Boiling Bolt primarily appeals to hardcore arcade shooter fans who are looking for a challenging experience but even casual gamers will find it hard not to admire its gorgeous presentation and rewarding gameplay.

If I were to rank the Xenoblade games then I would say Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a step below the original yet a more rewarding experience than Xenoblade Chronicles X. Either way you look at it, what's here is a memorable and impressively epic tale filled with optimism and that's just what the world needs now.

Okami is a massive and remarkable game and is on the short list of my favorite games of all time. It's also the closest thing to The Legend of Zelda that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamers will ever get. If you've never had the joy of experiencing Okami before, picking up this newest version will likely be your smartest gaming purchase of the year.

A Hat in Time is a charming adventure with four wonderfully crafted and unique worlds. Finding new hats and abilities keeps the gameplay exciting and overall, A Hat in Time ended up being the best non-Nintendo 3D platformer that I've played in quite a while.

If you're looking for a cooperative twin-stick shooter then you can't do much better than Nine Parchments. The fantastical world and challenging yet rewarding gameplay is perfect for having a magical time with a few chums by your side.

If Super Meat Boy is Edmund McMillen's gold medal then The End Is Nigh receives a bronze at best. With repetitive gameplay and unintuitive progression, you won't be missing out on much by not playing this 2D platformer.

Caveman Warriors looks like a standard Flash game and plays like a subpar SNES game. That being said, there's a certain charm to the clunky and frustrating 2D action that makes playing with friends somewhat enjoyable.

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.

Frank has a Big Package and I'm glad that he can now show it off to his fans. There's so much content in this Dead Rising 4 release that if you missed it on Xbox One and consider yourself a fan then it's a definite must-buy.

Reloaded is a significant step back from last year's Sky Force Anniversary. The added need to grind is a huge pain although the core gameplay is still generally enjoyable and the upgrade system is just as rewarding.

It's Quiz Time is definitely a promising trivia game with a good selection of ways to play but its reliance on basic and seemingly computer-generated questions makes it a tough game to recommend to trivia buffs.

Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a colorful and excellently animated puzzle-platformer. The marker mechanics work very well and keep the campaign interesting throughout the six to eight hour adventure.

River City: Rival Showdown is definitely one of the best entries in the long-running Kunio-kun series. Although Tokyo Rumble offers a bit more of a robust package, what's here is sure to provide hours of beat 'em up fun.

At this point in time, Super Beat Sports is definitely one of the best multiplayer experiences available for Switch. Whether you enjoy competing or cooperating with friends, there's enough rhythm-based fun here to liven up your next party.

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.

Although Mario Party: The Top 100 contains an impressive amount of mini-games that are still super-fun to play, the modes to enjoy the mini-games within are unfortunately lacking. That being said, if you're looking for a comprehensive Mario Party experience that you can enjoy with a few friends on the go then this is one collection that you should definitely not overlook.

Star Wars Battlefront II is an enjoyable but flawed title. The campaign offers a short and simple yet enjoyable experience and the online multiplayer features tight and creative gameplay marred by an overbearing progression system.

Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 is filled to the brim with superhero fun that's even more enjoyable with a friend. The frustration factor may be high but the overall rewarding and diverse campaign is sure to make any Marvel or Lego fan say "Excelsior!"

Its repetitive gameplay, embarrassing visuals, and annoying technical issues make for one easily forgettable gore fest.

League of War: VR Arena provides a simple gameplay dynamic that can be enjoyable both solo and with a local chum. That being said, the easily exploitable AI and tiresome formula will ensure that the war concludes before its soldiers have a chance to prove their valour.

In an age where people watch other people play video games, maybe it's time that video games simply play themselves. Hopefully, that statement sounds ridiculous to you because it is. Gamers need gameplay and Tokyo Tattoo Girls has virtually none.

Although the novelty has unfortunately worn off over the years, VVVVVV is still a fun 2D platformer with a nifty gravity mechanic. In the end, those new to Captain Viridian's adventure might get a kick out of the retro world and innovative albeit frustrating gameplay.

It may be almost a decade old but de Blob remains one of the best 3D platformers out there. Whether you played the Wii original or not, this is definitely worth playing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of the genre.

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.

If you're a fan of the original Legend of Zelda and don't already own the vanilla Ittle Dew 2 then Ittle Dew 2+ is a must-buy adventure that's bursting with charm in a vibrant, memorable, and puzzle-filled world.

