Othello is a classic board game that holds up well after all these years. However, this version is so bare-bones that you may as well pick up an 8-bit iteration as it'll probably be more fully-featured.

SkyKeepers is one of those games that gets on your nerves for all the wrong reasons. The amount of glitches hampers the mediocre and irritating gameplay to the point where I can't imagine anyone getting enjoyment out of what SkyKeepers has to offer.

Toukiden 2 manages to stay interesting by providing a wealth of abilities that can be used in exploration and fighting. However, it doesn't do a ton to break apart from its mostly one-note formula of traversing large open lands in order to find and take down oni.

Dark Souls III: The Ringed City is a worthwhile expansion for fans of the series but it also frequently devolves into a controller-throwing nightmare. That being said, it is a fitting final chapter of the Souls franchise but let's just hope that turns out not to be the case.

Brave Dungeon is a fabulous portable RPG set in the delightful world of The Legend of Dark Witch. If you're a fan of the series or just want a simple dungeon exploration game on the go then downloading it should be a no-brainer.

Developer Videocult took a brave chance with Rain World. They've stripped it of almost all the traditional video game tropes, leaving just an aggressively difficult 2D survival platformer. Purists may find a lot to love here but in my eyes, it's simply an interesting concept that fails at being an enjoyable video game.

When it comes to having fun with Kinect, you can't do much better than Air Guitar Warrior. The ridiculous premise combines with satisfying gameplay to craft one unique gem of a game so whip out your axe and get ready to rock!

Snake Pass is a deceptively difficult game that's perfect for gamers who crave challenging new experiences. It may have an ultimately frustrating and unvaried campaign but what's here is still promising and definitely worth checking out.

Simply put, Has-Been Heroes is one of the most engaging strategic gaming experiences on the market. However, getting to the point where it's that enjoyable can be too demanding for casual gamers so make sure you're willing to give it time for the gameplay to click and let it grow on you. Once it does, it's a downright blast to play.

The Inner World is quite a delightful surprise that manages to keep you hooked to the end with its charming personality and best-in-class hint system. I definitely recommend it for fans of 2D point-and-click adventures and casual gamers alike.

Troll and I has the potential to be a must-play adventure but its lack of fine-tuning makes it an often haphazard experience that'll test your patience more than it provides enjoyment. Here's hoping the developers retool it down the road or perhaps learn from their mistakes and create a more refined sequel because they definitely have a winning formula on their hands.

There's no denying that 88 Heroes is an innovative and ultimately enjoyable take on 2D platforming. However, its fun factor relies almost entirely on your willingness to persevere through its often infuriating campaign setup so make sure you have a spare controller.

World of Goo was a phenomenally distinct puzzler when it first debuted and it remains worthwhile nearly a decade after its initial release. If you've never played it before then you owe it to yourself to download it on your brand new Switch.

Little Inferno's minimalist gameplay makes for an incredibly dull dynamic. Although its anti-game premise benefits from this tedium, it still remains an overall short experience that unfortunately fails to bring the heat.

When it comes to action-packed gameplay and breathtaking audio, NieR: Automata goes above and beyond almost every game in existence. It may have its issues with its less than stellar open-world but it remains a wholly phenomenal and memorable experience.

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

Multiple difficulties and optional areas to explore give Momodora a bit of additional replay value after you complete the five to six hour long campaign. Despite being designed with a 4:3 aspect ratio and therefore having black bars on the sides of the screen, those who appreciate retro pixel art visuals should get a kick out of the gorgeous environments and layers of parallax scrolling. Most importantly, almost everyone will enjoy Momodora's smooth combat and fun exploration.

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

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a promising stealth experience with massive stages and an interesting blend of genres. However, its frequently frustrating and tedious gameplay make playing it often feel like a chore.

Touhou Genso Wanderer is a capable Mystery Dungeon game but it doesn't quite live up to its contemporaries. That being said, those who crave more classic roguelike fun after last year's phenomenal Shiren release will find a lot to love here.

Lego Worlds is a welcome departure for everyone's favourite brick-based series of adventures. Although it can use some fine-tuning, what's here will provide fans hours of imagination-fueled fun.

Sublevel Zero Redux is one of the most ambitious roguelikes due to its impressive combination of genres and intuitive gameplay. Although a few unfortunate drawbacks make it a less than stellar experience, genre enthusiasts should definitely check this one out.

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

Despite its paucity of modes, Disc Jam is still incredibly addictive and fun to play. High Horse are promising additional features in the future including characters and arenas so here's hoping they turn Disc Jam into the more complete product that its gameplay deserves.

