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.

Superhot VR is an absolutely fantastic experience that'll provide thrills for almost any gamer. That being said, the limited replay value and its many irritating aspects may make you wish that you took the blue pill instead.

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles delivers an imaginative and colourful atmosphere that's contained within its own unique fantasy land. It's great fun to explore, learn skills, complete quests, and befriend the residents and the local wildlife. I only wish there was a clearer sense of direction and the ability to traverse this wondrous land more efficiently.

Fallen Legion: Sins of an Empire is one of the most promising action RPGs that I've seen in a long time but its reliance on repetitive battles will surely wear down any genre fan's enthusiasm quicker than Cecille can say "Cassandra's Coil!"

If the idea of a VR construction-based puzzler appeals to you then Fantastic Contraption is a must-play game. Just make sure you bring along plenty of patience because this farting cat may get on your nerves from time to time.

I and Me has a solid premise for a puzzle platformer but the limited amount of fun to be had makes it a somewhat disappointing game. That said, if you want a simple yet challenging puzzler then you can't go wrong by giving it a download.

Leap of Fate is a solid twin-stick roguelike that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Although it has its issues, the addictive nature of seeing what the cards will deal next definitely makes it a game worth checking out.

Simply put; Iron Crypticle is a blast to play and it's even more fun with friends. So, if the idea of an action-packed medieval-themed twin-stick shooter appeals to you then what are you waiting for? Give it a download and call up some pals.

AereA has one of the most imaginative game worlds that I've seen in a long time but the overall lack of challenge and crazy amount of glitches make it an ultimately boring yet undeniably irritating experience.

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.

Although it's set in the delightful Kirby universe, there's no denying that Blowout Blast is little more than a bare-bones and unchallenging experience. That being said, if you want to teach a toddler how to play video games then this is a solid entry point.

Micro Machines World Series actually contains a great deal of enjoyable content but its lack of structure and dependence on a barren online community means that content mostly goes to waste. Add in frustrating AI and you're left with one disappointing game.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a phenomenal collection of games with incredible updated visuals and a few cool extras. It may have some retro baggage but there's no denying just how classic Crash's first three adventures are.

Ancient Amuletor may be light on content but it's also a heck of a lot of fun. It might be worth waiting for more stages and characters to be included but this is one game that PlayStation VR owners should definitely keep on their radar.

Tokyo Xanadu is nothing short of engaging action RPG goodness that'll have you coming back for more. Ultimately, the lovely cast of characters and immediately gratifying combat combine seamlessly to make it a must-have JRPG.

Ever Oasis has a charming, varied, and colourful world to explore with many characters who join you on your journey to safeguard your newfound home once and for all. If you're a fan of action-packed adventures, you can't go wrong with this adorable pocket-sized tale.

Valkyria Revolution is a noble effort at providing fans with a fresh take on the series but it unfortunately doesn't quite live up to its genre contemporaries. That being said, it may satisfy if you simply want to be immersed in an intriguing tale.

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.

As expected, Nex Machina is another exhilarating piece of dual-stick shooting fun from Housemarque. It's a blast to play with tight controls and satisfying shooting but its lack of content and emphasis on repetition stop it from being a true classic.

If you're looking for a fun albeit brief old-school shooting adventure then Blasting Agent: Ultimate Edition will fit the bill. However, don't expect it to be a revolutionary take on retro running and gunning.

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

A Hole New World is a fantastic tribute to retro 2D action games and it also crafts a unique gameplay formula that's both challenging and rewarding. You may not play it for more than a couple of hours but the time you spend with it will definitely be memorable.

Dragon Bros is one of the most enjoyable cooperative run and gun games that you'll ever play. It may not last long but the amount of fun to be had in its action-packed world filled with awesome music will definitely delight any retro gamer.

If you're looking for a new kart racer to add to your collection, you can't go wrong with Cars 3: Driven to Win. Its cute and colourful style is charming and it has a great selection of content to keep you busy for hours.

With only four chapters, Perception is a short game that doesn't justify its launch price. However, its unique gameplay mechanics are genuinely smart and imaginative and its quartet of narratives are morbidly engaging. After having been a little put off by its initial negative reception, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's actually pretty good.

God Wars Future Past is an impressive throwback to possibly the best era for turn-based strategy RPGs. Long-time fans of the genre will love every second they spend fighting off dastardly beasts while modern gamers may wonder how this kind of game could be fun.

Aside from its new Battleground modes and Warden class, the bulk of Morrowind is essentially just more Elder Scrolls Online with little new added to the formula. If you enjoy the base game, you'll have no reason to dislike it but if you feel ESO gets boring and samey after a while, you won't find anything in Vvardenfell that will change your mind.

Mighty Gunvolt Burst is an overall fun and fitting tribute to retro 2D action games that stars two recent heroes in the genre. Although you won't be playing it for years to come, it's still a worthwhile entry in one of the most classic genres in gaming.

Victor Vran: Overkill Edition is chock full of action RPG goodness that'll delight any genre fan for dozens of hours. Its core gameplay may get a little repetitive but what's here amounts to a surprisingly varied and enjoyable collection of content.

Cubit HD's cheerful sights and groovy tunes fail to make up for its frustrating and bare-bones gameplay. Although you may get a few minutes of fun out of it, you'll be better off taking your change to an arcade.

Danger Zone takes a mode that's been around for 15 years and manages to make a somewhat enjoyable game out of it. However, the bare-bones amount of variety and content will make gamers wonder if the full version will ever arrive.

