Hope brings the core Harvest Moon concepts to the table but it doesn't do anything more than that. The lack of item variety and multiple missing gameplay elements really shows. It's still addictive but not a worthy successor to the franchise.

FlatOut 4 could have been a much better experience if its car physics were improved and it had a more varied career mode. As it is, it's an uneven mix of fun and frustration. It brings back some pleasant memories of similar titles but it's unlikely to create any of its own.

Ghost Song does some things quite well but as a complete package, it remains a tedious and patience-testing experience. With so many Metroidvanias out there, it's probably a good idea to look elsewhere for some exploration-based action.

For a game based on maintaining your momentum, it's disappointing that Cyber Hook wears thin after playing it for only a short while. That being said, some gamers who enjoy re-playing levels repeatedly to outdo their previous efforts might enjoy it.

Theseus is one of the most atmospherically immersive video games that I've ever played. Although you'll be on the edge of your seat throughout, you unfortunately won't be there for very long.

Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey explores an alternate mythological history to the Ripper killings of 1888 and it certainly has a lot of flaws but if the subject matter intrigues you, there's some enjoyment to be had with its high quality writing and impressive voice acting.

I can only recommend Sleepin' Deeply to those who absolutely loved the original and just can't get enough Suicide Guy. The lack of unique levels and their bloated size definitely makes it inferior to the first game.

Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time definitely doesn't offer anything particularly groundbreaking but it does feature satisfying old-school hack and slash fun that's hard not to enjoy. Throw in some RPG elements and you're left with a solid albeit lackluster experience.

Gunbarich is a cute and fun little game but most gamers will probably be done with it after an hour tops. On the other hand, being able to play such an obscure arcade gem is a treat so I hope to see more titles like this soon.

I'm glad to see the Metal Max series make a comeback in the west. However, Metal Max Xeno's simplistic nature, monotonous campaign, and archaic presentation definitely detract from its more satisfying elements.

Wings of Bluestar is a middling yet solid shoot 'em up that may not stand out in the genre but it's fun for the short while that it lasts.

If Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker focused more on the competitive side of the equation then it would be a much more enjoyable game. As it is, it's tough to recommend although there's definitely a lot of promise here.

If the idea of navigating through first-person labyrinths appeals to you then Mega Maze is definitely a must-play game. Even with its shortcomings, there's no denying how much fun it is to wander through a maze and eventually find your way to freedom.

World's End Club will keep you interested enough for at least one playthrough with its intriguing premise and fun presentation. However, the lackluster platforming and puzzle-solving may put you off playing it again and again to unlock the full story.

Zanki Zero is a fun dungeon crawler set in the remains of Earth after a catastrophic event took place with a plot that feels like it belongs in the Danganronpa series. The story and gameplay will keep you curious for most of the campaign, especially if you're comfortable with the inherently disturbing subject matter and occasionally frustrating dungeon traversal.

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain is definitely a very different experience to past games in the series. Fans will likely not appreciate many of the changes although the more focused combat makes for a rather satisfying challenge.

Vertical Drop Heroes HD is a somewhat addictive yet short-lived roguelike adventure. If it wasn't for its awful AI and glitches then it would be a wholly worthwhile experience. Instead, you'll be better off just playing Rogue Legacy again.

As the first Nintendo Arcade Archives release, Mario Bros. is a solid game that's still fun to play. Here's hoping we get to see the classic Donkey Kong games and more obscure titles like Popeye sometime soon.

Detective Pikachu Returns is definitely adorable in this Switch debut although the required deduction skills to solve its cases remain at an incredibly low bar to clear which made it hard to hold my attention for very long.

Destiny Connect is a charming JRPG that's full of creativity. However, it's too small and doesn't do much to break from the most basic formulas. If a short but interesting storyline is enough to keep you interested then you may get some enjoyment out of this but those looking for distinct and engaging gameplay should definitely look elsewhere.

If you'd like to have some co-op first-person shooting fun with a friend either locally or online then you can have a few hours of fun with RICO. After that, it'll likely overstay its welcome with its simple gameplay and tiresome structure.