Blaster Master Zero is the definition of a retro remake done right. Inti Creates did a phenomenal job of improving every aspect of the original to make in an enjoyable experience for existing fans and newcomers alike so hop in your tank and start having a blast.

Loot Rascals is a delightful yet frustrating experience. If it were a TV show then I'd watch it but as a game, it simply doesn't live up to other roguelikes. That being said, I'm looking forward to Hollow Ponds' future titles as they're clearly capable developers.

Atelier Firis tells a heartwarming story of a girl determined to forge her own path in life with the help of her sister and a few friends. Its open world is full of rewarding tasks to master and the battle system will put your alchemy abilities to the test. In the end, it may not be the best game in the series but it's definitely a wonderful start to take Atelier in an entirely new direction.

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a solid game for series fans although real-time strategy enthusiasts may be put off by its simplistic gameplay formula. In the end, I'm surprised how well it holds up as it's a wholly worthwhile game even eight years after its initial release.

A King's Tale is an interesting tie-in to the popular yet polarizing Final Fantasy XV. Retro fans will probably despise it due to its awful interpretation of classic beat 'em ups but its simple gameplay is easily digestible for casual gamers.

An absolute joy to play with gameplay that's as explosively addictive as ever. Besides a few minor complaints, I couldn't be happier that Bomberman's back in a modern interpretation of the series.

The unnecessarily slow movement speed turns Forma.8 into a bit of a slog at times, especially during long straight passages and when backtracking. The combat, puzzles, and exploration are all quite enjoyable as is the trust in the player to solve problems without putting the answers directly in front of them. Overall, Forma.8 functions as a competent Metroidvania as long as you have plenty of patience.

The frustration with its emphasis on mining gems aside, Story of Seasons is still a lot of fun as a cute and leisurely game. However, this sequel took more steps backwards than forwards and I'm hoping it remedies these poor decisions in the next installment.

Berserk and the Band of the Hawk offers plenty of content for fans of the franchise in an impressively presented package. However, its gameplay falls flat as it fails to pull itself from Musou mediocrity.

Halo Wars 2 is an ambitious game that delivers easily understandable RTS gameplay in an immersive way. Genre enthusiasts may be disappointed but there's no denying the amount of fun to be had strategically taking on Atriox forces.

Ghost Blade HD features incredible classic shoot 'em up gameplay that's as rewarding as the best in the genre. However, its lack of content and disappointingly short campaign makes it fall just a little short of greatness.

Given some work, Trulon can be a worthwhile RPG. As it is, I can't possibly widely recommend it but I do hope to see a reworked version release eventually because there's definitely a lot of potential here.

As a huge fan of Ys ever since the beginning of the franchise, I'm thrilled to be able to enjoy Ys Origin on the big screen. It may not be a perfect entry in the long-running series but it's one that genre fans will definitely find hard to put down.

Shift Happens is an enjoyable cooperative 2D puzzle platformer but it's unfortunately hindered by a limited solo experience as well as many irritating gameplay flaws. All of that being said, it's easy to see that it has a lot of potential to be a worthwhile game.

Chime Sharp retains the addictive gameplay of the original yet there are few innovations that make it a worthy sequel. That being said, it's worth adding to your collection for the brilliant soundtrack alone.

A Pixel Story is a promising retro tale but it fails to live up to the classic games that it's clearly inspired by. You'll likely have fun in its colourful world but don't expect it to last as long as the journey itself.

Typoman: Revised isn't afraid to test your wits and word descrambling abilities as well as your grasp of the English language (I don't think there would be any way for non-English speakers to complete the campaign). It also makes sure you've been paying attention to all of the mechanics by throwing in a few tricky puzzles right at the end. Typoman: Revised is a notable improvement over the original game and will be especially endearing for gamers who have a love of the English language.

I wasn't disappointed by this latest installment in the Hitman franchise. Its awesome graphics, varied gameplay, and tons of content will impress. However, the terrible (and sometimes offensive) writing, confusing menus, and inconsistent AI took me out of the experience enough to warrant a less than stellar score than it would otherwise deserve.

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World may be lacking in a couple of areas when you compare it to 2015's platforming gem but it more than makes up for these aspects by including a handful of fantastic new additions. Even if you already own and love the Wii U version, Poochy & Yoshi will feel right at home on your 3DS, too.

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

Flywrench is best compared to some of the other games that were developed at the start of the indie gaming boom a decade ago. Unlike titles like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, I wasn't able to get the same sort of twitchy satisfaction from Flywrench mostly due to its emphasis on momentum. There's still fun to be had with Flywrench but a lot of it depends on how forgiving you are of its difficult color-changing, momentum-maintaining mechanics.