Even though it isn't as captivating as the first game, Demon Gaze II offers an engaging campaign that dungeon crawler fans are sure to appreciate. I just hope Demon Gaze III takes a few more risks.

If you're looking for a simplistic yet fun action RPG set in a charming world then Cat Quest is a definite must-buy game. However, don't expect the catnip to keep you under its spell for long.

Stunt Kite Masters VR is a surprisingly challenging high score chaser with two very different modes. Although it has an innovative premise, the fun unfortunately doesn't last much longer than flying a kite in real life.

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.

The lighthearted yet unconventional premise of Dungeons 3 is a breath of fresh air. When you factor in the addictive blend of real-time strategy and resource management, you're left with one rewarding (yet evil) gameplay formula.

Creeping Terror provides an impressively engaging campaign for a 2D horror game. Although the easy difficulty makes it a lot less scary, what's here is still a solid enough experience to delight gamers looking for a memorable creepy adventure.

If you're looking for a simple and addictive puzzler that features plenty of insane cartoon violence and horror references then Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut is a must-buy game. However, if you enjoy it too much then please do society a favour and see a psychiatrist.

Super Mario Odyssey is an incredible adventure that every Mario fan and Switch owner needs to experience. Although it's not quite perfect, what's here is undeniably the next must-have Nintendo masterpiece.

Simply put, if you're a fan of action RPGs and are looking for something unique and surprisingly addictive then Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon may have what it takes to be your next genre obsession.

The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk's charming characters and graphics are spectacular and it features one interesting and deep story. It's a bit disappointing that the console controls weren't improved but this is still a must-buy game for point 'n' click adventure fans.

The Evil Within 2 is a tense and challenging game that still manages to remain accessible. The addition of open-world exploration is a huge success and it helps to create an overall excellent action-filled survival horror experience.

Poi: Explorer Edition is ultimately a Super Mario 64 clone that doesn't do much to stand out in the genre. That being said, its charming world and simplistic gameplay make it a great game for children or if you just want to wind down after a long day.

If you're in the market for a mindless hack and slash action RPG with endearing characters and plenty of cheeky moments then Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online is sure to satisfy. Just don't expect the fun to last very long.

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.

Although it isn't perfect, Putty Pals is a fantastic game to experience with a friend. The cooperative gameplay and adorable world go beautifully together to form an adventure that'll make you smile from start to finish.

As a huge fan of the series, I must say that Spelunker Party is one of the most disappointing video games that I've ever played. If you own a PlayStation 4 then do yourself a favour and download the free (and far superior) Spelunker World instead.

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.

A sprawling action-filled epic adventure with a compelling story and a living, breathing world that creates real consequences for your actions and failures. Its post-game Shadow Wars content is understandably polarizing but that shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying the core experience.

When it comes to beat 'em ups, few games are as simple as Squareboy vs. Bullies: Arena Edition. The easily exploitable and basic gameplay combines with the overall lack of variety in a way that'll make you wish that the bullies win.

Binaries is certainly a unique and challenging platformer that often feels like a puzzle game. However, its fun factor almost entirely relies on your willingness to persevere through seemingly impossible situations solo within a singular campaign mode.

When it comes to rewarding dungeon exploration, you can't do much better than Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth. Even with its frustrating aspects, what's here is a treat for gamers who love old-school dungeon-crawling adventures.

Syndrome is a buggy, frustrating mess that doesn't make the slightest effort to be original. It feels like a dull, half-finished amateur project and I was relieved when it broke halfway through and stopped me from playing it any more.

Yono and the Celestial Elephants is a memorable and charming journey with a story that'll actually make you think. Although it suffers from a mostly unchallenging campaign, this is one adventure that you'll definitely be happy to experience.

Although Raiden V: Director's Cut isn't a substantial step up from the vanilla version, what's here still makes for an incredible shoot 'em up that's a must-buy for those who don't already own the original Raiden V.

Tiny Barbarian DX is a decent take on retro 2D action games. Plus, you can play it with a friend. However, the frustration factor is high and its linear campaign will make you wish there was more than just traversing from point A to point B.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is the ultimate murder mystery experience with many new ways to get through the class trials, a large world that expands the more you play, and an interesting story behind it all. If you're intrigued and can put up with the vulgar sophomoric content then this is a must-buy game.

