As a historical narrative told through a personal perspective, 1979 Revolution: Black Friday is certainly a capable piece of media but as a video game, it quickly falls apart and simply doesn't feel finished.

Dead Cells is undoubtedly one of the best games I've played all year. It implements both roguelike and Metroidvania elements divinely and features smooth and exciting combat with controls that will leave you aching for just one more run.

There's quite a lot that I like about Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered and some parts, not so much. Particularly, the loading times, the predictable story, and how the later regions aren't much different to the beginning of the game. However, it's still a very fun destruction-based campaign that offers a great variety of missions to take on within its large open world.

Code of Princess EX is a decent beat 'em up but it's nowhere near as good as Guardian Heroes which is clearly the game that it was inspired by. That being said, if you like half-nude ladies that some dude drew on his computer then I guess you should check it out.

Semblance's haunting atmosphere and clever gameplay mechanics make it a memorable and satisfying puzzle platformer. However, once you're done with it, you'll wish that there was a lot more to experience.

Blackjack is primarily fun when actual money's on the table. Unfortunately, Super Blackjack Battle II Turbo Edition just doesn't do enough with the formula to make it worthwhile so you're better off cashing in your chips and hitting the buffet instead.

If you're looking for a cute and funny shop simulator that you can enjoy as the hours tick away then you need to play Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?! Its rewarding gameplay and lighthearted atmosphere make it a great game to zone out to.

Next Up Hero's intuitive gameplay and non-linear structure make it a fantastic game to play every once in a while. Just don't expect to be obsessed with traversing its dungeons because the repetition will sink in much sooner than you'd hope.

When it comes to 2D fighters, Koihime Enbu Ryo Rai Rai is certainly a competent one that rivals some of the more well-known entries in the genre. If you're a fighting game enthusiast then you definitely won't regret giving it a download.

Fantastic music and unique scoring system aside, Iro Hero simply isn't a fun shoot 'em up. It definitely has potential but its tedious and often frustrating stages make it an easy shmup to pass on even if you're a huge fan of the genre.

Pool Panic is a ridiculous and enjoyable game. Although it can be annoying at times, the overall amount of wacky fun you'll have within its trippy world far outweighs any frustration that you'll experience along the way.

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.

If you still haven't played NieR: Automata then this Become as Gods Edition is a great excuse to finally get your hands on Yoko Taro's latest stylish action-packed tale.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection contains the incredible origins of a series that should never be forgotten. It may not be the definitive compilation of all things X but reliving these classics is a must for any Mega Man fan.

Simply put, even if you've never played a Sonic game, you'll still have a ton of fun within the exciting world of Sonic Mania Plus.

Touhou Genso Wanderer Reloaded is a fantastic interpretation of the Mystery Dungeon formula that genre fans are sure to love. However, if you already own the vanilla version and aren't a hardcore fan then you likely won't be impressed with this iteration.

If you're itching to play a simple kart racer then All-Star Fruit Racing is sure to satisfy. Just make sure you're ready to reach for the mute button soon after you put the pedal to the metal.

TurtlePop: Journey to Freedom is one of those games that grows on you the more you play it. If you're willing to put in the necessary time and effort then you're sure to love going on an adventure with these hard-shelled heroes.

Fans of Tempest are sure to enjoy this latest installment in the long-running series. I definitely did. That being said, it doesn't quite feel like the next evolution of the classic formula. Here's hoping Tempest 5000 offers a more innovative take on the franchise.

If I can summarize the entirety of Shining Resonance Refrain into one word, it would be generic. It looks and sounds great and features a charming cast of characters but the gameplay is ultimately much too "been there, done that".

Blacksea Odyssey is a rather challenging game for me to score because it's filled with both wonderful highs and demoralizing lows. Despite my criticisms, I can still safely say that my overall experience with it was mostly positive.

20XX is a capable roguelike version of Mega Man X. If you're a fan of 2D action games then it's definitely worth checking out as long as you don't expect it to be a revolutionary take on either genre.

