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.