It's awesome. It perfectly nails how progression should be incorporated in video games and its gameplay is an addictive marriage of mining, exploration, platforming, and combat.

It features simple gameplay in an adorable world but the overall unsatisfying formula and lack of substantial content make it an easily forgettable fighter even for dedicated Touhou fans.

Even with its faults, Culdcept Revolt is one of the most addictive 3DS games that I've ever played. If you're a fan of Monopoly and JRPGs then this is a game that you need to add to your collection.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar makes an awesome first impression and features solid dungeon crawling gameplay. However, the campaign gradually turns from fresh and exciting to a chore about a dozen hours in so don't expect it to be the next must-have RPG.

Mecho Tales' world really looks remarkable so it's a shame that the rest of the game is so woefully average. There's nothing terrible about it but there is very little (aside from the graphical style) that I'd actually recommend for people to check out.

If you're looking for the next great Metroidvania game or a rewarding adventure puzzler then Mystik Belle unfortunately falls short in both regards. That being said, it is a clever blend of genres so hopefully we see a sequel that isn't as rough around the edges.

It's great to see Nintendo bringing new life to their classics, especially after such a long time since the original Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga was released. The graphics are dramatically improved, the map is more accessible than ever, and everything that you loved from the original is still here along with some bells and whistles and a brand new untold story.

Other than those couple of points, I'm really struggling to say anything positive. Obduction is apparently getting a PlayStation VR patch soon which will make it more immersive but I really don't think it will improve on the tedium of its campaign. It would be better served by a patch that sorts out its technical issues but either way, it's still going to have the same monotonous gameplay.

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.

Astro Bears Party has a solid concept yet it fails to deliver any long-lasting good times. In other words, it's like swatting a delicious-looking salmon from the river only to realise that it doesn't have much meat on its bones.

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.

After my first couple hours with Pankapu, I expected to sail through the rest of the campaign and move on from this gorgeous action platformer. I had no idea that I still had more than 6 hours of challenging, thoughtful content in front of me at that time but I'm glad that I did as Pankapu ended up being one of my most pleasant surprises of the year.

Blue Reflection is a simple game that'll appeal to a very niche crowd of gamers. If you're looking for the next great JRPG then you won't find it here but if you just want to drool at pretty schoolgirls then you'd be silly not to pick this up.

If you're looking to experience a long-lost yet undeniably enjoyable classic shoot 'em up then Battle Garegga Rev.2016 is a must-play game. It may be over 20 years after its initial release but it holds up beautifully.

DreamWorks Voltron VR Chronicles features a solid tale that's full of action. However, the fact that it's over soon after you begin and that there's very little challenge makes it a game that's best enjoyed by hardcore Voltron: Legendary Defender fans.

Splasher is an exciting, colorful, and challenging game that platforming aficionados need to check out. Completing it once is a monumental task on its own but the fast and fluid controls and clever level design make replaying and perfecting stages just as enjoyable.

Robonauts' gunplay mechanics are pretty by the book but it's bolstered by colorful visuals and planet-hopping exploration. At only 12 levels, the campaign is a bit on the short side but Robonauts is still a fun little adventure.

One of the most memorable and haunting games that I've ever played. Its VR implementation is amazing, too. If it didn't have annoying controls and lengthy monotonous segments then it could be a must-have PlayStation VR game.

Even though The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game is full of fun moments that you can enjoy with a pal, constant technical issues and repetitive gameplay hold it back from being the next great Lego game. That said, long-time fans of these blocky video game adventures will surely have a blast in yet another vibrant and memorable plastic world.

Blackguards 2 presents a dark and engaging tale that's sure to haunt you even after you put it down. When you factor in the rewarding and challenging SRPG gameplay, you're left with a must-have game for those looking to put their tactical abilities to the test.

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.

Ink is a pleasant albeit brief experience that 2D platforming fans should thoroughly enjoy. In the end, the precise controls and charming visual style allow the gameplay to really leap off the page.

Time Recoil plays like a toned-down Hotline Miami that strips away the stealth focus and ramps up the twin-stick shooting. Poor enemy AI makes some scenarios a bit unbelievable but the core gameplay and time mechanics keep it enjoyable from start to finish.