Tiny Trax is conceptually an excellent VR game but its lack of replay value, unintuitive track layouts, and frustrating level of difficulty are quite disappointing. On the other hand, if you're a fan of slot car racing then this is one game that you shouldn't overlook.

Astral Takers provides a promising foundation and an impressive presentation but it doesn't do much to offer substantial gameplay mechanics that'll keep you wanting to play it. If there's another Takers game, I hope it at least offers some interesting character growth options.

While Riddled Corpses EX's gameplay and upgrades are enjoyable, its lack of content and excessive amount of forced grinding simply to pad the game's longevity result in it being a mostly bland and repetitive affair.

Snipperclips may be a charming little cooperative puzzler but its lack of content and tendency to be more annoying than fun makes it a difficult game to widely recommend. If you're desperate for another Switch title then it may be worth downloading. Everyone else would be better off waiting for something more cutting-edge.

I'm glad that they made Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver The Shooter as it's a solid fit for the goofy series. However, it simply doesn't provide enough satisfying gameplay to make it worth playing through more than a couple times.

Code Shifter boasts a fantastic premise along with a commendable collection of classic characters. It's too bad that its gameplay is executed in a fashion that's substantially below Arc System Works' generally high bar.

Hacker's Memory is a sequel that can only be enjoyed by gamers who played the original Cyber Sleuth. The lack of direction makes it tough to recommend to newcomers and the repeated content will hamper the fun factor for existing fans. However, if you're a long-time fan and only play the games for their in-depth monster customization then it's surely worth picking up.

When it gets down to it, DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS has a clever premise that makes its gameplay occasionally fun but that often feels like the stars have aligned because otherwise, it's a generally repetitive and monotonous affair.

With so many retro remakes that feel like fresh experiences in this day and age, it's disappointing how dated MediEvil is. With that being said, it's definitely faithful so if you're a diehard fan then I'm sure you'll appreciate its swanky new visuals.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is a faithful recreation of a classic Master System game. With that in mind, I would have much preferred an unfaithful recreation because Alex Kidd in Miracle World isn't exactly a shining example of an old-school 2D platformer.

Ravenlok isn't a bad game but it also doesn't do anything all that well with its repetitive and undemanding gameplay and constant backtracking. If you're looking for a game to lull you to sleep, though, then it'll definitely fit the bill.

Touhou Double Focus is a solid Metroidvania experience that's held back by its sheer mediocrity. If it had more streamlined gameplay then it would be a notable addition to the genre but at least Touhou fans can find something to love in its charming world.

Fox n Forests is impressive in its authentic SNES visuals, sound, and gameplay. That being said, if it were an actual Super NES game then it would be one of those obscure titles that only a handful of gamers enjoyed back in the day.

Motorsport fans will have fun with this reboot, especially if they are looking to race some popular vehicles on well-known real-life circuits. However, the poor quality graphics, lack of local multiplayer, and limited appeal of the Nemesis system makes it harder to recommend.

Arashi: Castles of Sin: Final Cut can be enjoyable when it works; specifically, the stealth component. Even then, it doesn't do anything exceptional and the resulting formula struggles to rise above an average VR action game. That dog sure is cute, though.

Wonder Boy Returns is a noble effort at modernizing a retro 2D action gem. Although it's not quite as immediately gratifying as the original due to its awkward controls, you'll still be in for an enjoyable adventure that may just put a smile on your face.

If you are a human who enjoys interior decorating and making princesses as pretty as possible then Pretty Princess Party can be a ton of fun. However, if you merely want to have a party with your princess pals then there isn't much to enjoy in that regard here.

DEADCRAFT would be a decent game if it allowed for more freedom and featured a much larger explorable environment. Unless you desperately want to experience its wacky and irreverent game world, I recommend playing the far superior DYSMANTLE instead.

Mortal Shell may offer a solid experience but as I played it, I couldn't help but want to dive into the Souls series again as the amount of variety and excitement in FromSoftware's games makes this feel like a hollow shell in comparison.