Though it hasn't aged that well, Dead Rising remains a good experience. The game can be tough as nails due to the intentional design choices and flaws that stand out in comparison to modern conventions.

Laser Disco Defenders plays like a good arcade game with some hidden depth. The bouncing lasers alone change the game's approach from a mindless shooter to one that requires some real thought in planning your attack. The randomly generated levels and bonus equipment help, and the presentation is nice, but it is really that one change that sells the game outright. Laser Disco Defenders may be a game that you can tackle in an afternoon, but you will want to revisit it often.

Unpolished promise. The idea of a whole game centered around casual riding is pretty brilliant, the presence of a decent amount of user content this early, and a robust means of generating the content equates to a game that can seem infinitely replayable. Having said that, the learning curve for the controls can be too high for some, while others will not be happy about the little quirks that can quickly become big annoyances.

The Hell Followed DLC pack is certainly a worthy addition for those still playing multiplayer in Doom. The maps are tons of fun to play in, especially Orbital because of the gravity changes. The Reaper to the Threat Pulse and the three different hack modules feel much more useful than what was offered before, and the new armor looks absolutely excellent. This is certainly the best pack thus far and worth picking up.

It hasn't aged well at all, and it's a sort of time capsule for late sixth/early seventh-generation design, but it still has a quiet intensity and sense of genuine dread that none of its more famous sequels even tried to match, and which in many ways stands alone in recent video game history. If you can come to grips with its relative user-unfriendliness, it's an experience worth having.

DR2 is still surprisingly fun, even now. It's certainly flawed, but the core concepts are incredibly strong, and it's a game that encourages you to find your own way through it. There's a lot of room to explore and develop your own strategies, and unlike the original, it seems to understand that part of the fun is in letting you screw around a bit. In the first game, you had to deliberately let missions expire if you just wanted to go bomb around the mall; here, even if you're following the story, there are big windows of opportunity to do whatever you like. There's a much greater sense of freedom, which is part of the point of a game like this one.

At the same time, Off the Record is still Dead Rising 2, with the thematic dissonance that I mentioned in that game's review. It's even more pronounced here, if anything, as Frank throws out sly little side-long quips on everything like he's starring in both a "Mystery Science Theater 3000" episode and the movie it's mocking. I don't exactly mind Frank as a character, but you have to be a lot more of a fan of him than I am before this works as well as Dead Rising 2 did. Still, it improves on that game's basic model and adds the much-needed sandbox mode, so call it a wash.

If you have the patience for it, Rogue Contracts: Syndicate is a rewarding game. The limited weapon set and increased level of difficulty can even make the first level a challenge, and subsequent stages only get worse. It means that conquering them is much more satisfying, and the relatively small number of levels is welcome because of this. The lack of controller support can be a deterrent, and the presentation feels rather cheap, but ultimately, Rogue Contracts is still a good game if you give it time.

Fate/Extella: The Umbra Star is a perfectly ordinary Dynasty Warriors clone that's been slightly elevated by its license. The gameplay is fun but strictly average, and there's not much that makes it stand out beyond the plot and characters. If you're a fan of the Fate franchise, you'll probably get your money's worth in the story and characters. If you're looking for a brawler, this doesn't have much to offer. The lengthy story sequences filled with metaphysics might make it even less enjoyable than a standard game.

Xenoraid is good. It's neither excellent nor terrible, but it's good.

Zombie Party is best enjoyed in short bursts with friends. The shooting is fun because of the guns and mods that can be employed, and the variety keeps the fighting fresh. Even though the game sports quite a few modes, there's no escaping the grind if you want to make some headway. If you can stomach that, this title is perfect for quick bursts of gaming or as a nice break between bigger, more involved titles.

There's a cool concept in Super Blackjack Battle II Turbo Edition: The Card Battlers. The idea of making a game by integrating blackjack into a fighting game model seems silly, but the quick nature of the game and the finite amount of time needed to amass a healthy purse add some excitement to the experience. Unfortunately, there's no longevity to the game. The AI battles can be played way too safely to guarantee wins, and there's no online community to scratch the versus itch due to lack of local multiplayer. Super Blackjack Battle is a curiosity, but it's not a title that needs to be in your library unless it's available for cheap or you have a taste for bizarre game concepts.

For a console game, The Onion Knights feels very low budget. The presentation is threadbare from beginning to end, and hardly any effort has been put into creating a consistent theme. The upgrade and progression systems hit snags here and there, but they're fine when compared to the gameplay, which feels like no improvement was made from the mobile iterations. This title makes more sense as a mobile or Vita offering, but on the home console, this is one that can be easily skipped.

Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a gem of a shooter. The frantic action you'd expect from a bullet hell shooter has been improved with interesting attack patterns and mechanics that reward quick kills and exhibiting some flair. There's a nice balance for veterans and genre newcomers, with the latter being served especially well since the difficulty level and lack of continues foster a need to get better while ensuring that death isn't as immediate as in other games. Topped off with a great presentation, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a watermark in the genre, and fans shouldn't miss it.

There's a germ of a good idea in RWBY: Grimm Eclipse. The counter system alone makes this button-masher feel more refined. However, the rest of it — the presentation, the actual gameplay, and the lack of story — does such a terrible job at supporting this system that the overall game feels unfinished. Only a handful of fans may be fine with the title, but everyone else can easily ignore this offering.

The Keeper of 4 Elements handles the basics of a tower defense game well enough. It may be too difficult for most people, but it's not done in the pleasing way that other titles can get away with. Without a strong presentation and no real defining factors, however, there's not much of a reason to pay attention to this game when there are far more exciting offerings in the same genre and on the same platform. Unless you really like cheap games, you should pass on this.

Shoot Shoot Mega Pack is fun for those who still crave local multiplayer. The short nature of each game mode ensures that matches don't last too long, while the customization means that you can mix things up if the four main modes are starting to wear on you. It may not have a single-player mode, online play, or even bots to practice against, but it's very good at what it does. If you want another go-to game for local multiplayer sessions, Shoot Shoot Mega Pack is worth a shot.

Neko Navy is a fine shooter, as long as you're fine with it bringing nothing new to the table. It has an inviting aesthetic for those who are looking for something cute, and it comes in at a decent length for the genre. It may be tough, but it feels fair, and the game gives you enough to beat it if you're willing to invest some time. This may not be the ultimate cute-'em-up, but for genre fans, it's still worth checking out.

Superdimension Neptune vs. Sega Hard Girls maintains the status quo. The lighthearted story is a great contrast to the serious RPGs on the system, though the lengthy cut scenes can be grating if you aren't already on board with the oddball tale. It's a shame that a large swath of the game is taken wholly from older titles with minimal changes, but the improvements in the combat and skill systems greatly make up for that. In the end, this title won't sway the minds of those who want deeper and more serious fare, but it will please those who are already fans of the series.

It's difficult to recommend XField Paintball 3 when most of it just isn't ready for prime time. The training mode only gives you an empty map so you can get the lay of the land, but it's nowhere close to what's represented in video footage. The online mode is barren, and without any offline modes or bots to work with, the title becomes a virtual paperweight. Unless an online community appears soon, it'll be easy to forget that this game exists.

Battlesloths 2025: The Great Pizza Wars is a highly enjoyable battle arena game. It is both fast and intuitive while keeping a good pace, so matches don't drag on longer than they should. The loads of cosmetic unlocks will keep players busy for a while, and if the patching done so far is any indication, there's still more good stuff to come. It's a shame there's no one online to play with, but for anyone who's looking for another local multiplayer versus game, Battlesloths 2025 fits the bill nicely.

In the end, Moribund would be decent if it were in a vacuum. The base gameplay is fine, but the execution feels very slow when compared to other similar titles. The level layouts may be numerous, but the actual stage themes feel limited, so you'll be able to go through them in no time. While it is appreciated to see some single-player challenges in an otherwise multiplayer-focused title, their numerous balance issues mean that no one will bother with them. With a presentation that's more off-putting than cool, it's difficult to recommend Moribund unless you've exhausted almost every other similar title in the genre.

Overall, Bannerman feels fresh in the way it looks and plays, and we wouldn't be too far off the mark in describing it as a 2-D Dark Souls. Fans of skill-based combat who are interested in the masterfully created retro visuals will get a short but intense journey through the gritty side of war in medieval times.

Tragedy of Prince Rupert is both a surprising and maddening experience. The emphasis on exploration and the solving of rather obtuse puzzles makes this a deeper title than the initial shooting would have suggested. On the other hand, your fragility combined with the steep spike into pure bullet hell territory can quickly yank you out of the experience. It's a distinct enough experience that you should only undertake if you have the patience of a saint combined with inhuman dexterity.

Let Them Come is a perfect small game that you'll want to play in between some of the bigger titles. The shooting feels good, the challenge is present in areas, and the gameplay length ensures that it doesn't easily wear out its welcome. It isn't a deep game, but for the $5 price tag, you're not going to care.