Although you may not have heard of it, Money Puzzle Exchanger is nothing short of a classic competitive puzzler. Its addictive gameplay and lively atmosphere make it a great game to pick up and play whenever you're in the mood for some puzzle fun.

Anima: Gate of Memories - The Nameless Chronicles is undoubtedly a great RPG with little downsides. It has fluid combat, plenty of loot to collect, a haunting story, and amazing enemy variety.

Arcade Archives: Renegade is like a time capsule full of tchotchkes; it's cool to open it up and take a look but there's very little substance that remains useful in this day and age.

If you're a true shoot 'em up fan then playing 1917: The Alien Invasion DX will just make you mad. With a completely broken scoring system and a super-tedious campaign that plays like Simon Says, it's hard to imagine who would actually enjoy this.

Yuso is an adorable puzzle game that anyone can play with ease. However, its reliance on trial and error and lack of replay value hold it back from being a must-have noodle-scratcher.

If you're looking for a casual puzzler that you can take on the go then Fill-a-Pix: Phil's Epic Adventure is worth checking out. Just make sure that you won't be disappointed by the casual easygoing experience before asking Phil to pour you a hot cup of tea.

Wizard Fire is a promising classic isometric fantasy action RPG. However, its gameplay quickly falls apart due to repetition, frustration, and even a potential game-ending glitch.

Gunbird 2 is a huge step up from the first game but it still doesn't do enough to stand out in such an oversaturated genre. That being said, what's here is a challenging classic shoot 'em up with intricate scoring mechanics that'll appeal to hardcore genre fans.

As a big fan of BurgerTime, I'm happy that I finally had the chance to play Super Burger Time as it's an incredibly underrated arcade sequel. So, if you can't get enough burgers in your retro gaming diet then you'll definitely want to dine here.

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.

Lumines is the most addictive puzzle game that I've ever played and this Remastered version is perfect for hardcore fans and newcomers alike. Here's hoping Enhance Games are working on a true sequel to this epic puzzler series.

Lego The Incredibles is a smooth entry in the long-running Lego video game series. It doesn't do much to break out of the mold but there's no denying how ultimately solid and satisfying it is.

Although The Lost Child is a far cry from El Shaddai, Sawaki Takeyasu clearly crafted something special here. If you're a fan of first-person dungeon crawlers then you surely won't be disappointed with this fulfilling monster-recruiting adventure.

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

Haimrik has an immersive story but that's really all it has going for it as all you essentially do is solve simple puzzles and battle through minimalistic boss fights. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and I hope to see more similar storybook-style games in the future.

Mario Tennis Aces retains the enjoyable core gameplay of the series while ushering in plenty of fresh and exciting mechanics. It could definitely use more content outside its cool Adventure mode but what's here is still a racket-smashing good time.

Pode is a solid cooperative experience but its frustrating aspects unfortunately hold it back from being a great game. That being said, if you can't get enough cute co-op adventures then you certainly won't regret at least giving it a try.

If you're a fan of super-tough 2D platformers and still haven't played Slime-san then purchasing this Superslime Edition should be a no-brainer. With oodles of addictive content that'll keep you busy for days, you'd be a goof not to download this sucker.

It might sound like I'm being overly hard on Omega Strike but I did have a decent time with it. Its ideas and structure are solid yet it's ultimately let down by a lack of variety and a sense of monotony that you'll regularly experience from start to finish.

Hollow Knight is a huge and rewarding adventure that's full of satisfying secrets and challenges. It's not a perfect Metroidvania experience but it's definitely up there with the best in the genre.

If you don't own a Switch and enjoy Bomberman then Super Bomberman R Shiny Edition is certainly worth picking up. Even though it doesn't improve everything from the original release, there's so much content here that you're bound to have a blast.

When it comes to impressive video game sequels, Unravel Two is up there with the best. Its awe-inspiring world and pitch-perfect gameplay make it one of the best 2D platformers ever created. I can't wait for Unravel Three.

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.

Everspace does so much right. It has an engaging story and immersive visuals that make you feel like you're in a Star Wars film and combat that always keeps you on the edge of your seat because even the weakest enemies can overwhelm you.

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.

