SoulCalibur V, in its current state, only possibly succeeds as a fighting game (admittedly, this goes a very long way), yet already fails as a product. This is the worst scenario for an entry in this series. In one fell swoop, it's cut off most of the gateways people used to become fans of the series in the first place and provides a harsh climate to even the hardcore, who are now the only audience for this game, and that's a downright shame. There's still quality here, but it takes a lot of perseverance to find it.

All in all, the campaign has plenty of solid action, but the lack of variety in objectives causes the gameplay to wear thin after a while.

Capcom Arcade Stadium is complicated. On the one hand, most of the games are timeless classics and rarely seen in compilations, so it feels fresher than the entries on the older PlayStation consoles even before you factor in the emulation perks and the various challenge modes. On the other hand, the number of repeats from older PS4 compilations makes this feel a bit lazy, while the lack of customization stings when you see the overall purchasing method. It's still a good package for retro fans who want to play on their HDTVs, especially when compared to the PS3 release currently accessible on PS Now, but here's hoping that Capcom simply iterates on this rather than create another compilation specifically for the PS5.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human isn't a bad game, but it can't help but get in its own way. For all the freedom of its parkour system, you'll have to sit through cut scenes and fumble through the interior environments. For all the talk of conflict between the factions or that the choices you make matter, the game only recognizes them when it is convenient to the narrative and forgets about it entirely in the next. Much like the undead that populate the streets below, the gameplay is best avoided by sticking to the parkour as much as possible as you work toward the conclusion.

The AI is not disappointing, but you need human opponents to get the most from the experience, and the learning curve, while steep, is definitely less than that of other war games on the market.

Banjo-Kazooie remains a solid resurrection of a classic game whose influential nature can still be appreciated and enjoyed today. Unfortunately, it is hampered by some bad camera glitches and could have used a few more enhancements, given the price tag.

At times Soldiers plays more like a 3rd person action RPG, but that’s not a bad thing. I originally felt that Soldiers does both RTS and action RPG at the same time, only neither one very well. That would be unfair as the nuances of this game reflect the uncompromising nature of Codemasters’ philosophy on gaming and the creative ingenuity of 1C.

It is long, boring and tedious, and seems to exist entirely to extend the game's length and force players through uninteresting toned-back gameplay to get to the actual fun. Thankfully, once you get past the first generation, Rune Factory 2 is a completely worthy, if not particularly different, sequel, and one that any Harvest Moon fan should enjoy.

There isn't much replay value left after defeating Shadows of the Damned (about 8-10 hours), but I found myself back at it just to take in the experience of digesting this mishmash of action and terror ideas and trying to figure why I was so entertained. Perhaps I should stop asking so much and just appreciate what I see sticking on the wall.

The fact of the matter is that Godfather is a good game, but only if you can keep in mind that it's really a game, instead of a well-adapted license. Instead of expecting to play the movie, instead, simply take this as your chance to cause mayhem in the city that the film presents, and let loose your inhibitions.

Flashback: Remastered Edition remains a stone-cold classic, and old players will love how so little has been done to it, helping to preserve what caught people's attention in the first place as opposed to covering it all up with a more modern sheen. Newer players who aren't accustomed to the classic single-screen style of gameplay might find the control scheme and lack of real help frustrating at first. Stick with it and you'll discover why Flashback was more than just a display of pretty graphics. Overall, this title is a worthy addition to the Switch library.

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is one of the more creative and varied Dynasty Warriors spin-offs on the market.

Stellaris: Console Edition is a mighty impressive game in and of itself. It also did the impossible: make a fairly complex and grand strategy title enjoyable on a console. That should stand as its own achievement. If you have access to Stellaris on a powerful PC, the console edition isn't for you. Even though it is a great title, the console version still feels somewhat restrained and pared down, but that may change with future updates. Regardless, if you're a fan of the genre and only game on a console at home, this is as close as you can get to a great strategy title running in its full glory on a TV.