Super Man or Monster is good enough to provide a scant few hours of entertainment. The choice to play as either man or monster helps pad out the game's overall length and while split screen is a good idea, the imbalance of power means that anyone who picks a monster is almost always guaranteed victory. With a decent enough presentation, it is good for some mindless fun but don't expect to come back to the game once you see the end for both campaigns.

It really is the gunplay and time powers that make Time Recoil worth checking out. A lot of enjoyment can be had in discovering the best combo that leaves behind a slow-motion trail of destruction. At the same time, the lack of level variety and objective variance makes this a better candidate for gaming in short bursts, and the lack of multiplayer hurts as well. Even with these flaws, Time Recoil is a solid twin-stick shooter that is worth checking out.

X-Morph Defense is a pleasant surprise. The blend of shooting action and tower defense fits rather well, and the constant action keeps things at a very frantic pace almost all of the time. It could've used more weapon variety and more modes outside of co-op, but as it stands now, X-Morph Defense is an enjoyable romp for fans of either genre.

The Pillars of the Earth: Book Two – Sowing the Wind has exciting twists and turns, and it showcases great character development for some protagonists. However, it stumbles when it comes to pacing and the overall gameplay concept. This episode's engaging and interactive story has us hoping that everything is leading up to a promising finale.

Megaton Rainfall is a game at odds with itself. It seems like it was built to be a VR title about being a superhero, but it lacks the hardware support on the PC to make that a reality. It tries to make you a more responsible superhero when it comes to protecting innocent lives, but the controls and lack of a good targeting system make it difficult to follow through. The game provides an open universe to explore but very few things to actually check out. In the end, Megaton Rainfall is a curiosity, and although it isn't a must-have title, it could be worth a look if the price is right.

There's nothing wrong with Nightingale Downs being short. Indeed, a short and cheap RPG can be a primer to see if a player who's unfamiliar with the genre would like it before trying meatier fare. However, the imbalanced gameplay, odd pacing, and wonky battle system demonstrate a poor idea of what the typical RPG experience would look like. Paired with decent graphics but terrible audio, it's difficult to recommend Nightingale Downs, even if it is only $2.

The Infinity War DLC is nothing more than a movie-themed character pack and a quick cash-in level. It's not worth picking up the base game just for the DLC. If you already own LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 and want the ability to play with these characters, then consider the DLC a character pack and go to town. If you were hoping to jump into a full Infinity War level or mess around in a LEGO level inspired by the movie, you're going to be disappointed.

Hyper Knights is a game played best in short bursts. The quick fights are fun on their own, even if you never become strong enough to take on entire armies without dying, and taking over a territory is effortless but still exciting. Having said that, the flaws — from the unresponsive AI to the inability to do simple things like break structures on your own — seem like baffling omissions. The title only costs $5, so you will get your money's worth of fun, but don't expect it to be a hidden treasure.

After five iterations in the modern era, R.B.I. Baseball 18 remains a terrible series for any type of baseball fan. The modes may be serviceable, but everything from the AI to the presentation and the overall performance is severely lacking in quality. PS4 owners have a choice, so if you need your baseball fix, opt for Sony's offering once more with a tiny bit of hope that MLBAM will finally get something going next year.

Juicy Realm has the presentation nailed down, but everything else is merely serviceable. The shooting is fine, and the guns can be wacky, but the roguelike elements are lacking, dampening any reason to replay the game once you beat it. The short length doesn't help things, either, and while co-op is a nice touch, it doesn't extend the game's longevity. It's a fun title while it lasts, but don't be surprised if you quickly forget about it.

There's a good idea in RPGolf, but it doesn't have the game mechanics to shine. The simplification of the golf mechanics is fine, as is the idea behind the combat. However, the enemy behavior and the other missing quality of life issues make this game more of a chore than something you'll want to be excited about. Its relatively cheap price means it's reasonable to buy it to check it out anyway, but don't expect much from it.

Deluded Mind is good and entertaining, but it had so much potential. It had an asylum, random giggles, and a little emotional turmoil, but it always just missed the mark. I love a good asylum thriller, and this game had me guessing at nearly every turn. If you like a good thrill, try it out but use a notepad because there are several clues to keep track of. Word of advice: Never underestimate a good jump-scare. They will happen, and they will be random, and you will jump.

It's difficult to recommend Gene Rain to anyone. The story makes no sense, and the game does a good job of maintaining that sense of confusion. The gameplay has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, and the presentation would be laughable even during the prior console generation. Not even Trophy hunters would be attracted to this title because the grind to obtain them is unbearable. Stay as far away as possible from Gene Rain.

