Inside shows that Playdead has a knack for the short but powerful puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are logical and challenging, while the story is told well without a reliance on the usual things like dialogue and cut scenes. The balance between both creates a game that has a ton of memorable moments, and the flow is smooth enough that you're compelled to keep playing until you reach the thought-provoking ending. With a presentation that adds greatly to the narrative, Inside is well worth your time.

Combat could certainly be tightened up, and the rewards for exploration could've been much more enticing. It also could've done better in the presentation department, since it doesn't stand out in this area, either. The title has the basics down well enough that it can remain enjoyable, and those who aren't too picky can have a good time with this, especially when you take into account the relatively low price of $6.99 on Steam.

A solid addition to the franchise. At times, it feels like it's more of the same and just spinning its wheels, but even at that point, it's charming and fun to play. The cases are strong, the characters are funny, and the visuals are delightful. It doesn't reinvent the wheel or drastically change up the series, but it doesn't need to. The title provides enough satisfying payoff for long-term subplots that it carries itself through the weaker moments.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir takes a good game and makes it incrementally better. The tweaks to the overall title, including better inventory management and more emphasis on combat, opens it up to those who weren't enamored with the original. The option is there for those who want to play it as it was originally intended. It provides lots of gameplay time, which is something of a rarity in console titles nowadays, though there will be a few who take offense to the fact that a good chunk of content is recycled a few times. It does all this with a presentation that still manages to impress after all these years.

A solid and enjoyable sequel. The tone has changed, but the characterization and combat are back in full force. There are a few nagging complaints here and there but nothing that should sour the experience for people who enjoyed the first game. At worst, it feels too familiar in both strengths and weaknesses. Almost every complaint and praise about the first game can be leveled at the second. ToCS2 is not a game for newcomers at all and is only for fans of the first. Likewise, be prepared for a game that leaves as many questions as it answers. It's a more satisfying ending than the first game, but there's still a lot more going on in Erebonia.

Since the presentation matches the source material quite well, One Piece fans will be pleased enough with this game as they continue with one of the longest manga stories ever told.

Shadwen is the kind of game that has the recipe to succeed. The use of time manipulation in a stealth game may make this a title that's intended for those just coming into the genre, but the approach is interesting enough to warrant a look. Bland level design and presentation along with a poor AI system for the guards makes the experience too rudimentary, and the lack of enemy variety can make things feel repetitive rather quickly. Ultimately, Shadwen has potential — but not in this incarnation.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a very strong game that's dragged down by a lackluster plot and weak story structure. If you enjoyed Human Revolution for the gameplay and exploration, you'll find a lot to like here. This is not a story-driven narrative that advances the world of Deus Ex, but anyone who enjoyed Human Revolution will have fun with Mankind Divided.

No Mans Sky would've made an excellent tech demo of something greater yet to come, or as a $20 independent game from a studio trying to find its footing. It certainly doesn't live up to what was once a marquee title during one of Sony's E3 press conferences, and it doesn't come close to justifying its $60 asking price. No Man's Sky had so much potential in delivering a game that compelled and rewarded unbridled exploration. That it fails to do so only makes its shortcomings more striking, and it's disappointing when compared to how the game was described leading up to its release.

Lumo is an enjoyable puzzle platformer.

Given the lack of online play and some of the bland presentation, it's difficult for even the biggest Gundam fan to get behind this title.

The whole thing is fun to play, and with a good presentation accompanying a great game length, SteamWorld Heist is a worthy addition to any game library.

In the end, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven can be divisive. The new fighting system is fine, but the lack of depth in moves, a few cumbersome commands, and bad camera make it less fun to work with than the previous title.

If you can deal with gratuitous and risqué fan service, then you'll find that Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus is a good brawler.

I Am Setsuna wants to remind you of classic games such as Chrono Trigger but doesn't have the courage to do anything more than that.

Dead Island: Retro Revenge is a short but good game that is fun if you give it a chance.

It may not completely capture all of the traits of earlier side-scrolling puzzle platformers, but it's worthy of a look from genre fans.

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is the kind of game that is full of potential but needed a lot more development time.

It can be a fun title if you know you have a group of friends willing to jump in, but it would be best to pass on this title until the server woes are addressed.

If you're willing to work past some hurdles, there's a fair bit to like here, but it's probably best to wait for a sale.

Monster Hunter Generations is the greatest hits of the Monster Hunter franchise. It's not going to change your mind if you never understood the hype, but if you can easily spend dozens of hours grinding monsters for equipment, be prepared for a lot of sleepless nights. Newcomers will find a lot to like here in terms of gameplay and pure design. If you're ever going to get into the Monster Hunter franchise, Generations is the best place to start.

In the end, Trials of the Blood Dragon is a mess. The platforming is barely passable, and several mechanics feel terrible to use.

Most importantly, the sessions are short enough that you can spend a few minutes with it and be done, but that call of "one more round" is enough to keep you glued for hours. Cheap but ultimately satisfying, Pac-Man 256 comes highly recommended.

Overcooked is delightful and appropriate for players of all ages. The core mechanics are solid, the cooperative gameplay is enjoyable, and it's a great game from start to finish. Perhaps the only real complaint one can level against it is that the single-player gameplay isn't as enjoyable as the multiplayer.

LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens probably would have sold well enough on the license alone, but TT Games wasn't content to coast on this one. The company put its best foot forward, and players are the ones to benefit.

It is solid enough for genre fans but requires much more patience and understanding from newcomers who are just getting introduced to endless deaths via platforming.

Like Spiders Studio's previous works, The Technomancer will find an audience among those who don't mind sampling from the ambitious French house, but others may want to play other available action RPGs before trying this title..

In the end, The Solus Project is a fascinating game that is more about exploration than survival.