Humankind is nothing short of incredible. It has truly set a new bar for 4X games, and Firaxis is going to have its work cut out for it to make Civilization 7 visible beside the bright shining star that is Humankind.

If you enjoy 2D platformers, you will like Kaze and the Wild Masks. It probably won't become your new favorite, but it will scratch the platformer itch. It's charming, fun, and well designed. The worst thing I can say about it is that it feels too familiar at points. Kaze is a must-have for anyone who appreciates 2D platformers, and even if you're only mildly fond of them, you'll still have a great time with Kaze.

PES has the core experience down, and football purists shouldn't miss a re-creation of the beautiful game as well as it's done here. Unfortunately, everything surrounding the gameplay needs more work before PES can vie for the football gaming crown again.

Fans of realism in the sport may enjoy it, but even for them, it's basically a retread.

If Tiberium Wars left you hungry for more rush-heavy, adrenaline-inducing RTS action and you can bear the bad acting, Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath will not disappoint you.

We know that Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition won't be the definitive edition of the game, since more DLC is scheduled. This is the most complete and most beautiful edition of the game thus far, but it's asking you to buy into a very good but still flawed experience that is slowly but surely catching up. If you truly can't wait until the real complete edition surfaces, you'll have a decent experience at the very least. Otherwise, pass on this title and wait another year. The mammoth project that is FFXV will eventually come to a satisfying conclusion.

Again, Tales of Symphonia Chronicles is worth picking up for Tales of Symphonia in HD alone. It remains a fantastic RPG to this day.

A must-own title that is definitely worth playing. Everything is great, and I really cannot think of anything I would change about what could be this year's greatest hand-held game.

Delivers a simple, action-oriented, fast-paced "RTS light" experience.

Corpse Party for the 3DS is an engaging horror title that is more than the sum of its parts. Solid writing and top-notch sound design elevate basic visuals into something more. If you're a fan of Japanese-style horror writing, there's a lot to like here. It can occasionally devolve into the ridiculous or repetitive, but there are enough genuine moments of horror to help the game over its weak points. Given the flaws and lack of replay value, however, it's difficult to give this title a full-on recommendation. If you're in the market for something spooky, Corpse Party is a good bet, but it isn't a game for everyone.

Final Fight: Double Impact is a collection built around nostalgia. Everything about the presentation serves to remind gamers about the good ol' days of quarter-eating arcade machines and beating up hordes of faceless mooks with your pals.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a game with a ton of potential that suffers from feeling half-baked. The first five to 10 hours of the game feel fantastic, and after that, it seems to suffer from being rushed and unpolished, culminating in a particularly lackluster final area and boss. The bones of a fun game are there, but there are enough flaws that it's worth waiting to see how it looks after a few patches.

A fun arcade-style sports game that suffers from just enough shortcomings to keep it from being great.

In a year that's already had a few really solid racers and is expecting a couple more, Apocalypse stands out as a game that should be played by racing fans.

The game has many hours of enjoyment for someone looking for a little different twist in turn based action or even standard rts games. It has a quick learning curve and you can get into the action very quickly.

The combat system is easy to learn but has enough depth that it will take time to master.

It is thoroughly enjoyable and easily recommendable, but it doesn't really compare to its PC counterpart.

Bits such as the fighting engine can be fun even though it is probably the most flawed aspect of the entire game, though when fighting the tougher enemies in the game those flaws are quickly frustrating, to the point of some people returning the game.

This is an arcade blast based on timing and violence, and it’s a ton of fun if you don’t approach sports games as simulations of the real thing. This is a videogame in every sense of the phrase.

The XCOM 2 Collection on the Switch is an OK port of a great game and its expansion. If you can look past the mediocre performance, what lies underneath is undoubtedly excellent and fun. Since any XCOM game can be a time sink, the ability to have it available on the go can be a mighty strong draw. If you're a fan of the game or genre without other means to play it, this is certainly a solid way to do so. If you are able to play it elsewhere, you should decide if the downsides of this port outweigh its portability.

It even plays a lot better than "Donkey Konga."