How to Survive 2 expands on the ideas of its predecessor with mixed results. On one hand, its enlarged scope and addition of base building adds longevity to the experience but on the other, its missions frequently feel monotonous and grindy.

Pix the Cat is one of the most unique and addictive arcade-style indies to ever be released. Its core gameplay will keep any hardcore retro enthusiast delighted for hours.

Semispheres is a clever blend of stealth and polarity-based puzzles but the content is severely lacking. As a result, you may have an enjoyable time with Semispheres but that fun won't last much longer than about an hour.

Plantera is one of the cutest games that I've ever played. If you're in the market to chill out and observe adorable creatures working on a farm then you should ignore my score below and download this immediately.

8DAYS may have a solid premise but the execution of its mechanics isn't well handled. I imagine that if the developers retooled all of its irritating elements, 8DAYS would be an easily recommendable title. As it is, I doubt anyone could thorough enjoy it.

Team Ninja's Nioh is a solid attempt at breathing new life into a formula that gamers just can't seem to get enough of. After all is said and done, Nioh may have its flaws but it remains an ambitious and ultimately satisfying experience for gamers who love a challenge.

This latest Tales title is definitely on my shortlist of the greatest. Watching the story unfold as I travelled the world with a collection of folks from all walks of life was a lot of fun. Thankfully, the developers added some variety in the overworld maps and if the dungeons were more interesting and sidequests played a larger role then I could see this being a contender for one of the best modern RPGs.

In time, you'll come to recognize situations where you should slow down but these unexpected deaths and frustrations will never fully disappear. Whenever they happened, I usually took a few deep breaths or even a short break, but I found myself regularly coming back in hopes of learning from my past experiences to become an even better explorer, looter, and fighter.

A surprisingly addictive game that's full of tacky fun and genuinely amusing scenarios.

The puzzles are challenging but the core gameplay is often disappointing.

Adventure Pop is a lazy Bust-A-Move clone that tries to rope gamers in with its charming visuals but it ultimately fails to live up to its inspirations. Even though it's free, you're better off paying a few bucks for a classic Bust-A-Move title.

Linelight is one of the best indie puzzlers ever made. Its immersive, challenging, and varied gameplay is presented in such an accessible and brilliant way that even after you're done with it, you'll think fondly back at this little light for years to come.

As survival games go, The Flame in the Flood is accessible and a good introduction to the genre. While it has several roguelike elements, it includes checkpoints on its easier "Traveler" difficulty that removes the sting of permadeath. Prepare for an enjoyable trip down-river but count on spending time learning the ins and outs before you start to find success.

Double Dragon IV is a return to the good old days of beat 'em ups that fans may enjoy but it's also a flawed experience that modern gamers will likely be baffled by. Although it's not as good as I was hoping, I'm glad to see Bimmy and Jimmy kicking ass in 2017.

Aqua Kitty UDX is a significant step up from previous iterations. Although it's disappointing that a few substantial issues remain, there's no denying the amount of fun you'll have blasting underwater foes away as a ferocious feline hero.

TowerFall Ascension is a highly recommended game for those looking for another frantic local multiplayer experience to add to their collection. However, if you're a lone wolf then there are plenty of superior 2D arena combat games on the market.

Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic is such a charming, funny, and addictive retro RPG experience that it's a must-play for anyone looking for an old-school fun-filled adventure.

Subterrain deserves praise for the intricacy of its various systems but they could have been implemented in a much more user-friendly way. With all the constant monitoring and running back and forth, it'd probably be less stressful to endure a real zombie apocalypse.

Earthlock: Festival of Magic is a solid attempt at making retro RPGs fun again. Although it's not as engaging as similar titles from the turn of the century, fans of the genre will enjoy the time that they spend adventuring with Amon and his ragtag group of chums.

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

Hunter's Legacy is an action-packed Metroidvania that gamers who love testing their mettle will enjoy immensely. On the other hand, those who get easily frustrated with difficult games should definitely think twice before they play with this kitty.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Mega Battle disappointingly fails to live up to its genre predecessors. Those who love the Rangers and don't mind playing a substandard beat 'em up should check it out but it isn't much of a game to widely recommend.

Its memorable cast of characters and refined gameplay make it a fantastic experience that ties up the Dusk trilogy wonderfully.

Toby: The Secret Mine is a short and frequently frustrating adventure. You may occasionally get immersed in its simple controls and phenomenal audio but you'll quickly snap out of it whenever something unexpectedly ends your life.