If you're looking for a wacky and colourful competitive puzzler that can be enjoyed by casual and hardcore gamers alike then Sushi Striker is a solid experience. Just don't expect it to be as fulfilling as consuming 100 plates of raw fish.

If Milanoir were a Tarantino film, it would be Death Proof; a self-indulgent exercise in tedium that would make most people who experience it want their money back.

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.

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.

If you've been craving a crazy destruction-filled action-packed racer then Onrush is a must-buy. It's intense and features a variety of play styles all set in an attractive world that won't forgive you for blinking.

PixelJunk Monsters 2 is a decent follow-up to the classic tower defense game. It may take a few steps back but there's no denying that its fresh visuals and addictive gameplay make it worth checking out for long-time fans and real-time strategy enthusiasts.

Overall, Strange Journey Redux certainly doesn't disappoint as completing the sprawling and challenging dungeons while recruiting a variety of demons is a ton of fun. Even if you've played the original, there's plenty here to make you come back for more.

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

Yoku's Island Express is the best indie game that I've played this year so far. Who would've guessed that Metroidvania pinball would be such an addictive and enjoyable formula? Factor in the delightful visuals and sound and you're left with a must-have adventure.

Shift Quantum is one of the best practical puzzle games that I've ever played. If you're a fan of these kinds of noodle-scratching puzzlers then do yourself a favour and give it a try.

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.

Moonlighter has something to offer for casual players, completionists, and even speedrunners. Dungeons can be beat in ten minutes which is great if you don't have much time on your hands. There's also a huge variety of achievements to collect, ranging from defeating the bosses to beating the game in under ten hours to creating every weapon plus a surprising amount of hidden achievements, too. It makes me wonder: how many secrets are in Moonlighter that I don't yet know about? There's a lot to uncover.

Ikaruga is a classic shoot 'em up in every sense of the word and I'm happy to say that it holds up beautifully after over 15 years. Its polarity mechanic and breathtaking atmosphere certainly put it head and shoulders above many other entries in the genre.

If you love the 16-bit era as much as I do then purchasing Sega Genesis Classics should be mandatory. With loads of must-have games and hidden gems, you're bound to spend hours upon hours reliving one of the best eras in gaming history.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon brings back the essence of the 8-bit Castlevania games in a masterful way. Even though it's short and has its frustrating moments, long-time fans of the series will find a lot to love here.

Even with its flaws, Detroit: Become Human marks a monumental moment in story-driven gaming. After all is said and done, the fact that your decisions have such a substantial impact reflects reality. The question is: will you make the right choices?

Azure Reflections is a top-notch shoot 'em up and a welcome entry in the much celebrated fan-made Touhou universe. If you're a fan of the genre or series then do yourself a favour and download it now.

The premise of Grand Cruise seems promising: a virtual reality mini-game set in One Piece's colourful world. However, it's an awful bare-bones VR experience and the fact that they're charging a decent chunk of change for it is ridiculous.

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.

Even though it's the third game in the series, Runner3 is full of a surprising amount of variety and challenges to master. Just make sure you have plenty of patience before lacing up your sneakers; you're going to need it.

Battlezone Gold Edition is not only the best PlayStation VR game that I've ever played; it's also one of the best roguelikes. Rebellion definitely knows what they're doing and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

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.

My hat is off to Spearhead Games. They managed to improve upon the formula that they established with Stories: The Path of Destinies to craft a far superior experience with Omensight. I wish more game developers would grow and learn as much as they did.

If Wizard of Legend's awesome gameplay was set in a massive adventure-filled world then it would be one of the best indies ever made. Considering the experience is as limiting as it is, it makes me wonder why the developers decided to make it a roguelike instead.

Super Chariot is one of the most engaging and challenging cooperative 2D games ever created. Its tight and varied gameplay combines with its massive and rewarding stages and adorable presentation to craft one unforgettable adventure.

Laser League is like the world's most flavourful gum. When you start chewing, it tastes great but after about 15 minutes, you'll be happy to spit it out and put something more substantial in your mouth.