Bottom line: If you are or have ever been a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog during the series' two-decade history, then this is your game.

In spite of some omissions and technical issues, Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour remains a classic. The original game design is tough, fun and interactive. For those who weren't around when this was first released, the engine change is less jarring than the old design and the new episode is quite good. At its current asking price of $20, it is tough to recommend no matter how big of a fan you are, and those who missed out on the Megaton Edition on PS3 and Vita or those who simply want it on PS4 would be better served waiting for a sale.

Truly a textbook case of how one major flaw can bring down an otherwise outstanding game.

As a game, Quantum Break is solid. There's a good balance between the shooting and exploration sections, and while some people may dislike the simplicity of the core shooting, the time-related powers augment it enough to make it fun. As a TV show, it does a good job of staying interesting without wearing out its welcome. As a whole, the story nicely melds together both pieces, and the different avenues the tale takes gives you a reason to replay it. Quantum Break is another excellent game from Remedy, and it belongs on the shelves of all adventure game fans.

If you can get over the fact that the presentation of the PC version isn't that much better than the PS4 version, you'll find World of Final Fantasy to be a very good RPG for all ages. It maintains a delicate balance between being simple enough to understand while also having the necessary depth for players who want it.

World of Final Fantasy is a solid, enjoyable and nostalgic trip through the history of the franchise. It's cheesy, cheery and a lot of fun to play. The solid combat system and enjoyable humor carry the game through some noticeable bumps in the road. A few half-baked mechanics and a somewhat unnecessary turn toward the serious dull some of the game's shine, but the issues aren't enough to take away from the enjoyment. Fans of the franchise should find a lot to like in this well-made JRPG.

There are still plenty of entertaining moments buried beneath the scorched rubble if you have the patience to dig far enough to find them, but be ready to accept a little collateral damage on your part if you do.

It may not have the multitude of options or the shiny visuals of today's racers, but Daytona USA is still a game with a plenty of depth. Easy to learn but difficult to master, this is the definitive home version of Sega's arcade classic.

All that said, the biggest compliment I can give EA Sports Madden NFL 26is that I look forward to playing it again. That wasn't always the case. But for all its shortcomings, I still like seeing my created player running around on the screen as part of a beautiful and immersive on-field presentation. I enjoy the football being played. I like having the sense of control over the fate of my team, and I like all of the options Franchise Mode presents for me to exercise that control. I enjoy Madden again, and that's a start.

You should play the first episode anyway because it's great, and this edition only continues the winning tradition.

There's a lot of interesting setup in the first episode of Life is Strange, and this is a great start.

Tales of Berseria Remastered is an odd duck. It's a barely necessary remastered version of an absolutely excellent game that PlayStation owners can already purchase for half the price. It's easily the best version of the game with some fantastic QoL improvements and all the DLC packed in at a much lower price than buying them separately. However, if you're already a longtime fan who already owns the game and has purchased the DLC, Remastered is probably not worth the extra cost. If you're a newcomer to the game and don't mind shelling out a little more for bells and whistles, Remastered is the version you should get.

If commanding a highly configurable fleet of ships through scripted missions, micromanaging your efforts both in the pre-mission ship design stage and during every step of combat, appeals to you, then this game is what you want.

Back 4 Blood is a fun blend of the classic Left 4 Dead template with a reasonable inclusion of modern traits. The basic zombie shooting brings forth just as many memorable and chaotic moments as the developer's original series, and the game absolutely sings in multiplayer, but the solo experience remains engaging for those who only get along with bots. The modern touches add some depth that doesn't detract from what makes this kind of game so fun in the first place. The steps to increase replayability accomplish that without feeling forced. Despite a few minor issues here and there, Back 4 Blood is a solid debut, and those who wanted some progress in the genre are going to find it in buckets here.

As stated in the beginning, The Lonesome Guild is a solid adventure game all around. The RPG elements are deep enough to give the action some teeth, while the action is easy to pick up but is involved enough that the game isn't a button-masher. The adventure is entertaining, while the story gives the game some unexpected heart. The Lonesome Guild will make adventure fans happy.