Even though Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is disappointing in a lot of ways, the combination of classic fighting and new gameplay mechanics results in some exhilarating battles, especially online. However, don't expect an epic story or an impressive roster.

Simply put, Super Hydorah is a must-buy game if you're a hardcore retro shoot 'em up fan. That being said, it certainly lacks wide appeal due to its insanely high difficulty so if you don't fit that description then it's sure to frustrate.

36 Fragments of Midnight is not only a waste of money, it's also a waste of time. In fact, it has me worried that the Switch's eShop will end up with as many horrible games on it as the Wii U's and that's a concern that I definitely don't want to see become reality.

Although it doesn't improve much from the vanilla version, Pokkén Tournament DX is an enjoyable fighter that both Pokémon fans and fighting game fanatics will thoroughly appreciate. Let's just hope Pokkén Tournament 2 includes a story mode.

Overall, The Lost Legacy doesn't bring anything new to the Uncharted series but if you're curious about what these less-discussed characters from the franchise get up to when Nathan isn't around and you're happy with more of the same gameplay and scenery then you'll definitely want to check out Chloe and Nadine's adventure.

Although Mask of Truth is certainly a better game than Mask of Deception, it unfortunately retains many of its flaws. That being said, fans of the previous game will have a wonderful time finally seeing the conclusion to this two-part adventure.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy is nothing short of an impressive compilation that includes some of the craziest battles in gaming. Even if you're not a Naruto fan, it's hard not to love every second you spend bringing out your inner ninja.

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.

Complaints aside, there's no denying that Metroid: Samus Returns is an addictive and rewarding remake of a classic game. It's certainly not as good as other 2D entries in the series but what's here is sure to tide fans over until the next Metroid releases.

With an enjoyable take on the Musou formula and boasting a fantastic cast of both mainstream and obscure Koei Tecmo characters, Warriors All-Stars is sure to delight a variety of fans and perhaps recruit a few new ones in the process.

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.

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.

Although Drive Girls looks like it could provide some crazy action and a charming world, it ultimately lacks in both of these categories. Instead, you're left with a subpar blend of beat 'em up combat and racing that feels like it belongs in the bargain bin.

Mary Skelter: Nightmares is one of the most delightful and impressive RPGs that I've played in a long time. Both old-school dungeon crawler fans and those curious about the genre definitely have a bloody enjoyable adventure ahead of them.

Fans of escape rooms and puzzle-solving games that don't mind a more adult and dark tone will have a lot of fun with Zero Time Dilemma. It may have dated graphics and sound but that shouldn't stop you from playing it through to see all of its endings.

X-Morph: Defense is one of the most impressive and addictive games that I've played all year. The blend of twin-stick shooting and tower defense is perfect for some intense gameplay and the fact that you can enjoy it with a pal is the icing on the cake.

Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition is bursting with a ton of fun content that's contained within the vibrant and wacky world of One Piece. Unfortunately, the core gameplay is so repetitive that it doesn't quite complement Luffy's abilities as a pirate.

Visually, Resident Evil: Revelations is a bit rough around the edges but that doesn't hold it back from being an intense and enjoyable action-based entry in the series, either by playing solo or teaming up with a friend in Raid Mode.

Mages of Mystralia's combat and puzzles are enjoyable and the unique spell crafting system allows for a nearly endless amount of customization. The lack of robust fast traveling may bog the backtracking down but not enough to dampen Zia's grand adventure.

Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is a wonderful collection of a couple of the best 2D action games ever made. If you're a fan of the genre and have yet to experience GV's adventures then this is definitely a must-buy compilation.

In the end, if you manage to snag the Into The Ice DLC for free then it's worth a download. However, the lack of any significant new content and the fact that Kane is almost unplayable means that paying for this DLC will likely make you feel cheated.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana provides more than enough thrilling action RPG gameplay to satisfy fans' appetites. Even though some of the magic is gone, there's no denying that this is one memorable entry in the series.

Don't let its strange premise fool you; if you're a fan of Metroidvania games then Rabi-Ribi is a must-play game. The combination of fantastic 2D action, satisfying exploration, and lighthearted charm makes it a wholly enjoyable bunny-filled adventure.

Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder features a fantastic albeit familiar mix of genres that's sure to provide some great and often hilarious times. Although the fun factor doesn't last forever, what's here is definitely worth checking out.