Yakuza 0 may not have the best visuals or the biggest game world but its outstanding gameplay and amount of content make it a must-buy prequel for fans of the series.

Sylvio probably sounds like an interesting little game on paper but its execution is flawed in pretty much every way. If it can even be classed as a horror game, it's probably the least scary and dullest one that I've ever played.

A fresh take on a decades-old formula. Even though it has its problems, it's definitely an enjoyable challenge that any genre enthusiast will be happy to add to their library.

There are many times when it feels less like a game and more like some elaborate joke to troll you. Put a podcast on when you play and it's an okay way to pass the time. Otherwise, it might lead to sensory deprivation.

It may not be much of a game but it's a worthy download as a silly distraction for kids to watch and have a few giggles. You might have a few yourself, too.

Small Radios Big Televisions is a good game to wind-down and play after a tough day. That is, until it starts to turn on you and needlessly stresses you out.

Root Letter is an intriguing title with an interesting story that manages to stay engaging throughout. Although a couple of weird Japanisms occasionally get in the way, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys visual novels and detective games.

Small issues aside, Ittle Dew 2 is a must-have game for anyone who's in the market for a lighthearted yet gratifying adventure set in a charming world.

A great JRPG that any fan of the series should pick up. It may get a little boring from time to time but with such a variety of content to master, how could you pass up exploring this colourful, lively, and fantastical world?

Masterpiece.

A mixed bag. The Dark Descent's puzzles can be frustrating but overall, it's an excellent and engrossing horror experience. Justine is very short and rather throwaway while A Machine for Pigs is a big step down in quality from the original.

Aqua Moto Racing Utopia is one of the best watercraft racers out there. It may suffer from some minor problems but the gameplay is so incredibly fun and there are many modes to enjoy it within.

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs is a quirky game that'll likely win you over if you have the patience to master its unconventional gameplay. If you do then bustin' will surely make you feel good.

Bridge Constructor offers many unique physics-based construction puzzles that'll keep you hooked until every vehicle finds its way home.

If you're in the market for an off-the-wall shooter full of frantic action wrapped in a ridiculous layer of insanity then Teslapunk is definitely one game that you don't want to pass up on.

Despite its inferior controls, Lara Croft GO on PlayStation is still a very pleasant experience. The graphics are colourful and appealing, the soundtrack is minimalist and relaxing, and the whole thing's addictive enough to make you want to keep plugging away at its tougher stages until you beat them. Overall, it's a good feeling to be puzzle-solving in Tomb Raider again.

An enjoyable hybrid of two gameplay styles that'll keep you hooked until you beat its short yet somewhat challenging campaign.

A faithful and worthwhile update of a classic shooter. Although it still feels like the same old game for the most part, there's no denying the amount of rootin' tootin' boot-stompin' fun you'll have blasting away robot scallywags.

Boom Ball 2 for Kinect is an impressively enjoyable title that anyone who has a fondness for motion-controlled games should pick up. It may have its problems but smashing blocks with balls has never been this much fun.

Unfortunately, Half-Genie Hero isn't Shantae's finest moment but that doesn't mean that it isn't a great game. Any 2D platformer fan should definitely pick it up as it's one of the genre's best.

Air Race Speed is a worthwhile portable racer that'll get your hands sweating with its lightning-fast gameplay. It has its problems yet its addictive nature and impressive replay value may have you hooked until you become an ace pilot.

The investigations themselves are great examples of story-telling.

Maldita Castilla EX: Cursed Castile is undeniably a must-download for any retro gamer who loves a challenge. However, the difficulty is also its biggest hurdle to overcome. Either way you look at it, you have to admire the old-school authenticity in all its glory.

Gears of War 4 is an impressive return to form.

Steel Rain X is definitely an ambitious title and it provides a satisfying blend of gameplay styles for the most part. That being said, you need a lot of patience to fully understand the simulation component and the shooting doesn't quite do enough to stay fresh.

Dead Rising 4 brings a lot of varied zombie-slaughtering fun to your living room but it also takes a couple of steps back for the series.

Spheroids is one of the most impressive platformers that I played in recent memory. If it had more replay value, a satisfying sense of challenge, and no glitches then I'd consider it the best Buster Bros. experience yet. However, it's still up there as a must-play for both Pang and 2D platformer enthusiasts as Lucas' adventure is one you won't soon forget.

Final Fantasy XV is definitely a memorable tale told with impressive production values. However, it's plagued by gameplay that basically plays itself, insufferable wait times, and a story that fails to establish itself before thrusting you into its world.

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