Like its predecessors, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is for a specific type of player who wants a driving game instead of a racing game. The player must enjoy messing around with the intricacies of off-road vehicles and doesn't mind experiencing every driving mishap possible. Expeditions isn't a game for everyone, but for those looking for something different from the norm, it's well worth a shot.

If all you want to do is smash things in a virtual toy box full of hyper-detailed tanks, World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition is the kind of game that you can pick up and play for a few minutes before putting it back down.

While there could have been more variety in the enemies, and the sound definitely should have been better, I was left thoroughly pleased with the game. It may seem a bit expensive at 1,600 Microsoft points ($20), but if you are looking for a few good laughs and an interesting story line packed into a five- to eight-hour package, you really won't find anything better than this.

The ability to play through the game in the first person viewpoint really does kick up the immersion and suspense factor, as you lose the vision of your sides and immediately behind you that you have in third person view.

Although it's a short experience, Donut County is enjoyable. The base desire to see everything destroyed by a simple, ever-expanding hole overtakes the lack of complicated mechanics, and the story is fun, whether you want something with or without some meaning attached. At the very least, Donut County is an experience that will stick with you for some time.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories may be considered one of the last significant games to come out for the PS2, but it is also one of the better ones. Everything about it, from the graphics to the sounds to the controls, ranges from very good to exceptional and shows that developers can still squeeze out a good gaming experience from such an old system

Game of Thrones: Episode 3 -The Sword in the Darkness puts the series in a good spot.

I may miss the absolute insanity that was "Underground 2," but American Wasteland is still a beautiful, unpredictable trickfest that's every bit as fun in its seventh iteration as it was back in the first.

The game has been refined with loads of changes for both pros and novices, and the number of modes present, along with their depth, will ensure that this stays in rotation until the hockey season starts. If you already have NHL 16, then there isn't much of an impetus to grab the NHL 17 version.

Darksiders Genesis is a great game. I feel like the developers masterfully ticked every box on their design sheets, so they should be proud of this one. Unless the genre really turns you off or the occasional puzzle is a deal-breaker for you, Darksiders Genesis is definitely worth your money.

Escape From Duckov is a pleasant surprise provided you have the patience for it. The focus on solo play for an extraction shooter relieves the game of any obvious griefing from overly ambitious players. The slow progression may irk those looking for constant action, but it also will please those players who appreciate being surprised by tense standoffs that start and end quickly. Even if the concept may have started out as a joke, the game shows that it can take itself seriously and provide an enjoyable experience. Unless you absolutely need native controller support, Escape from Duckov is a game worth checking out if you've always been interested in the extraction shooter concept but want to do so without real people constantly hunting you down.

Beat-'em-up fans should pick up Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara based on obscurity alone.

Unravel Two is equally as good as the emotionally pleasing original. The platforming may still be spotty, and some of the puzzles may not present players with much difficulty, but at least frustration doesn't set in because of viable attach points hiding in plain sight. The story may not be as powerful as the original, but the addition of co-op play makes up for that and offers new experiences. In the end, Unravel Two is a great title for platforming fans.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land remains a solid but simple game in the series.

If you've beaten it on another system, however, pass on the Blackhand Edition. The changes are fun, but they're not enough to justify buying a lackluster game twice.

While the game is challenging, it's because it lacks many of the improvements of recent games, not because of good design. Those hardcore faithfuls looking for a nostalgia trip will be pleased.

Regardless of these minor concerns, HoMM V is a shining example of how a turn-based strategy should be executed, and will no doubt set the standard for generations of the genre to come.

In the end, Class of Heroes II's most serious problem is that it has competition. Judged on its own, it's a fun dungeon crawler held back by a few annoying problems. For fans of the genre, it's going to be difficult to not compare it to something like Etrian Odyssey 4,

Cursed Castilla EX remains a fantastic and tough platformer. The look is authentically retro, and the controls are as tight as ever. The challenge is ever-present, but nothing feels unfair, except for the requirements to get the "good" ending. The game feels like it comes in at just the right length. For adventure platformer fans, Cursed Castilla EX certainly belongs in their library.