Randall has the markings of a decent game, especially when it comes to platforming but the bad dialogue, bizarre design choices, dull combat, and overall glitchiness make it hard for me to recommend in its current state.

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

Lock's Quest is definitely a game worthy of bringing back from obscurity but this version contains performance issues that frequently make it tough to enjoy. However, if you overlook these parts then it can be one fulfilling blend of gameplay elements.

Countless fantastic 2D action games released since Cave Story initially debuted yet it remains a wonderful experience that every genre fan needs to play. Now that it's available on Switch, even more gamers can see why it's such a timeless classic.

The Town of Light's setting in a real-world mental asylum was a clever idea but sadly, its poor graphics, mind-numbing pacing and general clunkiness mean that it doesn't take full advantage of its potential.

The WipEout series is a shining example of how to keep racing exciting with many variations and an awesome visual style. The classic gameplay holds up beautifully so if you're craving some fast-paced races then Omega Collection is more than enough to satisfy.

Shu is a memorable and charming little 2D adventure that features varied gameplay and plenty of replay value. It may occasionally be irritating but the amount of challenging fun to be had surely makes it worthwhile if you're a fan of the genre.

Chroma Squad is not only a worthy tribute to Power Rangers; it's also one of the best indie SRPGs ever created. The enjoyable mix of strategy and simulation elements is addictive enough to make it a go-to title whenever you want some lighthearted RPG fun.

If you're a fan of Utawarerumono then Mask of Deception is definitely a worthwhile addition to the series. However, everyone else will likely find the protracted plot and simplistic battle system to be ultimately underwhelming and tedious.

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.

Although Paddle Vs. Paddle is a very bare-bones game and has a disappointing single player component, I must admit that the concept is solid for some enjoyable multiplayer matches. Hopefully, the developer will make an expanded version down the road.

Oh...Sir!! The Insult Simulator is an entertaining and original offering that's worth trying out for its novelty value alone. Although insulting both friends and strangers is fun while it lasts, the lack of available put-downs and scenarios means that it gets repetitive very quickly.

Hardcore JRPG enthusiasts will find Dark Rose Valkyrie to be one of the most rewarding games in recent memory while casual genre fans may be put off by the overall complexity and repetitive missions. Either way, this is one RPG that you don't want to overlook.

RiME is an attractive title that sends you on a fascinating journey. The unvaried replay value shouldn't keep you from giving it a try as it's an adventure game that stays interesting and accomplishes an intriguing dialog without even one spoken word.

Unit 4 is a challenging and unique platformer that serves up a varied and satisfying campaign. That being said, if you don't have the patience to deal with plenty of unfair deaths then you're better off waiting for Unit 5 to come out.

Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop is bursting with charm and tons of enjoyable content. Fans of the series will gladly spend hours in Mama's kitchen but those who find stylus-based mini-game compilations boring probably won't be won over.

Spellspire is a simple and enjoyable word-forming RPG-like adventure but it doesn't quite do enough to create a memorable take on the genre. That being said, if you want to test your vocabulary then you can't go wrong by giving it a download.

Skylar & Plux is a charming and fun little game but it's so ridiculously short and easy that I can't imagine any 3D platformer fan could fully embrace it. Then again, what other game stars both a lynx and an owl?

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.

Elliot Quest is a fun and challenging throwback to gaming of long ago and will appeal mostly to those with nostalgia for classic action-adventure games. A familiarity with Zelda II will definitely help you appreciate many of the finer details.

Injustice 2 is a capable and accessible fighter that fans of DC Comics will love. That being said, if you're in the market for a hardcore fighter then you'll likely be disappointed by its generally casual gameplay.

If you're in the mood to watch a cast of charming characters have often humorous conversations for lengthy periods of time then Akiba's Beat is a game for you. However, those looking for a satisfying JRPG will be better off searching elsewhere.

The Surge is one of those games that shows a lot of promise but the experience itself just doesn't live up to its potential. You may have some fun within the first 5 hours or so but everything after that slowly evolves into nothing more than a tedious grind.

Dreamfall Chapters is a lengthy and entertaining game with an enthralling narrative. The minor annoyances won't stop me from recommending it to any fan of adventure games or even someone who simply wants to enjoy a solid story.

Mario Sports Superstars is bursting at the seams with a varied collection of enjoyable content. If you're a fan of Mario's sports games then this is one compilation that you'll likely find yourself enjoying for years to come.

NeuroVoider shines much brighter in multiplayer. The gameplay stays the same but the difficulty doesn't seem to scale as much and you can now blast through the enemy forces two, three, or four times as fast. The action gets a lot crazier and it can be hard to keep track of things at all times but the simplistic gameplay means you'll have a lot more fun if you play it with some pals. Unfortunately, those pals better be offline ones because NeuroVoider lacks online play.

Human Fall Flat could possibly be the next big goofy indie game with odd controls and it's also one of the most enjoyable cooperative physics-based puzzlers around. Just make sure your patience is in check before you Fall Flat.

Demon's Crystals may be one of the simplest twin-stick shooters that you'll ever play but that's what makes it so enjoyable. It's easy to pick up and play with a few friends and with so many modes to try; it will make a solid addition to any genre fan's library.

As a huge fan of all things Dark Witch, Music Episode: Rudymical is a big disappointment. Its simplistic gameplay makes it feel like a half-baked mini-game which is a giant step back from the fully-featured games in the main series.

If you dig arcade basketball then NBA Playgrounds is a great addition to the genre. Ballers of all skill levels can find something to love in its enjoyably cartoony take on the sport although your b-ball career may be over well before you'd expect it to.