Both the campaign and the multiplayer lack the flourishes that make some of the older entries memorable, but the core gameplay still holds up enough to remain enjoyable for newcomers and more casual players of the series. You have to treat the game as a local multiplayer title instead of an online one and hope you don't get hit with controller issues. Considering both the price point and the fact that other indie titles have already run with this concept to a much better execution, however, your best bet is to check out the game once it goes on sale or has a good price drop.

Your impression of Thief of Thieves will depend greatly on how much you enjoy the story. It isn't exactly a story full of twists and surprises, but the ride is captivating enough to keep you hooked until the end. A great look and good voice acting are nice, but it's the stealth mechanics that hurt the title because it does more things wrong in this area than right. If you want to take a chance on Thief of Thieves, wait for a sale. Otherwise, you can probably pass on it and hope a possible sequel will handle things better.

True Fear excels at elevating the point-and-click genre through genius design layouts and storytelling. While the gameplay and plot will keep players interested, some pacing issues and lack of horror elements weaken the title. The issues are not enough to outshine True Fear's excellent features, however, as the title creates a memorable experience. True Fear: Forsaken Souls – Part 1 is a must-play for any fans of the genre.

Hipster Attack is a nice port of a mobile tower defense game that we haven't seen in quite some time on the PC. The gameplay is easy to pick up, and the various strategies mean that this isn't a cakewalk — at least until you get the full arsenal of HR employees at your side. Some will hate the twitchy nature of some segments of the game, but if you don't mind tower defense games being a little more action-packed, you'll enjoy the brief time you have with Hipster Attack.

As long as you can accept its learning curve, Battery Jam is a fine multiplayer game. There are plenty of things that can be done, and it takes a while to get everything down before you can start playing and enjoying yourself. Once you understand the game, you'll find that there's some depth to the chaos, and even though there's no real meat to the game beyond local multiplayer, you'll enjoy the short bursts of fun it provides as a buffer between other multiplayer titles in your possession.

If you're a pinball fan who has never played these tables before, then Pinball FX3: Williams Pinball Volume 1 provides a good means to rectify that. These are all very good tables with some fun gimmicks and strong design. While the extra flourishes are nice, only a few add more value to the tables. If you were lucky enough to own the games via The Pinball Arcade, there's less of a need to own the tables here since the physics somehow making the ball heavier and tougher to push up some ramps. They remain a good buy in that case, but only if you want to ensure that Zen continues down this path and brings about more tables.

Pinball FX3: Williams Pinball Volume 2 is another winner thanks to the variety of tables included and the improved use of flourishes. You get a better sense this time around that Zen knows how to spruce up the visuals without losing track of the solid gameplay in the original titles. The fact that Zen did so with both well-known and lesser-known tables is a good sign for the future of the license. At this rate, we can't wait to see what the next pack will hold.

Pumped BMX Pro is more of a regression for the series than a progression. The tougher-to-handle physics, combined with a set of tracks that fail to ease players into the game, make for a title that is only good for veterans of the first game. The presentation is mediocre at best, and the lack of meaningful unlockables makes the whole thing feel like a chore. Unless you must have this title for some reason, there are certainly better options to fulfill your physics-based trick fix.

Overall, The Slater is a barely competent stealth game. The limited move set is disappointing, but it would have at least provided some sort of challenge if the AI were competent at its jobs. If the game weren't so precise about where targets should be killed, then the more open approach to the levels would've been interesting. Combine all of this with a presentation that seems fine until everything is in motion, and you have the recipe for a game that stealth fans will only play if there's an afternoon to kill and all of the other good stealth options have been exhausted.

Because this is literally just a collection and not a remaster or update, there is little reason to upgrade for LEGO fans who already own the three games. If you're new to the series or if you've only managed to play one of the three titles, the LEGO Marvel Collection is an easy win. Yeah, it can be a tad repetitive at some points when the games are played back-to-back, but this collection packs hours of fun for all ages into a budget-friendly package. It's also a great way to get your Marvel fix while you wait for Avengers: Endgame to hit Blu-ray.

Assault Spy is a hidden gem that you rarely see nowadays. It may look a little unpolished at times, but the combat system feels so good that you won't mind much about the aesthetics. The main campaign with Asaru may feel short to some since it clocks in at about six hours, but the unlockable difficulty levels and a different story perspective for Amelia gives the game some longevity that most don't expect from a game developed by just one person. Assault Spy is a great complement to any Platinum Games title, and fast-action fans should check it out.

Guns 'n' Stories: Bulletproof VR is a disappointment. The guns feel worthless due to the "bullet sponge" nature of even the most common enemies. The game does a poor job of letting you know where enemies are, and getting through stages is difficult due to the fact that the game doles out foes in all directions at the same time without any indicators. The levels are also long enough that you'll grow tired of the shooting if you don't have an automatic weapon. Even with a decent but uninspiring presentation, there's not much reason to give this a look when other, better implemented VR shooting galleries exist on the platform.