My Memory of Us feels like a game that is fighting with itself. On the one hand, the story is wonderful. Even though some players may not like the attempts to dull the harshness of the real stories, it remains a hopeful tale where the horrors can still be understood by those willing to look beyond the surface level. On the other hand, the frustration felt by the sometimes-unresponsive controls can obscure the message, as the controls can make even the simplest of things feel more frustrating. This is still a title worth checking out, but only if you're patient enough to withstand a control scheme that is at odds with the challenges in place.

Diablo II: Resurrected is a great port plagued by the usual server issues. When those stop — or if you can work around them — D2:R is a great port that polishes up a cult classic without losing its original charm and gameplay loop. The improved visuals run well on the Switch, and the quality-of-life improvements and good controller implementation ensure that D2 is a joy to experience on the handheld. Of course, there are some noticeable downgrades, but none of them impede the experience, and they're necessary to ensure the game runs smoothly and without hitches. If you favor portability over quality, the Switch version of D2:R is worth picking up.

Still Wakes the Deep is a good atmospheric horror game. Having it set on an oil rig is terrifying enough because of their innate labyrinthine structures, and the monster encounters provide the right amount of horror energy. The straightforward nature of the pacing and tale is refreshing, and even the presence of a few flaws doesn't hamper one's desire to play the game to the end. If you're a horror fan who favors exploration more than fighting, Still Wakes the Deep is definitely worth checking out.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a surprising sequel that does a good job of living up to its predecessor, but it doesn't exactly tread new ground for the franchise. A cute but forgettable plot, solid gameplay, and a near-infinite amount of grinding potential give the game a solid amount of value. The only thing holding it back are the unimpressive visuals and poor performance. If you're a fan of the Nippon Ichi games or the original Phantom Brave, there's a lot of fun to be had in this sequel.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 remains one of the best Musou games out there, and that status is further solidified with the slight changes made by the free current-generation console patch. The core gameplay loop remains engaging in its simplicity, but the additions of an expanded move set and a wide variety of characters who play differently assuage any concerns of fatigue. The quests can start to feel too similar, but the various modes give fans plenty to do. The presence of multiplayer for a good chunk of the game also greatly extends the life of the game. If you're a fan of either Musou titles or One Piece, this title is well worth having.

Retro Game Challenge is absolutely worth picking up, and I highly suggest it to everyone.

Your enjoyment of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown is going to depend on a few factors. If you're more of a competitive online fighter, then you'll appreciate the focus on that scene. With the game's inclusion on PS Plus and PS Now, there's an even better chance for the online community to last for some time, since so many people will have access to the game. Those who enjoy local versus play won't find any mechanical differences, but at least they don't have to worry about wearing out their PS3 system or controllers every time they want to sneak in a few rounds. Single-player fighting game enthusiasts will feel the sting the most, since Ultimate Showdown takes away a few modes. Overall, the game is just as solid as it was back in the PS3/Xbox 360 era, and the hope is that this title will go multiplatform and spark enough interest that the publisher will start looking at doing a proper sixth game in the series.

A quick fix of fun gaming that really doesn't need to be lingered over.

The challenge BLACK presents is not to outwit enemies, but rather to stay interested in dispatching them with extra style. While it may not appeal to fans of more narrative or tactically oriented shooters, it hits the spot for those for whom there is no such thing as style over substance.

The action-centric gameplay is as intense, over the top and engaging as any Woo work should be, and combined with the visuals of the Unreal 3 engine, the title is essentially what a next-gen Max Payne needed to be.

The shift in focus from combat to puzzles suits the theme, but it's somewhat marred in execution.

For $15, you get a campaign that's on par with retail games in terms of length and quality. You also get a solid multiplayer title with a good amount of maps and modes. All of this comes together with a solid technical package that combines some fresh elements with tried-and-true gameplay.