Death Road to Canada may look like a generic indie game but it's surprisingly unique in its decision-based campaign. It's too bad that the gameplay relies so much on repetition and luck because it would have provided a much more satisfying experience if it didn't.

Trailblazers is an enjoyable racer with a very cool colour mechanic and a stellar throwback presentation that's highly reminiscent of the Dreamcast era. Even though it has a few drawbacks, fans of arcade racing games should still check it out.

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.

When it comes to beat 'em up / action RPG hybrids, Dragon's Crown Pro is certainly a must-have game for any fan of the genre. However, it still has some substantial shortcomings that hold it back from being a universally recommended experience.

Masters of Anima caught me completely off guard but in a very good way. It controls fabulously considering how much is going on, the challenge level is accessible but far from easy, levels are fun to explore, and the combat is a joy to master.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a top-notch example of what a 2D platformer should be so if you missed out on it last generation, now's a fantastic time to finally enjoy it in all its potassium-rich glory.

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

At times, City of Brass felt too unforgiving and repetitive. I made a mistake by staying on the default difficulty setting for far too long but after I turned on the health blessing, the challenge started to feel a lot fairer because I was able to make more mistakes before starting again from the beginning. In the end, making it through the City of Brass is much more enjoyable and gratifying than it is frustrating.

Despite one truly frustrating level, I had a pretty good time with To Leave and enjoyed the incredible challenge that it presented. Unfortunately, I wasn't nearly as intrigued by its unusual and ambiguous storyline.

If you own a PlayStation 4 or Vita then at this point, you're better off purchasing the superior original Don't Die, Mr. Robot! However, for those who only own a Switch, what's here is definitely worth checking out, especially if you love unique arcade-style experiences.

Super Mega Baseball 2 is a big step up from the first game and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys video game baseball. After playing it over the past few days, I'm definitely already looking forward to Super Mega Baseball 3.

Devious Dungeon is a competent game but it lacks any notable features that would make it stand out in a sea of similar currently available games. Different playable classes, varied level objectives, diverse weapons, and a plethora of other gameplay options could have helped alleviate some of the repetition but unfortunately, none of that kind of content is featured here.

I've always found Picross-style puzzles to be an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend an evening after a long day of work. Pic-a-Pix Color may be nothing revolutionary but it is a completely functional and enjoyable nonogram puzzle game with a slight twist.

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.

A Robot Named Fight is clearly a modern interpretation of Super Metroid but with a roguelike structure. Considering Super Metroid is a far better experience in every way and is readily available at a much better price, playing this instead would be a silly mistake.

Spacejacked is an impressive action-packed indie tower defense game that's full of delightful charm. If that sounds like your kind of game then do yourself a favour and give it a download. You definitely won't regret it.

Owlboy is one of the most unique 2D indie games that I've ever played. Even though it can be frustrating and tedious at times, what's here is still a memorable and delightful adventure that genre fans should definitely check out.

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.

Megadimension Neptunia VIIR is possibly the best game in the series. It may be a remake of a game that came out only a couple of years ago but there's enough here to delight both hardcore fans and newcomers alike.

Skee-Ball is a simple and enjoyable arcade classic. However, you'd expect a console version to come with all sorts of bells and whistles and the fact that this doesn't include many means that you're better off playing it in an arcade.

If you enjoy playing competitive local multiplayer experiences then 12 Orbits is a must-have game. Its deceptively simple gameplay dynamic and large selection of variations make for an addictive and enjoyable time with friends.

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.

Attack on Titan 2 is an interesting sequel as it chooses to retell the anime's story from the beginning and reuses a whole lot of assets and maps that existed in the previous game. While several smaller features have been added, it sometimes lacks originality. Fortunately, the core Titan combat is as satisfying and addictive as ever.

If you're some sort of incel who finds underage anime girls enticing then by all means, give Gal Gun 2 a try. However, if you simply want an enjoyable arcade shooting experience then you're better off looking elsewhere.

The Alliance Alive delivers a charming and satisfying JRPG adventure with a mix of traditional and fresh gameplay elements. It's simply a joy to experience the characters and their engaging story as they traverse their varied and vibrant world. It's a must-have 3DS JRPG.