As the first part of the second major story DLC for Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Fields of Elysium is both impressive and disappointing. It is impressive in how it adds to the already vast world of Assassin's Creed Odyssey and disappointing in how the gameplay loop, while tweaked, doesn't really change from what was found in the main game. There's a lot of potential here, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Ubisoft delivers in episode 2.

Mech Rage is a game that you play out of curiosity or because you want something that wraps up quickly. It does the shooting elements well enough, but some fights can feel like slogs due to the puny amount of damage you deliver. The overall length of the game is very short, but that ends up being a positive given the generic story and the lack of variety in the presentation. The title isn't easy to recommend unless you can find it on sale.

As a whole package, The Fate of Atlantis is a nicely sized DLC package that could stand alone as a spin-off. Individually, Judgment of Atlantis is the strongest part of that package, so it goes out on a high note.

Woodpunk is mechanically sound in the roguelike and twin-stick shooter elements that it mashes together. Its presentation is fine, and the difficulty is much higher than expected. It doesn't do anything that could be considered unique, and the co-op feels rather imbalanced. While Woodpunk may not be the first game to run to for a roguelike twin-stick shooter fix, it's a safe enough title that you won't feel so bad for giving it a shot.

Neptunia Shooter gets the core mechanics right for an 8-bit shooter, and it adds bullet hell mechanics and character-switching to spice things up. It's length also isn't a bother due to the lack of continues, stretching out a very short experience to a more acceptable one for the $5 price tag. What makes the game feel hollow is its bare-bones approach, including the lack of music and a dearth of enemy variety. If you're willing to overlook this, you'll find Neptunia Shooter to be decent enough for a quick spin. If you're expecting something grand with the trademark Neptunia charm, you'll come away disappointed.

Old School Musical is worth checking out for rhythm fans, especially those who adore chiptune music. The tracks are plentiful, especially once you conquer the second storyline, and each tune rocks. The controls are easy enough to master that anyone can jump in, and while the story can be all over the place in terms of tone, it remains satisfying once you beat the game. So long as you stay away from co-op, you'll have a good time with Old School Musical.

If Gears POP! had focused on skill rather than pay-to-win game design, it could have been an impressive title. Even it its current state, the game does shine in those moments when you happen to get a fair matchup. Distilled down into its purest form, though, Gears POP! is nothing more than an exploitative loot box machine that relies on the goodwill granted by the Gears and Funko brands to separate gamers from their cash. Here's hoping that Gears 5 doesn't go down the same route.

Hellmut: The Badass from Hell is a few steps short of being an all-around must-have roguelike shooter. The camera is zoomed in enough and just jerky enough that some enemies can be easily hidden from view. There's also the character unlocking process, which is only valuable if you plan on taking multiple successful runs through the game. With that said, the action is excellent, and the flaws aren't enough to stop the title from having that sort of magic that beckons you for one more run. Despite not being the first choice for a roguelike shooter, Hellmut is ultimately a good choice.

At the end of the day, Damascus Gear: Operation Osaka never extends beyond the realm of a fun time-waster. It's not bad if you're looking for a cheap, mech-focused, loot-heavy dungeon-crawler. If you love giant robots, then Operation Osaka is a fun way to spend $20. Beyond that, it's just another dungeon-crawler on a system that is awash with them.

For newcomers, The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series is an easy purchase, since you're getting every game in the series at an excellent discount. If you've experienced the game before, the proposition of going back is dependent on whether you want to experience the game again with better graphics and fewer bugs. If you're a super fan, the abundance of extras will be tempting enough to warrant the double-dip. No matter your stance, the collection still holds up, and this is a lasting example of what made Telltale stand out in the first place.

To its credit, there's a good amount of fun to be found within Monster Jam Steel Titans. Although the game can feel limited or repetitive, it rarely feels unpolished or incomplete. The truck controls are spot-on and feel fantastic, which is the most important landing to stick. More than anything else, the game feels like it has a limited scope, but importantly, it does well within the goals that it clearly has for itself. It's a fun game involving monster trucks, and the freestyle mode alone carries a lot of the game's entertainment, as it should.

Hyperspace Delivery Service is a charming, retro-inspired experience. Pixel graphics and chill synth tunes create a solid package for a game that wants to bring back a familiar experience. If you're looking for a high-energy space adventure, this may not be for you. The game isn't trying to be that, either. Instead, it seeks to expand on the genre of item management and economy gameplay with a dash of active gameplay.

