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.

League of Evil is a simplistic 2D platformer that's clearly inspired by Super Meat Boy. The thing is, without any unique gameplay hooks, it ends up being a mostly unappealing experience that pales in comparison to its genre counterparts.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age took one of the best games ever created and made it even better. The addictive gameplay, sophisticated story, and enormous yet immersive world have never been more enjoyable. In the end, this is one must-have remake.

Blackhole: Complete Edition is a clever and diabolical puzzler wrapped up in a mysterious sci-fi narrative. The platforming controls leave a lot to be desired and I'd imagine that the ramped-up difficulty will drive away casual gamers but if you're a hardcore puzzle-platforming enthusiast then Blackhole will certainly put your skills to the test.

Despite only consisting of seven levels and relying on players replaying them multiple times, I never got bored with Bleed. The additional enemies and increased challenge made each playthrough feel different and the brevity of the levels helped to constantly provide a sense of progression. Of course, the smooth controls and exciting 2D shooting action didn't hurt either.

Yakuza Kiwami may not have gameplay as varied as Yakuza 0 but the gripping story, solid combat, and rewarding progression make it a must-play experience for both new and long-time fans looking to either discover or revisit Kiryu's debut adventure.

Observer crafts an intriguing and richly detailed futuristic world but it's let down by awful performance issues as well as some drawn-out and tedious segments. If you're into the cyberpunk aesthetic, it's still worth a look just to experience its lovingly created environs. However, unless it gets a patch to fix its problems, you might be better off playing it on a high-end PC.

Agents of Mayhem may not be the best open world action game but it is full of awesome gameplay, satisfying exploration, and diverse characters that help keep the experience fresh. In the end, Volition tried something new and it definitely paid off.

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.

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.

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

Nidhogg 2 is definitely a step up from the original game but it's just not enough of one to make it feel like a sequel. Instead, it merely comes across as a reskinned game with a few extra weapons.

Miitopia is the only Nintendo game that actually uses the Mii concept to its full potential. Even though the core gameplay doesn't stray far from a basic formula, I never thought that user-generated Miis could result in such an addictive barrel of fun.

Hey! Pikmin is a laidback 2D puzzle platformer that includes a large amount of content and replay value. However, its easy-as-pie difficulty level will make any seasoned gamer get bored quicker than Captain Olimar can crash his ship.

Sine Mora EX builds upon the original game by offering some truly innovative multiplayer aspects. Besides that, the shooting action is as stellar as ever so if you've never played the original then this is definitely a shmup that you need to check out.

If you're looking for a captivating story set in an immersive world then Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is sure to satisfy. However, as an RPG, it simply doesn't provide enough rewarding gameplay to delight genre fans.

Hands down, Slime-san is the best super-tough 2D platformer that I've ever played (yes, even better than Super Meat Boy). So, if you're looking for a new experience to test your gaming skills then you can't do much better than this.

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 houses four games from The Blue Bomber's past that offer a surprising amount of variety. Although not everyone will like everything they see, there's no denying just how enjoyable it is to replay these classics yet again.

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.

Although it's not the best example of a classic arcade shooter, Strikers 1945 is an enjoyable game to pick up and play whenever you want a fix of retro shoot 'em up action. Hopefully, we see the sequels arrive sometime down the road, too.

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.

The high level of difficulty makes it hard for me to recommend Deadcore to anyone but first-person platformer fanatics. It's technically competent and brings a few good ideas to the table but its frustrating aspects make me more likely to recommend it to my enemies rather than my friends.

Metal Slug 2 may not be as consistently exciting as the first game but the added variety and extra characters make it a worthy sequel indeed. If you're a fan of retro games then you'll have a blast with this one.

CastleStorm has always been a very fun game and now you can experience that fun in virtual reality. If you haven't played it since its vanilla version then this iteration will make a fantastic addition to your VR library.

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.

Alpha Mission II has solid core gameplay but the fun factor is heavily weighed down by a counterintuitive power-up system and some undeniably frustrating moments. That being said, if you're dying for another retro shmup then you may find some enjoyment here.

I can't say enough good things about Sundered. Developer Thunder Lotus Games took some risks by trying a few new things and fortunately, they all paid off. The visuals are top-notch, the combat is excellent, the upgrade system is robust, and the exploration is on-point. Sundered isn't just the best indie game I've played this year but one of the best games I've ever played period.

Circuit Breakers manages to recapture some tropes of classic twin-stick shooters but sadly their fun factor wasn't one of them. It might give some old-school gamers a burst of nostalgia but its repetitive nature and unfair level of difficultly will make it unappealing to most.

After playing Super Cloudbuilt for many hours with my eyes straining to stay focused on the non-stop parkour action, I can say that I don't mind needing to up my glasses prescription. Its awesome graphical style and addictive albeit very difficult gameplay is a blast.

Even at its budget price, Leaving Lyndow doesn't offer enough content to make it worth buying. Furthermore, its awful technical problems ensure what is here is unenjoyable to play. If it was supposed to get me excited for its upcoming counterpart, it failed.

ACA NeoGeo: Metal Slug is a wonderful package that both fans and series newbies can appreciate. With incredible gameplay set in a fun-filled world, what's not to love about this cooperative arcade classic?

Infinite Minigolf is an entertaining and easy to pick up and play arcade-like experience that's mostly driven by user-created content. It may be enjoyable for a little while but the amount of fun to be had is far from infinite.

This latest Namco Museum features enough fantastic games to delight both long-time gamers and the retro-curious. After all these years, it's great to see Namco still putting together incredible compilations and digging up a few buried treasures in the process.

Playing Superhot is probably the closest I'll ever come to feeling like James Bond. I've never experienced anything quite like throwing an empty weapon at an enemy, knocking their weapon out of their hands, grabbing it in midair, and then shooting them with it. If that sounds awesome to you (and why wouldn't it?) then make sure to give Superhot a try.

Unbox: Newbie's Adventure is a delightful surprise full of enjoyable gameplay set within a charming and downright hilarious world. If you consider yourself a 3D platformer fan then this is one game that you shouldn't overlook.

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.

Aven Colony is easy to recommend partly because there's so little else like it on console but also because it's an excellent and engrossing example of the genre. Whichever platform you play on, you'll have fun creating a new frontier in outer space.

Children of Zodiarcs is a noble effort at a fresh take on classic turn-based SRPGs. Although it doesn't quite live up to many of its genre predecessors, there is a solid enough foundation to satisfy strategy RPG fans looking for a new game to add to their collection.

Splatoon 2 is bursting at the seams with enjoyable ink-splattering fun both in its gameplay and presentation. With loads of ways to play and tons of rewarding goodies to discover, Splatoon 2 is clearly the next must-have Switch game.

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

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.