There certainly isn't much variety in SteamWorld Dig. Whereas the sequel is full of awesome things to see and do, this debut title feels flat in comparison. All you do is mine and dig over and over again. There are puzzle rooms that reward you with bonuses once you figure them out and secret areas to uncover but there's not nearly enough to make up for the simple core gameplay.

With a lack of modes and repetitive and unvaried gameplay, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is a disappointing long-awaited follow-up to a decent duology of portable fighters. That being said, there's definitely enough Final Fantasy eye candy to satisfy diehard fans.

Arc System Works are masters of crafting excellent 2D fighting games and Dragon Ball FighterZ is no exception. Its accessible yet rewarding fighting mechanics and stunning graphics definitely make it the first must-have fighter of 2018.

If you have an affinity for arcade redemption games like I do then Pierhead Arcade is a worthwhile collection. However, just don't expect the games to play even half as smoothly as they do in real life.

If you're looking for an immersive story in a captivating world then Lost Sphear is certainly an RPG to add to your collection. Just keep in mind that experiencing that story will involve frequent tedium. Plus, its gameplay systems can quite frankly feel like a mess.

If you're looking for a unique shoot 'em up then you can't do much better than Zero Gunner 2. The spectacular visuals and strategic rotation mechanic make it a must-have shmup for any genre fan.

Strikers 1945 II is a step up from the original but it still doesn't quite reach the heights of other classic shmups. The refined gameplay mechanics and added challenge make it a unique enough experience so if you enjoyed the first then you'll want to play this as well.

Although the frustration factor can be high and there's a significant lack of content, Space Dave provides an action-packed dynamic that'll have you on the edge of your seat as you approach getting a high score or reaching a new checkpoint.

Railway Empire is simply one of the best real-time strategy experiences that I've ever played on a console and juggling its many rewarding tasks in order to succeed in building a nation is nothing short of satisfying. My conductor hat is off.

Iconoclasts is an action-packed and gorgeous game that offers some great puzzles and exciting boss fights. An overly long script and some unlikable characters make the story less enjoyable but not enough to dampen Robin's robust and exciting adventure.

Although it's far from perfect, if you're in the market for a cleverly designed character-swapping puzzler and have the patience to continually play through long stretches again and again then Vesta is sure to find a welcome home in your collection.

When it comes to Bomberman clones, Brawl is an okay take on the classic formula. If you're desperate for a new local multiplayer game on your Switch and can stomach the unappealing horror-themed world then it's probably worth checking out.

Due to the busy art style and slippery controls, it took a little while for Xenon Valkyrie+ to get its hooks in me but as I improved, everything started to open up and I had an extremely enjoyable time battling enemies and searching for its rewarding secrets.

The Escapists 2 has an undeniably solid premise for a game and features a downright charming visual style and soundtrack but the monotony of its restrictive gameplay will probably make you feel like a prisoner yourself whenever you play it.

There's something irresistibly relaxing about non-violently gliding around the beautiful environments of InnerSpace. However, that calm feeling quickly turns into frustration whenever you realise that you haven't made any progress in hours.

.hack//G.U. Last Recode shines in its engaging story, eclectic cast of characters, and unique ability to handle the concept of a game within a game. In the end, I would recommend it to JRPG fans who are looking for a unique universe to explore as long as they're prepared for generic dungeon crawling and a less than stellar combat system.

Although The Legend of Dark Witch 3 features undeniably tighter gameplay, the absence of a couple series staples and a disappointing selection of extra content make it a substantial letdown. That said, what's here is still a blast that both fans and newcomers will enjoy.

If you're looking to play a cute indie version of The Legend of Zelda then Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King definitely fits the bill. Just don't expect it to provide anything particularly new and exciting.

Arcade Archives: Vs. Super Mario Bros. is a fantastic way to experience Nintendo's defining 2D platformer in a slightly different light. In the end, if you're a hardcore fan then buying this long-lost gem is a no-brainer.

The Next Penelope brings back the classic overhead racing formula in a fun, exciting, and surprisingly varied way but its limited single player content makes it a somewhat less than stellar Odyssey.

The most enjoyment you'll get out of Party Planet is having a few laughs at some of the mini-games. Most of the collection is composed of awful takes on classic games so if you're a retro gamer then it's best to avoid this load of farts entirely.

Gunbird is a classic arcade shoot 'em up that's full of fun times but that fun doesn't last long at all. Here's hoping Zerodiv release the superior sequel sometime soon.

If you're a fan of 2D platformers and enjoy playing games with other folks then Ultimate Chicken Horse is simply a must-buy game. With a seamless blend of platforming, construction, and strategy; how could you pass up on this barn full of fun?

Boom Ball 3 for Kinect is an ultimately familiar experience but it's still a ton of fun, especially with a pal by your side. In the end, it may be nearing the end of 2017 yet the Kinect remains a surprisingly enjoyable little contraption.

Whether you played the original Vita game or not, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is such a phenomenal action RPG dungeon crawler that every fan of the genre needs to check out with its satisfying fast-paced team-based combat, great soundtrack, and charming world.

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.