After all is said and done, Toki is a labor of love taken on by Microids to refresh and rebrand a game that's been largely forgotten. We can see the effort expended in keeping the original intact, keeping the same types of enemies and levels, and even controls, while going to some lengths to update the visuals. However, the art style ends up looking a little amateur, and the overall controls, feel and gameplay end up seeming clunky. Sure, the redone music sounds good, and the cartoony aesthetic is snappy, but the bones of the game don't translate well in today's game market. Perhaps if this game had come out within a couple of years of its first announcement, the art issues wouldn't be so problematic, but as it stands today, Toki is a master class in a bygone era of video games rather than a fun time.

Psyvariar Delta is another excellent bullet hell shooter for Switch fans who are looking to stock up their shooter library. The unique mechanics make it a game that plays differently from other bullet hell shooters, and the ability to mix up the different versions' traits makes it a better title than the original arcade iterations. Until the sequel hits, this is a great representative for the series on the Switch.

BDSM: Big Drunk Satanic Massacre is a decent experience. The shooting is acceptable if you're fine with uninspired weaponry and a lack of combat strategy. The game length is good enough that the campaign doesn't become a chore, and the presence of multiple endings gives you a reason to replay the game. However, there are simply better, more engaging twin-stick shooters on the platform. This is a decent game to play for a day or two if you can get it on sale — and if you've already played through those other shooters.

It isn't perfect, but Zombotron ends up being a darn good tactical shooting title. The enemies aren't pushovers initially, and the inventory and leveling system help the game feel fresh. The dynamic nature of combat also makes the game fun, as you'll run into unexpected ways of dealing with enemies that make you smile. It is a good thing to see that the game is still being tweaked, as an over-reliance on melee doesn't seem to be intentional, while the lack of information on vending machines is a disappointing oversight. Overall, Zombotron is well worth checking out for action fans who want something a little more thoughtful.

While I see the importance of having simple games on the Switch to pass the time on the subway, waiting at the doctor's office, etc., there are many other games that sate this desire. The overwhelming simplicity of Paper Train's design and its lack of follow-through is disappointing, causing the player's experience to grind to a halt out of the gate.

Freedom Finger is awesome, especially if you're a shoot-'em-up fan. Even if you're the type to skip over cut scenes or aren't moved by the graphical style, the shooting mechanics are enough to sway you, since it plays around with the formula enough to feel different from everything else. Mix it in with a truly electric soundtrack, and you have a pleasant surprise of a game, and its only weakness is that it was released this year, which has had some really outstanding indie titles.

Combined with the flaky presentation, there's no reason to give Red Siren a look unless you've absolutely raided the library of all other shooting games, have some spare Gold Points to burn, and have absolutely nothing else to do.

The Contra Anniversary Collection isn't perfect — the omission of Contra 4 and Contra ReBirth is a disappointment, and more save states per game would have been nice — but it is a solid collection of quality games at an attractive $20 price point to boot.

While I am incredibly fascinated with the roots of American folklore and media in general, it would be difficult to suggest this to someone lacking the same fascination. This title oozes Americana at every turn, which is beautiful and fascinating, but it's not for everyone. This game isn't worth a deal with a devil, but it could be worth it for you if there's a good deal. Just don't put up your soul as collateral.

All in all, I think that Shortest Trip to Earth has a niche appeal. It's extremely detailed and management-heavy, so if that sounds good, you may enjoy it. There are tons of modules to experiment with, a variety of resources to trade and manage, so many crew members with different skills, and what seems to be a longer campaign than FTL featured. They have certainly added a lot of stuff to the basic format, but it feels rather unpolished. Too much of what was added feels like busy work instead of interesting decisions, or it creates so many choices that the game can slow to a crawl as you sort through the options. The game begs for better ways to manage the management and display options to the player.

Dark Quest II isn't half-bad. The upgrade system is easy to understand, the game does a pretty good job of explaining all of the odds to you, and it wastes no time in presenting you with interesting scenarios. The difficulty is slightly challenging, but its short overall length and threadbare story means that experienced genre players will scoff at it. If you're just starting out, Dark Quest II works as a quick throwaway game; it's something to consider if you can find it at a good sale before you settle on another title with some more depth.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. It's a pretty inexpensive offering that gives some good thrills for a short time. If the developer released Demon Pit 2 that featured a campaign and some co-op action, I'd definitely check it out, as they have a solid foundation here. The current offering is extremely niche, so if competing on a scoreboard doesn't strike you as terribly appealing, there may be better places to spend your money.