Once again, Bejeweled Twist proves to everyone that PopCap can make significant changes to its games and still come away with a great puzzle title.

Quantum Conundrum isn't exactly the game that some people had expected. The abundant bad platforming dampens the experience, and the fickle physics system turns a few of the puzzles into games of chance. The puzzle aspects are fun enough, even if most can easily be solved, and the dimension manipulation is a fresh idea. Both casual and dedicated puzzle fans will have fun with this title, especially considering the $15 price point for the game.

In the end, making the decision to purchase Rocksmith comes down to what you're looking to get out of it. If you just want a music game to bust out at parties, stick with Rock Band or Guitar Hero. On the other hand, if you've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, Rocksmith is a great way to do it.

While it's not the best VR game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is the most massive RPG on PSVR, and it's just as addictive as it's always been. Regardless of whether you play the main quests, chase down all of the side content, go hunting, go dungeoneering, be a smith and forge your own weapons, or go wherever you want to go, Skyrim works well enough, and that should be good enough for most players.

With a vibrant historical backdrop, involving gameplay, powerful diplomacy and interesting strategy, Knights of Honor will have a home on my hard drive for months to come.

If there's a "must-have" game for the Kinect, this is it.

Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is the same basic game as the last two, only with a different story. It really doesn't do anything to break the mold except be incredibly dark and depressing. If you found yourself enjoying the last two games, then you'll almost certainly enjoy this one, but if any of the previous game's flaws dragged down things, then you probably won't change your mind here. It's a nice, low-budget JRPG with some interesting story beats, but the consistent flaws between games have started to wear out their welcome.

Overall, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is a great RTS. I enjoyed it for the ridiculous story line and humor, and I found the gameplay to be quite captivating. While the controls work and establish that consoles can handle these types of games, they just aren't as convenient as they are on a PC.

The game may be as old as the Wii's predecessor, but New Play Control! Pikmin still remains a very challenging and engaging title. While the graphics haven't held up as well as one would have hoped, the sound and gameplay definitely remain timeless.

I'm not disappointed with the title at all, but I'm not particularly amazed or blown away by anything that it does, either.

However, Downstream Panic! is a solid effort, and for all my gripes about it being shallow, it does its job in keeping you occupied.

Doom II may not have the same visceral impact that it did 15 years ago, but it is still a hellaciously fun game that's worth checking out.

At the very least, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is a much better effort from Infinity Ward when compared to Ghosts. Though the campaign hits all of the familiar beats, it still has a nice flow, and characters are likeable, if predictable. Zombies mode provides so many improvements to the formula that it can't be missed, while the multiplayer mode changes don't make it much different from what we saw a year ago. Despite the understandable fatigue players may feel toward the series by now, Infinite Warfare remains a solid offering in a season with multiple first-person shooter games hitting store shelves at the same time.

Ultimately, despite the new setting, storyline, and structure, Carbon does not represent a major departure from its predecessor. Sadly, the few major gameplay additions hurt the core experience, especially the poorly executed crew system.

The only real weakness of the combat engine at all is the lack of any sort of auto-targeting system, which makes using ranged weaponry frustrating.

XCOM: Chimera Squad is a solid attempt at a stand-alone, quick-play XCOM 2 campaign. The trimmed-down mechanics make it a lot easier to go through the campaign relatively quickly instead of having to dedicate yourself to it. It's undeniably simpler than the game it's based on, and the massive shift in tone might be too much for some XCOM fans. For those who don't mind or newcomers looking to get a taste of XCOM, Chimera Squad is difficult to pass up.

All in all, Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz is a fun trivia game.

Essentially, A Case of Distrust is everything a narrative adventure game should be. It's engaging, humorous, and progressive. The characters are likeable and relatable, even though they're 95% silhouette and 5% deliciously vintage, and the story is entertaining. It's chic and fresh at the same time, and it's impossible to not love your character. Throw in a few quirky cab drivers, and the title becomes something special.