This isn't a terrible racer by any means, but when you're up against the likes of Grid Autosport, it becomes hard to recommend this one unless you have played Grid to death and see this title on sale.

While the concept behind Real Heroes: Firefighter is solid, time has not been kind to the game. The levels seem more drawn out now; the lulls where you're simply fighting the flames can feel tedious, and issues like the bad AI are more pronounced than ever. Worse is the fact that the port has a poorer presentation than the original, something that's unheard of for a remaster, even if the title doesn't suggest that to be the case. It isn't a terrible game by any means, but be prepared to temper your expectations if you're coming into this after seeing some old reviews for the Wii version.

It should be no surprise that the latest Universal Monsters pack for Pinball FX3 is as solid as all of the previous ones. There's been great care taken to re-create the original tables, from the artwork to the physics, and the additional flourishes do a good job of making the tables look gorgeous without interfering with the gameplay at all. This is an easy recommendation for a buy.

Is Luigi's Mansion 3: Multiplayer Pack Part 1 worth the cost? It depends on how much value you think you'll get out of the various features. If you don't plan to touch multiplayer, then it isn't for you. Otherwise, you're effectively paying $10 for three skins and three new modes. There will be a Part 2 sometime in April, and it will feature more minigames and more costumes, which will add a substantial value to the package. Honestly, $10 isn't a bad price for what is being offered, but it's for multiplayer fans only.

Yuri isn't great, no matter how you spin it. The physics system actively works to make platforming unbearable, and the ability to read the environment is sacrificed in the name of making things look good. The constant issues with the general mechanics and push for methodical searching, despite having mechanics that prioritize speed, make the player want to quit despite the game's relatively short length. With a glut of better platformers on the Switch system, there's not much reason to spend time on Yuri.

As the first part of a series, Jenny LeClue: Detectivu makes a great initial impression. The actual detective work strikes a balance between thought-provoking and easy to figure out. The presentation is wonderful, even if the audio could have fared better. It is the story that keeps you hooked with a flawed but likeable main character and a layered, supporting cast. It culminates in a story where the lack of a proper ending is the only thing that sours the experience. Provided that the team can release the second game in a timely manner, this'll be a memorable experience for adventure fans.

Ubermosh:Omega is an arcade game through and through. Back in the day, you would've slapped quarter after quarter into it, trying to get the high score. Now it's yours for $5. If you like the idea of a messy, overpowered and brutal twin-stick shooter with no extra frills, then Ubermosh:Omega is you.

There's nothing wrong with ArtPulse being more of a toy than anything substantial. Sometimes it's fun to just goof off. There's not enough here to make the title realize its potential. The creation tools are woefully limited, and the game's ability to instantly delete things stifles one's creativity even more than the limited toolset does. The inability to share your creations or save them also hurts, but anyone hunting for some easy high-level trophies will be happy. For everyone else, ArtPulse would've been a perfect demo disc experience, but it shouldn't be something that you purchase for real money.

Battle Planet: Judgement Day is a shooter that's best played in short bursts with a friend in tow. The lack of objective variety can quickly dull your excitement, and the phantom attacks from enemies can be frustrating. The shooting is good enough that you can suffer through some terrible guns now and then, and the level design is enjoyable enough to merit a break from more involved titles.

Heroland is a charming game that simply lasts too long. The first impression is super positive, reminding me of Half-Minute Hero and similar delightful titles, and for the first few hours, the gameplay strikes a good balance between engaging and hands-on. As time goes on, it starts to drag, and only the quality of the translation can help push the game over the finish line. If you can play Heroland on something portable, it is far easier to recommend, but it just doesn't have what it takes to be a sit-down-and-play game.

All in all, Mystic Vale is a fun, no-frills card game. I am extremely fond of the fact that it's built around shared creation instead of blowing up one another. It's a well-designed card game that translates well into the video game medium. Based on the number of cards that are shuffled in every turn, I suspect the digital version is more fun than the physical version. If you like card games and deck-builders, Mystic Vale is absolutely worth a shot.

Despite all of its flaws, Earthfall: Alien Horde is the only shooter of its type on the Switch. That alone gives it a base for longer than most lower-budget titles with an online component. If you're a more discerning player or one who has more options than the Switch, the pull isn't going to be that strong. Dull objectives, endless combat with frustrating foes, lifeless shooting, and a lack of polish in the performance area leave a game that can't match up with its contemporaries or the classics that it's trying to emulate. It'll work if you have nothing else available, but you'll also wish that other four-player, co-op, first-person shooters would arrive on the Switch platform.

The most difficult thing about Street Outlaws: The List is trying to find a reason to play it. Depending on the event, the controls range from serviceable to terrible, with a physics system that doesn't make sense. The lack of real challenge is offset by the overall length of the game, which seems far too long for what's being offered. Between the underwhelming presentation, a clunky but bare-bones menu, and lack of gameplay variety, even superfans of the show will find it tough to stick with this game for a significant amount of time.

It Came from Space and Ate Our Brains doesn't do anything all that differently from other games of its ilk. It does all of the expected things well enough, so you'll find the experience to be enjoyable either alone or with local friends. While not exactly a top-tier experience, it is recommended if you've gone through the slew of twin-stick heavy hitters the system already has on offer.

Ultimately, Without Escape is a sad shadow of a genre from the past. Point-and-click adventure games fell from favor years ago due to progressing technology. Some of the originals of the escape room genre may soon be lost to time (due to Adobe's support of Flash ending in a few months). Now kids can play Roblox with a quick download and Minecraft on a web browser. Perhaps if this game offered more in terms of narrative or visuals, it could be worthwhile, but it doesn't offer enough to be appealing. While some attention was given to the visuals and music, Without Escape largely feels dissatisfying and lackluster.

BE-A Walker: Battle for Eldorado is needlessly cruel. The number of things you have to monitor due to the fragility of your craft, combined with the ridiculous cooldown times, make for one of the most off-putting opening levels a game can have. If you're able to power through, the rest of the game is monotonous, even if you get lucky enough to grab enough funds to mitigate the constantly depleting meters. Combined with a lackluster story and absent fun factor, it'll take someone who really enjoys masochism to power through to the end of the game. With the multitude of better shooters on the system, it's easy to skip this one.

At this point, it's difficult to say if The New Frontier pass is worth the money. The first pack, Maya & Gran Colombia, isn't worth the $40 asking price yet, but new content will arrive every other month, and the full New Frontier experience won't be complete until March 2021. As it stands, unless you genuinely love the two new civilizations or think the Apocalypse mode is going to tide you over for a few months, it would be best to wait until at least a couple of more game packs are out.

Galaxy Warfighter is a better game if you're on iOS or Android. It wouldn't necessarily make it a masterpiece, but it is a more tolerable experience on devices that are made for your pocket. On the PC, however, the litany of issues plaguing the game design are too much to make this worthwhile when the platform has a near-limitless supply of better titles in the genre. Unless you really need Steam Achievements, pass on this one.

Your enjoyment for Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) is going to be largely dependent on how much you can accept its randomness. The lo-fi graphics and sound work well, since they combine with the various random events to create an Adult Swim kind of manic experience. Its core mechanics could use some tweaking to be more accessible, but it still works well enough to keep you coming back again and again. Stacks On Stacks (On Stacks) is a puzzle game that's worth checking out if you want something in your collection that's out of the ordinary.

While not overly amazing, Relic Hunters Zero: Remix is a fun roguelike twin-stick shooter. The campaign length feels just right, and the abilities brought in by the character roster make the game feel fresh even after logging multiple playthroughs. There's a great sense of progression, and the extra modes give the game some legs. It's a good complementary game to the other twin-stick roguelikes that are on the Switch.

Sadly, reaching the end of Dogurai feels less like the rewarding success of a job well done and more like getting home from a long day at work. Sure, you're home now, but it would've been nicer to spend your day at home or feeling productive. The game's eight short levels can be completed in less than five hours if you search for the unrewarding secrets. This is with some padding, as one of the levels is reused and another has you fighting all of the bosses that you have fought up to that point. While the concept and some aspects of the gameplay are interesting, the game feels like a no-frills nostalgia trip for someone with little time to spare. While this could be a mindless way to pass the time, Dogurai largely falls short in engaging the player in a meaningful way.

Despite having cute otters, The Otterman Empire doesn't work out. The speed at which you deplete your ammo makes shooting more of a chore than fun, while your low health pool and inability to tell where enemies are shooting from means that you'll be going through the respawn sequence far too often. The squirrelly controls don't help matters, and while the local multiplayer is appreciated, the lack of online play hurts the game's potential longevity. For the time being, pass on this one.

Your view of Crew 167: The Grand Block Odyssey is going to depend on what you value from the game. If you're in it for the story, then it starts off strong but ends up being predictable. As for the presentation, some parts look good once you know the context, and other scenes look rather low-rent. If you're in it for the puzzles, then you'll find a nice balance between ingenious and frustrating thanks to the constant mechanical variety on tap. It may not be a perfect game, but those looking for a brainteaser will be satisfied with what they find in Crew 167.